Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe Style

After many rumors, here's Mercedes-Benz confirms unveiling the world premiere at the International Motor Show in Detroit, the CLA model series.

A stylish four-door coupe compact template which fits the style of the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It is also a model from the Style Concept Coupe concept, unveiled at Beijing.

Mercedes-Benz CLA has been developed on the basis of new cars Class A, which are already sold in European soil.

The CLS also inherits the new grille Floating Dots.

With a length equivalent to that of the C-Class sedan, one can imagine that this new model will squeeze between the Mercedes-Benz Class B and Class C.

The European engine
Mercedes-Benz CLA, will obviously be offered engines models of class A, that is to say:
- CLA 180 with four-cylinder engine of 122 hp;
- CLA 200 with four-cylinder engine of 156 hp;
- CLA 250 four-cylinder engine with 211 hp;
- CLA 220 CDI four-cylinder engine with 170 hp.

A sport version CLA 45 AMG should follow the following year, which will benefit from a powerful 335 horsepower.

The stylish four-door coupé is a car with front wheel drive, while most exclusive versions will benefit from AWD 4MATIC specially designed to secure a front wheel drive car.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

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Mazda6: sacred "Swiss Car of 2013"!

This coveted award as the innovative spirit of Mazda and price / performance ratio of the outstanding new Mazda6.

The Mazda6 was crowned 'Car of the Year 2013 Swiss. " This coveted title was awarded by a jury of ten automotive professionals. Of 42 new models originally selected, these experts have selected ten first. Then, after a day of testing at the center of TCS Betzholz, the Mazda6 received points from all members of the jury, even picking up 10 points twice and ending the race the highest step of the podium, with a comfortable lead over her princesses, Adam Opel and VW Golf.

The title of "Car of the Year 2013 Swiss" does not reward only the design universally appreciated and price / performance ratio of the outstanding Mazda6, but also and especially the innovative spirit of Mazda, a brand that focuses on solutions unconventional move in the direction of progress. After the CX-5, the Mazda6 is the second model in fact benefiting from the technology SkyActiv, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions dramatically without resorting to "downsizing."

Mazda, a creative brand
The manufacturer of Hiroshima cultivates a pioneering spirit forever. It took a lot of courage and perseverance to put one point the famous engine "rotary" invented in the fifties by German engineer Felix Wankel, and equip a sports-prototype - the Mazda 787B - who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991. Launching the Miata - MX-5 alias - in 1989, Mazda was also behind the revival of small sports convertibles affordable, such that the English had their specialty, but was in decline since the seventies .

More recently, Mazda was the first manufacturer to make really aware of the need to lighten cars to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The current Mazda2, launched in 2007, in fact weighed a hundred pounds less than its predecessor, an example followed by other manufacturers since, not less.

The Mazda6, it also uses advanced technologies simple and efficient to be even lighter, less greedy, safer and cleaner than its predecessors. A result that Mazda got without ever losing sight of a core value driving pleasure!

SKYACTIV Technology includes: engines, transmissions, chassis and body
i-ACTIVSENSE: the eyes of the Mazda6 for active safety
i-ELOOP: energy recovery system
i-STOP: start-stop system smart

Source: Mazda Switzerland

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Carbon Motors presents its E7 police cars and TX7

The venerable Ford Crown Victoria Police Pack take their bow and they will be replaced, either by:

Chevrolet Caprice PPV;
Ford Police Interceptor;
Ford Explorer Police Interceptor;
Dodge Charger Pursuit.
In addition to these four possibilities, a fourth manufacturer will come and confront called Carbon Motors.

Carbon Motors
It is a small manufacturer that has assembled next year, a police car like no other, powered by a turbo-diesel Original BMW.

In the words of the direction of Carbon Motors, they would already have a well-filled order book, including 14,000 reservations.

The model E7
Among its main features, we find rather impressive flashing LED placed at the ends of the front bumper, while others are embedded in the roof.

Nobody can pretend not to have seen this coming police car.

The BMW engine
The contract signed between the two partners, is the production of 240,000 six-cylinder engines of 3.0 liter diesel, showing a power of 265 horses. All mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

With all this enthusiasm, the police car can reach 100 km / h in six seconds and has a top speed of 250 km / h.

According to company data, this sedan reserved for police, would record fuel economy reduced by 40%, compared to that granted by other police cars.

The TX7 model
In addition to the sedan E7, Carbon Motors plans to produce an ultra safe vehicle and multidisciplinary, designed to transport prisoners, dignitaries, money, or explosive materials or chemicals.

To do this, the TX7 will be provided with a system of recognition of hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction.

The TX7 is powered by a V8 diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Both projects Carbon Motors will add to this very lucrative market, our neighbors to the South, with more than 840,000 police cars across the country.

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RAM ProMaster 2014: American version of the Fiat Ducato

We knew that Chrysler would eventually offer a version of the Fiat Ducato commercial van for North America. The confirmation was made last week at the Auto Show in Los Angeles.

A vehicle very popular in Europe, especially in Italy.

This is the Commercial division RAM that will handle the marketing of the new vehicle that will begin next year.

Section before RAM

Promaster RAM will be available in North America will be identical to the European model, despite the appearance of a section before a product worthy of RAM, which should resemble the eponymous truck.

The commercial version of the van is reserved for Italian three passengers benefit from individual bucket seats, while the declination family can even be used as a mini bus.

U.S. lifts?
The commercial van will be powered by new engines, borrowed from the U.S. division of Chrysler LLC.

Bet that the Pentastar V6 3.6-liter 305 horsepower will be one of them.

In Europe, it is powered by a four-cylinder 3.0-liter turbo diesel that delivers a power of 177 horsepower and a torque of 542 lb-ft.

Tough competition
Commercial vehicles and delivery of this type abound in North America:

Chevrolet Express
Ford Transit
Ford E-Series Van
GMC Savana
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Nissan NV200
The Westfalia Columbus
He will soon return to Canada and New West is the company of Saint-Nicolas, specialist in conversion vans, recreational vehicles, which will distribute in Canada.

Columbus is just the Westfalia van Fiat Ducato converted recreational vehicle.

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The new Land Rover Freelander 2013 in the drive report

All too common off-set the hard-line Land Rover Freelander so, to be not a real SUV. Worse, they assign him to the type of vehicle "soft roaders". For Freelander drivers an affront. We have taken this bloated insinuations to the bottom. Test car: the Land Rover Freelander model year 2013th

Other than maybe the new Range Rover Evoque, the new facelift of the Freelander is clearly recognized as a true "Landy". Despite its relatively compact dimensions, it looks beefy without being massive. It is less "lifestyle", rather an honest. Even if, in the first seat sample might suggest otherwise: the elegant, light beige leather of our test car, the panorama roof and send the fine workmanship can actually initially a lifestyle SUV upscale think. The large format installed plastic surfaces but to get the viewer entranced but back to the earth. Nevertheless, the interior of our Land Rover Freelander has a total solid to classy.

Lever in "D". The good first impression thickens: one feels in the cockpit of the Land Rover Freelander immediately comfortable. For many cars it's gotten so that the driving, thanks to the numerous available electronic capabilities, the driving behavior to make worse, feels very synthetic. The new Freelander is not the case. The ergonomics are perfect, the steering is direct enough, and the feedback of the landing gear can be truthfully described as pleasant.

Potholes takes the supposed soft roader with no problems, until 20 cm depth's pothole is uncomfortable - at least felt. Despite the high travel suspension, the suspension affects all comfort but firm enough to register transverse joints, as well as minor shocks and bumps can. Only when one is quicker cornering happy with the lateral support-giving arm, the wheels of the Freelander dive but relatively deeply into the wheel arches and leave the SUV shake noticeably.

A particularly lively handling can not expect those who choose the 150-hp diesel eD4 (from 28,200 euros) or TD4 (from € 29,900). Although the TD4 in conjunction with automatic transmission in a respectable 11.2 seconds from zero to one hundred km / h speed up, the all-wheel drive but has put 420 Nm maximum torque despite his love trouble, the imposing mass of about 1800 kg in motion: the motor acts quickly choked, the throttle response is delayed. Dynamically oriented Freelander Interested parties should therefore opt for the 190 horsepower diesel engine or the 240 horsepower gasoline engine (both from 37,300 euros).

The terrain is the way the Freelander after his big brothers. The permanent all-wheel drive with Haldex rear axle in our TD4 responds in 150 milliseconds on scarce traction loss and immediately changed the distribution of drive power between the front and rear wheels. Facilities also include the Gradient Release Control, which ensures both uphill on slopes as gentle and safe start.

Overall, the new Land Rover Freelander has become the model year 2013, a car that feels comfortable in both the onsite and on country roads. Given the skills on solid ground, the Freelander may grumble quite so confident "soft roaders". However, there is then a softie alleged that certainly goes off one or the other circled the self-proclaimed competition in the compact segment ...

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Jaguar F-Type Fire in sand

With the F-Type Jaguar wants his fans have quite a bit of freedom. A number of design options to offer to the buyers of the super sports and you can its very individual F-Type factory can customize. Something you want to ask, for example, six colors to choose from, to include the deep orange (called Fire sand), located in the present, the F-Type currently at the LA Auto Show.

This one has to have the ability to equip its own Jaguar-athletes with additional spoilers, side skirts and a rear diffuser. Optionally, provide one air intakes and a glos black grille. The Black Pack is available for the interior, and to improvements in the look with black elements. It also includes a corresponding sports steering wheel with one.

What would be a Jaguar junk box without the corresponding high engine choices? One can choose between a 3 liter V6 it, the turbocharged 340 hp and even more than 380 hp. The high-end unit offers the Jaguar F-Type V8 S with a large 5 liter and 495 hp V8 it. In 4.3 seconds it takes the Roadster from zero to 100 km / h Up to 300 km / h should be in there. In May 2013, the date is set for No Mart management.

Images: © Jaguar

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L.A. 2012: Hyundai Veloster Concept C3 Roll Top

There are concept cars, on their (non-) sense one can certainly argue. Even Hyundai is just the LA Auto Show, the honor and presented with the Veloster C3 Roll Top such a concept.

The 2 +1- seater was pimped for more style and especially the cyclist-friends made ​​palatable. The Soprtcoupé can namely with very little effort has a bicycle transportation and, as the name implies, on a rolling roof, consisting of a truck-trailer. For the ground was sought are simply together old skateboards. That makes sense, so you messed up after a forest and meadows tour not least the interior.

The front wheels and the hexa-grill show up in matte black, and for the rear wheels was chosen turquoise. Additionally, there are a few red details to assure, for example at the door mirrors for color variety. As engine had recourse to a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline. The friends of cycling, the search for a suitable motorized vehicle, but was told that a serial production at the moment is not yet scheduled.

Photos : © Hyundai

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Manhart Racing BMW 5 Series: MH5 S Biturbo

Manhart Racing from beautiful Wuppertal now presents the second stage of his BMW 5-interpretation. Comes with 646 hp twin-turbo, many carbon components, 21-inch wheel.

A true lightweight sports the big M5 will indeed be never, but the performance specialists from Manhart Racing are of the opinion: "counts every gram saved weight" Therefore, there are the in-house aerodynamic components of MH5 S Biturbo made of super light, while yet high-strength carbon . The striking bow of the vehicle is adorned with a MHR-front spoiler, which finds its counterpart in a rear-MHR rear diffuser and a rear spoiler MHR. In addition, the bonnet is made with integrated air inlets GTR Carbon. Enveloped the entire body was finally transferred to a gray matt metallic Vollfolierung with MHR-decorative strips that the MH5 S Biturbo offers a touch of stealth fighter look.

Also to the software and the periphery of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine Manhart Racing, filed again, so now impressive 646 hp and a maximum torque of 773 Nm available on the data sheet. After removal of the electronic speed fetter of MH5 S Biturbo runs in this power level up to 316 km / h.

In the wheel wells of the car rotate both in its design and in its dimensions perfectly matching MHR08 Deep Concave wheels by ADV.1. The three-piece rims of sizes 9.5 × 21 inch front and 10.5 × 21-inch rear high-performance tires are spanned by the dimensions 265/30ZR21 and 305/25ZR21. To ensure that all wheels always maintain optimum ground contact, Manhart Racing installed the fully adjustable MHR by KW Clubsport suspension with in-house consultation. The chassis is in compression and rebound separately adjustable and features high performance racing springs. Moreover, Manhart Racing built performance-optimized racing support bearing. This guarantees the BMW specialist excellent handling, best performance, highest agility and excellent cornering.

The MHR Carbon Air Intake system not only contributes its part to improve performance of the engine room but are also an extremely appetizing appearance. The so-called blow-off noise that occurs when the pressure is released from the turbochargers bestowed, the driver even with the gas-return true joy. A concise and very impressive "voice" gives the twin-turbo V8 beyond the MHR stainless steel sports muffler with two 90-millimeter tailpipes left and right, thanks to flap control dominates the entire dynamic portfolio of gentle piano to roaring fortissimo. Additionally optional MHR Downpipes are available without a catalyst.

Photos: Manhart Racing

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Concept: GT version from the nearest Kia Pro Cee'd

The Kia Pro Cee'd will next year offer a GT variant and thus integrate the sports segment something more. According to initial information could get missed a three-door 1.6-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and ascend with a six-speed manual transmission.

The second generation of the Pro Cee'd the Koreans bring in the spring of next year to Europe. The GT version is planned for the second half of 2013. This one has both technical innovations and adequate comfort even thought of in terms of a proper equipment transmission, suspension and engine package including one made ​​use of the Cee'd and Cee'd Sports Wagon.

In length, width and wheelbase of the next Pro Cee'd measures as much as its predecessor (4.31 x 1.78 x 2.65 m). This is the roof has been reduced by three centimeters, and the B-pillar is shifting by 22 inches to the rear. Particularly stand out in terms of design, the side panel behind the B-and C-pillars and the tailgate and the rear lights.

photo: © Kia

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Caractere Exclusive: tuning package for the Porsche 911

In Las Vegas, Caractere Exclusive has taken the world's biggest tuning show SEMA to the occasion and unveiled its package for the Porsche 911 series of the 991st This includes an Aerokit of PU parts for the front and rear aprons, side skirts and rear spoiler fixed. The latter is supposed to provide more grip on the road and additional drive.

Three-piece wheels are optional two-tone finish in sizes 20 or 21 inches so. Caractere Exclusive controls further with a sports exhaust system, which includes a throttle control. Prices for the full package were not disclosed.

photo: © Caractere Exclusive

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VW Passat CC with 502 hp

The VW (Passat) CC is a nice car: sporty design, yet discreet and with a certain upper-class claim. The only problem with a maximum of 300 hp V6 in the unfortunately completely underpowered. But the dilemma is over, the savior is MR Car Design.

After extensive HGP-turbo treatment and various modifications to the exhaust system now adequate 502 hp and 700 Nm, max. Torque at leisure.

In addition to a DDC coilover (with motorized damper system for DCC chassis) made ​​by KW, the Comfort Coupe is equipped with a wheel and tire combination with a difference: In fine Ultraleggera rims size 8 × 18 ET35 OZ was reared in 235/40-18 tires.

Naturally, the braking system has been adapted to the new power relationships. So on the front axle brakes Stoptech ST-40 do with grooved 355 x 32 mm discs, including their valves Stahlbus snappy service. At the rear axle, however EBC Brakes act in combination with steel braided and also Stahlbus valves. H & R front and rear anti-roll bars have been installed for more precise turn-in. Finally we had the CC in order to best optimize the driving dynamics - let even one wheel load wheel alignment endured.

[Photos: Jordi Miranda, MR Car Design]

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Jaguar Speedboat Concept

After the prestigious car brands Audi, Ferrari, Porsche and others who have lent their names to the development of a luxury yacht, here it is the turn of Jaguar imagine an ad that includes car and yacht large luxury.

Here it is not the production of a vessel carrying the Jaguar emblem, but rather a marketing approach, idealized by the chief designer Ian Callum, demonstrating the complicity between the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake and Lifestyle approach to the target audience, this model type shooting brake.

To do this, Jaguar has partnered with companies Seventy Seven Design and Naval Architecture & Ivan Erdevicki Yacht Design.

Speedboat design refers to some classical models of the British brand, the Jaguar D type designed for the race, which was produced between the years 1954 and 1957.

The Speedboat has:
- A shell fiberglass;
- A natural teak deck;
- A fin inspired by the Jaguar D Type;
- A propeller made ​​in polished aluminum;
- The fuel cap borrowed from those of the Jaguar XJ;
- A cabin red sports car Jaguar recalling certain.

In the end, it is a study of style should not give life to a yacht bearing the signature Jaguar.

Photo : © Jaguar 

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BMW M6 Gran Coupe 2013

Currently, the North American market, BMW M has a variation in its range of 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X5 and X6.

On its model range 6 Series, it was appropriate models coupes and convertibles, can receive a printed scratched by the letter M.

The specialty of the division of BMW M Sport models is to design the most attractive style, powered by engines more powerful.

The most powerful

Thus, M6 coupes and convertibles are powered by a turbocharged V8 engine spirited 4.4-liter, which delivers a power of 560 hp and a torque of 500 lb-ft. Everything is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The base engine of the BMW 6 Series is a 4.4-liter V8 turbo 407 horses while the 650i Gran Coupe sees its power switch to 445 hp.

The next year, the alluring BMW Gran Coupe will also be sold M6 version.

Photos : © BMW

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Audi A3 Sportback

About the new sprout from Ingolstadt, we have already reported sufficiently. Now, the Audi A3 will be upgraded to the Sportback, which is expressed mainly in an ultra-lightweight technology that makes its predecessor some 90 kg lighter. The variant with 1.4 TFSI is thus only 1205 kg heavy. In addition, the 5-door model in comparison to the three-door between the axles is 35 mm longer.

The interior reveals a audi-typical and elegant line and a good view on the instrument panel with a curved front. Through the seats is a good lateral support given and the longer wheelbase (58 mm longer) provides enough room for three adults in the back seat. For the head and legroom a few millimeters longer available. The handbrake lever has been replaced by the electromechanical parking brake, as seen on the larger models. In the trunk now 380 liters load volume are given, which can be by folding down the rear seats to increase up to 1220 liters.

The Audi A3 Sportback will initially be the same engines as the three-door. The selection includes two turbocharged gasoline engines with 1.4 and 1.8-liter and 122 or 180 hp. In addition, a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 150 horsepower joined (later also 184 hp). Those who would like to sparingly, can later rely on the efficient 1.6-liter diesel. Two 1.2-liter turbo gasoline engine with 105 hp and stroke and stroke and 1.4-liter 140 PS will follow.

Photo : Audi

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Land Rover: more than 16 different models

Since Land Rover fell under the yoke of Tata, sales have continued to grow, while the evolution of its various ranges could enjoy the same momentum.

Today, there are models:

- Defender;

- Freelander 2 (LR2);

- Discovery 4 (LR4);

- Range Rover Evoque;

- Range Rover Sport;

- Range Rover.

In North America, the Defender models are not available.

Evolving

The British brand is booming, and on all world markets, plans to offer at least 16 different models by 2020.

This was told Autocar magazine, the chief designer Gerry McGovern Land Rover.

Among these projects, we find:

- The Range Rover Evoque cabriolet;

- SUV positioned between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport;

- Model Defender completely revised and redesigned;

- An SUV more compact than the Freelander 2 (LR2).

This is the only way for this brand, if it wants to maintain and seriously compete with German manufacturers: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz still hold the upper hand in the luxury SUV segment.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 2014 Black Series version

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has received its first facelift, will eventually be available declination Black Series for the 2014 model year.

The Black Series
In this constructor, all designated car Black Series receives aesthetic appeal announcing the aggressiveness of the car. To this are added sport wheels black 20".

It is the same for the interior that welcomes lightweight sports seats and a center console in carbon.

From 583 to 622 hp
The gleaming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, used to propel better, the same engine found under the hood of the long entry level models.

This block air is a powerful 6.2-liter V8 that develops a force of 622 horsepower and 468 lb-ft.

According to the manufacturer, the gullwing coupe from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.6 seconds. The top speed stands at 315 km / h.

In this range, which currently includes the coupe and convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is positioned between these two models and the version for GT3 race track.

This beautiful car will enter dealerships in the summer of 2013.

Photo ©  Mercedes-Benz

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Maserati Quattroporte 2013

The future Maserati Quattroporte will be officially unveiled in January at the Salon International Motor Show in Detroit.

Today, the Italian manufacturer presents the first official pictures of its luxury sedan.

The changes that are needed
Maserati Quattroporte 2013 is the longest and most significantly slimmer. This gives it a much nicer figure, which will necessarily allow it to compete with much more insurance against other prestige sedans, including the cars manufactured in Germany.

Although the size of the next Quattroporte is raised, the car announces a reduced weight of 200 kilos.

Maserati, it also took the opportunity to redesign the entire interior of the sedan by giving it a new dashboard that will receive the most advanced technologies of telematics.

The most important changes
As is often the case with European manufacturers of luxury vehicles, the main changes can be found on their new resident often under the hood. And the future Maserati Quattroporte is no exception to this basic rule.

Thus, it will inherit a V8 engine Ferrari's engineers reworked by the Maserati.

Biturbo mill which the force be around 530 horsepower.

Photo : Maserati

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Audi Q9: it will dominate the segment

If you find that the Audi Q7 with its overall length of 5089 mm is a vehicle too big for nothing, you know that the German automaker is considering seriously to make a vehicle even larger, which will face the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GL.

Moreover, the popularity of the great Mercedes-Benz GL can not be foreign to the decision to Audi to see larger than its Q7 model.

The next year, Audi Q7 proceed replacement of the arrival of a new version that want lighter, thanks to extensive use of aluminum. A specialty manufacturer of the rings, which began in 1994 with the release of its large sedan A8.

It is from this new generation of massive Audi Q7 that will be built the impressive Audi Q9.

There is also a good chance that the SUV could inherit developing a trapezoidal grille, more visible than the Q7 model to come.

If the next Q7 to happen in 2013 as SUV model year 2014, one can easily imagine that the theatrical release of Q9 should follow a few months.

By 2016, Audi should offer no less than nine different SUV: Q9, Q7, Q5, Q3 and Q1. To these, will add the Q8, Q6, Q4 and Q2 resuming the elevated style of cut.

All these models, the most impressive will be sold in North America and China, while Europe will remain the largest market for smaller models.

photo : Audi

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2014 Kia ​​Cadenza New Version

The South Korean manufacturer Kia has introduced to the world press his Cadenza sedan, whose body has received some cosmetic changes.

This new sedan, called K7 in South Korea, will replace the Opirus model, best known as the home of Amanti, which was sold between 2003 and 2009.

Amanti of the Cadenza

The Kia Opirus / Amanti was regarded as vis-à-vis the Hyundai Azera in our market are two cars that did not measure up to the competition, but this time, we move to a much higher caliber with this newcomer.

Aesthetically, a whole world of difference between these two cars. However, the Opirus / Amanti featured a silhouette of the mundane as the Cadenza shows a new style and more mature for a sedan that will face the tenor of this niche: Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and other.

Several cosmetic changes
Before the arrival on the world markets of the Kia Cadenza, the chief designer, Peter Schreyer took him to make some alterations around the body, including:

grille called "tiger nose".
a cover more rounded.
redesigned headlights and more slender.
the bumpers more appealing.
louvers Fender-mounted at the front.
sidelights redesigned.
More generous than the Optima
Currently, it is the Kia Optima sedan that serves as the flagship brand in South Korea. A title it will lose with the arrival of the Cadenza.

Driving the Azera
Kia Cadenza is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that develops 290 horsepower. The same used by his cousin, the Hyundai Azera. It is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

photo : Kia

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Mini Countryman 2013

Almost two years after its launch, the Mini Countryman is already entitled to a small update.

Alterations which are mainly inside the vehicle.

By far, the main change is the addition of versions with rear seat, which now enables the Countryman to accommodate up to five passengers.

Fortunately, models with individual rear seats remain in the catalog.

In addition to these changes include:

against the door completely redesigned;
commands windows that migrate into the driver's door;
new contours for the central instrumentation and aerators.
The same mechanical
The Mini Countryman is offered in three versions, each with its own engine:

Countryman: 4-cylinder 1.6-liter 121 horsepower;
Countryman S: 4 cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged 181 horsepower;
Countryman JCW: 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged 208 horsepower.

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Lotus Evora IPS automatic gearbox

Scandal! some will cry, about the Lotus equipped with a automatic transmission, while in reality it is a wise decision from the small British manufacturer who wishes thereby expand its customer base.

For 2013, the Lotus Evora and Evora S  offer a small fee of $ 3,400, a new six-speed automatic transmission IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift).

Technologically, this transmission developed by Toyota includes paddles located behind the steering wheel allow the driver to change gears in manual mode.

To this is added a Sport mode to enjoy sharper acceleration.

Engines of the Lotus Evora:
- Aspirated V6 3.5-liter 276 horsepower (Evora).
- V6 turbocharged 3.5-liter 345 horsepower (Evora S).

The sports coupe 2 +2 configuration is associated series, a six-speed manual gearbox.

It accelerates from 0-100 km / h.
- 5.0 seconds for the Evora manual gearbox.
- 5.2 seconds for the Evora automatic transmission.
- 4.6 seconds for the Evora S manual gearbox .
- 4.7 seconds for the Evora S automatic gearbox.

Photo : Lotus

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Volvo joins consortium Car 2 Car

The European Car 2 Car Consortium's mission is to study new technologies for communication between vehicles, which is accompanied by the improvement of road infrastructure to become more secure.

Because the communication between vehicles must go through a wireless network that allows the use of navigation systems, themselves, associated with different systems of electronic aids to driving vehicles, the consortium seeks to standardize standards to facilitate access to this new technology.

The consortium includes the brands Audi, BMW, Honda, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Renault and Volkswagen. On the supply side, we find societies Bosch, Continental, Delphi and others.

Just recently, the Swedish manufacturer Volvo has joined the group and took the opportunity to present his very personal vision on these technological approaches that allow vehicles "placoter" them

Photo: Volvo

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