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Maserati CEO, Harald Wester, had some very strong and unkind words regarding electric cars at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. "All this discussion about zero emissions is nonsense. Nobody talks about the efficiency of how the battery is charged. It varies strongly from region to region, depending on how the energy is produced, nuclear, coal and so on, but even the best is not ahead of the internal combustion engine," he said. Wester's argument is based on data regarding power charging stations' efficiency at various parts of the world, which show that the average CO2 emission of electric cars in Europe, US and China as 86g/km, 110g/km and 191g/km respectively. "Diesel and CNG are the more obvious answers if CO2 is the focus. Both are more viable answers than hybrid. If they gave us a CO2 target instead of imposing technology then we would go that way. If we want a realistic solution to emissions then the regulators need to be more honest in how they calculate emissions. Electric cars are not the answer," Wester added. However, Wester commented that the Italian brand may have to look into a hybrid system in the near future to meet fuel economy regulations.
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Claimed to be the fastest street car Ferrari has ever produced so far, there's almost nothing to criticise regarding the LaFerrari. From its eye catching styling cues to its mild hybrid powertrain featuring 963bhp, I don't see anything this car is lacking of. Instead of sporting a single focal point, as in the case with most other cars, there isn't any on the LaFerrari. Well, the only one perhaps, is its canopy like roof that seems quite interesting to me. In short, this is one dream Italian prancing horse built in Maranello. Some other models such as the Ferrari 458 Spider and the Ferrari FF were also built in the aforementioned Italian city. The Ferrari LaFerrari has been detailed perfectly by means of carbon fibre material. As far as design is concerned, it seems to me that the only thing which can outdo the design is the car's stunning performance with a top speed of 350km/h and an ability to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just less than 3 seconds. As mentioned earlier, the LaFerrari is a hybrid model which means it carries a V12 petrol engine along with an electric motor. The Italian automaker is planning to sell no more than 499 units of its latest supercar - which happens to be the company's first hybrid prancing horse. Well, it seems quite a good idea to bring the model to China - through the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show - as the country may be able to 'swallow' all units of the model based on financial ability. That also leads to figuring out the actual number of units that will actually see the land of the Far East. That said, I believe that there'll be some for the Middle East to 'consume' as well. Regarding the price, as far as I know, Ferrari will stick a price tag ranging somewhere around
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Infiniti launched the long wheelbase version of the Q50 saloon at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The Q50 is a class competitor against the likes of the BMW 3 Series. For readers' information, BMW showcased its Chinese market only BMW 3 Series long wheelbase saloon at the Beijing Motor Show last year. The Infiniti Q50 saloon will be built alongside with the QX50 crossover at the Nissan-Dongfeng plant in Xiangyang, Hubei Provence. "We are expanding our product portfolio with two new models especially for the Chinese market in 2014, and plans are underway to significantly increase the dealer network from the current 60 dealers to 80 in 2014," said Infiniti President, Johan de Nysschen. At the Shanghai Motor Show, two variants of the Q50 were displayed
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We know that the MPV market in China is dominated by commercial vehicles instead of passenger cars. Honda sees this, too, which is why it's developed the Honda Concept M. Sketched by Honda designers at Honda's Automobile R&D Centre in the land of the rising sun, the Honda Concept M has been developed mainly for the Chinese market and has now been officially launched in the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. According to Honda, the Concept M is a next generation MPV that will offer an added value by realising a spacious as well as comfortable cabin. The Honda Concept M looks sporty and futuristic in front. It sports a pair of slanted headlamps and a large front grille that extends to the front bumper and is surrounded by chrome accents. A sporty design can also be sensed from the design of the front bumper. On its sides, the body curves and sloping roofline make the car look dynamic. In addition to that, its side mirrors sport a futuristic slim design. Last but not least, the sharp edges on the rims emphasise the sportiness of the car even further. At the rear, the car looks luxurious with its combination taillights that are likely to feature LED bulbs. Honda has also equipped the car with a rear roof spoiler. Just like the front fascia, the rear also gets treated with chrome accents. The Japanese automaker is planning to release the car next year. Unfortunately, aside from that, Honda is currently pretty tight lipped regarding the details of the Honda Concept M. As for now, you may want to watch the video below to see the car in action.
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Targeting the younger people aging somewhere around their twenties in China, the Friend-ME Concept is Nissan's approach for decades to come that may give other automakers a run for their money. Nissan claims that the car has been designed for those who have a very distinctive automotive outlook. The reason why Nissan is targeting youths is because Nissan believes it will shape the global automotive trend in the decades to come. This was revealed by Nissan's Advanced Planning and Product Strategy Division General Manager, Fancois Bancon. Looking at the design of the car, there's nothing wrong for Nissan to be proud of its Friend-ME Concept. Sporting both flowing and edgy lines, the car is able to sit four passengers altogether in a spacious and comfortable cabin. Speaking of the cabin, it's here that all the main attractions lie. Featuring a cockpit-like cabin, the car enables all the passengers inside to access everything the car has to offer. This is an unconventional approach that we aren't likely to get with other cars, at least not for now. According to Nissan, this is possible thanks to its console that the company considers to be kind of like an 'Oracle Stone'. With the so-called 'Oracle Stone', everyone inside (not just the driver) the car will be able to have a look at the road in front of them, access music, navigation, speed, and a lot more. As we mentioned earlier, this is something that other cars can't offer us at present. Nissan said, "Our console is like an Oracle Stone that gives the Friend-ME crew the power to look down the road ahead, over the horizon, through walls
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[extract] In China
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Audi A3 sedan officially launched at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
After much anticipation, the all new Audi A3 sedan has made its world premiere at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The A3 sedan replaces the A4 as the new entry level sedan for the German brand. The A3 sedan is designed to ward off competition from the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the upcoming BMW 1 Series sedan. The styling is very typical of Audi and one would not mistake it for any other makes. The baby Audi sedan measures 4,460mm long and 1,800mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,640mm. This makes the car shorter but wider than class competitor, the CLA. Base engine is a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol with 140bhp and 250Nm of torque. 0-100km/h is performed in a brisk 8.4 seconds while it sips fuel at 4.7L/100km. Range topper for the petrol version at the moment is a 1.8-litre TFSI with 180bhp and 250Nm of torque that allows the car to complete a century sprint in a timing of 7.3 seconds. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox. A high performance S3 version that runs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 296bhp is said to be in the pipeline. Although the spiritual successor of the Audi 80 is the A4, the A4 has grown so much that it is close to the size of the last Audi 100 that we have. Customers looking for a true compact, well built German sedan can now rejoice with the arrival of the A3 sedan. -
Live photos of all new Maserati Ghibli at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
You may have seen the studio photos of the all new Maserati Ghibli. In this blog entry, you will see some images of the BMW 5 Series basher, which were taken during its launch at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. Personally, I prefer such photos as they are not taken in a controlled environment and hence a better representation of the final product. To recap, the new Ghibli will be available with the choice of two 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines that produces 330bhp or 410bhp. The lower powered version is good for a century sprint timing of 5.6 seconds while the higher powered model does it in 5 seconds flat. A 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine is also available. It produces 275bhp and allows the car to go from 0 to 100km/h in an impressive 6.3 seconds. Enjoy the photos! -
Ford has resuscitated the Escort name plate at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show with the launch of the Escort concept. The badge was previously used on a variety of small cars in different continents. Designed specifically for the Chinese market, the concept previews a potential low cost alternative to the Focus. To clarify, the Escort isn't designed to replace the Focus in China but would be sold alongside with it. Design wise, the Escort Concept seems like the result of a one night stand between the Ford Fusion and the Focus. The Blue Oval's signature 'Aston Martin' hexagonal grille and LED headlights dominate the front fascia. The overall design looks quite production ready. Ford hinted that the Escort is longer than the Focus sedan, which means that buyers will get more metal for less money. "By listening to our customers in China, we have developed the Ford Escort Concept to serve a new class of compact car customers," said Ford's Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Sales and Service. "These are customers whose needs are not being completely met by existing compact cars. They are discerning, modern families, who want uncompromised functionality, quality and safety for themselves and the ones they care about," he added. No engine/transmission details on the new Escort are available at the moment.
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MG has revealed the 2013 Euro-spec MG3 at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The new MG3 is the production version of the MG Zero concept car which was displayed at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show. The U.K. designed and engineered supermini will be assembled at Longbridge, U.K. MG U.K. Sales and Marketing Chief, Guy Jones, commented that the new MG3 is designed to compete with the MINI, Citroen DS3 and Vauxhall Adam and hence will be available with a wide variety of customisation options for both the interior and exterior. The black A-pillars of the concept had made it production, which gives the impression of a wrap-around windscreen. No interior photo of the new car is available but do expect the futuristic dashboard of the concept (below) to be heavily toned down. The 2013 MG3 measures 4,015mm x 1,728mm x 1,520mm (L x W x H) with a wheelbase of 2,520mm. This makes the car larger than its British rival, the MINI Cooper, in all dimensions. The new MG3 will be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTi-TECH petrol engine producing 104bhp. The engine will be connected to a five-speed manual transmission.
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Just a couple of weeks ago, Mitsubishi teased us with images of its new compact sedan. It came with four doors and it seemed to be only as big as, if not smaller than, the Chevrolet Sonic or the Renault Symbol. However, the wait is over and now, we've finally got to see what the latest compact sedan from Mitsubishi will actually look like. Planned to bow at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, official images of the car have spread across the World Wide Web. The car is to be called the G4 Concept at the automotive exhibition in China that will take place later this April. According to the Japanese automaker where the car comes from, the Mitsubishi G4 Concept will feature high clarity diamond headlamps and front grille that are cut brilliantly. In addition to that, Mitsubishi also claims that the rear combination taillights will have a sharp impression left behind as the car heads away out of sight. Judging from the images, the exterior of the Mitsubishi G4 Concept looks sporty somehow with the sporty front bumper design, side skirts, and a sporty rear bumper. There's also a spoiler trunk lid featuring a highly mounted (seemingly LED) brake lamp. The automaker is planning to sell this model globally so we should also see one on our shores when it's finally marketed. If you're curious about what it has under its hood, well, the model will feature a MIVEC engine with a displacement capacity of 1,200cc. It will be mated to a CVT transmission and the body of the car will be equipped with RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) technology. Well, it's up to Mitsubishi to claim that the car will leave a sharp impression. Yet, from what we've seen on the images, there's just too much blue on it. The headlamps feature a blue colour and so do the front grille, front fog lamps, and even the rear combination taillights. Honestly, it looks kind of tacky.
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Subaru has unveiled the WRX Concept at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The concept adopts a sloping roofline which is commonly known as a 'four-door coupe' body style. Together with the huge wheel arches and powerful body lines, we can guess that the next WRX is going to have a distinct identity, distancing itself from the regular Impreza. The direction that the new WRX is heading is confirmed by Toshiro Masuda, Senior General Manager of Subaru Product and Portfolio Planning. According to Masuda, it's more like 'they share a blueprint' than one is a hot version of the other. This is similar to Nissan's decision to separate the GT-R model from the Skyline name. The concept measures 4,521mm long by 1,990mm wide by 1,389mm tall, making it slightly shorter, lower and wider than the current Impreza. The concept wears 20-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40Z R20 Dunlop rubber. According to Subaru, the car features a carbon fibre roof to lower the center of gravity and to reduce weight. A prominent rear diffuser and distinct C-shaped taillights enhances the WRX's own identity. The powerplant for the next generation WRX will be a derivative of the 2.0-litre, direct-injected flat-four found in the BRZ. No further power train details have been confirmed by Subaru.
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Hyundai 'baby' Sonata leaked prior to 2013 Shanghai Auto Show
RchLuvSlly posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Despite the recent massive recalls of Hyundai cars, the South Korean automaker keeps on trying to attract customers with its vehicle lineups. This time, it's the 'baby' Sonata's turn to amaze customers with its styling and features. Officially known as the Mingtu, the Chinese media prefer to call it the Sonata Lite. Regardless of what the more appropriate name is, the car looks quite attractive indeed. Judging from the leaked image, the Mingtu sports some visual styling cues that come from its bigger brother, the original Sonata. Yet, it has its own uniqueness to show as well. The headlamps, for example, are not the same as those of its bigger brother. Also, on the front bumper, there're LED daytime running lights ready to assist the car in terms of illumination. The Hyundai Mingtu is actually intended to occupy the gap that exists between the Sonata and the Elantra in a new segment in the Chinese car market. Rumour has it that this 'baby' Sonata will feature both 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines along with a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. The image of the Mingtu can be seen on a billboard next to Hyundai's stand in the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. If you can't wait to see this little baby with your own eyes, don't miss out the event that will start opening its doors to the press on the 20th April 2013. -
Mercedes reveals the GLA Concept before Shanghai Auto Show
RchLuvSlly posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Although the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show won't take place until 20th April 2013, the premium German automaker Mercedes-Benz seems impatient to reveal its latest compact crossover concept. Mercedes calls it the GLA Concept. Looking like a taller A-Class, the concept is based on the German automaker's new MFA platform. With that being said, it's likely that Mercedes will price the car close to the price of the B-Class. Besides, it will go below the GLK lineups. The interior of the German compact crossover concept is dominated by brown-silver colour combination. The designs of the dashboard and centre console are quite futuristic, too, with some blue illumination. The GLA Concept will have a total power output of 211bhp, with a probable AMG version. The AMG version is expected to feature a total power output of up to 354bhp, thanks to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This latest compact crossover concept from Mercedes-Benz will come with an FWD drivetrain and will be available with either a diesel or a petrol engine. Unfortunately, though, it seems that you won't be able to buy this car at least until the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as the production version isn't due until September. -
Ford has announced that it will introduce a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine for the China-bound Mondeo, which will debut at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show. The engine will also propel the Fusion (a rebadged Mondeo) in North America and subsequently the Europe market Mondeo. The announcement may come as a surprise as it is contrary to earlier reports which expect the 2013 Mondeo to be equipped with Ford
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The current generation Skoda Superb was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2008. A car which has been in production for five years is akin to a man living for five decades and is in dire need to undergo a nip and tuck treatment. The wait is finally over as Skoda has released the official photos of the 2013 Skoda Superb facelift prior to its debut at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show in the second half of April. The revised Superb has a mildly modified front fascia sporting a new grille that looks similar to the recently released all new Octavia. There are some changes to the front bumper and headlamp cover as well. Most of the cosmetic surgery to the back where the taillights are completely revamped and appear to benefit from LED technology. The 2013 Superb also gets a re-shaped boot cover at the back. On the inside, the new Superb gets a new steering wheel and a more elegantly shaped gear stick. In terms of safety, the refreshed Czech saloon has nine airbags, three-point seatbelts, adjustable head restraints and Park Assist as standard. Engine options are expected to be carried over from the pre-facelift model - a range of TSI engines of capacity between 1.4-litre to 2.0-litre and TDI units from 1.6-litre to 2.0-litre displacements.
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After countless spy photos, the all new Maserati Ghibli has finally made its debut on the Internet. The world premiere of the new Italian sports sedan will take place later this month at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The 2014 Maserati Ghibli marks the company's first attempt at the mid sized luxury sedan market currently dominated by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. The Ghibli will go on sale beginning 2014 and will be available with three engines choices including two 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engines and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel, which is the first diesel engine offered in Maserati's history. No official horsepower or torque outputs for these engines have been released at the moment. All the engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which will send the power to the rear wheels. An optional 'Q4' all-wheel drive system is available as well. As expected, the Ghibli sports a profile that is borrowed from its bigger brother, the Quattroporte. The Ghibli has a smaller grille and a sleeker pair of head lights, further enhancing the sinister looks. On the inside, the sedan has tasteful two-tone dashboard and door panels. A large multimedia screen takes center stage at the front console with the car's name "Ghibli" proudly displayed below it.
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Acura, the luxury division under the Japanese automaker Honda, has released an image of a new concept vehicle prior to the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. From the image released, the concept vehicle is seemingly a crossover. Acura had mentioned that the concept will debut for the first time in the world at the automotive exhibition that will take place later this month in Shanghai, China. Unfortunately, apart from that and the image, the automaker has yet to reveal any other details, such as engine specifications and interior features. The concept is likely to create a new market segment, considering Acura has recently launched the 2013 all new RDX and the 2014 MDX. Judging from the tyre sizes in proportion to the car's body in the image, it seems that this new concept vehicle from Acura will be a compact crossover. If so, it'll potentially compete against the BMW X1, the Audi Q3, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Lincoln MKC, the latter two of which are going into production soon. It seems that Acura won't be the only one previewing a new concept vehicle as Honda will also do the same thing. The model that Honda will likely preview is a redesign of the Honda Odyssey. Yes, although the North American version (redesigned) of the model had just recently been revealed in the 2013 New York Auto Show, Honda has actually been selling the global version since 2008. Therefore, it seems wise for the model to see a redesign of its global version soon.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVzN3pIjP9U About two weeks ago, I wrote about the unveiling of the WRX concept at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The above video features Subaru's design chief, Osamu Namba, who explained the styling characteristics of the WRX Concept at Subaru's New York Auto Show booth. Osamu Namba joined Subaru in 2008, hired from an independent styling studio he had founded a decade earlier. His mission is to unify the Subaru look across models and win new fans. I have one personal request to Mr Osamu though - Please incorporate as much of the styling elements in the concept as possible in the production model. On the drivetrain, my prediction is that the new WRX will be powered by the brand's new 2.0-litre direct-injected turbocharged Boxer engine. It is currently used in the new Forester and is good for 240bhp and 350Nm of torque in this application.
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Hyundai has unwrapped the HND-9 Sports Coupe Concept at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show that runs from 28th March to 7th April. The concept is said to preview the next generation Genesis Coupe and is intended to showcase the design elements of its future products and evolution of the brand's 'Fluidic Sculpture' design language. The rear-wheel driven concept has an elongated hood, butterfly doors, hexagonal-shaped grille, quad exhaust pipe setup and wears 22-inch alloys. From a certain angle, the windscreen and roofline resemble those found on Saab products. The concept measures 4,695mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,340mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,860mm. The HND-9 Sports Concept is powered by a 3.3-litre turbocharged, direct-injection engine which is good for 364bhp. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the inside, the dashboard is highly driver-oriented and modeled after a cockpit for that sporty feel. Do pay attention to the unconventionally-shaped steering wheel. Last but not least, the seats project different colours depending on the angle of sight.
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Maserati has released a teaser image of a new model that will be released at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show which will open on 19th April. What could it be? It is widely reported that the new model under the silky blue veil is the all new Ghibli saloon, which the Italian company has been working on and has been spied testing on several occasions. The covered up model shows a long hood with a prominent grille. The large wheel arches and strong bodylines at the side are clearly evident too. If this shapely model turns out to be the Ghibli, the BMW 5 Series has got something very serious to worry about. The Ghibli is expected to be powered by a 385bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 or a 480bhp twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8. These engines will likely be connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. An all wheel drive system is on the option list.
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After the launch of the sedan and hatchback version of the Forte, Kia has now introduced the two-door variant, or popularly known as the Koup, at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Bearing a similar front fascia as the hatchback, the 2014 Kia Koup is available with 2 engine choices in the US. They are a 2.0-litre GDI unit with 173bhp and a high end 1.6-litre GDI turbo with 201bhp. The turbo Koup comes with a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shift. The force-fed coupe wears 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the all new Koup gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons plus FlexSteer that allows three settings - Comfort, Normal and Sports modes. Other goodies include UVO connectivity system, Bluetooth and a rear camera display. The new Koup will go on sale in Q4 2013 in the US. Nearer to home, Kia Singapore has announced in their Facebook that the new Forte sedan will be launched in July this year. The Koup's local debut should not be far from its US launch.
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Lexus has given the official green light for the stunning LF-LC Concept to go into production. The confirmation is delivered by Brian Smith, Lexus' Vice President, Marketing, who spoke to WardsAuto, a US online car portal, during a recent media event. "That was (intended as) a concept car, and I think it surprised everybody, including us, when Japan said due to overwhelming response they decided to do it," said Smith. Lexus unveiled the Lexus LF-LC Concept 2+2 hybrid sport coupe at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, showcasing the future design direction for Lexus with an emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle. The design was developed by the company's Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. Powering the concept is a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain producing a combined system output of 499bhp. During the media event, Lexus also confirmed the production for the LF-CC, which is basically a coupe version of the 2013 Lexus IS sedan.
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Toyota has released the third generation Toyota Vios at the Bangkok Motor Show. The compact budget sedan wears the brand's new corporate face as seen in newer models such as the RAV4. The higher-end variants are equipped with projector head lamps. Measuring 4,410mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,475mm tall, the new Vios is a good 110mm longer than its predecessor. If my memory served me correctly, the new car is even longer than the last made-in-Japan Corolla we had in Singapore. Sad to say, the new Vios still uses the same 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine producing exactly the same 109bhp and 141Nm of torque as before. The engine is mated to, as you would have guessed, an optional four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual is standard. The power train seemed to have remained the same since the first generation Vios. On the inside, the new Vios gets a four-speaker audio system with MP3/USB/AUX connectivity. The instrument panel has moved from the center to right, right in front of the driver, and has a sporty binocular design.
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Cadillac has revealed part images of the upcoming 2014 Cadillac CTS, which will be making its world premiere at this week's New York Auto Show. The most prominent feature of the 2014 Cadillac CTS is the LED stripe at the headlight that extends to the front quarter panel of the car and towards the front bumper at the other end. Not everyone may like the design but I personally find the LED treatment quite refreshing and unique. The new CTS will be powered by a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 with 420bhp and 583Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the large American sedan will go from zero to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 274km/h. Other engine options include a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre V6 with 321bhp and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder churning 272bhp. The 2014 model will grow longer by some two to three inches as compared to the current model and will be based on GM's rear-wheel drive Alpha platform.