CARSCOOP |  |
- New 2014 Toyota Corolla Gets Positive Nod from Consumer Reports
- Elon Musk Buys Bond Movie Lotus Esprit Sub with the Intent to Make it Functional!
- Mercedes Teases New Model, Is It the 2015 C-Class Sedan?
- Audi Starts Production of the A3 Cabriolet in Hungary
| New 2014 Toyota Corolla Gets Positive Nod from Consumer Reports Posted: 20 Oct 2013 11:00 AM PDT  The first thing Consumer Reports emphasized in the new video review of the redesigned 2014 Toyota Corolla was its updated styling. In their vision, it's a massive improvement and a big bump up in modernity over the outgoing model that goes well with the improved road manners that were observed in the tests. Extra points were also awarded for its new CVT gearbox which helps improve economy, though it's clearly not going to be the transmission of choice for the small percentage of Corolla buyers who also want to enjoy the experience of driving – there's a six-speed manual on offer too, which can be had in S Plus trim that comes with stiffer suspension, sportier exterior styling and bigger rims. One area prospective buyers of this model should be aware of is the fact that the car did not get the maximum safety rating from the IIHS, failing to impress in the small overlap test. On the other hand, across the pond, Euro NCAP rated it as one of the safest of the batch they most recently tested… By Andrei Nedelea        |
| Elon Musk Buys Bond Movie Lotus Esprit Sub with the Intent to Make it Functional! Posted: 20 Oct 2013 09:01 AM PDT  If the fact that the white Lotus Esprit submersible from the 1977 James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me was a mere non-functioning prop bugged you, well, we have news for your; Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, was confirmed as having purchased it with the intent to make it work like people thought it would, through the use of a Tesla-sourced electric powertrain (and other necessary innovations). Musk told USA Today that he too was disappointed that the Esprit in question was a mere prop, wanting to do something about it, and thus, as Jalopnik reported earlier this week, he was the one who paid the $866,000 price reached during the auctioning off. He was rewarded once for thinking a Lotus would work well with an electric powertrain, so perhaps he can do it again, though this task is a little bit more daunting. The satisfaction one can reap from its success is proportional, though, and he will be able to share it with all those who know the vehicle from the movie, but is aware of the truth (it could be driven underwater, but only by a scuba diver with special gear). If Musk wants to win international praise, then he has to ensure the interior is dry and pressurized when underwater and have working retractable wheels, as well as fins that pop out, but aren't there when you drive on the road for… obvious width reasons. By Andrei Nedelea Photo Credits: Tim Scott Courtesy of RM Auctions                           |
| Mercedes Teases New Model, Is It the 2015 C-Class Sedan? Posted: 20 Oct 2013 07:54 AM PDT  Yesterday, we had BMW dropping a teaser video of its upcoming 2-Series Coupe, today it's Mercedes-Benz's turn to build up our interest with a similar blurry clip of an upcoming model. While the brand with the star doesn't mention the car's name at all, the images we see along with the knowledge that we have of its forthcoming presentations lead us to believe that it's most likely the 2015 C-Class sedan, which could be revealed as early as next month at the LA Auto Show or at the Detroit event in January. Mercedes-Benz stated in the description: "An interior with high-class ambience, a new touchpad control surface and a lightweight bodyshell: All that and more will be featured in this upcoming Mercedes-Benz car model. Get a first glimpse here." What do you think – do you agree with our assessment that it's probably the next C-Class or do you believe it's something else? Tell us in the comments.             |
| Audi Starts Production of the A3 Cabriolet in Hungary Posted: 20 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT  Audi has begun series production of the new A3 Cabriolet at its Győr plant in Hungary. The model will be exclusively produced in the Hungarian plant, as is the case temporarily with the A3 Sedan, until Chinese and Brazilian production start late this year and in 2015, respectively. Order books for the second-generation Audi A3 Cabriolet open today in Germany and other European markets, with deliveries in Europe scheduled for next spring. Between 2007 and 2013, Audi Hungaria built around 63,000 units of the predecessor model in Győr in conjunction with the Ingolstadt plant. "Production of the new A3 Cabriolet is another step in expanding our production capacities in Győr to 125,000 automobiles each year. For many years, our Hungarian plant has convinced our customers with automobiles in premium quality. This is made possible by a flexible team with great expertise," said Dr. Frank Dreves, Board of Management Member for Production of Audi AG. Alongside the A3 Cabriolet and the A3 Sedan, the Győr plant also builds the Audi TT and TT Roadster, as well as engines for the majority of the Audi range. The German carmaker has invested a total of more than €900 million ($1.22 billion) in buildings and equipment at this site. Unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is available in Europe with two petrol units, a 138hp (140PS) 1.4-liter TSI and a 178hp (180PS) 1.8-liter TS, plus a 148hp (150PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Later on, Audi will add a 108hp (110 PS) 1.6-liter turbo diesel and the range-topping S3 performance model powered by a 296hp (300PS) 2.0-liter TSI engine. By Dan Mihalascu         |
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