CARSCOOP |  |
- 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Shows Up at the LA Auto Show Ready for Work [w/Videos]
- All-New 2015 Subaru WRX Debuts in L.A. with 268HP 2.0-Liter Turbo [Updated Gallery]
- Jaguar F-Type Coupe and C-X17 Concept Grab the Spotlight at the LA Auto Show
- Fiat Gives 500 Another Powerful Dose of Retro with New 1957 Edition [LA Photos]
- 2014MY Chrysler 300S Gets Light Styling Tweaks [Updated Gallery]
- A Quick Glimpse at BMW's Offerings at the LA Auto Show
- Hyundai Updates 2014 Elantra GT with New 2.0L Engine and LED Taillights
- Hyundai Presents 2015 Tucson Hydrogen in LA, You Can Lease it for $499 a Month
- Subaru's 2015 Legacy Concept Looks Good in the Flesh
- LA Auto Show's 2015 Ford Edge Concept Comes With Global Ambitions
- Land Rover Introduces New Range Rover LWB Variants Costing Up to $199,500 in LA
- 2014 Honda Civic Lineup Shows Its Updates at the LA Auto Show
- Honda's LA Auto Show FCEV Concept Lightly Hints at FCX Replacement
- Nissan Juke NISMO RS Shows Off its 215 HP and Extra Trinkets in LA [w/Video]
- Kia Introduces K900 RWD Flagship with V6 and V8 Mills at LA Auto Show
- Nissan Sentra NISMO Concept: The Official Story on 240HP 1.8-Liter Turbo Sports Sedan
- Larger Than Life Youabian Puma Is Ludicrous Whichever Way You See It
- Wraps Come Off Nissan’s BladeGlider Concept in Tokyo, will be Produced
- Check Out Nissan's LA Auto Show Sentra NISMO Concept
- Fiat Ducato Van Goes on Sale in North America as the Ram Promaster
- Mercedes' Concept GLA 45 AMG Chooses LA Show for World Debut [w/Video]
- New 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Flies to LA for World Premiere
- Gordon Murray’s Microcar Project Morphs into Yamaha MOTIV.e at the Tokyo Motor Show
- Official Photos of New Mercedes-Benz's GLA 45 AMG Hot Crossover Concept
| 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Shows Up at the LA Auto Show Ready for Work [w/Videos] Posted: 20 Nov 2013 07:55 PM PST  The all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup truck was unveiled at the LA Auto Show today, marking the return of the nameplate to the North American market. Scheduled to go on sale in fall 2014 as a 2015 model, the Colorado will be offered with a standard 193hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 302hp 3.6-liter V6 unit, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine produces 184 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm), with approximately 90 percent of the peak torque available from 2,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm, while the V6 delivers 270 lb-ft of torque (366 Nm). Starting from 2015, Chevrolet will introduce a diesel engine on the Colorado as well – the Duramax 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that is already offered in global markets. The 2015 Colorado is available in three configurations: an extended cab model with a 6-foot (1.82m) bed, a crew cab with a 5-foot (1.22m) bed and a crew cab with a 6-foot (1.82m) bed. With the tailgate down, the 6-foot bed allows hauling of 8-foot-long (2.43m) items. Chevrolet also says the Colorado offers a trailering capacity of more than 6,700 pounds (3,039 kg). The midsize pickup truck is available either with 2WD or 4WD, in three trims: WT, LT and Z71. The latter is an "off-road-inspired" model featuring a gunmetal grille surround, projector headlamps and unique 17-inch aluminum wheels. By Dan Mihalascu                                                           |
| All-New 2015 Subaru WRX Debuts in L.A. with 268HP 2.0-Liter Turbo [Updated Gallery] Posted: 20 Nov 2013 07:31 PM PST  Subaru finally yanked the covers off the all-new 2015 WRX today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with the high-performance version of the Impreza being more powerful and promising better handling than before. The new model is powered by a new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged boxer engine delivering 268hp (only 3hp more than the outgoing model). Replacing the 2014 Impreza WRX's 2.5-liter unit, the engine is paired to a standard six-speed manual transmission or to an optional Sport Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox with two manual modes. The powerplant delivers 258 lb-ft (350Nm) of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm, pushing the WRX from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.4 seconds with the new six-speed manual. CVT models will take an extra second to cover the same sprint and will also burn more fuel: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway compared to 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway (12.4 l/100 km city and 9.4 l/100 km highway compared to 11.2 l/100 km city and 8.4 l/100 km highway). While not as near as spectacular-looking as the WRX Concept, the 2015 WRX's wide-body kit and the huge air intake on the bonnet may remind you of study with a little (or a lot) bit of imagination. The car features new standard 17-inch wheels and unique elements like the hood, front fenders, rear doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters. The new Subaru WRX promises better handling and performance thanks partly to a new torque-vectoring system that supplements the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Improved cornering speeds and handling are also due to the new, stiffer chassis, performance-tuned suspension and larger brakes. Subaru says the driver-focused interior is roomier than before thanks to the 1-inch (25-mm) longer wheelbase and offers more comfort, better materials and new technologies – a Harman/Kardon premium audio system is offered for the first time in a WRX. Among the highlights of the interior are the sports seats, flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated switches, the dual gauge instrument layout featuring a 3.5-in LCD central screen and a new multi-information central display with 4.3-in LCD screen. Pricing is to be announced. By Dan Mihalascu                                      |
| Jaguar F-Type Coupe and C-X17 Concept Grab the Spotlight at the LA Auto Show Posted: 20 Nov 2013 06:53 PM PST  One of them is a production car previewed about two years ago by a concept, while the other one is a study that may spawn a production model within the next couple of years. We are talking about Jaguar's Los Angeles Auto Show stars, the F-Type Coupe and the C-X17 crossover study. The warmly received new F-Type Coupe goes on sale in the States next year in three flavors topped by a unique to this body style "R" version boasting a muscular supercharged V8 with 542hp (550PS), which should be enough get the adrenaline flowing. The coupe is priced $4,000 lower than the roadster with a starting MSRP of $65,000. If Jaguar finally decides to give the C-X17 the green light, the luxury crossover will go against another LA Auto Show premiere, the production Porsche Macan. Jaguar has built the SUV on the same platform that will form the base for its BMW 3-Series rival coming out in 2015.                               |
| Fiat Gives 500 Another Powerful Dose of Retro with New 1957 Edition [LA Photos] Posted: 20 Nov 2013 06:35 PM PST  Fiat has released a limited-production 500 model in the U.S. called 1957 Edition, a reference to the year the classic Nuova Cinquecento launched in Italy. The 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition features retro styling cues like the full wheel design, Bianco-painted roof and vintage Fiat emblems. Based on the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge model, the 500 1957 Edition is available in three classic exterior colors: Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) and Celeste (celestial blue), all paired with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps. The retro-design 16-inch wheels have a wide chromed lip, body color accent and large center cap with historic Fiat emblem – also found on the front fascia and rear liftgate. The vintage theme continues on the inside, where the 500 1957 Edition features an Avorio (ivory) interior environment contrasted by premium Marrone (brown) leather seats with Avorio accent stitching. The Grigio (grey) door panels feature a contrasting Avorio inner panel, while Marrone door armrests and shift boot match the leather seats. The Avorio leather-wrapped steering wheel with Marrone leather on the inner ring and retro Fiat badge, plus the uniquely styled key fob with Marrone casing and Avorio-painted "1957" graphic complete the interior upgrades. The Fiat 500 1957 Edition is offered with the base 101hp 1.4-liter MultiAir engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is offered as an option. Combined with the sports-tuned suspension and the driver-selectable Sport mode on the instrument panel, the limited edition 500 is not stuck in 1957 when it comes to dynamics. The 2014 500 1957 Edition arrives at Fiat dealerships across the U.S. in spring next year, just in time for the 57th anniversary of the classic 500. Orders begin in early 2014, with pricing to be announced closer to market launch. By Dan Mihalascu                   |
| 2014MY Chrysler 300S Gets Light Styling Tweaks [Updated Gallery] Posted: 20 Nov 2013 06:20 PM PST C-1.jpg) The 2014 Chrysler 300S has been updated with more "blacked out" exterior design cues and a new Ambassador Blue sport interior, among new features. The ever-so lightly refreshed 300S features a more homochromous look with body-color door handles and fascia inserts. In addition, there's new Gloss Black belt molding, daylight opening surrounds and tail lamp bezels are combined with Gloss Black headlamp bezels. There's also a new Black Chrome grille surround, with the grille features sculpted horizontal grille blades in the same unique finish. The front and rear Chrysler wing badges are in Liquid Chrome with black "Chrysler" center logo. As an option, Chrysler offers a Gloss Black painted roof. The 2014 300S brings new 20-inch wheel design (19-inch with AWD) featuring a more sculptured appearance and Hyper Black finish. Also new for the 2014 model year is the Dark Ceramic Gray exterior color. On the inside, the dark Ambassador Blue Nappa leather seats are the most important update. The center console armrest and door armrests are color matched to the seats and feature silver accent stitching. The flagship model of the 300C range continues to be offered with a standard Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Beats by Dr.Dre audio system with 10 speakers and a 12-channel amplifier and Piano Black trims on the interior center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements. Under the hood, there's the same 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces 300 hp and 264 lb-ft (358 Nm) of torque. The unit is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The 300S is also offered with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with 370hp. By Dan Mihalascu               |
| A Quick Glimpse at BMW's Offerings at the LA Auto Show Posted: 20 Nov 2013 05:59 PM PST  BMW's presence at the Los Angeles Auto Show was focused on the world premiere of the 4-Series Convertible, with the U.S. being the car's biggest market, followed by Germany, the UK and China. Fitted with a retractable hardtop that takes 20 seconds to be lowered down, the 4-Series Convertible will launch in the States next spring with two engine options, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four delivering 240hp in the 428i, and a 300hp 3.0-liter turbocharged six for the 435i. Prices start from $49,675. BMW's North American premieres at the show included the thinly disguised X4 Concept that will lead to a production crossover model next year, and the i8 Hybrid Coupe that's already available for order with the…low starting price of $135,700.                  |
| Hyundai Updates 2014 Elantra GT with New 2.0L Engine and LED Taillights Posted: 20 Nov 2013 05:37 PM PST  While the only visible additions to Hyundai's 2014 Elantra GT are the LED tail lamp clusters and the new diver's blind spot mirror, it's what you can't see that matters. For the new model year, Hyundai has replaced the GT's 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated unit with a new standard 2.0-liter Nu Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which adds 25 more horsepower (+17 percent) and 23 lb.-ft. of torque (+18 percent) pushing output to 173hp at 6,500 rpm and peak torque to 154 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm. No performance numbers were released, but Hyundai says it will be perkier than the outgoing 1.8L model. What it won't be is more fuel efficient as the Korean carmaker says the 6-speed manual version will return 24mpg city, 34mpg highway and 28mpg combined versus the 1.8L model's 26/37/30 mpg respectively. The same applies for the 6-speed automatic version of the 2.0L model that returns 24mpg city, 33mpg highway and 27mpg combined compared to the 1.8L Auto's 27/37/30 mpg figures. The 2014 Elantra GT goes on sale in the U.S. this December                         |
| Hyundai Presents 2015 Tucson Hydrogen in LA, You Can Lease it for $499 a Month Posted: 20 Nov 2013 05:17 PM PST  Billed as the world's "first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle", the production 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel-Cell was revealed moments ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Hyundai said the hydrogen-powered electric model will initially be offered as a lease to customers in the Los Angeles/Orange County region in spring of 2014 for $499 (€371) per month for a 36-month term, with a$2,999 (€2,200) down payment. The program includes unlimited free hydrogen refueling and the same "At Your Service Valet Maintenance" offered for Equus customers in which, whenever the car requires service, a Hyundai dealer will come pick up the vehicle and provide a loaner, then return their car after service to their home or business, at no charge. So, what powers the Tucson Fuel-Cell? The system includes an electric motor that turns the wheels, and a fuel-cell system that effectively replaces the battery pack used in an electric vehicle by generating electricity from hydrogen through an electrochemical process, which Hyundai describes thusly: 1 Hydrogen enters the anode, air (oxygen) enters the cathode According to the automaker, with a full tank of hydrogen, the fuel-cell Tucson has a driving range of up to 300 miles (a little over 480 kilometers) with zero greenhouse-gas emissions, as the only by-product of the process is water vapor. The tank can be filled in under 10 minutes, which Hyundai says is roughly the same time as a gasoline car. Hyundai adds that there are "minimal cold-weather effects compared with battery electric vehicles" and that it has "successfully completed extensive crash, fire and leak testing".       |
| Subaru's 2015 Legacy Concept Looks Good in the Flesh Posted: 20 Nov 2013 04:44 PM PST  We have pretty much exhausted the matter on Subaru's promising concepts and disappointing production cars, so we're just going to concentrate on the new Legacy study itself in this post where we have live photos of the car from the LA Auto Show floors. Yes, some will surely find lines and details that remind them of current or upcoming cars (click to see what we mean), but overall, the Legacy in its conceptual form, looks good and is a welcome departure from the company's utterly bland and forgettable (design-wise) mid-size series currently on sale. Its four-door coupe-like roofline and strong belt line give the concept a sporty feel that's further enhanced by the angry face with the hexagonal grille and the flared wheel arches. As for the cabin, most bits are purely concept, but we could see the dashboard layout loosely forming the base for the new Legacy that should arrive within the next year or so.
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| LA Auto Show's 2015 Ford Edge Concept Comes With Global Ambitions Posted: 20 Nov 2013 04:17 PM PST  Seeking to offer the same product in very different markets is a reasonable objective for any product maker. To do so, you have to build and design your goods with a global audience in mind, which is what Ford is trying to do with the next generation Edge crossover that has been unveiled as a concept model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. While identifiable as a member of the Edge crossover family, the study is more modern with bolder lines and a more aggressive front end hosting Ford's razor-style grille piece. Naturally, as a concept, the Edge comes with many trinkets guaranteed to capture the eyes of show-goers, but peel those away, and what's left is the production car that will soon come into fruition. The mid-size Edge slots between the compact Escape, called Kuga in Europe and other regions, and the bigger Explorer.                                          |
| Land Rover Introduces New Range Rover LWB Variants Costing Up to $199,500 in LA Posted: 20 Nov 2013 03:50 PM PST  If Land Rover's Indian owners would have felt inclined to, the new Range Rover Long-Wheelbase Autobiography Black model, finished in the exclusive Valloire White Paint, would have ended up being embarrassingly expensive, but thankfully they stopped piling on at $199,500. It's a hefty price to pay, but thankfully it includes the $895 destination and delivery charge; available as of March 2014. They justify this fairly high price tag with opulent extravagances such as "individualized front and rear seating package with a bespoke seat cover design," and a bespoke "rear center console includes electrically deployable tables covered in black leather with integrated USB charging sockets and cup holders." There's configurable LED mood lighting (with 10 colors to choose from), perforated leather door inserts and the obligatory tread plates with a backlit "Autobiography Black" inscription, to literally name but a few. Naturally, all this and more can be endlessly customized and trimmed in a wide assortment of leathers. Thankfully, if you don't need all that bespoke treatment in your life, then you will more than happily make do with the base long-wheelbase Range, a model that's also making its global debut alongside the posh Autobiography at the Los Angeles motor show. It starts at a slightly easier to digest $106,195, or exactly $22,000 dearer than the short model. Land Rover says the extra cash grants an additional 7.3 inches (18.5 cm) of rear legroom; all come with tilting individual rear seatbacks that will have a 17-degree range of motion – that's 8 degrees more than the regular model can muster. Powered window blinds, a panoramic sunroof and unique L badges on the lower front door trims complete list of unique lwb touches. Check out the full price list and gallery below. By Andrei Nedelea                                            |
| 2014 Honda Civic Lineup Shows Its Updates at the LA Auto Show Posted: 20 Nov 2013 03:30 PM PST  For the 2014 model year, Honda added a series of updates to its Civic lineup, including sportier exterior styling for Civic Coupe and Civic Si Coupe, interior upgrades for all Civic models, a new available CVT, increased engine performance on all models except Natural Gas and Hybrid, as well as several new available features. Following the refresh of the Civic Sedan styling for 2013, the 2014 Civic Coupe also received a series of exterior changes including a more aggressive grille, fender, hood and headlight design. Additional exterior updates include new taillight lenses, sportier front and rear bumpers, new side mirrors and new wheel designs, with larger size wheels on some models. On the inside, the 2014 Civic Coupe features new seat fabrics, door panel trim and audio panel color coordination. The Civic Coupe also gets performance enhancements, including revised suspension tuning with higher spring rates and a stiffer rear stabilizer bar. A revised exhaust system raises power output by 3 horsepower to 143 hp and 1 lb-ft of torque to 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) on the 1.8-liter model. Finally, Civic EX and EX-L Coupe models get new steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Additionally, Civic Si Coupe models get a unique lower front bumper garnish, larger rear decklid spoiler, and distinctive front and rear air diffusers, as well as larger 18-inch wheels and tires (Civic Si Sedan too). The Civic Si Coupe and Sedan come with revised suspension tuning, with higher spring rates, new dampers and stiffer rear stabilizer bar. The output of the 2.4-liter engineis boosted to 205 horsepower (+4hp) and 174 lb-ft of torque (+4 lb-ft) via a retuned exhaust system. For the 2014 model year, the Coupe and the Sedan feature an all-new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that provides quicker and smoother acceleration and improves fuel efficiency. The new CVT replaces the 5-speed automatic gearbox (except on the Civic Natural Gas). The Civic Hybrid retains its current CVT. All 2014 Honda Civic models get new features including a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen control center with optional navigation function, Smart Entry with Push Button start, expanded view driver's mirror and Honda LaneWatch blind spot display, plus available auto on/off headlights and power driver seat with 8-way adjustability. The 2014 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe will launch on December 4, 2013, followed by the Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas early in 2014, and the Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan in the spring. By Dan Mihalascu                                 |
| Honda's LA Auto Show FCEV Concept Lightly Hints at FCX Replacement Posted: 20 Nov 2013 03:11 PM PST  We don't want you to get your hopes high, so we'll just tell you off the bat that, we highly doubt Honda's production version of the new mid-sized FCEV Concept that made its world premiere today at the Los Angeles Auto Show will look anything like this. It may keep some general lines and shapes, but unfortunately, it won't be as cool as this study. Nevertheless, Honda does play the promotion game stating that the FCEV points towards the fuel-cell powered replacement to the FCX Clarity scheduled for launch in the U.S. and Japan in 2015, followed by Europe. "The Honda FCEV Concept hints at Honda's future direction for fuel-cell vehicles," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda. "While this car is a concept, it points toward a very real future." According to Honda, the five-passenger model sports a new hydrogen fuel cell system with "significant technological advancements" to the fuel-cell stack allowing for more than 100kW (+134hp) of output. The power density now stands at 3kW/L, an increase of 60 percent over the FCX, while at the same time, the stack size is reduced by 33-percent. Honda anticipates the production model to deliver a driving range of more than 300 miles with a quick refueling time of about three minutes, compared to the FCX Clarity's 240 mile (386 km) range. "The Honda FCEV Concept not only sets our direction for our next generation fuel-cell vehicle in 2015, but for future improvements in electric drive technology," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of American Honda. "The advancements we are making are substantial, meaningful and very real."            |
| Nissan Juke NISMO RS Shows Off its 215 HP and Extra Trinkets in LA [w/Video] Posted: 20 Nov 2013 02:44 PM PST  The new Nissan Juke NISMO RS, which just debuted at the Los Angeles motor show, is an interesting proposition. It's based on the regular Juke NISMO, but it offers more power, improved handling and some fancy Recaro seats. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine now churns out 215 hp, which is 8 hp more than before, unequally divided among the four wheels most of the time, with a prominent front-wheel drive bias under normal driving conditions. Still, cars ordered with manual six-speed gearboxes can also be fitted with a limited-slip differential to help get the power down out of corners. Reviews of the regular NISMO say it's not necessarily a bad thing to drive, so the advent of improved chassis rigidity and bigger brakes can only serve to make it better. Nissan gives this special RS model a unique interior treatment, with carbon fiber (look) trim, a red-and-black color theme featuring mixes of leather and suede. Then we have the Recaro seats which completely transform the interior ambiance, or at least they seem to do so in the photos which you can check out in the gallery below. By Andrei Nedelea                 |
| Kia Introduces K900 RWD Flagship with V6 and V8 Mills at LA Auto Show Posted: 20 Nov 2013 02:05 PM PST  Do you want to know the first thing that we noticed about Kia's K900 flagship saloon, besides the very BMW-esque styling language of the exterior? The very, very BMW-like automatic transmission's handle, and that says a lot about Kia's first effort in the rear-wheel drive (premium) sedan segment. Yes, we've seen it before, but it really never gets old… The K900 might have a new name for North America as its Korean moniker "K9". was deemed inappropriate due to its use for working dogs, while Kia also ditched the idea to use its other name for international markets, the "Quoris", but it has been around for more than a year now. The transition from Korean to North American specification model didn't bring any significant changes on the styling front, only a new grille piece, chrome wheels and colored side markers in the headlamps. Riding on a 119.9-inch (3,022mm) wheelbase, the K900 promises to offer plenty of space for its passengers who are enclosed in what Kia describes as an "opulent" interior with all sorts of standard and available comfort features and gadgets, from standard multi-stage heating for the outboard seats to a 12.3 inch, the full-color LCD screen for the infotainment system on top trims. Among other available features mentioned by Kia are a full-length panoramic roof with power retractable sunshade, individual rear seats with multi-stage cooling that can also recline and incorporate power lumbar support and lateral headrest adjustability, a TFT instrument panel, a 900-watt Lexicon high-fidelity audio system, and a camera-based Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). When the Hyundai Genesis-based K900 goes on sale in the States during the first quarter of 2014, it will be available with a choice of two gasoline powerplants, a 3.8-liter Lamba V6 with 311 horsepower, and a 5.0-liter Tau V8 rated at 420 horsepower. Both units are paired to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.                           |
| Nissan Sentra NISMO Concept: The Official Story on 240HP 1.8-Liter Turbo Sports Sedan Posted: 20 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST  You saw the leaked pictures, time to learn the details now on Nissan's LA Auto Show world premiere, the new Sentra NISMO Concept for a 240+ horsepower version of the brand's saloon. The regular Sentra is your run of the mill family sedan, but after NISMO's treatment of its body and soul, the Nissan model has suddenly became a lot more interesting, starting with the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that churns out more than 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The inline four is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that drives the front wheels through a limited slip differential for better grip. Changes have also been made to the suspension bits and settings with custom performance shocks and springs, while the car now rides on 19-inch RAYS aluminum-alloy wheels mounted on 225/35R19 Michelin Super Sport performance tires. You will also find bigger brakes from Brembo. As far as appearance goes, the Sentra NISMO looks the part without going Fast&Furious crazy, featuring restyled front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, side skirts, boot lid spoiler and a unique front grille, plus the sub-brand's trademark red accents. Nissan says NISMO has also taken care of the interior with Recaro "Sportster" front seats with custom black leather and Alcantara appointments, sports steering wheel with red leather at the 12 o'clock position, along with matching shift knob and shifter lever boot surround. Moreover, the instrument cluster features a satin carbon fiber finish and all chrome accents are treated to a Dark Chrome finish. Will we see the Sentra NISMO entering production in the future? Nissan says maybe. "Fans have asked that we bring back a high-performance Sentra straight from the factory, just like in generations past," stated Nissan Vice President of Product Planning, Pierre Loing. "With NISMO, our in-house motorsports arm already producing versions of the 370Z NISMO, JUKE NISMO, JUKE NISMO RS and upcoming GT-R NISMO, we wanted to demonstrate where we could go in the future."             |
| Larger Than Life Youabian Puma Is Ludicrous Whichever Way You See It Posted: 20 Nov 2013 01:06 PM PST  Silly doesn't even begin to describe the Youabian Puma designed by a one "Dr. K. Youabian" parked in a corner of the LA Auto Show exhibition hall with a photo of a sleek…puma hanging on the wall to remind us all what this car isn't all about. To get an idea of how massive this car is, just check the grown up man sitting inside the open-top model in one of the photos. We're told it measures a massive 242 inches long (6.15 meters) long and that it rides on equally menacing tires size 44 inches (1.1 meters) tall and 21 inches (0.53 meters) wide. The team over at Wired also learned that it comes with a 7.0-liter V8 engine twisting out 505 horsepower, which Youabian claims can push the gigantean four-wheeler to 60mph (100km/h) in just 5.9 seconds – sounds reasonable after a few bottles of drinks. The cherry topping for this fat cat is the retractable hardtop roof it comes equipped with and which is said to open and close in 20 seconds. Youabian stated that "the Puma was created with one goal in mind: to stand out and be unique". We'll let you be the judge of that.             |
| Wraps Come Off Nissan’s BladeGlider Concept in Tokyo, will be Produced Posted: 20 Nov 2013 12:45 PM PST  Nissan's BladeGlider holds the promise of challenging the established thinking on how sporty cars should handle and brake, by adopting an unusual layout with a front end that's noticeably narrower than the rear – similar to the DeltaWing racecar, but with wider front track and more car-like proportions. It can also reportedly convey excellent feelings of what goes on underneath the driver – loss of grip is predictable, noticeable when it arrives and apparently very easy to correct. This is in part achieved thanks to reportedly excellent handling brought about by the unusual weight distribution which only exerts 30 percent of the vehicles weight onto the front axle; the "added benefit is improved steering in terms of effort, feel and precision." Being an all-electric vehicle, the BladeGlider is good at accelerating too, and since 70 percent of the weight is on the back, there's always ample traction, even with the instant torque nature of the powertrain. Nissan doesn't say how brisk it actually is, but they do make it clear that it's very good at launching from a standstill. The overarching idea is for it to glide over the road with minimal effort and drag, while being fun to be in at the same time. It all sounds good to us, but how will it actually work in practice? The gallery below won't answer that question, but you will get a fairly detailed look at it. And, oh, did we mention that Nissan has plans to produce it? By Andrei Nedelea                             |
| Check Out Nissan's LA Auto Show Sentra NISMO Concept Posted: 20 Nov 2013 12:23 PM PST  Nissan had informed us about it intentions to release a new NISMO concept at the LA Auto Show this week, but it hadn't said what that car might be. You can thank the spies at Chris Doane Photography for giving us an early heads up on the concept that's based on the latest Sentra Sedan. Full information will follow in the next couple of hours, but from these two images, we see that NISMO has done its best to give the family-orientated Sentra sedan an aggressive look through the use of bespoke bumpers and spoilers, honeycombed grilles, and of course, bigger wheels with the appropriate rubber. Knowing NISMO, there should also be a power upgrade and chassis improvements, but more on that once we read the official release.
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| Fiat Ducato Van Goes on Sale in North America as the Ram Promaster Posted: 20 Nov 2013 11:52 AM PST  In Europe, the Fiat Ducato is a familiar sight/name, having been present on the narrow and usually potholed roads of the Old Continent since 1981. The current model is virtually identical to the Citroen Jumper and Relay, as well as the Peugeot Boxer, and most recently the Ram Promaster, which is basically the North America-approved version of the same basic Euro van. The Promaster has now become available for order in its intended markets, where it promises something very different to the usual rear-wheel drive and ladder chassis norm. Despite ditching the most frugal of the diesels the Ducato comes with back home, the Ram variant gets its motivation from a 3.0-liter oil-burner with 174 hp, as well as the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. The first sends its power to the front wheels via a five-speed Dualogic automated manual, while the petrol engine gets a conventional six-speed auto. Since this is a bit of a novel kind of vehicle for the US market, with only the new Transit fitting the mold of a direct competitor, buyers are expected to appreciate the offering of two choices of roof height, three different wheelbases and four body lengths. Additionally, it can be had as both a chassis cab and chassis cutaway from the factory, all of which boast the lowest loading floor in the class, and some support being loaded up via forklift. Another area where this Mexican-built vehicle shines is its payload capacity, which in this case is set at 5,145 lbs or 2,333 kg, plus a maximum towing capacity of 5,100 lbs or 2,313 kg. Scroll down to check it out, along with a video first drive uploaded not long ago. By Andrei Nedelea         |
| Mercedes' Concept GLA 45 AMG Chooses LA Show for World Debut [w/Video] Posted: 20 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST  Since many North American consumers shy away from hatchbacks but love hatchbacks that ride on tall suspensions and have plastic bits around their bodies, Mercedes has created the GLA crossover, which has now been lowered down a notch and decorated with aerodynamic parts to welcome the A45 AMG's 355HP (360PS) 2.0-liter turbo. We know, it all sounds confusing, but what can you do… Announced today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the GLA 45 AMG will be the second best thing to the A45 AMG five-door hatch, and since it does carry the crossover moniker, it will eventually be offered Stateside. The only conceptual parts on the car are the liveries and the enhanced aerodynamic package with splitters and a bigger wing, though, even those will likely be offered either as an option, or as part of a special edition package on the production GLA 45 AMG. Under all that crossove…ruggedness (we just kid), you'll find the same drivetrain as the A45 AMG, with a crazy 2.0-liter turbocharged four delivering 355hp (360PS) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports dual clutch transmission and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The car, which rolls on 255/35 R 21 tires on all four corners, is able to complete the zero to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint in under five seconds, always according to Benz.
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| New 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Flies to LA for World Premiere Posted: 20 Nov 2013 11:16 AM PST  Billed as the world's first seven-passenger gas-electric hybrid SUV, the third generation of Toyota's Highlander Hybrid made its first appearance in front of a crowd today at the LA Auto Show. Besides the new body and interior that are common with the regular 2014 Highlander, the hybrid model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine paired to an electric drive motor-generator and electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD-i). Fuel economy and output figures have not yet been announced. Toyota claims that, thanks to a new raft of technologies, including enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering, the new Highlander Hybrid will provide "a more dynamic driving experience". The new hybrid SUV will go on sale in the States next February available in two trim grades, the limited with a starting MSRP of $47,300, and the Limited Platinum that adds features such as a Panoramic Moonroof, heated steering wheel, and heated perforated leather second-row captain's chairs, for $49,790. Both prices exclude a delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $860.
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| Gordon Murray’s Microcar Project Morphs into Yamaha MOTIV.e at the Tokyo Motor Show Posted: 20 Nov 2013 11:00 AM PST  Famous British designer Gordon Murray will always be known as the man who designed the McLaren F1 hypercar. However, his favorite project is the T.25/T.27 microcar which he has been trying to bring to the market for a while now. While earlier this year Murray confirmed the microcar will launch in 2016, Yamaha Motor Company today unveiled the MOTIV.e minicar at the Tokyo Motor Show, built in collaboration with...Gordon Murray Design. We're not sure whether the two events are linked, though, since the MOTIV.e is different from the T.25/T.27. For starters, it doesn't feature a three-seat layout with a central driving position – which represents one of the main features of Murray's pet project. Instead, the Yamaha MOTIV.e is a two-seater. Furthermore, the design is rather different as well, with the MOTIV.e featuring doors with a conventional opening system and not the T.25/T.27's single-piece door that splits the car in two when it opens. Styling is different too, with the Yamaha being much more similar to a Smart than to Murray's microcar. However, the MOTIV.e uses Murray's revolutionary iStream manufacturing technology, which incorporates Formula One composite technology to deliver new levels of lightweight, safety, vehicle dynamics and manufacturing flexibility, as well as a low environmental impact. The iStream design is centered on a steel frame incorporating bonded composite monocoque panels to produce a lightweight, rigid safety cell. The car features an all-new electric powertrain featuring a 25kW (33hp) motor and has a declared 100-mile range (161 km) in real-world driving. Battery charging takes 3 hours from a domestic socket and one hour using a quick charger. Top speed is 105 km/h (65 mph) and 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes under 15 seconds. The MOTIV.e weighs 730 kg (1,609 lbs) and is 2,690mm (105.9in) long, 1,470mm (57.9in) wide and 1,480mm (58.2in) tall. The MOTIV.e may launch sometime in 2016 and will be aimed especially at the European market. By Dan Mihalascu               |
| Official Photos of New Mercedes-Benz's GLA 45 AMG Hot Crossover Concept Posted: 20 Nov 2013 10:40 AM PST  We still haven't heard where and when Mercedes-Benz is planning to reveal the new GLA 45 AMG Concept crossover, (for what it's worth, the German brand's LA Auto Show presentation is at 11:00 AM PST / 2:00 PM EST), but we now know exactly what the car will look like after a batch of official photos made their way online. Initially teased through an official video on Tuesday, the GLA 45 AMG Concept is more or less the crossover version of the A45 AMG hot hatch and it previews an upcoming production model. We would be surprised if the performance GLA came with any other powertrain than the A45 AMG's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four rated at 355HP (360PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft), paired to a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The tall-riding crossover comes with all the usual AMG kit, from the modified bumpers, to the big alloy wheels, the quad pipes and aerodynamic enhancements.
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