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Alfa Romeo releases official photos of the 4C prior to Geneva debut
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] Alfa Romeo has released the first set of official photos of the 4C coupe. The Italian beauty is set to make its world premiere in March -
New Maserati Ghibli saloon to debut at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
More details have emerged regarding Maserati's new mid-sized sedan, the Ghibli. Set to be launched at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show in April, the Ghibli will go on sale before the end of the year. The Ghibli is based on a shortened version of the Quattroporte platform. It is expected to measure around 4.9m in length, which is about 300mm shorter than the new Quattroporte. This means that the new model will have a more or less similar foot print as its class rivals such as the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. At launch, the Ghibli is available with a twin-turbocharged, direct injected V6 3.0-litre. It is similar to the unit found on the Quattroporte but detuned to 385bhp. The other petrol engine choice will be a version of the 3.8-litre V8 found in the Quattroporte which is good for about 480bhp. Both engines are designed and built by Ferrari. A diesel option is also available and reports indicate that it could be a highly-tuned version of the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. All engine choices will be mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The rear-wheel driven Ghibli is said to be a much more aggressive car than the Quattroporte. -
[extract] As we count down to the Geneva Motor Show in March, Rolls-Royce has revealed more teaser images of the two-door version of the Ghost Saloon, known as the Wraith. "This image depicts Wraith's muscular rear haunches
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Toyota reported to be changing focus to downsized, turbocharged engines
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Toyota partnered with motorsports specialist GRMN and come up with a turbocharged version of the Vitz (Yaris) at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon. Although the display is a one-off event, Toyota is said to be shifting its focus to downsized, turbocharged gasoline direct-injected (T-GDI) engines. Although Toyota is the leading producer of hybrid engines, the market is small compared to the number of T-GDI motors out there. Take a look at Saturday's edition of The Straits Times and I'm sure you will find acronyms such as "TFSI", "TSI", "EcoBoost" and "TwinPower Turbo". Although Toyota has used direct-injection and turbocharging technologies in certain models, other carmakers like Volkswagen have implemented them in their entire engine lineup. A small Japanese business daily paper reported that T-GDI engines could appear in domestic models such as the Crown as soon as 2013, and they could be marketed to China and Europe as well. Automotive analyst of Deutsche Bank Kurt Sanger told The Detroit Bureau, "We expect it (America) to be a potential market for such technology to further increase the competitiveness of (Toyota) products." Other sources believe that the next-generation Toyota Corolla is likely the first all-new model to receive a T-GDI engine. -
These are the first leaked images of the production version of the 2014 Toyota Corolla. They seemed rather believable, sporting the new corporate fascia with styling cues borrowed from the Furia Concept. Compared to the Furia concept, the supposedly road-going model has a more
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Toyota teases FT-86 convertible concept ahead of Geneva debut
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
For those of you who have been longing for a convertible version of the Toyota 86 coupe, your wait might be over soon. Toyota will be presenting the FT-86 Open Concept in March's Geneva Motor Show. For now, the Japanese carmaker has showed an official sketch of the concept which reveals a 2+2 seating layout. On the concept, Toyota says that it previews a possible future development of the award-winning GT86 sports coupe and its goal is to gauge the public's reaction to the idea of an open-top GT86. Toyota adds that the prototype version of the FT-86 is already undergoing testing. If public reaction is positive, a production model could be available in roughly a year -
The above video best describes the phrase "escaping by the skin of your teeth". The incident took place in China on 22 Jan 2013 in the city of Linhai, Zhejiang Province. A biker was waiting at a cross junction when a container truck took a hard left turn and overturned. The biker, sensing the imminent disaster, moved his bike slightly backwards. Fortunately, the container missed him slightly and he escaped unharmed. Looking at the impact, the poor man might have a ringing tone in his ears for the next few hours but that is better than becoming a piece of human pancake. While waiting at the traffic junction, the bike was actually stationed beyond the white line, which I believe he is not supposed to do so although I am not very familiar with the Chinese traffic rules. After this encounter, I guess he would be more prudent.
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Jaguar is close to giving the go-ahead for the highly-anticipated replacement for the aging X-Type saloon. The new X-Type will be built upon the Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA) aluminium platform which made its debut in the Mk4 Range Rover. This is a highly flexible platform that will underpin the next generation XF and XJ resulting in substantial cost savings. The new X-Type will be powered by a variety of fuel efficient four-cylinder engines. However, Jaguar global brand director, Adrian Hallmark, moderated consumer
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With the Lunar New Year around the corner, the owner of this E 63 AMG in the Fujian Province in China wanted to attract more luck and has decided to wrap his ride in gold foil. As evident from the photos, the body of the E 63 AMG is highly reflective. One can imagine the nuisance the car becomes when viewed from the rear mirror on a sunny day thanks to the reflective glossy surface. Most aspects of the car seem to be stock besides the blackened the grille. The E 63 AMG here is a pre-facelift model and is powered by a 518bhp capable 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine. The performance sedan sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. The E 63 AMG has a price tag of 1.88 million Yuan (S$32,0599) in China. The original body work of the E 63 AMG is found below. Do you like this particular Chinese mod or the stock model? Photo Credit: carnewschina.com
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Infiniti Canada has mistakenly posted the all-new Q50 sports sedan on its website prior to the car's world premiere at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. The photos were quickly removed but unfortunately, news on the internet spreads faster than wild fire. Infiniti's upcoming sedan is targeted at the compact luxury segment currently dominated by the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. It is the replacement for the G37 sedan, which has been in production since 2007. The front of the car gets a pair of fierce-looking headlights with LED treatment. The grille, which looks like a toned down version of Lexus
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After the Passat CC, VW is reportedly to be preparing the Golf CC for a 2015 launch. Like the Passat CC, the Golf CC will adopt a 'four-door coupe' styling. The newcomer is designed to take on the forthcoming Mercedes CLA. The Golf CC will be built upon the MQB platform that underpins the Golf. It will get a marginally longer version that will also underpin the Golf Estate and the upcoming Audi A3 saloon. The Golf CC will be fitted with a wide-opening hatchback tailgate to help improve access, similar to the Audi A5 Sportback. The boot capacity will be larger than the Golf but smaller than the current Jetta's. At launch, engine options will include a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol with 120bhp and a 2.0-litre TDI with 150bhp. A hot GTI version will follow to challenge the CLA 45 AMG at a later date. The soon-to-be launched Audi A3 saloon, which is also under the VW stable, is often seen as a direct rival to the CLA. A multi-cornered fight is brewing slowly
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Hyundai has released a teaser image of the HCD-14 concept prior to its world premiere at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show. From the image, the concept adopts a four-door coupe design, which is the "in" thing now. Hyundai commented that the HCD-14 concept will give the automotive world a glimpse into future Hyundai premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls, and spirited driving dynamics. John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, twitted that the HCD-14 concept is Genesis-related. The second generation Genesis sedan was recently spotted testing in Germany in heavy camouflage. The HCD-14 concept is believed to be a precursor to the luxury Korean saloon's replacement. Interested to watch the live webcast of the unveiling of the HCD-14 Concept? Do register at the following link - http://hyundai.liveconnectevents.com/naias2013/app/ Photo Credit: carscoop.blogspot.com
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The completely redesigned Kia Optima K5 sedan made its debut back at the 2010 New York Motor Show. Now, the K5 is getting ready to receive a cosmetic update. Photos of the heavily-camouflaged Optima facelift have been captured in its home town of South Korea. Thanks to the extensive cladding, the styling updates on the Optima are well hidden. However, from one of the front angle, one can spot the modified head light combination which features two individual circular housing units. In addition, there appears to be a new LED strip above the head lights. The covered-up boot may mean that there could be some modifications made to the boot and taillight combination. The design of the alloy rims looks identical to the current model. With the facelift, one of the items in my wish list is for the 274bhp 2.0-litre turbo version to make it to the Asian market. Photo Credit: carscoop.blogspot.com
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A report from The Financial Times predicts that China will build more passenger cars and light commercial vehicles than Europe for the first time ever in 2013. This should not come as a surprise as European car makers such as Opel, Ford of Europe and PSA Peugeot Citroen have announced plans to cut production this year. Analysts expect China to produce a total of 19.6 million cars this year versus 18.3 million units in Europe. In 2012, China and Europe rolled out 17.8 million and 18.9 million cars respectively. However, all is not lost for Europe as its sluggish economy is showing signs of recovery. The PMI index for the 17-member Eurozone hit a nine-month high in December 2012 although the reading of 47.2 reflected an 11th month of contraction. But, if The Financial Times' estimates were accurate, about 23.8% of vehicles sold this year will be produced in China which is almost ten times higher than in year 2000. Taking into account Europe
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Peugeot gave us a preview of the SUV body style of the 208 hatchback at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Called the Urban Crossover Concept, the production version is set to go on sale in Europe and Asia in the growing market for small SUV-styled cars such as the Nissan Juke. Now, photos of the production model, which is called the 2008, have been circulating on the internet. The styling of the 2008 stays close to the concept version. The dimensions of the Peugeot 2008 is expected to be similar to the concept, which measures 4.14m long by 1.74m wide. The uniquely styled headlights and C-shaped chroming around the fog lamps are nice touches at the front. Engine specifications are not available at the moment but it would be safe to assume that it will share the same range of diesel and petrol engines with the 208. The range-topper should be powered by the familiar 154bhp 1.6-litre THP motor that is propelling practically every single Peugeot model. The French SUV will make its world premiere at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
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Look out BMW 3 Series. Details on the 2014 C-Class is starting to emerge. Mercedes-Benz insiders claim that little or nothing will be carried over from the existing C-class and it will be completely re-engineered with the aim of attracting younger buyers. The new C-class will be the first model to use Mercedes-Benz's new MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) platform. Due to the light weight chassis, the new car is said to weigh less despite growing to a size of 4.7m long. The existing MacPherson strut suspension will be replaced by a double wishbone layout at the front while the back will get a significantly updated multi-link setup. Engine-wise, there will be a range of 4-cylinder and V6 petrol engines with an entry-level 2.0-litre turbo with 184bhp right up to a 330bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo. The current 2.1-litre diesel will be offered in four states of tune, spanning 120bhp to 220bhp. The new C-class will be equipped with a six-speed manual or an updated version of the current seven-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the engine. A new nine-speed automatic transmission is undergoing development and could make it for the face lift in 2017. Four body styles are planned for the new C-class. They include the saloon and estate, which will be launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and a more individually styled coupe as well as a cabriolet version for 2015 launch. All body styles will be 'AMG-ed' and receive a new turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine from the Mercedes tuning specialist. Photo Credit: automotoring.blogspot.sg
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[extract] Although the 2013 Santa Fe has a new design language called
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The above picture, courtesy of carnewschina.com, shows an interior of a Ferrari California with the seats covered with two layers of protectors. Interestingly, when most owners prefer to feel the exquisite leather of the Prancing Horse, this owner appears to be overly protective of his precious supercar. Making things worse is a towel placed on top of the arm rest at the central tunnel. The photo is apparently taken at city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province, China. No doubt, the owner probably wants to protect the leather surface from stains and blemishes. But in the process of doing so, the classy feel of the interior is compromised. Probably signing up for a routine leather grooming package would be a better idea. The cost should be peanuts compared to the price paid for the car, which is 3.48 million yuan (S$682,000). Below is the interior of the Ferrari California in its virgin, luxurious state.
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The 2014 Mercedes S-Class will be offered in three body styles which will underpin five models. The three body styles will have varying wheelbase length. The new line-up will include a new coupe model intended to go head to head with the Bentley Continental GT while the cabriolet version is being targeted at Continental GTC. According to a source from Autocar, "the front is a lot more aggressive and there's added structure to the flanks with a prominent drop line, a more rounded turret line and the rear overhang is significantly shorter". The standard and long-wheelbase versions of the new S-class will be revealed to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. The Pullman, which stretches over 5.7m, is expected to make its debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The Pullman is likely to replace the Maybach 57 uber-luxury saloon, which will compete against the likes of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. The all-new S-Class will be equipped with a host of safety features such as rear seatbelt airbags, Active Parking Assist, Attention Assist and Distronic Plus. Photo Credit: worldcarfans.com
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Peter Schreyer becomes the first non-Korean president of Kia Motors
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has been promoted to president from his current executive vice president position. This makes the German the first non-Korean president in the Korean automaker. In addition to Schreyer, there are two other presidents in the company. Schreyer jumped ship from Volkswagen AG to Kia in 2006 when Kia decided to focus on the European market, identifying design as its core growth engine. With Schreyer on board, Kia introduced a new corporate grille known as the 'Tiger Nose' to create a recognisable 'face' for the brand. The first Kia vehicle to bear Schreyer's styling direction is the first generation Kia Forte. Since then, the new corporate grille has been featured from the humble Picanto to the top-of-the-range Quoris luxury saloon. The second generation Forte carries the 'Tiger nose' as well but in a more aggressive form. The 'Tiger nose' grille is now as recognisable to a Kia as the 'Double Kidney' grille is to a BMW. "The promotion shows Kia's key focus areas shifting from production and cost efficiency, which were traditionally considered more important, to design and research and development," said Shin Chung Kwan, an analyst at KB Investment & Securities Co. in Seoul. The second generation Kia Forte -
F1 chief executive, Bernie Ecclestone, has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal saying that the first street race in Thailand will take place in 2015. Similar to the night race in Singapore, the event will be staged under floodlights and held in the country's capital, Bangkok. "An F1 race is likely to take place here in early 2015 instead of in 2014 in our initial plan," said Kanokphand Chulakasem, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand. Red Bull's co-owner Chalerm Yoovidkya, a Thai himself, is believed to be involved in the preparations. According to Red Bull's representative, Michael De Santiesteban, he is almost 100% certain that Thailand will host an F1 race. Apparently, he met up with Ecclestone a month ago. Singapore's night race has been extended till 2017. With Thailand likely to mimic the race here, the city state's F1 future beyond 2017 will be put to greater doubt.
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Alfa Romeo has raised consumer's expectations for its upcoming 4C coupe. In the latest teaser for the mid-engined car, it states "BEHOLD, THE CAR TO END ALL CARS IS NIGH". The new model is previewed by the 4C Concept that was presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The production version will derive its styling cues from the 4C concept and will likely be propelled by the 1750 TBi engine currently found in the Giulietta QV. The turbocharged lump produces 232bhp with 340Nm of torque. This is enough to send the Giulietta QV from zero to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. In the sleeker and lighter 4C, the century sprint timing is expected to be much better. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. The new 4C will be making its debut at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. Often referred to as the successor to the 8C Competizione, let's hope that the new model can walk the talk. Note: The photos shown in this blog are the 4C concept
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The Ford Ka, whose life began in 1996, will probably not see a replacement beyond the current second generation. According to Ford of Europe's Executive Design Director, Martin Smith, the Ka is not a profitable model and is not in line with the brand's global 'One Ford' direction. "It won't pass a US crash test, it was designed too narrowly to suit European tastes and it's only built in one place. It'll get a light mid-life refresh but, as things stand, I can't see a life for the car much beyond that," commented Mr Martin. But, he suggested that Ford of Europe is analysing the prospects of a more diverse range of superminis for the European market that could bring the company back in the black. The second generation Ford Ka made its debut in the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, being driven by Bond girl, Olga Kurylenko. It was unveiled to the public at the 2008 Paris Motor Show subsequently.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7uXG-QElms Volkswagen has released a new video for the production version of the Golf R Cabriolet ahead of its anticipated international launch in 2013. It looks identical to the concept model previewed 18 months ago at the 2011 Worthersee tuner show. Although the MK 7 Golf has already been launched, the 2013 Golf R Cabriolet is actually based on the MK 6 Golf. Well, perhaps VW has a unique way of production scheduling. The Golf R Cabriolet is equipped with an aggressive body kit that comes with large front air intakes, black grille with R badge, smoked headlights, twin centrally-mounted exhaust pipes and 19-inch Talladega alloy wheels. Propelling the AWD open-top model is the responsibility of the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged lump with 270bhp and 350Nm of torque. It goes from standstill to 100km/h in 6 seconds and is the fastest and most powerful open-top vehicle in Volkswagen history. Want a quick hairdo from a German 'hairdresser'? The Golf R Cabriolet could be your choice.
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Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, has confirmed that a compact hatchback model is under development and will hit the market in 2015. The model will be the production version of the Etherea concept unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new premium hatchback will be based on Mercedes-Benz's MFA platform that underpins the latest A-Class and B-Class. Engine details are limited at the moment but the car is believed to be offered with the same hybrid power train featured in the concept version. It may also borrow the existing range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines from the A-Class. For readers' information, Daimler (Mercedes) and Renault-Nissan signed a multi-billion dollar tie-up in April 2010 to co-develop vehicle platforms, engines and components. The new model will be built at Nissan's production facility in Sunderland, UK. Investment costs will come out to be about