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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