Automotive Exposure

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Just-the-Car Footage, 2013 Rally Sweden

2013-02-13T12:47:00.001-07:00

The $3,000 Brand-new Motorcycle @Drive

2013-02-06T11:37:00.002-07:00

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring Experience - @Drive

2013-02-06T11:34:00.002-07:00

This is the Spa 24 - @Drive

2013-02-06T11:32:00.001-07:00

Top Gear Season 19, Episode 2

2013-02-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gear-season-19-episode-2-19x02_2418722.htm

Top Gear Season 19 Episode 1

2013-01-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gear-season-19-episode-1-19x01_part-1_2418157.htm

Its back! and here is the link, you are welcome.

Volvo S60 Polestar Concept looking Smurfy in Jay Leno's Garage

2013-01-23T09:05:00.002-07:00

Is it just us, or has Jay Leno's Garage evolved from an intimate, off-the-cuff video series designed to show off the late-night comedian's automobile collection into something a lot more ambitious and... mainstream? This isn't a complaint, exactly, as Leno has been putting out engaging videos at an increasingly furious pace. However, we can't help but note that the subjects have largely graduated from the funnyman's steam-powered eccentricities and forgotten classics to lots of new production and concept cars, often with automaker execs in tow. It's almost as if the series is turning into an internet version of his NBC talk show, one where bigwigs swing by to show off their latest projects as part of their publicity tours, only instead of new movies and albums, it's cars or the occasional motorcycle.

Such is the exactly case with Volvo's stonking S60 Polestar Concept, which makes its appearance in Jay's warehouse of wonders this week. Tuned by in-house skunkworks Polestar, the "Swedish Racing Blue" S60 has certainly been making the rounds as of late, with recent appearances near Leno's garage at the LA Auto Show and an Auto Motor und Sport track faceoff against the BMW M3 and Audi RS4 Avant.

Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that Volvo is so keen to get its showcar in front of the cameras – last we heard, executives were seriously considering a small production run for their unlikely 508-horsepower, all-wheel drive sport sedan, though we continue to hear that realistic pricing is likely to be a roadblock.

Regardless of whether the S60 Polestar has a production future or not, we can't get enough of it. If you're like us, check out Leno's video below for more.

Original Article From:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/volvo-s60-polestar-concept-looking-smurfy-in-jay-lenos-garage/

Ducati Streetfighter 848

2013-01-20T12:09:00.004-07:00

Dakar Rally 2013 Gallery 2

2013-01-18T15:10:00.001-07:00

Teams work through the night to repair the cars after day one of the of the Dakar Rally on Jan. 5 in Pisco, Peru. (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Carlos Sainz and co-pilot Timo Gottshalk of team Buggy compete during the stage from Pisco to Nazca on day three of the Dakar Rally on Jan. 7 in Pisco, Peru. (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

A man works on a truck during the rest day of the Dakar Rally competition in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina, on Jan. 13. (Felipe Trueba/European Pressphoto Agency)

Robby Gordon is pictured next to his overturned truck in the sand during Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally between Nazca and Arequipa, Peru, on Jan. 8. (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)

Riders compete during the Stage 1 of the Dakar Rally between Lima and Pisco, Peru, on Jan. 5. The rally will take place in Peru, Argentina and Chile from Jan. 5 to 20. (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)

Chile's Claudio Rodriguez rides his Honda motorcycle during the second stage of the Dakar Rally on Jan. 6. (Jacky Naegelen/Reuters)

Honda rider Gerard Farres Guell of Spain, left, and Honda rider Helder Rodrigues of Portugal, right, talk at the end of the special stage of the 2013 Dakar Rally's 5th stage from Arequipa, Peru, to Arica, Chile, on Jan. 9. (Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press)

France's Vincent Guindani rides his Yamaha during the 9th stage of the Dakar Rally from San Miguel de Tucuman to Cordoba, Argentina, on Jan. 14. (Jacky Naegelen/Reuters)

Brazil's Guilherme Spinelli is seen stuck in a flooded river during Stage 8 of the Dakar Rally between Salta and Tucuman, Argentina, on Jan. 12. (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

A man cleans a vehicle during the rest day of the Dakar Rally competition in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina, on Jan. 13. (Felipe Trueba/European Pressphoto Agency)

Dakar Rally 2013 Gallery 1

2013-01-18T14:54:00.001-07:00

This year, racers in the Dakar Rally are more than halfway through their 8,000-mile journey. They travel via motorcycle, quad bike, car, or truck over extreme terrain in three countries in South America. Competitors and support crews come from more than 50 countries to challenge their mechanical, driving, and orienteering skills. The race kicked off in Lima on Jan. 5 and will wrap up this Sunday with the podium celebrations in Santiago, Chile. -- Lloyd Young

Argentinian Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue try to escape from a dune as they take part in the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Arica and Calama, Chile, on Jan. 10. (Frederic Le Floc'h /Dakar Rally)

Salvadoran Jorge Aguilar takes part in the sixth stage of Dakar Rally between Arica and Calama, Chile, on Jan. 10. (Felipe Trueba/European Pressphoto Agency)

Lucio Alvarez and co-driver Ronnie Graue of team Toyota compete in stage 9 from Tucuman to Cordoba during the 2013 Dakar Rally on Jan. 14 in Tucuman, Argentina. (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Peruvian fans take pictures of the podium during the departure ceremony of the fifth South American edition of the Dakar Rally in Lima on Jan. 5. (Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images) #

Mitsubishi driver Francisco Leon, right, of Peru, waves a banner that reads in Spanish "I love you Peru" during the symbolic start of the Peru-Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally in Lima, Peru, on Jan. 5, 2013. The race of over 400 vehicles including cars, bikes, trucks and quads begins Saturday in Lima and finishes in Santiago, Chile on Jan. 20. (Karel Navarro/Associated Press) #

US driver Robby Gordon jumps from the podium in his Hummer during the departure ceremony of the fifth South American edition of the Dakar Rally in Lima on Jan. 5 (Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images) #

France's David Casteu rides his Yamaha during the Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally in Pisco, Peru, on Jan. 6. The rally will take place in Peru, Argentina and Chile from Jan. 5 to 20. (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images) #

Russian driver Vladimir Vasilyev overturns during the third stage of the Dakar Rally in the Nazca desert, about 450 km south of Lima, Peru, on Jan. 7. (Paolo Aguilar/European Pressphoto Agency) #

Ben Grabham of team HSE KTM Australia competes during the stage from Pisco to Pisco on day two of the 2013 Dakar Rally on Jan. 6 in Pisco, Peru. (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) #

A woman jumps as France's Ronan Chabot and co-pilot Gilles Pillot compete with their SMG truck during the 3rd stage of the Dakar Rally from Pisco to Nazca on Jan. 7. (Jacky Naegelen/Reuters) #

Lucra LC470 is the wildest car you've never heard of

2013-01-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

It may very well be that you've never heard of boutique carmaker Lucra, nor its rather incredible LC470 roadster, but after watching this recent Motor Trend video detailing the car, you'll probably want to learn more.

Green Goblin styling to the side for a moment, a curb weight of less than 2,000 pounds and output of more than 600 horsepower are both impressive stats. Perhaps more impressive is the sound that the blistering car makes when driven in anger.

Click below, watch, drool and enjoy. We'll be busy on our end, too, trying to get the Lucra folks on the phone about a test drive, and inquiring about the still-more-bonkers car they're apparently planning for release this summer.

Porsche Museum highlights history of the 911 RSR

2013-01-18T14:30:00.001-07:00

Porsche has amassed quite an impressive trophy case in just about every racing series it has ever entered, and one of its most dominant machines has to be the 911 RSR from the 1970s. Taking part in various GT-class competitions, the 911 RSR managed to take home three international and seven German victories in 1973, its very first year of competition.

Not one to downplay its racing successes, Porsche has released an informative video detailing the 911 RSR's impressive heritage. The 1973 RSR model owned by the Porsche Museum is detailed beautifully on video, and we have to say it looks absolutely stunning in its vintage Martini Racing livery.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is dressed to impress

2013-01-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

The main focus of Mercedes-Benz's presence here at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show will be the fully redesigned 2014 E-Class (and its too-hot AMG counterpart), but the German automaker did bring along another tasty little morsel for a sneak preview. Meet the new 2014 CLA-Class – a swoopy compact sedan based on the already successful new A-Class hatchback that'll be arriving Stateside in September of this year. Mercedes-Benz introduced its new entry-level car to the world at Detroit's Westin Book Cadillac hotel, but the CLA won't be making an appearance under the lights of Cobo Hall. Instead, the company will be shipping its new four-door off to be officially debuted to the public at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin later this week, and its first official viewing at an auto show will be at the Geneva Motor Show.

And what a shame that is. We spent a few hours ogling the new CLA and it's sort of sad that show-goers in Detroit this week won't be able to do the same. It's an impossibly pretty car from every single angle, Mercedes-Benz showing it off here in a deep red and a flat gray, the latter with optional sport appearance goodies. Part of that attractiveness is thanks to how stylishly slippery the CLA is – it boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.23, making it the most aerodynamic series production vehicle in the world. (Take that, Prius!)

It's a nicely proportioned thing, too. It's roughly the same size as a C-Class, and the four-door coupe language works quite well here in a smaller package. Mercedes designers have done a fantastic job with this sleek design on the larger CLS, and it's arguably even better-looking here on this little guy. You really need to see the CLA in person to realize just how good it looks.When the 2014 CLA-Class launches in the United States this fall, it will initially come only in CLA250 guise, packing a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four good for 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but Mercedes-Benz will also be offering a retuned version of its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The company says that its AMG performance arm was heavily involved in the development of this new 4Matic architecture, and if that's the case, there's reason to expect good things. We'll have to wait a little longer for the full-on AMG package, previewed by the A45 AMG hatchback in Europe.

Inside, the CLA boasts the same levels of refinement found across its current lineup, and while you might think the cabin is a bit cramped – especially in the back – that isn't the case. No, those rear seats aren't what we'd call capacious (our apologies to taller passengers), but they aren't all that bad. And regardless, the interior is a comfy, cushy place.

Mercedes-Benz is hoping to attract a whole host of new buyers with the CLA-Class – people who would never have considered shopping the luxury automaker in the past. If the early accomplishments of the A-Class overseas are any indication (Mercedes-Benz says its launch of the A-Class was one of the most successful in the company's history), then perhaps this same magic can happen in the States with the CLA. And with pricing expected to fall around $30,000, that might not be too far-fetched of a thought.

The Style Rebel

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz is expanding its lineup with the all-new 2014 CLA-Class. The new four-door coupe is a style rebel that takes its design cues from the CLS, whose design concept has inspired more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in Detroit in 2003. This brand new vehicle features world-leading aerodynamics, avant-garde coupe design and with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (available Spring 2014). With its frameless doors, the four-door coupe seamlessly carries the design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production. The new model features COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST as a standard feature. At speeds above 4 mph, this radar-based braking system is able to warn the driver of obstacles and to anticipate braking force when the driver steps on the brake pedal. The all-new 2014 CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships Fall 2013.

"The response to the Concept Style Coupe was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was 'Please put this car into series production.' That's precisely what we are doing now," notes Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The CLA is a car that does not confuse 'mid-size' with 'mid-quality'. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand."

The sporty CLA comes with a powerful turbocharged engine generating 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as sport suspension and available 4MATIC all- wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles (Cd value: 0.23) and a wide range of driver assistance systems, including advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

This radar-based assistance system provides the driver with visual and acoustic warnings of identified obstacles and primes Brake Assist for adaptive braking. Brake Assist is initiated as soon as the driver steps hard on the brake pedal. When the system identifies a risk of collision, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST calculates the precise braking force ideally needed to avoid an accident and makes the best possible use of any distance remaining. Adaptive Braking Assist activates at speeds of just 4 mph and gives trailing vehicles as much time as possible to also react accordingly and avoid another accident.

There are four special equipment packages and a series of standalone options for individualizing the striking compact four-door coupe (length/width/height: 182.3/80.0/56.6 inches). In keeping with the digital lifestyle of the CLA's social media-savvy target group, smartphones can also be fully integrated into the vehicle's display and operating system via mbrace2, which is standard equipment.

Following a brief appearance on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the CLA will celebrate its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 15 to 18, 2013). The new CLA will arrive at U.S. dealerships in September 2013.

The style rebel - exterior design

Its sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design language featuring the interaction of concave and convex surfaces give this four-door coupe its distinctive look. The CLA carries the avant-garde design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production almost 1:1.

Striking features include the hood with its power domes and the diamond-look grille. The arrangement of the headlights and LEDs behind the headlamp lens evokes the characteristic "flame effect" for the optional daytime running lights and indicators. This light signature is a key aspect of the car's energetic look and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

A number of details indicate that the design of the CLA represents a further development of the modern classic Mercedes-Benz CLS. Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side - the front structural edge above the fenders flows toward the rear in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third feature line extends in a sweeping curve from the front wheel toward the rear. Together, these lines lend depth and dynamism to the side profile.

The design of the rear end emphasizes the width of the CLA, expressing power and athleticism with the interaction of convex and concave surfaces and edges. The gently sloping roof contour and pronounced curve of the rear window retain the CLA's coupe-style character. The athletic look of the rear end comes from the drawn-in C-pillars paired with the shoulder muscle above the rear wheel arches. The tail lights are framed by the muscular shoulder lines extending into the back while the horizontal light layout emphasizes the car's powerful and visually striking breadth.

A large panorama sunroof is available as a standalone option. It consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a glass moving panel and side trim elements to match the glass look. The visual effect is of a glass surface that extends all the way from the front to the rear windshield.

Premium look-and-feel - the interior

The exterior's progressive, sporty appearance also carries through to the vehicle interior. Anthracite surface finish is available as the standard trim. Additional trim options include burl walnut wood, black ash wood and aluminum.

The instrument panel incorporates five air vents. The outer rings of the vents are done in a high-quality galvanized finish, while a galvanized insert controls the direction of airflow. The free-standing display is set in black piano-lacquer trim and edged with a flush-fitting silver frame.

(Wind) resistance is futile - a new record Cd figure

With a Cd figure of 0.23, the CLA sets a new benchmark among not only Mercedes models, but also all series-production vehicles. The frontal surface area, Cd x A - which is crucial to aerodynamic resistance – also leads the field at 5.49 sq. ft.

The good air flow characteristics, which have a major impact on fuel consumption under everyday driving conditions, are the result of extensive aerodynamic optimization. These include a low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, low-drag wheel trims and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches.

Extensive underbody cladding, additional cladding at the center of the rear axle, an aerodynamically optimized muffler and a diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.

Smart safety - advanced assistance systems

An extensive array of standard and optional driver assistance systems in the CLA is available to the driver. Standard features include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which offers collision protection in the CLA from speeds of just 4 mph.

The optional Driver Assistance package also offers DISTRONIC, as well as familiar safety systems including Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. PARKTRONIC with Advance Parking Assist enables autonomous parking in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and is available as a standalone option.

Precision handling - the chassis and suspension

The CLA's running gear features McPherson strut suspension at the front and independent multilink suspension at the rear. Three control arms and one trailing arm at each of the rear wheels enable longitudinal and transverse forces to be handled separately. Specific to the CLA is the flexible decoupling of the rear axle sub-frame for improved ride characteristics. The wheel mounts and spring guides are made from aluminum in order to reduce unsprung masses. Standard equipment includes the Mercedes-Benz Sport Suspension for sporty yet comfortable handling.

The CLA also comes as standard with electromechanical power steering. Compared with conventional systems, this power steering system offers improved driver feedback and makes an important contribution to overall efficiency, as the power steering function draws energy only under active steering. It also facilitates various steering assistance functions activated by the ESP® control unit. These include counter-steering in the event of oversteer, corrective steering when braking on road surfaces with differing levels of grip (split-friction braking), minimization of torque steer and compensation for crosswinds and road gradients.

Both the front wheel drive and 4MATIC variants of the CLA250 are delivered on 17-inch, 5-spoke, two-tone wheels clad in all-season, run-flat tires. The Sport Package offers 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels and adds Sport body styling plus perforated front discs.

High levels of traction and outstanding agility - 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is also available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. Like the other 4MATIC variants, this completely new development boasts high levels of traction and outstanding agility combined with excellent safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, and the rear-axle gear set with an integrated electro-hydraulic, multi-disc clutch. This set-up enables fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than that of competitor systems, as well as a high degree of efficiency.

All set for the future – a powerful and efficient drive

The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both feature Mercedes-Benz's 2.0-liter four- cylinder gasoline engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with the ECO stop/start function as standard for added gas mileage and is mated to the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission for an outstanding combination of sporty performance and comfort.
"Always on" - multimedia systems

The latest generation of multimedia systems in the CLA provides a wide array of functions, apps and graphics.

Like all models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLA comes with the brand's acclaimed connectivity service mbrace2, providing users with an extensive range of online and concierge services and apps all linking seamlessly to smartphones for use inside and outside the car. By using cloud technology, mbrace2 is always up to date and offers users wide-ranging and flexible access to content.

The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both include the 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth as standard equipment. The central controller provides an all-access pass to an abundance of advanced technology. This can be upgraded to the 7- inch display with the Multimedia package featuring the COMAND system with hard-drive navigation, voice control, an SD card slot, an in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, a 10GB music register, a rearview camera and SiriusXM Traffic & Weather.

Premium comfort – additional equipment options

As well as the Multimedia package and Driver Assistance package, the CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC are also available with the Premium package for an even higher level of comfort and convenience. Its features include an iPod/MP3 media interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, the harman/kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system, heated front seats, auto dimming mirrors, integrated garage door opener, dual-zone climate control and a compass.

Original Article From:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/2014-mercedes-benz-cla-class-detroit-2013/

Mini John Cooper Works Paceman is a potent little hot hatch in a fat suit

2013-01-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing we're never going to complain about, it's that Mini has found it necessary to put the John Cooper Works treatment on every single one of its models. We love the JCW package across the board, and the final installment of the high-performance chapter (for now, anyway) comes in the form of the John Cooper Works Paceman, debuting here at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

The John Cooper Works formula hasn't been altered in any way here, and like the JCW Countryman on which the Paceman is based, it comes standard with Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive system. We're sure it'll be a total hoot, and with 218 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque on tap, how could it not?

SETTING A NEW PACE FOR MINI: The all-new MINI Paceman

13.09.2012 -- A sporty new exterior design, lowered suspension for a dynamic ride and an exciting reinterpretation of the familiar interior – feast your eyes on the all-new MINI Paceman, set for UK launch in March 2013.

Styled as a coupé interpretation of the Countryman, four versions will be available when it arrives in showrooms next spring, including the MINI Cooper S Paceman which will have a 0-62mph of just 7.5 seconds. The seventh unique member of the family, it will sell alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupé and Roadster.

Packed with MINI character and obvious design cues which tie it to the rest of the range, the three-door Paceman's unique exterior styling is what immediately catches the eye. Built on the Countryman platform, bumper to bumper the car is 4,109 mm (4,115mm for MINI Cooper S Paceman and Cooper SD Paceman), which makes it almost identical in size to its sibling.

With a contemporary and expressive body shape, the Paceman has been created to appeal to a new type of design-conscious customer. The prominent horizontal lines and dynamic curved surfaces give the promise of sporting performance, yet there is an elegant simplicity to the overall form of the car.

The upright front grille, complete with hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround, gives the Paceman genuine presence. Its coupé-style stretched side profile features long doors, while the blacked-out pillars create a 'floating' roof concept, as already seen on the MINI Coupé. Available in either black, white or body colour, the roof gently slopes towards the rear of the car, ending at the integrated spoiler. The horizontal arrangement of the rear lights, which accentuates the car's width, is a first for MINI. The Paceman is the only member of the brand's line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate.

The car's interior has been designed specifically for this model. Its highlight is the innovative rear seat, which has been styled around a lounge concept. Two individual chairs provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim. A two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system – first seen in the Countryman – comes as standard. A full-length variant is available as an option.

The Paceman is a strict four-seater, though practicality has not been sacrificed. Folding down the rear seats expands the rear load-carrying capacity from 330 litres to a maximum of 1,080 litres. Access is via a large and high-opening tailgate, offering extra practicality for owners.

In the front, the raised seating position gives the driver and passenger an excellent view in every direction. The instrument panel includes many familiar components, including the large round central speedo. However, its black surround and decorative inner rings in high-gloss black or chrome are new, as are the redesigned air vent surrounds. Buttons for the windows, which have been toggle switches below the speedo on every MINI to date, have moved to the door trim panel.

MINI's trademark go-kart handling will be a key part of the Paceman's appeal, enhanced by the optional all-wheel drive transmission. Lowered sports suspension as standard will help provide customers with an outstanding driving experience, though regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option.

From launch, Paceman customers will have the choice of four powerful four-cylinder engines, two petrol and two diesel. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control.

For petrol buyers, the MINI Cooper Paceman features a 1.6-litre 122bhp unit offering a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds, fuel economy of 47.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 140 g/km. The MINI Cooper S Paceman uses the same engine, tuned to deliver 184bhp. It will sprint to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy is 46.3mpg and emissions are 143g/km.

For those who prefer diesel, the MINI Cooper D Paceman uses a 1.6-litre 112bhp turbocharged engine with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds. It will provide owners with a frugal 64.2mpg fuel economy and 115g/km emissions. The flagship diesel is the MINI Cooper SD Paceman, which gets a 2.0-litre 143bhp engine. Its 0-62mph time is 9.2 seconds. Fuel economy is 61.4mpg with an emissions figure of 122g/km.

For buyers who want the reassuring grip that comes with four-wheel drive, MINI's ALL4 system is available on the Cooper D, SD and Cooper S Paceman, models. And for those seeking the ultimate in MINI performance and desirability, a John Cooper Works Paceman version is in development.

Under the Paceman's body shell, sophisticated chassis technology includes MacPherson spring struts and forged cross members at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle and electric power steering with Servotronic function. These combine to provide a sure-footed yet dynamic driving experience. Extra fun can be summoned via the sport button, optional on Cooper and Cooper D, which tweaks the engine's responses and the power assistance provided by the steering.

Driver aids include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard across the range, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) including Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) on the MINI Cooper S Paceman, Cooper SD Paceman and Cooper D Paceman ALL4. Light alloy wheels in 16-inch and 17-inch sizes are standard, with 18-inch or 19-inch on the options list.

The state-of-the-art powertrain and suspension technology is married to MINI's acclaimed MINIMALISM environmental systems, which are fitted as standard. They include Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units, all of which help cut fuel use and reduce emissions.

Outstanding occupant protection is provided by an extensive range of safety equipment including front and side airbags. Side curtain airbags are fitted in both the front and back. ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear and a tyre pressure warning are on every Paceman.

Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, powered door mirrors and front sports seats. Popular options will include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, an electrically operated glass roof plus the MINI navigation system. Advanced infotainment functions are available via MINI Connected. A range of optional equipment packages will also be available providing customers excellent value and helping to promote strong residual values.

Eight exterior paint shades are available including the new Brilliant Copper and Blazing Red. Starlight Blue also previously unseen and unique to the Paceman. As always with MINI, personalisation is expected to be very popular and there is an extensive choice of bonnet stripes, upholstery variants, interior surfaces and Colour Lines.

It will go sale on 16 March 2013 with prices starting at just £18,970 on the road.

About the BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2011, the BMW Group sold about 1.67 million cars and more than 113,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years.

Volkswagen shows off performance-ish Passat concept

2013-01-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

As part of its 2013 Detroit Auto Show debut package, Volkswagen has rolled out a sportier version of the Passat sedan, though it's strictly conceptual for now. A small dose of go-fast visuals have been added to the handsome Volkswagen, including 19-inch wheels, carbon-capped mirrors, an advanced front lighting system, LED taillamps and dual exhaust. Some carbon bits and upgraded leather are found inside the cabin, as well.

But the real performance chops come in the form of a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends 250 horsepower to the Passat's front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. That's a good boost in power over the 170 hp of the base 2.5-liter inline-five, but not quite as potent as the 3.6-liter VR6. A lowered sport suspension and revised electronic steering are also on hand, making things slightly more involving out on the road... we assume.

Original Article From:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/volkswagen-passat-performance-concept-detroit-2013/

Jon Sibal renders the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7R

2013-01-18T14:19:00.001-07:00

General Motors has made it very clear the 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette borrowed more than a few engineering tricks from the mighty Corvette Racing C6R, leaving us to ponder on what exactly a C7R might look like. It seems our friend Jon Sibal was wondering the exact same thing. The designer recently took the time to whip up a rendering of an American Le Mans Series-prepared version of the new sportscar, and the creation looks as sinister on our screens as it did in our imaginations. With its exposed carbon fiber, matte black graphics, yellow lighting and center lug wheels, this rendering looks appropriately sinister.

Here's hoping Corvette Racing is paying attention. So far, the outfit hasn't said one word about its own take on the 2014 Corvette, but you can bet your lunch money the machine will give the rest of the competitors in the ALMS GT class something to sweat over.

2014 Cadillac ELR is making green sexy in Detroit

2013-01-18T14:18:00.001-07:00

Cadillac has pulled the wraps off of its newest family member, the long-rumored, Voltec-powered, eye-catching extended range hybrid coupe called the ELR. The car makes use of the same basic architecture as the Chevrolet Volt, but has been thoroughly layered on with design, technology and performance tuning – with the goal of being a properly situated product for the Cadillac brand.

In terms of styling, inside and out, the ELR hits the ball out of the park. Designers set an aggressive goal of staying as true as possible to the original Converj show car from 2009. The resulting vehicle is, frankly, as sexy a Cadillac as can be found on the road today. A low, fast roofline is handsomely accented by the ELR's strong shoulder line, while the stance is super aggressive thanks to monstrous 20-inch wheels pushed out to the extreme corners of the car. Exterior trim is wrought in either satin chrome or a very subtle black satin chrome (the dark panels inside the egg crate grille wear this finish, as does the outermost frame of the headlights).

All exterior lighting (and interior lighting, for that matter) is by way of LED units, with some pretty cool detailing to be found the closer you look. The taillights are made up of two LED strips, both of which light up during braking, while the outside-most element alone repeats when a turn is indicated. The sideview mirrors also carry LED indicators, though the driver's side light doubles as a state-of-charge meter when the ELR is plugged in.

The new Cadillac's interior is every bit the measure of its exterior styling, and rather lavish. (It's fair to point out that the interior prototype we saw was still not 100-percent approved for production, but we were told that it is very close.) The cockpit is as leather-bound as anything we've seen this side of a Bentley, with the ELR wearing cowhide in virtually every standard "soft-touch" area. Our tour guides were hot to point out that such normally forgotten-about places as the entire surround of the instrument panel, the horn pad and the door panels – all the way to the floor – have been leather-bound.

The in-cabin technology seems impressive, as well, with Cadillac's CUE system running the show, a malleable digital instrument panel informing the driver of near-countless datum and a 10-speaker Bose system with noise cancellation (in an electric car!) providing the soundtrack. ELR even boasts an industry-first (as far as we know) "power-assisted" sliding cupholder cover... we kid you not.

In terms of performance, the front-wheel-drive ELR is likely to be a bit subtler in its entertainment value than rear-drive fun machines like the Cadillac ATS and V Series vehicles. Total system output maxes at 207 horsepower (154 kW) and 295 pound-feet of peak torque, which should offer adequate, if not stirring, get-up-and-go for the 4,070-pound coupe. Cadillac is claiming a much more enthusiastic driving character for the ELR, still, based a lot on a stiffer body structure, and an available sport program that alters throttle response, steering effort and damper settings. The ELR also has a "Regen on Demand" feature where, by using steering-wheel mounted paddles, the driver can temporarily increase the regenerative braking level to mimic the effect of a downshift – as if the ELR had a traditional transmission. Of course, the ELR is anything but traditional.

The lithium-ion battery pack is refined (read: a bit lighter) versus the Volt's unit, though basically the same, and the ELR has the same 1.4-liter gasoline engine for use as a range-extender, as well. Total electric-only range for the car is estimated at 35 miles (the Volt gets 37); recharging takes about 12 hours on a 120v charger, and about 4.5 hours on a 240v charging station.

Original Article From: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-cadillac-elr-is-making-green-sexy-in-detroit/

Mazda6 Skyactiv-D Racecar ready to bring diesel to Grand-Am

2013-01-18T14:02:00.001-07:00

It may not be quite as radical as some of the company's past rotary racers, but the new Mazda6 Skyactiv-D racecar does have a notable powertrain underhood: the automaker's brand-new clean diesel four-cylinder engine.

Three of these new diesel-powered Mazda6 racers will take to the track in the Grand-Am GX class of the upcoming 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 26, with five drivers on each team. The car you see above, number 70, is sponsored by Mazda's longtime motorsports partner, SpeedSource.

Check out our full gallery of high-res images live from the 2013 Detroit Auto Show above and feel free to read through the related press release from Mazda below.

Original Press Release --

MAZDA MOTORSPORTS ANNOUNCES MAZDA6 SKYACTIV CLEAN-DIESEL TEAM AND DRIVER LINEUP FOR 2013 ROLEX 24

MAZDASPEED Ladder and Mazda Road to Indy Racers Promoted

Team SKYACTIV-D Mazda6 for Daytona

January 4, 2013 (DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.). Mazda Motorsports today announced team and driver line-ups for the 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where the manufacturer will be seeking its 24th class win at the most famous endurance race in America. Mazda teams will be racing in an all-new Mazda6, powered by the all-new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, in the new GRAND-AM GX class.

"We're thrilled to be starting a new chapter of Mazda Motorsports history with the race debut of our all-new Mazda6 racecar, powered by our all-new production based SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine. Our long-time engineering partner, SpeedSource, has led the technical development of the program in hand with Mazda engineers in Japan and the U.S.," noted John Doonan, motorsports director, Mazda North American Operations. "SpeedSource will be joined in Daytona by Freedom Autosport and VISIT FLORIDA Racing/SpeedSource/Yellow Dragon Racing. Our driver line-ups include a talented mix of young guns and veterans, all of whom are from the extended Mazda family."

SpeedSource #70: Jonathan Bomarito, Marino Franchitti, James Hinchcliffe, Tom Long and Sylvain Tremblay. Tom Long joins the 2012 SpeedSource Rolex 24 GT driver line-up.

VISIT FLORIDA Racing/SpeedSource/Yellow Dragon #00: Joel Miller, Tristan Nunez, Spencer Pigot, Yojiro Terada, and Tristan Vautier. Terada is of course the veteran Mazda racer who has competed in more than two dozen 24 Hours of Le Mans races. The others are all racers who have won championships within the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Ladder and the Mazda Road to Indy.

Freedom Autosport #25: Andrew Carbonell, Tom Long, Rhett O'Doski, and Derek Whitis. Freedom Autosport has been a winning team in the Continental Tire Challenge with Mazda. They are moving up as a complete team.

The first of the cars will make its public debut at the "Roar Before the 24" test session at the Daytona International Speedway on January 4-6, 2013.

The #70 car will also be at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Rolex 24 Hour race is January 26-27, 2013. Teams and driver pairings for the complete 2013 Rolex GRAND-AM full-season will be announced at a later date.

Farewell and Thank You to Dempsey Racing and Team Sahlen's

While Mazda welcomes Freedom Autosport and Yellow Dragon Racing to the Mazda6 family, two other teams are going elsewhere in 2013.

"We want to thank everyone at Dempsey Racing and Team Sahlen's for racing with Mazda these past few years. Both teams contributed greatly to Mazda's success in the GRAND-AM series, highlighted by our Manufacturers GT Championship in 2010. Both teams scored GT-class race wins," noted John Doonan. "We wish everyone at Dempsey Racing and Team Sahlen's great success in 2013, and we part as friends. We may still collaborate on future programs in the years ahead, and we'll always welcome them back to the Mazda family, should it make sense for both of us."

Original Article From:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/mazda6-skyactiv-d-racecar-diesels-its-way-into-detroit/

RideApart defends lane splitting on motorcycles

2013-01-18T13:59:00.001-07:00

Three devoted motorcyclists at RideApart have put together a video that goes soup-to-nuts through the practice of lane splitting (called "filtering" in the UK) – where motorcycles are ridden safely in between the cars in traffic. It's illegal in 49 states, California being the exception, and in numerous countries.

The riders say that lane splitting is safe, it aids the flow of traffic and having increased freedom of movement gives them more control of their own safety when being around cars in traffic. Car drivers often don't like it, but when it comes to the issue of actual safety versus perceived safety, the evidence appears to support lane splitting. One of the riders in the video cites a Belgian study that found that fatalities in which a motorcyclist was rear-ended by a car were 30 percent lower in California than in Texas and Florida, the difference being that lane-splitting is illegal in those latter two states.

On top of that, the California highway patrol vouches for its legality and CHP officers do it, a study by the US Department of Transportation declared that "lane splitting is safer than sitting in stop-and-go traffic" and according to a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that "most accidents are the fault of motorists [car drivers]."

Marchionne uses racial epithet to describe what must power future Alfa Romeo models

2013-01-18T13:56:00.002-07:00

Sergio Marchionne and his Fiat empire have a lot riding on the US return of the Alfa Romeo brand. The endeavor has been in progress for what feels like a lifetime – certainly for as long as Fiat has had the Chrysler brand under its Italian wing.

It's not surprising that Fiat CEO Marchionne needs a perfect first Alfa to mark a return to America. And here's where things get dicey. Nobody would argue with Marchionne's insistence that Alfa Romeo's be powered by Italian engines – as Marchionne himself is quoted to have said at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, "There are some things that are well done in Italy."

If not what he said, then, it's how he said it that has eyebrows raised. "I cannot come up with a schlock product, I just won't. I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it needs to be a wop engine." Wait, what's that?

As it turns out, the term "wop" is a racial slur referring to Italians that is either an acronym for "with out papers" or a play on the word "guappo," meaning thug or bully in Italian. Perhaps, considering that Marchionne carries both Canadian and Italian citizenship, his use of the word is playful. Either way, it's a somewhat surprising choice.

In somewhat related news, Marchionne also touched on the sales success of the Jeep brand and how it's caused hardship within company ranks. "I didn't sell all the Grand Cherokees I could have sold, I didn't sell all of the Wranglers that I could have sold because I couldn't make them. There was a natural limitation to my ability to compete."

That natural limitation lies with suppliers. Jeep set a global sales record last year of 701,626 units, led by strong demand for the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler models, which are built in the United States. Marchionne estimates that Jeep could have sold 70,000 more units had suppliers been able to keep up with demand.

Original Article From:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/marchionne-uses-racial-epithet-to-describe-what-must-power-futur/

Mercedes-Benz CLA stars in sweeping short with supermodel Karlie Kloss

2013-01-18T13:55:00.002-07:00

The Mercedes-Benz CLA earned itself a spot on our list of the top five unveils of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and for good reason. The German luxury compact is the first small car from the Silver Arrow that looks suitably premium inside and out. Nowness.com has turned out a new video of the CLA featuring super model Karlie Koss in the lead role. We aren't entirely sure what the premise is, but from what we can tell, it looks as if the CLA comes to life and proceeds to be a giant jerk.

After Koss stops to take a closer look at a white horse, the CLA gives the supermodel the old stop-and-go treatment before leaving her on the side of the road. Eventually, the sedan makes nice, but Koss has to ride shotgun instead of taking the controls herself.

Original Article From: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/mercedes-benz-cla-stars-in-sweeping-short-with-supermodel-karlie/

Tesla Model S finally has its date with a dyno

2013-01-18T13:53:00.003-07:00

The performance abilities – and even the burnout potential – of the Tesla Model S has already been well documented, but, surprisingly, we haven't yet seen the all-electric luxury hatchback strapped to a dyno. Fortunately, the crew over at Dragtimes has posted a video that finally gave us some real-world numbers for the family- and environmentally friendly Tesla.

As the article points out, the results might be off a little (on the low side) due to the run not starting from a dead stop, but the numbers are impressive nonetheless. Immediately upon throttle application, the dyno records almost 300 horsepower at zero miles per hour, and power peaks at 368 hp at around 55 mph (we imagine the "386HP" quoted on the video title is a typo) before trailing off to around 220 hp closer to the car's limited 130-mph top speed. This compares quite favorably to the power numbers provided by Tesla putting max output at 416 hp; the dyno provided no torque figures for the car. Dragtimes also believes this number bodes well for the car on the track, too, quoting a quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds at 112 mph.

The video of the quiet, zero-emission dyno session is posted below, so check it out.

Volkswagen's hyper-efficient XL1 edges closer to production

2013-01-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Volkswagen XL1 is marching ever closer to production. Spy photographers recently spotted the diesel hybrid prancing through the snow during a little winter testing, giving us our first look at the vehicle's daytime running lights, as well as the LED taillamps. The ultra-efficient two-door is said to be capable of returning up to 235 miles per gallon thanks to its two-cylinder diesel engine, 27-horsepower electric motor and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. We don't expect the car to be quick off the line, but it's hard to argue with triple-digit fuel economy numbers.

With its skinny tires and inset rear track, the XL1 should offer up interesting driving dynamics, too. All of the quirks of the XL1 can be attributed to the engineering quest for ever better fuel efficiency. Volkswagen says the car will have a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.186, which is far better than anything else on the road today.

Original Article From:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/volkswagens-hyper-efficient-xl1-edges-closer-to-production/

Rolls-Royce teases Wraith debut in Geneva

2013-01-18T13:49:00.001-07:00

Rolls-Royce is headed to the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with a new addition to its lineup: the Wraith. The ultra-luxury automaker says it plans to start deliveries by the fourth quarter of this year, though details are scarce at the moment. The automaker has contented itself with saying the Wraith will the "most dynamic, powerful and beautiful Rolls-Royce in the company's history." We hear it will be the most modest, too.

Rolls-Royce first began using the Wraith nameplate in 1938. The original car used a tweaked version of the 4.3-liter inline six-cylinder found in the company's 25/30, but its real claim to fame came from the fact that it boasted speed-variable hydraulic dampers. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 85 miles per hour, Rolls-Royce only built 492 examples of the vehicle's chassis.

You can look for the new Wraith to bow at the Geneva Motor Show in March. In the interim, check out the shockingly bare press release below and get ready for a spate of teasers to follow.

Original Article From:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/rolls-royce-teases-wraith-debut-in-geneva/

Bob Lutz: Destino is the Fisker Karma people will actually want

2013-01-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Bob Lutz has had grandiose performance luxury car dreams before – Cunningham C7, anyone? – but the VL Automotive Destino that was just unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show was certainly a surprise, even to long-time Lutz-watchers. As a reminder, the Destino is a Fisker Karma with a 638-horsepower supercharged LS9 V8 transplanted from a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Plug? Gone. High-tech lithium-ion battery? Sold back to Fisker.

For now, the Destino project remains small. Bob Lutz tells AutoblogGreen that VL Automotive has so far purchased eight Karmas, and two have been turned into finished engineering prototypes. Fisker says a total of 20 have been ordered. Still, Lutz believes this is a car with an audience. "I just heard so many people say, I love the Fisker Karma but I'm not going to buy it because I don't want that electric drivetrain with the four-cylinder engine," he said. "So, when you think about it, for a car in that category, here's this ultra-luxurious, super-low, super-sporty, beautifully designed four-door sedan. Probably ten percent of the possible customers want that in an electric form with a four-cylinder."

To satisfy the other 90 percent Lutz envisions, VL Automotive buys the Karmas and then removes the battery pack (carefully setting it aside) at VL Automotive's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan – not far from Lutz's old job at Chrysler. "We were able to run the driveshaft right down the battery tunnel and we had to make a modification where the battery tunnel ends and the rear firewall starts, because the Corvette transaxle intruded somewhat, so we had to make a little aluminum doghouse that's welded to the vertical rear panel," Lutz told us. "They had a gas tank, but there's all this room left over." In the future, the conversions will be even easier, since VL will buy glider chassis direct from Valmet, in Finland, Lutz said.

From Fisker's point of view, buying the Karmas whole is actually a good thing, Lutz believes. "[Fisker] has had incredible hard luck," he said, "And with the battery supplier not producing batteries, they're actually glad if we buy new ones and ship the batteries and the electrical back to them for a credit – that permits them to build more cars."

That's a nice, symbiotic relationship, but Roger Ormisher, Fisker's senior director of global corporate communications; PR, confirmed to AutoblogGreen that this project is not a joint partnership or strategic alliance.

He added:

Fisker believes that it [Destino] speaks to the appeal of the Karma and its stunning, award-winning design that coachbuilders are wanting to take our cars and modify and customize them. We join many famous brands in automotive history that have been the subject of customization and modification.

When the Destino becomes available, the price is expected to be around $180,000.

Original Article From:
http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/bob-lutz-destino-is-the-fisker-karma-people-will-actually-want/