CARSCOOP |  |
- Consumer Reports Says Jaguar F-Type is "a British Corvette" that Sounds and Looks Great
- McLaren Designer Frank Stephenson Says More Mainstream Hatchback May Come out of Woking
- Mercedes-Benz Petitions EPA to Consider Fuel-Saving Tech for Improved Ratings
- Qoros 3 Sedan Styling Accessories Concept Unveiled in Guangzhou
- Polaris to Offer Quad with Novel Airless Tires [w/Video]
- Shelby Brings Back the Mustang GT Package for the Budget-Minded at LA Auto Show
- Spied: Lamborghini Cabrera Sheds Plastic Molds to Show Body
- Citroen Previews DS3 World Paris Limited Edition, Only 15 Will Be Made
- Porsche's Pricing Strategy Doesn't Make Any Sense: Base Cayenne $500 Cheaper than Macan!
- Subaru's Concept and Production Stars of the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show
- Toyota Unveils Interactive Driver Awareness Research Vehicle in LA [w/Video]
- What's Going on Between Toyota and Subaru on the Convertible Version of the GT-86/FR-S/BRZ?
- Lincoln Rolls Out the Carpet for New 2015 MKC SUV at LA Show [w/Video]
- Take a Look at Mercedes’ Exhibits from the LA Auto Show
- Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Debuts at the Guangzhou Auto Show
- New Fiat Ottimo is a Dodge Dart Five-Door Hatchback
- Infiniti Q50 Gets New Mercedes-Sourced 211HP 2.0L Turbo Engine at the Guangzhou Motor Show
- 50 Shades of Jaguar C-X17: SUV Concept Debuts at Guangzhou Auto Show in a New Color
- New Zinoro 1E, The All-Electric BMW X1 Made in and for China, Debuts at Guangzhou Auto Show
- 2015 Mini Hatch Lands in L.A. after London and Tokyo Debuts [w/Video]
- Chevrolet Adds Sonic RS and Dusk Editions to Sedan Lineup
- All-New 2015 GMC Yukon Makes LA Auto Show Entry
- Mercedes-Benz's Gran Turismo 6 AMG Vision Concept Jumps Into Life at LA Auto Show
- A Walk Around Ford's LA Auto Show Booth
| Consumer Reports Says Jaguar F-Type is "a British Corvette" that Sounds and Looks Great Posted: 21 Nov 2013 04:35 PM PST  There was nothing really new that Consumer Reports could have added to the series of tests and reviews of the Jaguar F-Type that we've seen so far, at least not in terms of the way it drives and/or drifts or the pretty styling that everybody, including ourselves likes. However, they did approach the drop-top Jag from a more practical perspective, and even here, it was found to meet the criteria. As we've already heard, the F-Type in roadster form (we'll see if Jaguar has improved the coupe in this department) is not the best handler in its niche, being outclassed around the bends by the Porsche Cayman S and Boxster S, but it's still pegged as being engaging to drive and very controllably tail-happy – it's handling limits are easily approachable. In fact, reviewer Tom Mutchler even calls it "a British Corvette," though he goes on to say that he does not mean it in any kind of pejorative way - it's actually a compliment... Speaking of the aforementioned practical aspects, CR praises the two-door's seats, liberal use of stitched leather and the quick-operating electric soft top that stows away in 12 seconds. Not that you needed more incentive to conjure up additional mental pictures of yourself holding its thick-rimmed wheel, but the full video drive lies (with a bonus track from Jay Leno's Garage) after the virtual jump, below. By Andrei Nedelea        |
| McLaren Designer Frank Stephenson Says More Mainstream Hatchback May Come out of Woking Posted: 21 Nov 2013 04:05 PM PST  McLaren's preferred segment of the automotive market usually has it battling it out in the highest echelons of performance and engineering against an increasingly numerous crowd of increasingly competent models made by new and old manufacturers. However, while many are trying to break into the supercar niche, the Woking-based company is apparently mulling a way out and starting to make a lower-priced (but hopefully not overly-watered down) interpretation of their philosophy. That's the information collected by Autovisie magazine from renowned designer Frank Stephenson, who in the past, penned models like the new MINI Cooper and the Ferrari F430 and is now working for McLaren. He explained that a €30,000 - €40,000 ($40,250 - $53,600) hatchback model built around a carbon fiber monocoque is a plausible future endeavor for the company in the future. Now that's a car that's worth waiting for, if, of course, it stays true to the brand philosophy and its creation uses as little corner cutting as possible. However, if by making it this cheap they'll lose their ethos, they might as well just take cars from other manufacturers and just make a McLaren-tuned/engineered edition, if they want more mainstream exposure... Finally, Stephenson expressed his feelings about the modern automotive design scene. He explained that the industry is being plagued by having its decisions taken exclusively by committees, and while this may not be so obviously bad for the stuff you don't see or use directly, when it comes to styling, it has a definite detrimental effect. He points to Audi (and its design yawn-fest) as an example of what to steer away from. Note: Photos used here are of the non-Stephenson-designed X1 concept; it shows McLaren is willing to "break free of the norm," though. By Andrei Nedelea         |
| Mercedes-Benz Petitions EPA to Consider Fuel-Saving Tech for Improved Ratings Posted: 21 Nov 2013 03:30 PM PST  Mercedes-Benz is petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA to start awarding what are being called "Off-Cycle Credits," that would be added to a car's overall efficiency score on account of any additional fuel-saving tech it might come fitted with, according to Automotive News. As the EPA itself states, "Off-Cycle technologies achieve CO2 reductions that are not reflected in the current test procedures," and "might include solar panels on hybrids, engine start-stop or active aerodynamics," concluding that "for model-years 2014 and later, EPA is finalizing a pre-approved list of technologies and credit values. Further, manufacturers will be able to apply for off-cycle technology credits beyond those listed (…) if they present sufficient data to the EPA." Actively shutting grilles also count, even though they weren't directly mentioned – utilization of such tech is on the rise, and not necessarily in the more expensive cars (like Mercedes); Ford, Chrysler and GM are trying it too. The Germans have no choice but to stop the tradition of having to pay fines for not always meeting efficiency goals. Shockingly, they "paid 27 such fines to the U.S. government from the 1985 to 2011 model years totaling $349 million, records show; the rest of the auto industry paid a combined $495 million over that span." Now, new standards are in place, and paying fine after fine is not an acceptable way to move forward. Still, we, and according to our source, "environmental groups" too, are skeptical of the likelihood of actual palpable success in the case of this program, but right now, it's too early to tell which way it will all go down. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Qoros 3 Sedan Styling Accessories Concept Unveiled in Guangzhou Posted: 21 Nov 2013 02:59 PM PST  Chinese-Israeli automaker Qoros unveiled a Styling Accessories Concept for its first production model, the 3 Sedan, at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The study shows exterior personalization options for the sedan, including small spoiler extensions to the front and rear bumpers, subtle side skirts and a rear wing on the trunk. Qoros says these parts not only give the car a sportier look but also optimize airflow under, around and over the car to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy. The study also features 18-inch 20-spoke alloy wheels with a matt smoke silver finish, wrapped in low-profile tires. Additionally, the Qoros 3 Sedan Styling Accessories Concept has more prominent wheel arches than the standard production model. The company says the car previews a comprehensive range of accessories currently under development for the 3 Sedan that will be available for order exclusively from Qoros retailers in China in the second half of next year. The carmaker also brought the standard production car to Guangzhou and announced pricing for China. The sedan will go on sale with a lineup of six variants, ranging in prices from 119,900 yuan ($19,680) to 167,900 yuan ($27,560). The carmaker is developing its dealer and aftersales service networks following the opening of its first dealer in China in Nanjing in early November. By Dan Mihalascu           |
| Polaris to Offer Quad with Novel Airless Tires [w/Video] Posted: 21 Nov 2013 02:37 PM PST  The type of tires Polaris is showing off here and announcing it's going to offer on one of its models as of December is not new, and if my memory doesn't deceive me, even Audi tried out NPTs (non-pneumatic tires) a few years back – they looked very similar to these, but didn't catch on due to their less than excellent shock absorption properties and higher rolling resistance than regular rubber, including run-flats. However, in the case of this new Polaris Sportsman WV850 H.O. ATV/quad, those concerns are not nearly as relevant, but the advantages of much more durable tires that can be shot at yet keep on going is. So far, such tires have only been used for military applications, where their unique blend of qualities was needed, but there's definitely a commercial niche somewhere in there too… Still, this won't be a true mass-production effort, as the WV850 in this spec will only be sold in limited numbers, starting from $14,999 (€11,100). By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Shelby Brings Back the Mustang GT Package for the Budget-Minded at LA Auto Show Posted: 21 Nov 2013 02:07 PM PST  Shelby is trying to offer a little bit of everything to Ford Mustang owners, from the insane 1,200-horsepower 1000 S/C with an equally crazy price tag of $154,995, to the new basic GT package, presented today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Created for the 2014 Mustang GT, which in factory grade, starts at $30,900 and comes with a 5.0-liter V8 delivering 420hp and 390 lb-ft of peak torque, the Shelby GT model will cost you an extra $14,995, raising the total price to $45,895. Output gains are minimal, as the Shelby branded exhaust, intake and engine tune add a mere 10hp for a total of 430hp. The rest of the money goes to a number of handling bits like the Ford Racing suspension, better brakes, 20-inch alloys in performance tires, a short shifter, a different fascia, a fiberglass hood and Le Mans stripes, just to mention a few. "Based on the standard Mustang GT, the total cost of our entry-level 2014 Shelby GT is only about $45,000, yet offers so much more than the previous model," said, Gary Patterson, Shelby American VP of Sales. "The performance-to-price ratio makes the Shelby GT perfect for any serious pony car enthusiast."            |
| Spied: Lamborghini Cabrera Sheds Plastic Molds to Show Body Posted: 21 Nov 2013 01:31 PM PST  Here's our first look at the Lamborghini's next supercar that will replace the Gallardo, tipped to be called the Cabrera, without the obstructing / annoying black plastic moldings of the previous prototypes. Seen here parked next to an Audi sedan at a gas station in Europe, the new Lamborghini's supercar proportions and especially its low height and wide body become instantly clear, while the absence of the trick moldings allow us to view its wedge-shape and some of the Aventador-like details such as the headlamp clusters. Sharing its underpinning with the next iteration of the Audi R8, the Gallardo's replacement will draw its power from an evolved version of the current naturally aspirated V10 engine with around 600-horses connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving either the rear or all-four wheels. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS       |
| Citroen Previews DS3 World Paris Limited Edition, Only 15 Will Be Made Posted: 21 Nov 2013 01:09 PM PST  To mark the opening of the DS World Paris flagship store on November 27 in the French capital, Citroen is unveiling a limited edition model of the DS3. Only 15 units of the Citroen DS3 World Paris will be made, with the first one to be on exclusive display at the new venue in central Paris dedicated to DS models. Inspired by Art Deco architecture and reflecting French artisanal expertise, the Citroen DS3 World Paris uses exclusive colors and higher-quality materials. The model features a matte ash grey body paint matched with matching Trinitario brown roof and mirror caps. The 17-inch wheels feature a diamond effect that matches the roof and wing mirrors. On the inside, the first DS3 World Paris model sports watchstrap style Trinitario brown Nappa leather with beige overstitching. The same leather can be found on the dashboard insert, gear lever handle and central armrest. Each of the 15 models will be unique, with even the numbered DS World Paris badge being different from one model to another - on the first of 15 models the plaque is made from Burgundy oak. The wood decoration is inlaid in the leather dashboard insert – a similar technique is also used for the door panels. By Dan Mihalascu      |
| Porsche's Pricing Strategy Doesn't Make Any Sense: Base Cayenne $500 Cheaper than Macan! Posted: 21 Nov 2013 12:42 PM PST  Many readers had high expectations about the new Porsche Macan, and while at a first glance, the compact premium crossover does score points on several levels, it heavily disappoints on one: pricing. Actually, the funny thing is that, in the U.S., both versions of the Macan are more expensive than the respective models of the bigger Cayenne – from $500 to $5,700 more! More specifically, the Macan starts at $49,900 (and not $50,895 as mentioned in a previous report) excluding a $1,195 destination and delivery charge that lifts the price to $51,095 for the base "S" model with a 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 producing 335HP (340PS). The base Cayenne, on the other hand, which sports a less-powerful, naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 with 300hp, starts at $49,600, or $300 less than the Macan S, while destination and delivery is also $200 less at $995, rising the difference to $500! Even if the Macan has 10+ percent more power, and possibly, but not surely, more kit, it still doesn't make sense since we are talking about a smaller model. It's even worse when it comes to the Macan Turbo vs. the Cayenne S, as the smaller model with a 3.6-liter V6 biturbo rated at 394hp (400PS) starts at $72,300 (plus $1,195 delivery), while the bigger Cayenne S with a 394hp (400PS) 4.8-liter V8 begins from $66,800 (plus $995 delivery), increasing the difference to $5,500 or $5,700 if you take into consideration the D&H charge! Speaking of fees, it would be nice if someone from Porsche explained why they're an extra $200 for the smaller Macan. Yes, Porsche will add a lower-cost, entry-level version to the Macan's range sometime in the future, but right now, we'd love to see Porsche salesmen try to explain the difference to prospect buyers…unless, of course, they're planning to increase the price of the Cayenne in the coming months…
  
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| Subaru's Concept and Production Stars of the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show Posted: 21 Nov 2013 11:42 AM PST  Having two, or to be precise, three international auto shows taking place at the same time in different parts of the world (Los Angeles, Tokyo and Guangzhou) is a tricky and difficult task for automakers, yet Subaru somehow found the time and the resources to make a splash in the two most important ones, in the U.S. and Japan. In fact, the company even had time to left to…obliterate Toyota's dreams of building a convertible version of the their co-developed coupes (GT 86/FR-S/BRZ). While in LA, it showed the production 2015 WRX performance sedan and the conceptual 2015 Legacy sedan, in its homeland of Japan at the Tokyo Motor Show, it uncovered three world concept premieres and a Japanese concept debut, along with a few new editions of existing cars. Our favorites were the Levorg, a thinly-veiled concept of a production estate positioned between the Impreza and Legacy with two power options, a 168bhp (170PS) 1.6L turbo and a 296hp (300PS) 2.0L turbo, and the Cross Sport for a BRZ-based or BRZ-like three-door crossover, about which, the company simply refuses to tell more. The other two studies were the Crossover 7 Concept for a seven-seater replacement for the Tribeca, and the Viziv crossover from this year's Geneva and Frankfurt motor shows. Other presentations included the BRZ Premium Sport Edition and the Forester X-Break.                                                  |
| Toyota Unveils Interactive Driver Awareness Research Vehicle in LA [w/Video] Posted: 21 Nov 2013 11:20 AM PST  Toyota has reached the conclusion that drivers are too distracted even before they get inside their cars and believes it has a solution to this problem. Called the Driver Awareness Research Vehicle (DAR-V), the Sienna-based prototype unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show is said to help prevent accidents from happening. Developed in partnership with Microsoft Research, the Toyota DAR-V features interactive systems integrated into the design of the vehicle that display important, highly personalized information on the side window when the driver approaches the car. Using gestures, voice and the key fob, drivers can then navigate information such as updates on traffic and the weather, appointments and schedules for the day ahead, and even route details that might include a gas station if the vehicle is low on fuel. Toyota believes that by addressing these daily priorities before even setting foot in the car, drivers will be less distracted and will focus on driving. Furthermore, since the DAR-V system can recognize and differentiate between individuals, it might also be used to reduce other types of driver distractions as well. For example, the system may engage children in "games" designed to help them buckle their seat belts quickly, easing the stress on parents and helping them focus more of their attention on the road. You can find out more about how the DAR-V system works from Toyota's official video posted below. By Dan Mihalascu          |
| What's Going on Between Toyota and Subaru on the Convertible Version of the GT-86/FR-S/BRZ? Posted: 21 Nov 2013 10:50 AM PST  Doesn't it strike you as odd that Toyota would go gone into all that trouble creating multiple editions of the FT-86 Open concept in both left and right drive, if it has no plans to build a convertible edition out of its Scion FR-S and Toyota GT 86 models? Yet, that's precisely what Subaru brand chief Yasuyuki Yoshinaga is claiming. Speaking to Autonews on the sidelines of the ongoing 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Yoshinaga said that there won't be a convertible version of any of the cars as they would require a complete re-make to meet safety standards. "We make the car, so if we don't make it, it can't happen," Yoshinaga said in Tokyo. "Our engineering department told me that losing the entire roof requires a complete redesign of the structure. It would need a big change." While not mentioned in the report from Autonews, we do remember that when Toyota first showed the white FT-86 Open concept in Geneva earlier this year, it said the exact opposite of what Yoshinaga claimed, and we quote Toyota Europe President Didier Leroy: "I know you are all wondering about facts and figures, and body rigidity. Well, we have the same worries and Tada [chief engineer of the GT 86] and his team are deep into analysis. But GT86 was designed from the start as a cabriolet… That probably tells you all you needed to know." Apparently not… Yoshinaga added that while he feels for Toyota, an open-top model just won't happen. "I understand well that Toyota is receiving strong requests from the American market for the car," he said. "But the biggest challenge is meeting our internal safety standards. There are big technical difficulties."                      |
| Lincoln Rolls Out the Carpet for New 2015 MKC SUV at LA Show [w/Video] Posted: 21 Nov 2013 10:23 AM PST  The new 2015 Lincoln MKC making its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week could prove to be one of the most important vehicles for Ford's troubled, near-premium brand, as it competes in a category that continues to grow and hasn't yet been conquered and saturated by Japanese and European (German) firms. As Lincoln points out, sales in the compact luxury crossover category have grown by 25 percent since 2012, and by over than 200 percent from 2009. Lincoln says it developed the MKC mainly with the German competition from Audi (Q5), BMW (X3) and Mercedes-Benz (GLK) in mind. First introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, we'd say that the production model looks modern all around (with a hint or two of Audi on the profile), sans the front end where the "mustache" grille reminds us of Lincolns inglorious styling past. You'll be able to get the MKC with either a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, projected to produce 240-horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. or Ford's all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four estimated to deliver 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Notably, the same unit, with a different tuning, will be used on the next Mustang. As standard, the MKC will come with front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels, but Lincoln will offer optional all-wheel drive and 19-inch wheels. North American sales of the car will begin in the second quarter of 2014.
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| Take a Look at Mercedes’ Exhibits from the LA Auto Show Posted: 21 Nov 2013 09:54 AM PST  Like many other carmakers, Mercedes-Benz had to split its attention between Tokyo and Los Angeles, as both cities hosted important auto shows simultaneously. The Germans did a pretty good job actually, capturing our imagination with the world debuts of the AMG Vision Gran Turismo study, as well as the racy Concept GLA 45 AMG. Mercedes also premiered new production models like the S 65 AMG and SLS AMG Final Edition at the show, which also hosted the U.S. debut of the GLA crossover. The Concept GLA 45 AMG is a pre-production study that shows us how the upcoming GLA 45 AMG will look like. No big surprises here, and there are no new things under the hood either. The GLA 45 AMG uses the same powerplant from the A 45 AMG, the 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 AMG Vision Gran Turismo is all fantasy. It is a 1:1 scale model of the model that will be offered as special downloadable content for the Gran Turismo 6 video game. That being said, it does look spectacular. A more down-to-earth car (if we're allowed to use that expression for a 583hp car) is the Final Edition version of the SLS AMG supercar. Mercedes-Benz will only built 350 units of these cars that signal the end of the SLS AMG line. Final Edition models bring updated aerodynamics and interior upgrades, including "AMG FINAL EDITION - 1 of 350" badges. The most powerful production Mercedes-Benz S-Class model ever made premiered in LA too. We're talking about the S 65 AMG, which packs 621hp (630PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque from a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine. Sporting a similar aero kit to the V8-powered S 63 AMG, the range-topping S-Class will set you back €232,050 in Germany. Finally, Mercedes' least spectacular car from the LA booth (but the most important in terms of sales) is the GLA, which had its U.S. debut at the show. The brand's smallest crossover will arrive in U.S. dealerships in fall 2014. By Dan Mihalascu                            |
| Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Debuts at the Guangzhou Auto Show Posted: 21 Nov 2013 09:25 AM PST  China will be the 14th market worldwide to get Smart's ForTwo Electric Drive model, with the EV minicar becoming the first Europe-imported all-electric model available in the world's largest car market. The announcement was made at the Guangzhou Auto Show, where the ForTwo Electric Drive celebrated its Chinese debut. The EV is already available to buy from dealerships around the country. The new generation Smart Electric Drive has been available in Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan since production began in 2012. The model is the number one battery-powered electric vehicle in Germany, making up around 40 percent of the EV market. Smart says roughly 93 percent of customers would recommend the smart electric drive. The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive is powered by a 55kW (74hp) electric motor delivering 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) of instant torque which helps the EV sprint from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 125 km/h (78 mph) to help the car achieve a driving range of 145 km (90 miles). Smart sales in China rose 43.8 percent in 2012, with the country set to become a crucial market for vehicles with alternative drive systems, thanks to supportive measures from the local government. Many analysts predict China will become the world's largest market for alternative drive vehicles as well. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| New Fiat Ottimo is a Dodge Dart Five-Door Hatchback Posted: 21 Nov 2013 08:55 AM PST  It's reveal time for Fiat that pulled the covers off the new Ottimo, which is the hatchback version of the China-market Fiat Viaggio, or as North American consumers know it, the Dodge Dart sedan. Displayed at the 2013 Guangzhou International Auto Show, the Ottimo comes with a very-Alfa Romeo Giulietta-style roofline and a more youthful looking front end featuring a thinner and overall sleeker grille and bumper design than the Viaggio, with Fiat also redesigning the tail lamps and bumper at the back. Inside, the dashboard remains the same as the Viaggio, with the Dodge-sourced steering wheel looking kind of out place for anyone familiar with Fiat's interiors. Fiat said that the addition of the five-door hatchback model to its China range will practically double daily production at the plant it runs in southern China with local carmaker Guangzhou Automobile Group. Sales of the hatch will begin in China this December. There are no known plans to offer the car in other markets. Live photos via Pcauto                                |
| Infiniti Q50 Gets New Mercedes-Sourced 211HP 2.0L Turbo Engine at the Guangzhou Motor Show Posted: 21 Nov 2013 08:30 AM PST  Infiniti has unveiled a new four-cylinder engine for the Q50 sports sedan at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China. The new turbocharged unit will be on sale in China from spring 2014, with other global markets to follow. The result of Infiniti's partnership with Daimler, the 2.0-liter unit will add to the Q50's current powertrain options – a 3.7-liter gasoline engine, a 3.5-liter hybrid and a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel. On sale in Europe this autumn, the latter is also a fruit of the company's collaboration with Daimler. The Euro5-compliant 2.0-liter turbocharged engine features direct injection with precise Piezo injections and produces 211hp (214PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque from as low as 1,250 rpm. As with the 2.2-liter diesel, the gasoline engine has been modified by the Infiniti engineering teams to ensure engine response is in line with Infiniti's brand characteristics. Infiniti hasn't offered fuel economy or performance specs of the Q50 with the new engine. The unit is part of the company's strategy to expand its product offerings and to adapt its model range to local customer requirements. Over the next five years, Infiniti plans to increase its model lineup by 60 percent and more than double the number of its powertrains. Infiniti also announced that next year it will begin production of long-wheelbase Q50 and QX50 models at the Xiangyang plant in Hubei Province, China. By Dan Mihalascu          |
| 50 Shades of Jaguar C-X17: SUV Concept Debuts at Guangzhou Auto Show in a New Color Posted: 21 Nov 2013 08:11 AM PST  Jaguar is sure keeping its paint shop busy these days with the C-X17 SUV Concept, which just made its China premiere at the Guangzhou Auto Show wearing a different body color than the original blue shade at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the silver edition displayed at the Dubai and Los Angeles auto events. Besides the brown-gold exterior hue, the China-specification C-X17 concept also gained dark alloy wheels on the outside, and a modified interior. In particular, Jaguar placed a three-seat rear bench in place of the other concepts' individual four-seat layout, while also dressing the cabin in camel-tan leathers and the door panels in wood veneers (instead of being painted). Evidently, the British firm made the changes to cater to the different needs and tastes of Chinese consumers. The company made no mention about updates to the concept SUV's mechanical components. Live photos via XGO                          |
| New Zinoro 1E, The All-Electric BMW X1 Made in and for China, Debuts at Guangzhou Auto Show Posted: 21 Nov 2013 07:40 AM PST  If you're aware about China's massive counterfeit business, you may easily be tempted to call out Zinoro for cloning the BMW X1 crossover, but that is far away from the truth. It's actually BMW itself that has cloned the X1 to create the new all-electric 1E crossover for its newly established local brand Zinoro. The car made its world premiere today at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Zinoro is a joint-venture between BWM and their local manufacturing partner Brilliance Auto, with the name meaning promise in the local language. BMW says Zinoro's goal is to become "a premium Chinese brand that is caring, respectful and contemporary", adding that, "ZINORO 1E is not aiming at sales volume of today. Instead, it is future-oriented to build the ZINORO brand image, raise customer understanding and acceptance of electric vehicle, and drive the commercialization of electric vehicles." On the styling front, BMW's designers made subtle changes to the car's front end and rear end eliminating some, but not all, BMW cues like the double kidney grille, and adding new bumpers and head/tail light clusters. More of the same applies to the lightly tweaked interior that hasn't changed much from the X1. BMW calls the Zinoro E1 an…ESAV, which stands for Electric Sports Activity Vehicle. Under the metal, there's an electric motor likely sourced from the i3 - since it develops the same 125kw (168hp / 170PS) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of peak torque, and three lithium batteries mounted at the front under the engine hook, the center and the rear replacing traditional gasoline tank. Luggage space stands at a respectable 306 liters. According to the automaker, the E1 has a top speed of 130km/h (81mph) and a driving range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), with a full charge taking 7.5 hours. Standard features will include a navigation system, Bluetooth, Auto A/C, Multi-function leather steering wheel, front seat adjustment electric with memory for driver's, PDC, Rain sensor, seat heating for driver and front passenger etc. Active safety technologies include ESP, PSS, and Tire Pressure Monitor. BMW's China brand said that in order to "attract and encourage" more customers to accept electric vehicles, the 1E will be offered initially as a lease, with the company to open up stores Beijing and Shanghai for brand communication and customer service, beginning from early next year. Live photos via Auto-Sina                                                    |
| 2015 Mini Hatch Lands in L.A. after London and Tokyo Debuts [w/Video] Posted: 21 Nov 2013 06:55 AM PST  It has been a busy week for the all-new Mini hatch, with the car presented on three continents in three days. Following its debut in London on November 18, the Mini was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show and then at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Since North America is Mini's largest market, the LA show is an important venue for the BMW-owned carmaker. Mini sold more than 55,000 cars on the continent this year and looks set for a new sales record next year. That's where the new 2015 Mini hatch comes in, as the core model is expected to help increase sales. To do that, the new Mini is longer, wider and taller, promising a roomier interior – especially for rear passengers. The design may not have changed very much, but there are important changes under the metal. Based on BMW's newly developed UKL1 platform, the new Mini is available with a new generation of 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbocharged gasoline engines. At launch, customers will have three options: the Mini Cooper with 134HP (136PS) from the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, the Mini Cooper S with 189HP (192PS) from the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and Mini Cooper D with 114HP (116PS) from a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder diesel engine. All three models are offered as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox (a six-speed auto is optional). Obviously, the fastest of the lot is the Cooper S (0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds), while the most economical is the Cooper D, with 3.5 – 3.6 liters/100 km (67.2 - 65.3 mpg US) and 92 – 95 g of CO2/km (dependent on tire format selected). The new Mini Cooper is priced from €19,700 ($26,525) in Germany, while the Cooper D and Cooper S start from €21,450 ($28,882) and €23,800 ($32,050), respectively. Prices in the U.S. will be announced closer to launch. By Andrei Nedelea                             |
| Chevrolet Adds Sonic RS and Dusk Editions to Sedan Lineup Posted: 21 Nov 2013 06:33 AM PST  At the ongoing LA Auto Show, Chevrolet announced the addition of two new sedan models to the 2014MY Sonic lineup, including the RS and Dusk, with both scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in spring of 2014. Priced from $20,945 including destination, the Sonic Dusk is the production version of the concept model of the same name displayed at the 2011 SEMA Show, and comes with a light assortment of styling extras and an exclusive to this version Ashen Grey Metallic. More specifically, there's a matte appearance on the upper and lower grilles, door handle inserts and rear license plate trim, stainless steel lower window moldings, a ground effects package, rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with a Midnight Silver matte finish and four-wheel disc brakes. In the cabin, Chevrolet has added Jet Black leather-trimmed seats with sueded microfiber accents and Mojave tan inserts. Power comes from a 1.4-liter EcoTec turbocharged engine rated at 138 horsepower and matched with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway for the stick shift model. The second car is the Sonic RS Sedan that joins the already available Sonic RS hatch. It will retail for $20,530 including $825 destination and is also powered by a 138HP 1.4L turbo engine, but comes with unique transmission gearing in the six-speed manual, or a 3.53 final drive ratio for automatic-equipped models, along with a sport-tuned suspension and lowered ride height Other features include aluminum sport pedals, sports leather steering wheel with contrast stitching, leather-appointed front bucket seats with red RS accents, a tweaked front bumper, chrome exhaust tip and alloy wheels. The Sonic RS sedan will come in three exterior color combinations named Black Granite Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic and Summit White, all with Jet Black leather-appointed interiors.                    |
| All-New 2015 GMC Yukon Makes LA Auto Show Entry Posted: 21 Nov 2013 06:13 AM PST  For many readers, the GMC Yukon in Denali trim is the best looking one of GM's trio of Big-Bertha SUVs, being less flashy than the Cadillac Escalade but having more pizzazz than the Chevrolet Tahoe and its longer Suburban counterpart, which are also making their first public appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show. GMC had nothing new to add about the 2015 Yukon and Yukon Denali in the way of information. What we know is that both be available in two lengths, at 203.9 inches (5,179mm) for the regular model and 224.3 inches (5,697mm) for the XL. A 355HP 5.3-liter V8 will be standard in Yukon and Yukon XL models, while the Denali editions come with an exclusive 420HP 6.2.-liter V8. GM has said that it is considering a diesel engine and a hybrid variant for the future, but has not reached a final decision yet. The 2015 Yukon series goes on sale next year.                                     |
| Mercedes-Benz's Gran Turismo 6 AMG Vision Concept Jumps Into Life at LA Auto Show Posted: 21 Nov 2013 05:50 AM PST  Designing a virtual concept for the Gran Turismo 6 to be offered as special downloadable content (DLC) from next year wasn't enough for Mercedes-Benz which brought the AMG Vision supercar to life with a 1:1 scale model displayed at the firm's Los Angeles Auto Show booth. It's certainly an impressive sight to behold, even though we know that the 300SL (the classic one) inspired model is completely hollow underneath. When designing the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, the people at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California, envisioned the car with an aluminum space-frame body and a front-mid mounted twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine of unspecified displacement twisting out of 577HP (430 kW) and 590 lb-ft of torque.                  |
| A Walk Around Ford's LA Auto Show Booth Posted: 21 Nov 2013 05:31 AM PST  In this post we'll be taking a zippy run through Ford's Los Angeles Auto Show stand where the Blue Oval is showing a conceptual study for a next generation mid-size SUV with a global…Edge as well as a few other interesting models. The Edge Concept is mildly disguised version of the production car that will be added to Ford's global lineup by 2015, previewing its design language along with some new high-tech gadgets like the push-button and remote-operated parking feature that drivers can use from either inside or outside the vehicle. Another cool looking model at Ford's booth is the re-bodied Shelby Mustang GT500 from next year's Need for Speed movie dressed in an impressive yet sleek looking body kit and massive wheels. One last mention should be made to the Fusion Energi research vehicle that adopts the same renewable material used to produce Coca-Cola's PlantBottle Technology packaging for seat cushions, seat backs, head restraints, door panel inserts and headliners.                           |
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