Carsfresh

VW CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe to be built in China

2013-05-17T09:18:00.001-07:00

Volkswagen has just confirmed the CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe will be produced in China by the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture.

Production is expected to start in 2015 at a new factory located in Changsha in Hunan Province with a capacity of 300,000 units per year. Both models will represent an SUV based on the company's new MQB platform, with the CrossBlue becoming a seven-seat model and the CrossBlue Coupe a five-seat variant.

At this plant, Volkswagen will also build a new sedan, codenamed VW511, which will be positioned between the Passat and Phaeton. Also in 2015, the German carmaker will launch an even more luxurious model aimed at the local market.

LaFerrari photographed in Hong Kong by Icy J

2013-05-17T08:46:00.002-07:00

The LaFerrari has recently visited Hong Kong's Ferrari and Maserati dealership where the Italian supercar photographed at every angle by Icy J Photography.

Built to replace the Enzo, the LaFerrari is powered by a 6262cc V12 engine which produces 800 hp at 9,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, working together with an electric motor providing an extra 163 hp and 270 Nm. This setup creates a total combined power output of 963 hp.

Power is sent to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that allows the 1,255 kg car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and hit a top speed of more than 350 km/h.

Limited to just 499 units, the LaFerrari will go on sale in October and pricing starts €1.3 million.

2015 Honda NSX to be built in the U.S.

2013-05-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Honda has just announced their NSX will be produced at a new facility in central Ohio, United States, and that it will go on sale in 2015.

Each NSX will be built by a team of around 100 highly skilled engineers drawn from Honda's existing Ohio operations. Though the Japanese carmaker is yet to confirm pricing, but it's expected to cost at least £80,000.

"Thirty years ago, building cars in America was a big dream. Working together, here in Ohio and across North America we turned this dream into reality," said Hidenobu Iwata, President & CEO of Honda of America. "The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio."

As we have previously reported, the production NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine connected with Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, a new dual-clutch transmission and three electric motors - one integrated with the V6 engine and two driving the front wheels independently.

McLaren P1 successor confirmed

2013-05-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

In a recent interview, McLaren's sales and marketing chief has confirmed a successor for the P1 will arrive "at least ten years".

Speaking to Autocar, Greg Levine said "the only way a car like the P1 works is by being exclusive and having a short product cycle. After that, you have to step back from the market for a few years. These sort of launches can only happen every ten years or so."

Three-quarters of all 375 P1s which have been fully built by customers so far include bespoke modifications. The British carmaker says some customers have required to remove the air conditioning system or finish the bodywork in an unpainted carbon fiber weave to lower the car's weight.

2014 Audi R8 V10 by ABT Sportsline

2013-05-16T08:35:00.002-07:00

ABT Sportsline has recently launched an upgrade package for the 2014 Audi R8 V10.

Specifically, the 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine under the hood has been tuned to produces 600 hp and 550 Nm of torque - an increase of 75 hp and 10 Nm. This allows the sports car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 320 km/h.

To cope with the extra power, the German tuner installed new suspension springs that make for an adequate lowering and an even better road behaviour, along with coilovers.

This R8 is also equipped with several exterior elements made from carbon fiber, such as front skirt and grille, side skirts, rear wing and rear skirt. Other highlights include a weight-optimised exhaust system made of stainless steel and 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 R19 front and 305/30 R19 rear tires.

Tips for trading in your old car

2013-05-15T20:32:00.002-07:00

When trading in your old car it’s best to go in prepared and armed with all the relevant knowledge, as this will help ensure you get the best possible price for your vehicle. Here are some top tips for trading and upgrading.

Do your research

The best way to ensure you aren't short-changed for your car is to do your research. There are plenty of websites that can help you find out the value of your car, such as Autotrader, and eBay can be a decent guide too. Arm yourself with the typical high-end and low-end price for your vehicle before going to the car dealer, hit them with a realistic high-end price, let them know you know your stuff and you'll have a much better chance of negotiating a good, fair price.

Condition

To get the most for your vehicle you must ensure it's in the best possible condition. Keep it in good running order by taking care of the basics, like regular oil changes. Dealers want a car that's going to look good on the showroom floor, so that means it looking clean with a good paint job and body work. You should think about getting any dents and scratches taken out and it might be worth talking to someone like Autoglass to deal with any cracks in the glass. The more work a dealer needs to do on your car, the less you'll get for it so it's worth taking care of these things before taking your car in to trade.

Shop around

You don't have to go with the first offer from the first dealer you see. If you don't think the price they are offering you is fair, then you are under no obligation to sell. Remember, you can always walk away. This is why it's so important to do your research: that way, you can make an informed decision.

Negotiate

Make sure you sharpen up on your negotiation skills before you trade in. Try your best to get all you can for your car and don't stop talking until you're completely happy with the price. Use the information you have on how much a vehicle like yours usually goes for and aim for a high-end price. You can take the maintenance logs as well and see if they can get you a little more, too. Remember, the better condition your car is in, the more you'll get.

Separate the sell from the buy

For the best deal it's a good idea to separate the trade from the financing. When you buy a new car there are a number of variables involved like the finance rate, new car price and down payment amount. You want to ensure that the trade price isn't affected by any of these. The dealer might give you the asking price for your trade, but then boost one of the variables to bring the ball back into their park. The best way to avoid this is to get your car loan from a bank or an online car loan specialist, rather than using the dealer's finance plan.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class officially unveiled

2013-05-15T20:25:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the 2014 S-Class at the Airbus A380 Delivery Center in Hamburg, Germany.

As with every generation before it, the new S-Class will set standards across the board to retain its accolade as "the best automobile in the world". Overall, the model measures 5,116 mm long, 1,899 mm wide and 1,483 mm tall with a wheelbase which spans 3,035 mm.

"The sophisticated design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual clarity. The design draws a line from the sophisticated, progressive design idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars - intelligence that speaks to the emotions. Stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless clarity and effortless superiority make the S-Class a true design icon," said design chief Gorden Wagener.

To underline the effortless superiority of the new S-Class, and its ambition to lead, the radiator grille is now larger, upright and distinctly three-dimensional in design. With its long bonnet, the flowing, domed roof line and the gently slanting rear end, the new S-Class has classic saloon proportions. The size and space have been fashioned in such a way that the S-Class appears prestigious, and the powerful roof line is also in keeping with the car's sporty coupé-style intentions.

A character line descending discreetly from front to rear - the brand's hallmark "Dropping Line" - elegantly structures the side wall and generates additional dynamism even when the car is at a standstill. The subtly created convex-concave effect of the entire flank gives rise to an extremely powerful and elongated car body that demonstrates both excitement and calm. The pronounced shoulder above the rear wheel adds further emphasis to the car's athletic character.

Inside, the cabin embodies a classic, superior and cutting-edge saloon. The perfectly coordinated use of materials and colours produces an exclusive interior seemingly cast from a single mould. There is generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard and centre console. Metallised switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes in three colour shades to suit the interior colour particularly highlight the outstanding quality.

Under the bonnet, four different engines are avaliable:

The S350 BlueTEC has a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine which produces 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque. This will allow the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.

The S500 features a 4.7-liter V8 petrol engine that develops 455 hp and 700 Nm of torque. It will enable the model to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, before topping out at 250 km/h.

Next up, the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid will reward customers with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine which creates 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This allows the car to run from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 238 km/h.

Lastly, the S400 Hybrid will be powered by a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque. This enables the luxury sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Fast & Furious 6 Limited Edition introduced

2013-05-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

Alfa Romeo has just introduced a new limited edition of the Giulietta, called the Fast & Furious 6.

Created to celebrate the Giulietta featuring in the latest Fast & Furious 6 film, the special version will be powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine which produces 170 hp. All models will come with a Fast & Furious numbered plaque, corresponding to each film in the franchise, while the dashboard will be signed by the all-star cast. Buyers will also have the opportunity to attend in a lifetime stunt day with a stunt coordinator from the movie industry.

Limited to 6 units, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Fast & Furious 6 will be sold exclusively through Motor Village Marylebone in London and pricing starts £25,675.

Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK, said: "This is a very exclusive model taken directly from a blockbuster movie of global appeal. The Alfa Giulietta Fast & Furious 6 limited edition is a hugely exciting addition to our range, one we feel sure will appeal not just to fans of the films, but all those with a discerning eye for beautiful automotive styling."

2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback recalled

2013-05-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Subaru is recalling 5,379 units of the 2013 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon in the United States. The affected vehicles were manufactured from February 15, 2012 through June 15, 2012.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another" in these vehicles. "If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash."

The recall is expected to begin today and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. Owners can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe teased

2013-05-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 on May 24, BMW and Pininfarina will unveil the result of their debut cooperation to the global public - the Gran Lusso Coupe concept. It is the sequel to a new approach introduced at last year’s Concorso in the shape of the BMW Zagato Coupe.

"This elaborate creation is a one-off that captivates the observer at first glance with its Italian exclusivity and modern finesse," the German carmaker said in a press statement. "Generous surface design and taut contours highlight an elegant vehicle body, while hallmark BMW proportions - a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline - imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe with authoritative dynamics even before a wheel has been turned."

Under the hood, chances are the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe will be powered by the same turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine as the 7-Series, producing 544 hp and 745 Nm of torque.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 ready for 2013 Nürburgring 24 Hours

2013-05-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin has recently announced the V12 Vantage GT3 will compete in this weekend's ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Dressed in Bilstein livery, the Bilstein-sponsored car will be driven by a team of experienced Aston Martin Racing's works drivers, including Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D), Allan Simonsen (DN) and Pedro Lamy (PT).

Motivation is provided by a modified 6.0-liter V12 engine that can produce more than 600 hp and 700 Nm of torque, but it is restricted by race regulations to approximately 550 hp.

David King, Director of Special Projects and Motorsport at Aston Martin, said: "This remarkable race, with more than 200 starters, has grown enormously in status since we first entered a nearly standard V8 Vantage back in 2006. It is fitting that our most ambitious and competitive entry yet coincides with our centenary year, but we face a tough challenge from more than 30 world-class GT3 entries, with the German sports car manufacturers in particular represented in force."

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class to be revealed at Airbus A380 delivery center

2013-05-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz has just announced the 2014 S-Class will make its world premiere tomorrow in Hamburg, Germany at the Airbus A380 Delivery Center.

We want to remind you that the double-decker A380 is the world's largest passenger airliner and this obviously persuaded the German carmaker to choose the aforementioned location.

"The new S-Class is the epitome of a modern luxury sedan and Hamburg is the perfect place to showcase it to the world," said Joachim Schmidt, Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. "The port of Hamburg is a symbol of Germany's export strength and success of German products around the world. In addition, it has developed into the most important European hub for trade with China - the main market for the new S-class."

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is expected to go on sale later this year.

Lamborghini Urus production version confirmed for 2017

2013-05-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Lamborghini has officially confirmed the production version of the Urus will go on sale sometime in 2017.

This important announcement was made by Audi boss Rupert Stadler at the Lamborghini 50th anniversary Grande Giro. He said the Urus, which was introduced at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, is considered to be the spiritual successor of the iconic LM002.

No additional details are known just yet, but the new SUV could feature a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 584 hp. It is mated to a dual clutch gearbox and a permanent all-wheel drive system.

2014 Acura ILX officially revealed

2013-05-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Acura has officially revealed the 2014 ILX that will go on sale tomorrow with a host of new standard features.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the new sports sedan has "eight new standard features to enhance its curb appeal, interior comfort and overall driving enjoyment." It gets upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, while the interior comes with new leather seating surfaces and leatherette door liners, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, a multi-angle rearview camera and an audio system with active noise cancellation technology.

Under the hood, two engines are available. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 150 hp and 190 Nm of torque, mated to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine develops 201 hp and 230 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or the aforementioned auto.

The 2014 Acura ILX has a starting price of $26,900 - an increase of just $1,000 over the current model. Information on the hybrid version will be announced at a later date.

Mercedes-Benz CLA GT-R by Piecha Design

2013-05-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Piecha Design has recently introduced a modest styling package for the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Called the CLA 250 GT-R, the body kit includes a chin spoiler and a pair of matte silver air splitters for the front bumper, along with new side skirts, flared front wings and a set of 10-spoke alloy wheels. The four-door coupe is also equipped with a trunk spoiler and an aggressive rear diffuser that incorporates a four-pipe exhaust system with 90 mm pipes.

Pricing details weren't announced, but the German tuner will reveal this project at the Tuning World Bodensee which is currently taking place in Germany.

2015 Audi TT-RS could develop 380 hp

2013-05-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Some new details are starting to emerge about the third-generation Audi TT.

According to Car & Driver, the 2015 TT will be based on Volkswagen's MQB platform and have a stylish design that aims to recapture the spirit of the original model which was unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show. The sports car will also reportedly adopt a more traditional cabin with TFT digital instrument panels.

Engine options are expected to include a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 220 hp and 300 hp in the mid-level TTS. The TT-RS could get an upgraded 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine which develops 380 hp - 20 hp higher than the current TT-RS Plus. Both front- and Quattro all-wheel drive will be available.

The coupe will be launched in late 2014, followed by a roadster a year later.

Lamborghini Egoista concept revealed

2013-05-13T00:00:00.001-07:00

Lamborghini has recently unveiled the one-seater Egoista concept at the company's private 50th anniversary party.

Inspired by an Apache helicopter, Walter De Silva's incredible concept has a highly muscular structure and is extensively made of aluminium and carbon fiber. The Egoista is "a car made for one person only, to allow them to have fun and express their personality to the maximum. It is created purely for hyper-sophisticated people who want only the most extreme and special things in the world."

Inside, the cabin is equipped with a racing seat with a four-point seatbelt, each strip a different color, the airbags and the bare minimum of instruments. The driver gets a headup display and to get out of the car, must remove the steering wheel and rest it on the dashboard.

Motivation is provided by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 600 hp, but performance details haven't yet been announced.

Video: Unique Lamborghini Diablo GT with Powercraft Exhaust

2013-05-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is an epic Lamborghini Diablo GT from Tokyo fitted with an extremely loud Power Craft Hybrid exhaust system and covered by a shiny pink vinyl wrap and stupid flashing LED lights all around the car.

In this video filmed by Youtube user NM2255, you can hear it starting up and revving during the first stage in Milan of the Lamborghini 50th anniversary Grande Giro.

Ferrari 458 Spider tuned by A. Kahn Design

2013-05-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

British tuner A. Kahn Design (formerly Project Kahn) has recently introduced a new styling package for the Ferrari 458 Spider.

The Italian supercar is finished in an attractive Grigio Alloy light blue shade and rides on Monza forged alloy wheels which are available in a wide variety of colors and fit all original centre caps. It also gets a lowered suspension, front sections, black-painted brake calipers and matt rear styling detail.

Inside is the 'bespoke touch' and the Kahn Ferrari 458 Spider scores profoundly with a rather luxurious Nero interior.

Video: 24 Lamborghini Aventadors revving in Milan

2013-05-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

YouTube user A8C100 has recently managed to film 24 Lamborghini Aventadors making huge revs at the first stage of the Lamborghini 50th anniversary Grande Giro.

The sound of these supercars is simply amazing and it's nice to see a lot of different color combinations, including particular wraps and also a brown one. In the video, you can also see an Aventador fitted with an aftermarket exhaust system from Oakley Design.

2013 Skoda Superb facelift UK pricing announced

2013-05-09T09:20:00.001-07:00

Skoda has announced the 2013 Superb facelift will have a starting price of £18,555 when it goes on sale in the UK on July 17.

According to the Czech automaker, the entry-level hatch is powered by a 1.4-liter TSI engine producing 125 hp, while the top-of-the-range Laurin & Klement estate will cost £34,430 when equipped with a 260 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, a six-speed DSG and AWD.

The cheapest diesel starts from £19,760 for the hatch, while the premium for the estate over its hatch sibling is £1,125. The refreshed Superb will be offered in the UK with six advanced engine options, including three petrol and three diesel units. Power outputs range from 105 hp to 260 hp for the 3.6-liter V6 mill.

All engines are up to 19% more economical than the previous generation units. The most fuel efficient variant is the 1.6-liter TDI Greenline III, which returns 4.2-liter per 100 km with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.

"The Superb continues Skoda's tradition of offering a huge amount of space, engineering excellence and great value for money," said Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for Skoda UK. "Since its launch 12 years ago, the Superb has been lauded for its versatility, comfort and equipment. This comprehensive facelift builds on these and we are confident that the excellent improvements to fuel consumption and CO2 will appeal to both fleet and private customers."

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe by Misha Designs

2013-05-09T05:44:00.004-07:00

US tuner Misha Designs has recently released a new styling program for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

Inspired by the C63 AMG Black Series, the wide body kit, which was built by RDB Customization Center, features an aggressive front bumper with three large air intakes, an unique air-channeling hood, revised side skirts and bulging fenders. There's also a roof spoiler, a low profile trunk spoiler and a sporty rear bumper with an optional carbon fiber rear diffuser.

Customers can also order gloss black 19-inch deep concave 14-spoke alloy wheels, wrapped in Continental Extreme Contact tires which measure 235/35 in the front and the beefy 275/30 in the rear.

Same as the previous SL wide body design, this new body kit is meant to be installed as a full configuration. The surprise may be that the cost is only in four digits, making this upgrade hard to resist.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Texas Edition revealed

2013-05-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet has recently revealed the 2014 Silverado Texas Edition which is designed to recognize the strong bond between Texans and their trucks.

According to the North American carmaker, the midlevel LT version features a trailering package, locking rear differential, body color trim, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and Texas Edition badges. Meanwhile, the more upscale LTZ model adds chrome accents and a Bose premium audio system.

"The Silverado Texas Edition recognizes the fact that one out of every six full-size pickups are sold in Texas," said Maria Rohrer, Silverado marketing director. "It combines features that add real value for Silverado customers with unique badging that honors the connection between Texans and their trucks."

Like all 2014 Silverado 1500 models, the Texas Edition includes:

All-new EcoTec3 engines - a 285 hp 4.3-liter V6 on the LT and a 355 hp 5.3-liter V8 on the LTZ
A stronger, quieter, more comfortable cab
A refined new interior with features and connectivity tailored to the needs of truck customers
Powerful, intuitive connectivity via Chevrolet MyLink
Revised steering, suspension and brakes for improved ride and handling
Ingenious solutions for managing cargo in the bed.

For customers in the other 49 states, an optional Custom Sport package with comparable features will be available, but no Texas Edition badges.

Skoda Rapid Sport concept revealed

2013-05-08T08:42:00.001-07:00

Skoda has officially revealed the Rapid Sport concept at this year’s GTI Meeting in Wörthersee, Austria.

According to the Czech automaker, the special Rapid features a two-tone red and silver paint job, 19-inch alloy wheels and twin exhausts. It is also equipped with a complete body kit which includes new bumpers, spoilers and side skirts.

The sporty layout continues in the interior, for example with a sport-type steering wheel, Recaro seats and illuminated door sills.

There hasn’t been any mention of any performance enhancements under the hood. We will keep this story updated as soon as we hear more.

Bespoke BMW M6 Coupe revealed for best MotoGP qualifier

2013-05-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

The 2013 MotoGP season is a special one for BMW M GmbH which is celebrating their 15th year as the "Official Car of MotoGP". At the end of the season, the rider with the best qualifying results will be awarded a customized M6 Coupe.

Accordingly, the bespoke model was recently revealed at the Spanish Grand Prix and features an exclusive Frozen Black Metallic exterior with matte black 20-inch M light alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin is equipped with M multifunctional seats, Merino / Sakhir Orange leather upholstery, a head up display, GPS navigation and carbon fiber trim.

Motivation is provided by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine which produces 560 hp and 680 Nm of torque. It is mated to a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission that allows the coupe to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.