987cars

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe Specification and photo gallery

2010-12-19T19:42:00.006+05:30

BMW has released official details and images of this highly anticipated sports coupe from the Motorsports division of BMW.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe carries Z4 35iS' 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six, which produces 335-horsepower at 5,900 rpm, with the redline set at 7,000 rpm. There's also 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque available from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, while an overboost function briefly increases this by another 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) to 369 lb-ft.Power is directed only through a standard 6-speed manual transmission, which is the way we had hoped things would remain. The 1 Series M Coupe comes with a secret weapon in the form of a deadly punch ‘overboost’ function, that when enabled, would briefly produce an additional 37 lb-ft of torque totaling 369 foot-pounds. This would give the little M coupe the ability to sprint to 60mph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds. Quarter mile times come in at 13.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Pricing of 2012 Nissan GT-R announced - Starts at $89,950 (US)

2010-11-21T09:25:00.004+05:30

Nissan has announced the 2012 GT-R will be priced from $89,950 when it goes on sale in United States early next year.

The facelifted model features a new front bumper, a revised rear fascia, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Inside, the cabin has been outfitted with higher quality materials and carbon fiber trim.A twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine which produces 530 hp (395 kW / 537 PS) and 488 lb-ft (661 Nm) of torque.

Nissan announced plans to offer a $95,100 Black Edition. Details are limited, but it features unique six-spoke wheels and a special red / black interior with Recaro seats and a dark headliner.

The Nissan GT-R continues to be a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere. With the enhancements for 2012, including its 530-horsepower twin turbo V6 and revised styling, the GT-R legend continues to grow.

California Babes from Los Angeles Show 2010

2010-11-21T08:59:00.004+05:30

Enjoy the beauty of California.Check out the photo gallery from Los Angeles Show 2010.The whole credit goes to Carscoop who made this images available.

Source : Carscoop

First Pictures of 2012 Chrysler 300 Sedan

2010-11-21T08:40:00.005+05:30

Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee are coming in the next couple of years. The company used this week’s New York Auto Show to present its redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as preview its next-generation 300 sedan.

The new 300 is claimed to be up to 19% more fuel-efficient than the current version and to set it apart from the competition the car is also promised to feature "unprecedented uconnect connectivity, and be available with a new fuel-efficient V6 in addition to a Hemi V8 with cylinder deactivation.”

Safety features will include ‘Rear Cross Path’ and ‘Blind Spot Monitoring’ systems to warn drivers of unseen vehicles, electronic stability control, an energy-absorbing steering column, a rear-sill reinforced body structur

Source : Carscoop

2011 Honda Civic (UK) gets Type R design cues

2010-10-12T14:20:00.006+05:30

Honda (UK) has just released details of the updated 2011 Honda Civic and it doesn’t take a keen Type R fan to to see what’s going on here.

The Japanese automaker has just released the updated 2011 Civic for the UK, which takes some design cues from the outgoing Type R model to keep fans satisfied.The 2011 UK Civic gets a new front grille, 16-in alloy wheels, color-coded sideskirts and more. The 2011 Honda Civic will be available with a 1.4L engine in SE and Si trim as well as a 1.8L unit in the ES trim level.

Press Release:

HONDA ENHANCES CIVIC STYLING FOR 2011

The British-built Honda Civic has been given a refresh with a range of cosmetic enhancements for 2011. The updates and additions are designed to enhance the striking appearance and passenger comfort of the car at no extra cost to the customer.

Production for the 2011 Honda Civic begins at the Swindon manufacturing plant in November 2010 with prices starting from £13,995 for the 1.4 Type S.

Exterior updates
Eyes are immediately drawn to the new front grille, which has taken inspiration from the iconic ‘Type R’ model, creating a smarter, more upmarket face for the popular hatchback.

Exterior updates also include a range of new alloy wheels now fitted as standard, with individual designs and sizes dependent on the variant chosen. New 16-inch rims feature on the Civic five-door range in 1.4-litre SE and Si, plus 1.8-litre ES trim levels. While the five-door 1.8-litre Si now wears a fresh set of 17-inch boots.

On the sports-inspired Type S model, the 1.4-litre Civic now benefits from colour-coded sideskirts and revised 16-inch alloys. The other news is a dynamic new exterior colour – Ionized Bronze, which is available across the Civic range.

Interior comfort
Keeping the driver and passenger comfortable is also part of the 2011 Model Year upgrade package, with a series of new interior finishes. SE and ES trim gets half fabric and luxurious Alcantara, while Si is now half leather and Alcantara with heated front seats.

2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor : Specification,photos,reviews

2010-10-12T13:41:00.005+05:30

Mitsubishi Eclipse sports car and Galant sedan. It was built as a part of Mitsubishi's "Project America," which sought to develop a vehicle specific to the needs of Americans, without accommodate for other export markets.

Endeavor's 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 225 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 255 pound-feet of peak torque at 3,750 rpm. A standard four-speed automatic transmission features a Sportronic manual shifting mode.

The available full-time all-wheel drive system provides a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, unless conditions require a different ratio.New for 2008, front-wheel drive models gain the Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) system, which was already standard on the all-wheel drive models. Also for 2008, Sirius satellite radio, with six-month pre-paid service, is included with the Endeavor SE models.

The Endeavor can now be ordered with two-tone leather seating for a more premium appearance. In this configuration, the Suki Beige seating is accented by black side bolsters.
The crossover provides 40.7 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats are up, and 76.4 cubic feet of space when the seats are folded.

Two trim levels, the LS and SE, are available to Endeavor buyers. The SE adds leather sears, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a 360-watt Rockford audi system, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, and steering wheel audio controls. The SE also offers an optional Sunroof Package and Navigation Package.

Pricing

$28,299 - $33,599

Download 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor Brochure : Click Here

Toyota FT-86 concept unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show : Pricing,Specification videos and Photos

2010-10-11T18:18:00.009+05:30

Toyota FT-86 is the joint sports car project of the two companies has just been unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show.The FT-86 G-Sports Concept features a sports suspension, new aerodynamic elements, lots of carbon fiber trim, and race-style Recaro seats in addition to its most intriguing feature--a turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter flat four found in the regular FT-86 Concept.

The high-performance engine sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual. This engine generates 200hp to 250hp and will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission channeling power to the rear wheels. This 163.7-inches long car, with a wheelbase of 101.2 inches is slightly shorter than the Nissan 370Z, but the two cars do have a very slight similarity in their looks. With the two companies working together, the concept has a common chassis and parts.

Pricing

The car is expected to head to production in late 2011 in Japan, with subsequent market roll-outs to follow, priced around the $25,000 mark.

Chrysler unveils New 2011 Dodge Durango 7-passenger Dodge SUV : Price, specs & photos

2010-10-10T06:43:00.000+05:30

Chrysler has revealed the all new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV.The new 2011 Dodge Durango will have a 119.8 inch wheelbase — several inches longer than the new Grand Cherokee. The three-row model is the first vehicle to sport the new Dodge logo.

Exterior of the vehicle has an aggressive look with smooth design lines.Standard safety features include standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, active head restraints and Electronic Stability Control; options include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Keyless Enter-n'Go.The car will be coming with features like standard ESC, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and forward collision warning.

The car will be offered with two engine options, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. The Pentastar comes with the capability to complete 500 miles on a single tank. The Hemi features a Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode and both the engine options have variable-valve timing (WT) technology.

Pricing

2011 Dodge Durango checking in at prices similar to the Grand Cherokee, with the invoice price within $2,000 - $3,000 of retail depending on model. The range goes from around $30,000 for the two wheel drive Express, to the low-$40,000s for the top of the line two-wheel-drive Citadel model. Most buyers will probably check in at the Express or Crew level; Crew, at around $3,500 more than Express, has many more standard features. All wheel drive adds around $2,000. The standard gear ratio will be 3.06, with 3.09 optional and 3.45 on the Hemi.

The Hemi V8 will be optional on all models, for around $2,000 extra on Express. Europeans will use a 2.8 liter VM Motori diesel at 195 hp, as well as the Pentastar gasser, according to “mrmopar;” both will use the W5A580, not the 545RFE.

2011 Volkswagen Eos Facelift Unveiled :Photos, Videos, Specification & Prices

2010-10-10T06:25:00.001+05:30

VW has unveiled today the new 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift and released the first images of the updated model. The 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift features the new "face" of VW including new headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, a new front grille with three blades. The rear of the 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift features newly designed, two-piece LED taillights and a redesigned bumper with diffuser.

Specs & Prices

The interior of the 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift now features a Premium color multi-function display, the Light Assist system, and the second generation Park Assist system. The equipment list of the 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift also includes keyless entry and engine start, which also controls the sun roof.

The coupe-cabriolet comes with a new front fascia with redesigned headlights incorporating LED daytime running lights, a new front grille with chromed accents, as well as a generously-sized air intake and new fog lights. The DOHC unit produces 200 hp and 207 ft-lb of torque. The front wheel drive of all the models of Eos is powered by VW's excellent direct-injected turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. It also offers decent fuel economy, which was estimated at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with VW's slick DSG twin-clutch automatic optional in Komfort models while the DSG is standard in Lux models. 2011 Volkswagen EOS facelift includes standard features like the new multi-functional color display on the center console, Keyless locking, Keyless access, Park assist and remote light control (Light Assist).

Talking about the engine, the 2.0-TDI engine of the car produces 140 PS (103 kW) gets regenerative braking and Start Stop Technology. It needs 4.8-litres of fuel per 100 Km. Two turbocharged direct-injection units deliver 122 PS (90 kW) and 210 PS (155 kW) respectively will be also included in other engine. The Eos possesses a rigid chassis that allows for responsive and predictable handling, top up or down in spite of its open cabin.

Two BlueMotion versions are also offered by VW, which are aimed at offering a high level of efficiency. The price of the 2011 Volkswagen EOS will start at EUR 27,795 ($38,845).

Volkswagen Press Release:

Volkswagen has unveiled the new face of the 2011 Volkswagen Eos convertible coupé ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show on 17 November.

The modifications bring the 2011 Volkswagen Eos in line with the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s design language as seen applied to the new Polo, Passat and Sharan. Horizontal lines dominate the front of the car with a prominent new grille complete with chrome highlights that create the impression that the 2011 Volkswagen Eos is wider and lower than the car it replaces. A set of new headlight units, similar in shape to those fitted to the Golf, features the option of integrated LED daytime running lights to lend the revised 2011 Volkswagen Eos an elegant new look.

A revised front bumper featuring new airdams and
fog lights is joined by a reprofiled bonnet. At the back of the car a set of new tail lights, drawing on the look of those fitted to the new Passat, creates a distinctive new appearance.

As before, the 2011 Volkswagen Eos features an advanced five piece folding roof with an integrated tilt sliding glass sunroof. To go from a closed coupé to an open cabriolet – an operation that can now be undertaken remotely via the key fob if the car is specified with Keyless Entry – takes just 25 seconds while the boot capacity ranges from 205 litres when the roof is down up to 380 litres with the roof closed.

Inside, new trim finishes enhance the interior of the 2011 Volkswagen Eos which is both comfortable and extremely well equipped. Highlights include a leather multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, a powerful eight-speaker CD stereo system and sports seats.

The new 2011 Volkswagen Eos will be available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines when deliveries commence in the UK early in 2011. These include a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 122 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI unit producing 210 PS as well as a refined 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 140 PS. This unit, with BlueMotion Technology modifications including automatic Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, can return a combined economy of 58.8 mpg.

BMW M5 Touring model photos gallery

2010-03-20T22:29:00.003+05:30

Earlier this year we reported that BMW had canceled plans for a Touring variant to the upcoming M5 but BMW has never confirmed that there definitely wouldn't be one.

This rendering of a possible M5 Touring was done by artist Jon Sibal, and it imagines an M5 which closely resembles the new 5-Series, which makes it seem rather close to what BMW would do if it went ahead and made a Touring variant for the next M5.

BMW has only just released the latest generation of its cash-generating 5-Series and word on what the next M5 will look like is a long way away. This rendering can give us a good idea, though.

The next-generation M5 is expected to debut near the end of this year (2010). It will come with a 4.4 liter bi-turbo V8 engine with around 585 PS (578 bhp / 431 kW) and a torque rating of 720 Nm (531 lb-ft). Horsepower and torque will be increased by 30 and 40 percent, respectively, over the previous M5. Perhaps, the horsepower wars are not over quiet just yet.

But the new M5 promises to be a greener machine. BMW claims it will sport 30 percent less fuel consumption than its predecessor (24 mpg or 9.8 liters/100 km) with a similar reduction in CO2 emissions.

2011 Volkswagen Sharan - Next Generation 7-Seater MPV Photos pictures review

2010-03-02T08:00:00.004+05:30

We weren't supposed to see the all-new VW Sharan before the opening of the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow, but the first official pictures of the German firm's seven-seater MPV were leaked onto the internet today.

On the outside, the new Sharan adopts Volkswagen's new design language with crisper lines and a wide, horizontal front grille.

The interior has been thoroughly updated and looks far more upscale and modern that the outgoing model, but that shouldn't come as a surprise as the first-generation of the Sharan (redesigned in 2000) was introduced way back in 1995...

Volkswagen has expanded the Sharan by a whopping 220 mm in length (now 4,850 mm) and 92 mm in width (now 1,902 mm) while the wheelbase has also grown by 75mm to 2,920mm improving interior space, both for passengers and luggage.

In the new model, access to the rear seats is granted through a pair of large sliding doors that can, along with the tailgate, be specified with electric motors to operate automatically.

The center row features three individual seats that can be moved by up to 160 mm back and forth if required and, when not in use, can be folded to create a flat loadspace.

The automaker said that as a result of the longer wheelbase, the third row of seats is large enough to accommodate adults as well as children. As with the second row of seats, they can also be folded flat into the floor when not required.

The boot is said to offer a minimum capacity of to 711 liters and a maximum of 2,297 liters with the last two rows of seats folded.

The engine range has been completely overhauled and now includes the firm's latest turbocharged gasoline and petrol units including the 1.4-liter and 2.0-liter TSI petrols with 140HP and 200HP as well as the 2.0-liter TDI with 140 and 170 HP.

Volvo Naughty S60 to Geneva Show Photos pictures review gallery

2010-02-28T14:53:00.005+05:30

Once a maker of some of the most boring to drive and mundane-looking bricks on wheels cars in the industry, Volvo has managed to turn up some pretty interesting proposals over the past few years - no thanks to FoMoCo's involvement.

Their latest and most likely last vehicle to be developed under the "loving" arms of Ford before the Swedish company falls into the hands of China's Geely Motors, is the all-new Volvo S60 sedan that will premiere at the Geneva Salon on March 2.

That we already knew. What we didn't know is that Volvo may surprise us with a sporty version(s) of the S60 as this blurred teaser image and a series of videos titled "Naught Volvos Are Coming" suggest.

Could it be that the Swedes are preparing the return of the 'R' series with a hotted up version of the 2011 S60 sedan?

That we'll have to wait until the opening of the Geneva Motor Show to find out, but we wouldn't be surprised if all this "naughty" promo-talk ends up being just another aero package of the same kind as Audi's S-Line or BMW's M Sport Packs.

Honda 3R-C Three-Wheeled Concept Photos at Geneva Motor Show

2010-02-25T08:01:00.004+05:30

A futuristic single-seater three-wheeled concept called "3R-C" will take a central role at Honda's stand at this year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show. Created by European designers working at Honda's Research and Design facility in Milan, the 3R-C concept vehicle is motivated by a battery electric drivetrain which is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis.

The 3R-C's features include a retractable clear canopy that covers the driver's seat while the vehicle is parked. When in use, the canopy serves as a windshield. Despite the 3R-C's overly compact dimensions, Honda has also managed to create a small lockable boot area in the front of the driver.

The three-wheeled study will be joined by the retro EV-N mini concept that will make its European debut in Geneva.

Hyundai i-Flow Sport Sedan Concept, New Photos and Review

2010-02-25T07:56:00.004+05:30

As well as publishing a second photograph of the Geneva-bound i-Flow concept car, Hyundai also released new information on its sport saloon study that is said to hint at a future Ford Mondeo rivaling, D-segment mid-size sedan.

The European penned i-Flow features all the typical design cues of the new Hyundai style with the company claiming a drag coefficient of only 0.25Cd.

Equally important, the concept study is the first ever Hyundai model to feature a diesel-electric hybrid powetrain. Previous reports stated that the Hyundai-Kia Group plans to have such a hybrid system on the road by 2012.

In the i-Flow, Hyundai has used its new 1.7-liter "U2" diesel unit augmented by two-stage turbocharging and a Lithium Ion-Polymer battery motivated electric unit. Power is transferred to the wheels through a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

According to the Koreans, the i-Flow is capable of returning an average fuel consumption of just 3.0lt/100km - equal to 78.4mpg US and 94.2 mpg UK- with CO2 emissions of just 85g/km.

We'll have all the details and pictures on the i-Flow straight from the Geneva Show next week.

Video: Heico Sportiv to Show Tuned 2011 Volvo C70 in Geneva

2010-02-23T23:55:00.003+05:30

For the first time ever, Heico Sportiv will have a place at Volvo's stand at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, where the German tuning company will reveal a new range of styling and performance accessories for the recently facelifted 2011 C70 coupe-convertible.

The Volvo specialist from Germany has prepared several goodies for the most recent version of the C70 including a new front apron, rear diffuser, sport exhaust system with unique tail pipes, lightweight alloy wheels in sizes up to 20'', a sport suspension system that lowers the ride height by 30mm and a bevy of interior upgrades such as custom decorative and leather trims.

BMW Launches Styling Accessories for X6 Crossover photos

2010-02-23T21:52:00.002+05:30

BMW is milking offering buyers of its X6 that might want the M version of the Sports Activity Coupe but need to think of other things in life such as house payments an alternative proposal in the form of a new line of retrofittable performance and styling options that can be bought separately.

Starting from June, BMW’s Performance division will offer a new Power Kit that includes an ECU update for the V8 powered unit in the X6 xDrive50i and the straight-six in the X6 xDrive35i.

The kit raises maximum output of the twin-turbo V8 in the xDrive50i by 41HP and 50Nm to 448HP and 650 Nm or 479 lb-ft, while the xDrive35i’s turbo-six shows an increase of 20HP and 50Nm to 326HP and 450Nm or 332 lb-ft.

With this kit, both models accelerate 0.2 seconds faster from a standstill to 100 km/h (62mpg), the xDrive50i completing this sprint in 5.2 seconds and the xDrive35i in 6.5 seconds. Acceleration in gears from 80-120 km/h (50- 75 mph) is 0.5 seconds faster in each model.Also available is a lightweight sports exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipes.

Owners can complement the power upgrades with an aero kit that is made up of the front bumper, side-sills, an insert for the rear bumper, a rear spoiler, rear fins in matt black and a front grid finished in high-gloss black paint.

BMW also offers a set of 21-inch alloys shod in super-chunky tires size 285/35 R21 at the front and 325/30 R21 at the rear.As for the interior, BMW Performance’s option include numerous accessories such as aluminium pedals and footrest and a sports steering wheel with a flattened rim at the bottom and alcantara coating.

New Audi RS5 Coupe Officially Revealed Photos Gallery

2010-02-23T21:50:00.002+05:30

After the online leakage of the Audi RS5 Coupe brochure this past weekend, there was no point in holding back anymore, so the German automaker came out with an official release on its Geneva-bound BMW M3 fighter.

Developed by Audi’s quattro GmbH division, the RS5 Coupe makes use of a revised version of the firm’s 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine found in the previous RS4 and the current R8 Coupe.In the RS5, the tweaked V8 engine delivers a maximum output of 450-horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of peak torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Power is transferred to all four wheels through a standard seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and a center differential in the quattro drivetrain.

With this configuration, the 4.2 FSI propels the coupe’s 1,725 kg or 3,803 pounds from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h or 155. Upon request, Audi can increase the top speed to 280 km/h or 174mph.

Not that it concerns your average RS5 driver, but Audi says that its hot coupe averages 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers or the US equivalent of 21.8 mpg.

It is worth mentioning that the RS5 comes equipped with a next generation quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that incorporates a self-locking crown-gear center differential which operates in conjunction with electronic torque vectoring.

Under normal conditions, the upgraded quattro system splits the power 40:60 front to rear but if necessary, up to 70 percent can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the tail end.

The RS5 gets a revised suspension with the car sitting 20mm (0.79 inches) lower than a standard A5 and 19-inch alloy wheels with 265/35 tires or optionally, 20-inch rims and 275/30 rubber.

It also features a more powerful braking system with 365 millimeters (14.37 inches) ventilated discs at the front axle (380mm ceramic carbon-fiber brake discs up front are offered as an option) and an electronic stabilization program (ESP) that integrates a sport mode and can be switched off entirely.

To differentiate it from the S5 Coupe with its 354HP 4.2-liter V8, Audi gave the RS5 a special exterior treatment that includes a new single-frame grille with honeycomb inserts, a redesigned front bumper with oversized air inlets at each corner and silver splitter, plus flared fenders that hark back to the original quattro model.

At the back, there’s a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser and two large oval-shaped exhaust pipes plus a hidden boot lid spoiler that automatically extends at a speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and retracts at 80 km/h (50 mph).

Interior upgrades over the standard A5 Coupe’s include a pair of sport seats, a sport steering wheel with perforated leather, red needles on the gauges and decorative inlays made of carbon fiber.

Optionally, buyers can trim the interior with decorative inlays in a dark, stainless-steel mesh look, while there’s also a Carbon design package for the engine compartment and, for the vehicle body, there are styling packages in black or matt aluminum look.

The RS5 will go on sale in Europe this Spring with a base price of around €77,700.

Nissan Pathfinder and Navara Pickup Facelifted in Europe

2010-02-23T21:49:00.002+05:30

Nissan has given the European market version of the Pathfinder SUV and its pickup truck sibling, the Navara (sold as the Frontier in the States), a mid-life facelift to keep them up to date with the competition.

The Japanese automaker made a number of enhancements to both models including the introduction of brand-new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, some minor revisions to the 2.5-liter diesel, a refreshed exterior and improved interior with more standard equipment.For the first time, the Pathfinder and Navara will be available with the Renault Nissan Alliance’s new direct injection 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel which will also be offered in the European market Infiniti EX30d, FX30d and M30dmodels.

In the Nissan models, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel is rated at 231-horsepower and 550Nm or 405lb-ft of peak torque available between 1,750 rpm and 2,500 rpm. According to Nissan, with this engine, the Pathfinder is capable of towing a 3,500kg (7,716 pounds) braked trailer with Navara having a 3,000kg (6,613 pounds) limit.

For the 2011 model year, the existing 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine has been subtly retuned delivering an 11 per cent rise in both power and torque figures. Power rises by 19HP to 190-horsepower while torque increases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450Nm or 332 lb-ft.

Along with the performance gains, Nissan says that the changes have seen improvements in fuel economy and lower emissions. Over the combined cycle manual versions return 8.5lt/100km (equal to 27.7 mpg US), an improvement of 1.3 lt/100km, while CO2 emissions dropped by 40g/km to 224 g/km.

The cosmetic changes on the outside include a new bonnet design, revised grille, updated headlamps with projector styling, restyled front bumper with softer corners that adds 80mm to the length of both models, a new rear bumper for the Pathfinder and new alloy wheel designs.Inside, both models feature new switchgear in the center console, revised door trims, new seat fabrics, the addition of chrome highlights, revised dials and, depending on the model, the availability of Nissan Connect Premium with a new high resolution touch screen.

Other changes include the availability of the ESP system and a rear view camera on the Navara as well as various equipment upgrades on both models (depending on the market).

The new Nissan Pathfinder and Navara will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, with the four-cylinder models due to go on sale across Europe in April 2010. They will be followed two months later by the new 3.0-liter V6 diesel flagship models.

While Nissan did not mention the North American-spec Pathfinder and Frontier in its press release, chances are that, if not all, most of the upgrades will be applied to both trucks in the 2011 model year.

TVR on the comeback trail with American V8 power

2010-02-23T21:48:00.002+05:30

Simply put, historically-British baby-Russian-oligarch-owned TVR is planning a resurgence of the world-wide kind. Rumors are that the new TVR model, whatever it’s going to be called, will be powered by an American engine and may even debut at this year’s Goodwood festival of Speed.

As for those American power trains, anything GM and V8 comes to mind as most-likely in this day and age, although TVR has been known to source from Ford in the past.

Why American? No doubt the crate engines would end up saving the company a ton of dough in development costs and reliability issues (wasn’t the Chevy small-block designed by Christ himself?).

Supposedly the goal is to have a sports car on the market for £70,000+, which would end up pitting it against the likes of 911s and R8s. Considering that TVRs have never exactly been the spitting image of reliability, it seems like this is going to be one major underdog (and no doubt more visually polarizing that either of VW’s sports cars).

Either way, as a Russian-owned, British-branded, American-powered, and possibly German-built sports car (Pistonheads reports that parts are already on their way to the Fatherland), the next generation of TVR is bound to be an international sports car of epic proportions.

- By Phil Alex

Cadillac rules European Luxury Market

2010-02-23T21:47:00.002+05:30

Those folks holding the reins over at General Motors are a funny bunch. Every so often then they announce some grand scheme to enter Europe’s extremely competitive premium automotive market with their Cadillac brand.

After GM’s most recent fiasco with Kroymans, a Dutch distributor that sold Cadillacs in Europe before declaring bankruptcy last year, the U.S. automaker will now establish its own organization, called “Cadillac Europe” that will import, distribute and market a selected range of models specified for the Euro market.

“Europe is an important market for Cadillac,” says Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “Re-establishing distribution of our premium offerings is good news for those who seek import exclusiveness”.

Of course many Europeans have associated Cadillac’s “import exclusiveness” with products such as the now discontinued BS BLS that was essentially a re-skined Saab 9-3 which in turn was heavily based on the Opel Vectra, but anyway.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Cadillac will give Europeans a taste of their newest products including the CTS Coupe that’s sated to arrive in North American showrooms this summer and this fall in Europe as well as the new CTS Sport Wagon, CTS Sport Sedan, the range-topping 556HP CTS-V, the SRX crossover and the “oh so European” Escalade Hybrid.

No word on any diesel or small displacement gasoline engines. That said, we suspect that Cadillacs will continue to be a more rare sight than pink-colored Aston Martins on European roads.

Hyundai Prices New ix35 SUV £16,495 in the UK

2010-02-23T20:40:00.003+05:30

The new Hyundai ix35, which replaces the Tucson in the Korean firm's European lineup, will cost between £16,495 and £20,745 when it goes on sale in the UK on March 25, the automaker announced today.

At launch the ix35 will be available with a base 161bhp 2.0-liter petrol unit in two-wheel drive form only and a 134bhp 2.0-liter common rail turbo diesel that's offered as a two-wheel and four-wheel drive model.

The entry-level Style trim models come equipped with standard features such as as 17-inch alloy wheels, ESP, air conditioning, built-in Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated front and rear seats, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters, leather steering wheel and gearknob, reverse parking sensors and a trip computer.

The Premium models add 18-inch alloys, a double-length panoramic glass sunroof, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual zone climate control, electric folding door mirrors, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, part-leather upholstery and roof rails.

Later in the year Hyundai will expand the ix35's range with the introduction of a 1.6 gasoline engine with direct injection technology and a new 1.7-liter turbo diesel. More details on these models will be announced in the summer.

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Model	On-the-road price (includes VAT, delivery, number plates, 12 months VED
2.0 5-dr 2WD Style	£16,495
2.0 CRDi 5-dr 2WD Style	£17,995
2.0 CRDi 5-dr 4WD Style	£18,995
2.0 CRDi 5-dr 2WD Premium	£19,745
2.0 CRDi 5-dr 4WD Premium	£20,745

VIDEOS : Honda HSV-010 caught testing at Suzuka

2009-12-28T09:47:00.006+05:30

Honda HSV-010 Spy Shots at Suzuka

With the exception of a singular shot and a brief press release, Honda is predictably mum on details about its GT500-bound NSX replacement. Thankfully, one fan in Japan was able to snag shots of the HSV-010 undergoing testing at the Suzuka Circuit ahead of its first race in May, and judging by the pics below and videos after the jump, SuperGT fans have plenty to be excited about.

Based on reports from the ground, Honda will campaign four HSV-010s in the 2010 season, each of which was testing at the racetrack late last week (check the differing window banners in the gallery below). The driver line-up hasn't been officially disclosed yet, but the new coupes will bear the numbers 8, 18, 32 and 100 at their debut May 20-21 at Suzuka.

Powering the HSV-010 (which stands for Honda Sports Velocity) is a 3.4-liter V8 mounted in front and sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox -- the same transmission used by Nissan and Toyota on its GT500 contenders. The styling bears some resemblance to prototypes that ran the Nurburgring in recent years, but it's decidedly curvier, more aerodynamic and -- to our eyes -- damn sexy, particularly in matte black with the angry LED eyebrows.

As previously reported, Honda has no plans to sell a road-going version of the HSV-010 to consumers. Instead, the Big H has found a loop-hole in the SuperGT regulations that allows the automaker to campaign a car in the series that's "production feasible" but not in production. So unless Honda reverses course and pulls an LFA, the closest you'll come to seeing and hearing the all-new NSX is in the videos.

Tags: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda,gt500, honda, honda gt500, honda hsv-010, honda hsv-10, honda hsv010, honda hsv10, honda supergt, HondaGt500, HondaHsv-010, HondaHsv-10, HondaHsv010, HondaHsv10, HondaSupergt, hsv-010, hsv010, hsv10, supergt

Video: Latest Arabian pass time? Drifting the new BMW 7 Series

2009-12-27T17:00:00.007+05:30

What do you get when you combine a luxury yet quite powerful limousine like the BMW 7 Series with the “craziness” of Arab thrill-seekers? A new video showcasing the powersliding/drifting capabilities of the Bavarian limousine of course!

While you can’t actually call it drifting, as the drivers just jerk the steering wheel and hope everything turns out alright, it’s still an interesting sight to behold. Hit the jump to see just what rich Arabs do with the BMW 7 Series, which we also had a chance to test drive recently.

Video: Michael Schumacher officially signs with Mercedes Formula 1 team

2009-12-27T16:40:00.002+05:30

It’s official Formula 1 fans, whether you loved him or hated him, Michael Schumacher is returning to F1, and will be a part of the all-German team of Mercedes GP Petronas (formerly known as Brawn GP, the current champion team).

The contract, which reportedly will earn Schumacher around $9.9 million in 2010, will extend until 2013, and depending on how things will be going and how the 41-year-old pilot feels, might stretch out even further.

“The motivation I think is pretty straightforward - the call I got from Ross [Brawn] at the end of November concerning the chance in my hand to go racing,” said Schumacher. “Having this phone call from him, and the circumstances of Mercedes-Benz being involved as the owner, I felt great. I never left the race track. I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006…but after three years of absence I have been getting back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes, and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.”

Frankly, I think this is great news and will certainly draw even more attention to a 2010 F1 season which promises to be the most heated one yet. Also, we’ll be getting a true UK versus Germany battle, with Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton driving for McLaren and Schumacher with Nico Rosberg for Mercedes GP. Until the season starts however, hit the jump to see an exclusive interview of Schumacher with the BBC.

Mercedes Benz to release new CLS in standard plus shooting brake body style at 2010 Paris Motor Show

2009-12-27T16:37:00.002+05:30

Rumors were already circulating about the next generation of Mercedes-Benz’s four-door coupe model, the CLS, which might appear at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, but now a new tidbit of information has appeared, concerning the body variants which will be available at the beginning.

It seems that not only will we see an already typical four-door coupe look, but also a shooting brake variant, which basically is just a new way of saying that it will have an estate-like form, presumably borrowed from the older ConceptFASCINATION model which previewed the newly released E Class.

Bot don’t go thinking it will go for the rather stylish two-door variant shown above on the concept, as four doors, plus the back liftgate will most likely be included in the production edition. What do you think? Should the new CLS sport such a body style? Leave your comments below.