Right after only a couple of moves and clever marketing here is that Nissan has managed to trim the Juke R to a handful of a lot wealthy fans. The crossover with mechanically Nissan GT-R indeed, served as the pace vehicle at the recent 24 Hours of Dubai for GT vehicles
Japanese takes component in [...]
Autocarbe.com

—

—

—

‘Superb Performance, Luxury and Infotainment’

Midsize crossover sport utility autos continue their sturdy demand by shoppers looking for a vehicle that they can use for a lot of purposes-comfortably transporting up to 5 adults, cargo carrying flexibility, and towing capabilities for their boat, atv’s, jet skis, and so forth, up to three,500 pounds.

With its distinctive styling, high levels of efficiency, luxury, comfort infotainment inside and advanced technology inside, the new Platinum Edition is like no other crossover sport utility on the road.  This new addition to the Murano nameplate is distinguished by adding normal 20 inch aluminum alloy wheels, DVD players behind the front head restraints, and Nissan’s latest Navigation program.

All 2012 Murano’s function a strong yet fuel-effective 260hp VQ-Series 3.5 liter, all-aluminum, DOHC V6 engine that incorporates a Twin Nissan Variable Induction Control program, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces.  Diamond Like Carbon coated valve lifters, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control technique, high capacity mufflers round out this truly high-tech engine.  It is mated to a smooth and quiet advanced Xtronic CVT transmission that is a single of the best that I have ever tested.  It also comes with Nissan’s Adaptive Shift Control that supplies you with a sporty driving knowledge and the smoothness that only a CVT provides.

Murano is obtainable in normal front-wheel drive or the optional Intuitive All-Wheel Drive technique, and all Murano’s come with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Manage to support you preserve manage of the car when driving on the edge of adhesion in sharp turns.

Murano’s sculpted exterior characteristics a wide front finish with a dynamic front fascia design and wide grille.  Murano is once again accessible with quad-cylinder style HID, bi-functional Xenon projector headlights and regular foglamps to lighten the darkness up ahead and enhance your safety.  The wide hood sweeps into the sculpted dynamic bodylines, with pronounced wheel arches that the Platinum’s 20X8 inch tires and wheels fill up giving it a much more aggressive stance.  Large chrome door handles and optional roof rails add each functionality and visual accents.  Murano’s equally distinctive rear finish attributes a unique rear glass shape that flares out, integrated rear roof spoiler and big rear LED taillights that accents the physique side character lines.  Dual exhaust outlets with chrome ideas give the rear yet another aggressive appear.  My loaded Platinum model came with rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, and a massive dual panel power glass moonroof with two^nd row skylight that supplied an open-air experience for the rear seat passengers.

Nissan’s advanced ‘D’ platform offers a solid foundation for loved ones adventure-style crossover duties and fun.  This platform, which is similar to that utilized in the 2011 Altima, has been optimized for Murano using aluminum and high-strength lightweight steel.

Taking benefit of the premium rigid and torsional structure is the regular four-wheel independent suspension also with an extensive use of lightweight aluminum for a reduction in unsprung weight.  The suspension style features cradle-type front subframe and multi-link rear design with improved geometry and massive front and rear stabilizer bar, supplies enhance stiffness with no noise, vibration or harshness.  The suspension in mixture with high performance dual flow path gas-charged shocks assists supply certain footing and increased ride comfort on rough surfaces.

Helping to guide you about slow moving city targeted traffic, at high speeds on the freeways and when busting trails if you order the AWD model, is the twin-orifice speed-sensitive power rack &amp pinion steering program that supplies the suitable levels of enhance with superb really feel for the road, quick reaction to your inputs and a fantastic on-center really feel.  It was a pleasure guiding this exceptional CUV around town and on the freeways.

Speedily and safely slowing the Murano Platinum down from speed are great, 4-wheel disc brake with vented discs at all four wheels, extremely distinctive.  Up front are 12.6 inch rotors clamped with dual-piston calipers and 12.1 inch discs in the rear clamped with single-piston calipers.  Maintain your in control during extreme braking time and when braking on slick or wet pavement are normal ABS, EBD and BA.

Open the doors of the new Platinum and view a sumptuous, properly developed interior cabin with the most current technologies, safety and infotainment attributes.

The 8-way power bucket driver and four-way passenger seats are double-stitched, extremely comfortable and extremely supportive with a memory system for two drivers.  The beefy leather wrapped steering wheel attributes power tilt-telescoping for the optimal angle and reach.  The advanced ‘mobile suite’ interior, embodying warmth and modern style begins from its sweeping instrument panel, simple-to-see instrument cluster, it its wide console, all with ambient lighting.  The center console characteristics wealthy wood trim, dual cupholders and two-tiered storage box beneath the padded armrest.  The 60/40 fold-flat rear seat is offered with a hassle-free power return function, with the touch of a button on either side, even though heated seats are regular front and back.  The back also features a pull-down center armrest with dual cupholders.

Regular gear in the new Platinum Edition Murano not talked about above contains wood tone trim on the door switch plates, console, cruise-control with steering wheel controls, rear view Tv camera, 7 inch QVGA color display, Bose audio technique AM-FM-CD with 9-speakers and dual subwoofers, XM satellite radio, USB with interface program for iPod, Bluetooth hands totally free telephone with steering wheel buttons, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control with front/rear vents, Nissan Intelligent crucial with keyless entry, push button begin/cease, power front windows with express up-down, power door locks, dual pane sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-remote/heated sideview mirrors, Homelink Universal garage door opener, grab handles above each and every door, dual map lights, dual lighted vanity mirrors, aluminum door kick plates, dual head-restraints mounted monitors,  voice recognition, floor mats with carpeted cargo region with below floor storage, and three 12-volt DC power outlets.

Regular safety characteristics contain driver/front passenger front/side and curtain airbags, active head restraints, LATCH system for youngster seats, rear side curtain airbags, 3-point safety belts with front pretensioners/load limiters, front/rear crush zones and side influence steel beams.

The new 2012 Nissan Platinum Edition puts the confirmed Murano up to a greater level competing against the greatest luxury crossover vehicles from Germany and Japan.

Copyright: 2012 Harvey Schwartz

SPECIFICATIONS

• Price: Base Murano S MSRP $ 29,960 As-Tested $ 42,840.00 which includes destination charges
• Engine: three.5-liter DOHC V6 260 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm 240 lb.ft. torque @ 4,400 rpm
• Turning circle: 38.1ft.
• Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
• Total length: 189.9 inches
• Total height: 67 inches with roof rails
• Total width: 74.1 inches
• Track: f/r-63.four/63.four inches
• Minimum ground clearance: 7.4 inches
• Breakover angle: 15.8
• Strategy angle: 28.8
• Departure angle: 25.7
• Headroom: f/r-40.1/39.4 inches with moonroof
• Legroom: f/r-43.6/36.3 inches
• Curb weight: 4,025lbs.
• Fuel tank: 21.7 gallons
• Passenger volume: 140.4cu.ft.
• Cargo volume: 31.8 cu.ft. with 2^nd row upright
• Cargo volume: 64.5 cu.ft. with two^nd row folded flat
• EPA fuel economic climate: 18mpg/city 24mpg/highway

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

Filed below: Etc., Japan, Technologies, Honda

It seems that ever since humankind grew legs and climbed out of the ocean, we’ve been trying to figure out ways to steer clear of employing said appendages. While a lot of of these efforts have been wildly productive – believe Roman chariots, Pony Express, and the Ford Model T – the current spate of personal mobility devices hasn’t really taken off.

The poster youngster for this failure is, of course, the Segway. Though entirely awesome, its greatest good results has come in comedic appearances on tv (Arrested Development) and in the movies (Paul Blart: Mall Cop). But producers have forged ahead, undaunted in their want to bring human-like mobility to humans. The newest: The Honda Uni-Cub.

An evolution of Honda’s U3-X motorized unicycle, the Uni-Cub marries a saddle and sturdy base with an omni-directional drive wheel. A rider controls the Uni-Cub by merely shifting their weight. Honda says it is “developed for harmony with men and women,” as the device positions the rider at fairly the identical height as pedestrians, rather than towering more than them like a Segway rider.

The Uni-Cub is developed for use indoors, and is powered by a lithium-ion battery and electric drive. It can reach a top speed of 3.7 miles per hour and has a range of 3.7 miles, which means that any reasonably fit individual should be in a position to both outrun and outlast the Uni-Cub.

Honda will begin demonstration testing of the device in June.

Scroll down to read the full press release and watch a video of the Uni-Cub in action, and be confident to check out all the images in our gallery.

Continue reading Honda unveils one more Segway-fighter [w/video]

Honda unveils one more Segway-fighter [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Might 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspE-mail this&nbsp|&nbspComments
Autoblog

—

—

—

On May possibly ten, 2012 heaven received an Angel and the Planet lost an automotive legend, Carroll Hall Shelby.

Carroll Shelby was considerably a lot more than just an automotive pioneer, he was an overcomer. During his childhood years, doctors took note of a heart valve leakage problem that would spot Shelby in a bed for a lot of years. Doctors even speculated that he would not get to see his teenage years. As time passed, a greater calling was upon Shelby as his health began to increase and by the age of 14 he was given a clean bill of wellness.

Beginning off his working profession as a chicken farmer, Shelby speedily created a alter by joining the US Army Air Corps serving as a test pilot and instructor. As endearing as he was, Shelby became a racing driver for Allard, Aston Martin and even Maserati in the early 1950’s. Winning his initial race in 1952 set-forth a motion in the Automotive globe that could not be reckoned with. His really like for cars stirred up a passion that would bring about a forward moving momentum that will live on in the automotive planet forever.

Shelby may have been a race car driver for a extremely long time if it had been not for wellness issues putting a stop to his new-discovered profession throughout the end of the 1960’s. Shelby did not let that stop him a single bit in carrying on with his really like for the automobile. Out of Shelby’s high-performance driving school, began the very year right after he stopped racing, came a project that would modify our definition of a performance street vehicle.

The license to the import the AC Ace from England was later obtained by Shelby. Possessing a fantastic handling auto would not mean significantly if it didn’t have the power that Shelby wanted.  From this, the AC Cobra was born making use of a Ford V8 engine, the replacement for the AC Ace’s straight 6-cylinder.

The original Cobra had a 289 cubic-inch engine and then later received a 428 cubic-inch engine to be one particular of the fastest production cars. Today his legacy lives on robust in old and new cars obtained by all sorts of Automotive enthusiasts about the globe. Several Shelby Cobra cars have been valued in tens of millions of dollars.

Carroll Shelby’s efficiency car formula will live on as will his legacy. We spend tribute to Carroll Shelby who crossed that river on May possibly ten, 2012 at the age of 89. God Speed!

LEGENDARY ENTREPRENEUR CARROLL SHELBY PASSES AWAY

Dallas – May possibly 11, 2012 – Carroll Shelby International, Inc., (OTC: CSBI.PK) announced today that Carroll Hall Shelby, a man whose vision for efficiency transformed the automobile market, has died at age 89. Mr. Shelby passed away yesterday at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Born on Jan. 11, 1923, Carroll Shelby was one particular of America’s greatest success stories. Championship-winning racecar driver, “flying sergeant” wartime pilot, philanthropist, entrepreneur, vehicle manufacturer and racing team owner, he embodied the ingenuity, tenacity and grit to overcome any obstacle. He is perhaps the only individual to have worked at a visible level with all 3 main American automobile producers.
Carroll Shelby founded Carroll Shelby International, a publicly held corporation involved in several industries. His licensing arm has agreements with business giants, such as Mattel, Sony, Ford Motor Organization and Electronic Arts. His auto company, Shelby American, has a thriving parts enterprise as well as a line of muscle automobiles which includes the Shelby GT500 Super Snake, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GTS. The Las Vegas-based company also manufactures a restricted quantity of the 1960s Shelby 289 “street,” 289 FIA, 427 S/C and Daytona Coupe Cobras.

Shelby regarded as his greatest achievement to be the establishment of the Carroll Shelby Foundation^TM. Created in 1992 although Shelby was waiting for a heart transplant, the charity is dedicated to supplying medical assistance for these in need to have, including young children, educational possibilities for young men and women via automotive and other instruction applications and benefitting the Carroll Shelby Automotive Foundation.

Shelby remained active in the management of each of his businesses and the Foundation until his death, even though he endured each heart and kidney transplants in the final two decades of his life.

“We are all deeply saddened, and really feel a tremendous sense of loss for Carroll’s loved ones, ourselves and the whole automotive industry,” mentioned Joe Conway, president of Carroll Shelby International, Inc. and board member. “There has been no 1 like Carroll Shelby and never ever will be. However, we promised Carroll we would carry on, and he put the team, the merchandise and the vision in spot to do just that.”

Shelby is survived by his three kids Patrick, Michael and Sharon, his sister Anne Shelby Ellison of Fort Worth and his wife Cleo. Funeral plans are not at the moment accessible. Donations to the Carroll Shelby Foundation are encouraged in lieu of flowers. Details about the Carroll Shelby Foundation is accessible at www.carrollshelbyfoundation.org.

&nbsp

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

The dual version easypower is for sale from 12,200 euros
Makes its debut in Fiat dealerships easypower version of Panda, which is with dual fuel method. The engine chosen for this variant is the 1.two 8-valve 69 hp that is coupled straight from the factory, with all the guarantees needed, an LPG method. This results in [...]
Autocarbe.com

—

—

—

&nbsp

After a few decades off the radar, brown appears to be producing a comeback as an automotive color. Vehicles ranging from the Volkswagen Jetta to the Lexus LFA are obtainable in a shade of the muddy hue, and there&rsquos even a Facebook group (of which we are a member, in the interest of complete disclosure) committed to the rich history and current renaissance of gravy-tinged transportation devices. Yes, brown is back.

&nbsp

Nonetheless, if you&rsquore nonetheless in need of convincing, one of the typical exterior color alternatives for Lamborghini&rsquos newest flagship, the Aventador, is matte brown. And rather than just ignoring this color and model mixture, German tuner Wheelsandmore is embracing it by providing a tuned Aventador dubbed the Chocolate LP777-4. And the name isn&rsquot the only thing that tends to make us salivate.

&nbsp

read a lot more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

Smaller version of the Kuga is created primarily to emerging dealers
It’s a worldwide car, the new Ford EcoSport, ie designed for different markets, specifically these listed as emerging. The EcoSport unveiled at the Beijing Automobile Show, even stylistic, a compact SUV, and is regarded as a smaller version of the Kuga, and at the very same time [...]
Autocarbe.com

—

—

—

&nbsp

You&rsquoll hear a lot of words when it comes to describing Toyota and their respective sub-divisions Lexus and Scion. Reliable. Comfy. Beige. Durable. Fuel-efficient. Quiet. Dull. Beige. Seldom do you hear words like awesome, effective, exciting, or even quickly. Nonetheless, the folks who spout the former are either haters or uninformed. As a single of the premier automotive powers in the planet, Toyota is the equivalent of 1 Dr. Bruce Banner. Calm and unassuming until it [Toyota] feels the require for speed, Toyota has demonstrated time and time yet again that when it wants to, it can and will, make machines that&rsquoll tear your face off. The annual Toyotafest held in Long Beach, organized and held by the Toyota Owner&rsquos and Restorer&rsquos Club (or T.O.R.C.), is a celebration of these machines and then some.

&nbsp

As a longtime fan of the brand, I owe a lot to Toyota from exactly where I am right now. It was a Toyota that chauffeured my family members and I about for the majority of my childhood and teenage years. It was a blazing orange Toyota that got me into the automobile scene into the initial place. And right now, by my hard-earned option, it is a Toyota that zips me via and about the mean streets of SoCal, 1 visitors jam at a time. Needless to say, I was pumped for this year&rsquos Toyotafest and wouldn&rsquot attend it like the clueless spanner I was last year (forgetting to charge my camera). Commence the coverage.

&nbsp

read much more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

Filed below: Sedan, Efficiency, Porsche, Rumormill, Luxury

German auto magazine Auto Bild reports Porsche is arranging build a sedan that will slot beneath the Panamera and compete straight with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Citing no sources (so a grain of salt is suggested), the magazine claims the 4-door, codenamed Pajun, will expense no less than $ 84,000 and be prepared for production no later than 2017.

In September 2011, Auto claimed the Pajun could spawn coupe, convertible and even a shooting brake variant. Back then, rumors swirled about powertrain alternatives that included a 550-horsepower V6, 600-hp V8, plug-in hybrid and an Audi-sourced diesel.

Hopefully, Porsche is also working expeditiously to find a much better name than Pajun, which in Korea is a seafood pancake, in Finnish it signifies willow, and, according to Google’s translation, in Welsh it implies – wait for it – Cajun. That’s the name Porsche was using to refer to its smaller-than-Cayenne SUV just before changing it to Macan in February. Clever coincidence.

Porsche plans E-Class competitor, codename Pajun originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Could 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this&nbsp|&nbspComments
Autoblog

—

—

—

read more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Image: Lamborghini

If you were hoping the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster would pack a slick, energy-retractable hardtop like Ferrari’s 458 Italia, it appears you’re out of luck. If reports from Italy’s Quattroroute are right, the topless Aventador will come to market place with a removable targa roof, comparable to that utilised by Bugatti on the Veyron Grand Sport.

The Aventador Roadster’s top rated panels will be produced from carbon fiber or carbon composite, and will be split in the middle for straightforward removal or deployment. That could make them tiny adequate to carry on board the Aventador, eliminating the want to make a decision on topless motoring before leaving the garage (like the Veyron Grand Sport, whose roof can not be stored on board the car).

As for the “why,” the answer is comparatively straightforward: adding any kind of folding top, no matter whether manual or powered, would add more weight and would require redesign of the Aventador’s intricate engine cover. Not only is such a redesign expense-prohibitive, but it also would added substantially to the car’s development time.

Assuming, of course, that the automobile in fact exists. Lamborghini is neither confirming nor denying a topless Aventador, which indicates we’ll have to wait till the international automobile show schedule resumes this fall before any official announcements are produced.

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

Well-liked Mechanics contributor Andy Didorosi is the brains and bucks behind the Detroit Bus Company, which ran its initial route on Saturday. Regardless of whether the notion is brilliant or crazy, we’re not confident. But his buses look cool—and you can track ’em
MotorShout – Newest News

—

—

—

&nbsp

read more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

We have bad news for Bmw as their M3 Sedan is not the single taxi obtainable at Nurburgring. Based on the all-aluminium extended wheelbase XJ Supersport with Sport and Speed Pack choices, the new Jaguar 'N&uumlrburgring taxi' is powered by a five.-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 510 hp and capable to accomplish a best speed of 174 mph or 280 km/h. The XJ comes with a non-common matt grey paint with exterior Sport Pack, while the Speed…
MotorShout – Newest News

—

—

—

Web lead generator Autobytel Inc. reported that its 1st-quarter net revenue and revenue rose from the year-ago period, attributing the gains to continued improvements in the automobile market.
MotorShout – Most recent News

—

—

—

Filed under: Efficiency, Technology, Subaru, Rumormill

Subaru has been attempting to figure out the direction for its 3-headed monster, as the Impreza and its WRX and WRX STI variants have grown increasingly at odds more than the past two generations. Now this gets thrown into the mix: When the new WRX gets released in late 2013, it may possibly ditch the traditional exhaust-gas powered turbocharger for a new, electric style.

That is correct, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, Subaru is operating on an electric turbo, shades of these laptop or computer-fan-sourced “energy adders” you employed to see advertised in the back pages of Sport Compact Automobile a decade ago. Except we would assume Subie-parent Fuji Heavy Industries is creating a style that truly operates. According to the report, heat from the exhaust would be captured, but instead of employing the exhaust pressure to turn the turbocharger’s turbine, the heat power would be converted to electrical energy, which would then spin the impellers. This could be much more efficient, as properly as eliminating the piping and turbo lag.

Whilst that sounds neat and all, we’re not so confident we want to see an unproven technologies like this applied to a single of our favorite reasonably priced performance vehicles. Unless, of course, it makes it possible for for BMW M3-like performance in a $ 30,000 auto.

Next Subaru WRX to use electric turbocharger? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Could 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspE-mail this&nbsp|&nbspComments
Autoblog

—

—

—

Would love to see a compact crew cab truck. This is a very popular
category. I feel like Ford is letting other manufacturers control
this segment of the market. Could be based off Escape or
Explorer platform with 4 and 6 cylinder options. Ford dominates
full-size truck market, why not compact
MotorShout – Latest News

—

—

—

Would love to see a compact crew cab truck. This is a very popular
category. I feel like Ford is letting other manufacturers control
this segment of the market. Could be based off Escape or
Explorer platform with 4 and 6 cylinder options. Ford dominates
full-size truck market, why not compact
MotorShout – Latest News

—

—

—

First introduced in 2001, the Toyota Prius has been a tremendous success in the hybrid world with segment leading sales figures of more than 2-million units sold.  For 2012, Toyota is upping the ante by introducing 3-new models.  The Prius C is smaller, has a higher MPG spec of 53 combined, while the new V model is larger than the standard Prius and is more versatile and comfortable.  The other new model is the Plug-in with an EV only mileage rating of 15 miles at up to 62mph.  If you only drive up to 15 miles a day you’ll never have to put gasoline into your Prius.

The new Prius model still expresses the vehicle’s versatility meets the need of growing families, singles and couples with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA.  Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Prius delivers fuel economy ratings of 51mpg/city, and 48mpg/highway.

The Prius brings leading-edge hybrid technology to customers who need more room and provides more cargo space than 80% of all small SUVs.  The Prius emphasizes overall proportions with spaciousness and flexibility for active consumers.  Comfortable interior space and good visibility have been assisted by a high seating position, ample headroom, and an impressive 38 inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom.  A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market.

Comfortable seating for five is specifically designed for young families.  Sliding second row seats allow for easier ingress and rear-storage flexibility, with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort.  The 60/40 split folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front passenger seat back allows for extremely long cargo.

Inside you are kept informed via a center-mounted instrument panel, a visually succinct, space-efficient design that is also exceptionally user-friendly and this year an optional ‘head’s-up’ display for added safety.  As with other Prius models, the driving controls including the push buttons start/stop, parking switch, drive-by-wire shift toggle and driving mode buttons are right at your hands.  Each of these driving control features are distinguished by silver trim.  Instrument panel controls, including a single dial automatic climate control, provide an advanced look and user-friendly command.  The center console is accessible from both the driver side and rear seats.  The console is big enough to hold 23-CD cases, yet low enough so that lines of sight and conversation between passengers can be relaxed and natural.  The console design helps make the cabin a human-friendly space, and a low-fatigue environment for long rides.  A wide variety of engineered storage spaces are located throughout the cabin.  These include dual glove boxes, a center console utility tray and five cupholders in large and medium sizes.  Bottle holders are built into the front and rear door pockets, while most models feature an overhead storage space suitable for sunglasses.  In addition to the larger main luggage compartment there are storage units built into the sides and under the cargo platform for storing equipment such as car wash items or gloves.  Even a special space for umbrellas is located under the second row of seats.  The rear seats fold, slide and recline.  New this year is seat material call SofTex is designed for easy cleaning, resisting spills and wear in a family vehicle that could see heavy use on a daily basis.  Soft to the touch, SofTex’s attributes as compared to leather and other traditional leatherette-type materials include a weight reduction of 50%, a manufacturing process with approximately 99% fewer volatile organic compounds than conventional synthetic leather, and it’s water and stain resistant.  It also does not include any animal-based material.

Seamlessly integrated into the new Prius are state-of-the-art electronics and enhanced connectivity features.  A Bluetooth wireless connection for compatible for hands-free phone calls is standard, now improved by an automatic phone book transfer function.  Also standard now is an improved automatic phone book transfer function.  Also standard is a USB port that allows playing of music and video from portable audio devices, using the vehicle sound system and in-dash display screen, including full iPod integration.

The standard audio system has a 6.1 inch screen and six speakers.  The screen also displays energy monitor and fuel consumption data, and functions as the monitor for the integrated back-up camera and the Display Audio System.  The screen also offers a new value-driven navigation system and serves as a portal for Entune.  An available HD radio system enables CD sound quality for digital FM broadcasts, and has features that maximize analog and AM broadcast sound quality.  The system includes HD radio with iTunes tagging for future purchase and SIRIUS satellite radio.  The ‘top-of-the-line’ audio is equipped with a new seven-inch Premium HDD Navigation system with Entune and JBL speakers.  This system offers a new ‘split-screen’ feature that allows for simultaneously displaying navigation and audio info and full iPod video integration.  The premium system adds a new JBL GreenEdge audio system that combines an eight-channel amplifier and door mounted ‘acoustic lens’ speakers to provide a high-quality sound.  The GreenEdge amplifier achieves a 66% reduction in overall mass and a 50% enhancement in sound efficiency.  The GreenEdge speakers produce a higher output of sound with the same power or less consumption of conventional models.  It sounds clean and loud with the windows down cruising down the road.

The new Prius is one of the first Toyota models to offer the Entune multimedia system.  For the first time ever in a Toyota automobile, this innovative new system leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.  Entune debuts the first ever support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services such as live weather, traffic, fuel information-location/price, stocks and sports.  Entune brings the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle including heartradio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s personalized music service.  It also features an advanced voice-recognition system that helps you to stay focused on driving by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

With a balance between outstanding spaciousness, refined style and smooth aerodynamics, Prius has a low 0.29 coefficient of drag, which does not inhibit the vehicle’s convenient packaging.  It is a new vehicle from the ground up, with a shape that evolved from Prius rather than being an elongated version.  Keeping air resistance low is the familiar triangular Prius silhouette, adapted to a larger size.  A flush surface from the front of the vehicle through the front pillars work with side ‘aerocorners’ for exceptionally clean airflow.  The smooth front sheetmetal blends into a carefully designed roof and cabin, leading to an optimized cabin-end shape that acts to converge side and roof airflow.  Wheels and wheel caps are designed with aerodynamic effects in mind and lessen windnoise.

Enhancing the clean, low wind-resistance design are materials that keep the new Prius relatively light and easy to move.  The door panels are foam-injected with polypropylene and the deck board with light-weight urethane to produce a weight savings of 20%.  Significant weight reduction is also achieved through the use of high-tensile grades of steel throughout the body along with aluminum in key body panels and systems, their other benefits ensure a light, yet highly rigid platform structure for a smooth, quiet and controlled ride.

Also available and a Toyota-first, is a resin Panoramic View Moonroof with power retractable sun shades that provides an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40% reduction in weight as compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size, and excellent heat insulation performance.  I didn’t have this option in my test Prius Five but I’m sure that it really lets the sun shine in to give the entire interior a more spacious feel.  Also optional are LED headlamps that work to improve visibility while reducing current draw on the battery.  They used projector lenses for long-range outlook and are designed to be virtually maintenance free for the life of the car.  Prius also features a new climate control system with enhanced cooling capability to cope with the larger cabin.  The system uses an electric compressor so that the A/C can run without depending on the engine, and improved component design for better maximum-demand cooling performance.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the Prius is essentially the same as the current third-generation Prius.  The system uses to high-output motors, one 60KW (80hp) unit that mainly works to power the compact, lightweight transaxle and another smaller motor that mainly works as the electric power source.  Maximum motor drive voltage is 650 volts DC.  The proven and practical nickel-metal hydride battery pack is the same as on the third-generation Prius liftback, but with a cooling duct located under the rear seat.

As with current-generation Prius cars, Hybrid Synergy Drive is a series-parallel hybrid system that can provide power either from the engine alone, or the motor along, or any mix of both.  A hybrid control computer manages the system so that optimum power is delivered according to driver demand.  It is seamless and uses a start/stop system and regenerative braking to conserve fuel and recharge the battery upon deceleration.

Hybrid Synergy Drive is built around a specially adapted, efficient 98hp 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and contributes to a total system horsepower of 134.  Key components include and electric water pump that requires no belts, and an exhaust gas recirculation system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when the engine is cold.  Compact and light weight, the engine produces minimal noise and vibration.  Sophisticated valve control, injector design and other technologies reduce emissions to allow the Prius to qualify for SULEV and Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions standards.  It is a great system that amazed me with its quietness and excellent power delivery at my command because of the different driving modes depending on how you want to drive the new Prius.

In addition to the standard driving mode, Prius also adds an Eco driving mode when you are not in a hurry or want the optimal mpg, and EV mode for electric only propulsion that is only advised for up to a few miles, and a Power mode that really makes driving more fun and exciting, yes even in a hybrid.  In this mode, the mid-range response is enhanced for quicker initial acceleration, faster passing other vehicles on the highways and when driving up slopes and mountainous terrain.  In Power mode the power and acceleration felt like a larger inline four-cylinder engine under the hood.

A new feature, Pitch and Bounce Control, works with suspension enhancements to improve ride comfort and control.  Front coil-over spring and damper capacities have been significantly increased and a new upper support has been designed.  The steering gear has been attached to the front suspension member for more rigidity and feel, and the stabilizer bar has been repositioned for even more responsive steering feel and enhanced ride comfort.  In the rear, a torsion-beam suspension design has been fitted with appropriately tuned springs and dampers.  The new rear suspension setup is designed to help ensure stability and ride comfort, and it has a lower mounting point to improve luggage space.  Pitch and Bounce Control uses the torque of the hybrid motor to enhance ride comfort and control.  The System, working with wheel-speed sensors and in tune with the suspension, helps suppress bounce and toss motions to improve comfort for all occupants, and because it helps control the balance and posture of the new Prius as a whole, it also functions to improve handling response.  The Prius rides on 16X6.5 inch wheels and tires, plus my test Prius Five trim level came shod with the optional 17X7 inch alloy wheels and low-resistance summer tires.  The new Prius Five is the best handling and most responsive of any Prius that I have tested in the past.

Standard features in my loaded test Prius Five not mentioned above includes a rear spoiler, foglamps, headlamp washers, power folding, heated outside mirrors, front variable and rear intermittent wipers/washers, heated front seats with driver’s side power adjustments/lumbar, tilt/telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control/audio control buttons, center console with dual tiered storage box/dual cupholders up front/rear pull down armrest with dual cupholders, dual map lamps, dual, lighted vanity mirrors, door storage slots up front, grab handles above each door, auto dimming rearview mirror, Homelink, 2-front power outlets, 60/40 split rear seats, dual automatic climate control and front/rear floor mats.

Standard safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, BA, Smart Stop Technology, front /rear safety belts with front load limiters/pretensioners, front dual airbags, side-impact airbags, front/rear side curtain airbags, front/rear crumple zones, steel beams in each door, LATCH system for child seats, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system.  Safety options include Dynamic Radar cruise control with pre-braking system, Lane Keep Assist, Safety Connect to alert Toyota when the vehicle’s airbags are deployed, and a stolen vehicle locator.

With the new Prius Five, more standard and optional equipment and four-driving modes, you’re driving times are only enhanced with higher MPG stats not found with any other 4-cylinder gasoline engine vehicle.  With prices starting at just $ 29,805.00 you’ll start saving money right away and wont’ give up any of the pleasures that you associate with a drive in the city or country.

COPYRIGHT:2012:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

• Price: Base Prius One trim level MSRP $ 23,015  Prius Five trim level MSRP $ 29,805
• Engine:  1.8-liter gas engine with hybrid synergy drive electric motor – total 134 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm/105 ft-lbs. torque @ 4000 rpm
• Turning circle: 36.0 ft.
• Total length: 176.4 in.
• Total width: 68.7 in.
• Total height: 58.7 in.
• Track: f/r-59.6/59.4 in.
• Ground clearance: 5.3 in.
• Headroom: f/r-38.6/37.6 in.
• Legroom: f/r-42.5/36.0 in.
• EPA interior volume: 115.3 cu.ft.
• EPA cargo volume: with rear seats up-21.6/with rear seats folded-39.6 cu.ft.
• Fuel tank: 11.9 gallon
• Curb weight: 3,042 lbs.
• EPA mileage est.: 51 mpg city / 48 mpg highway
• 0-60 mph: 10.1 seconds

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

Even though no one will ever get their hands on the exclusive Aventador J, it does not stop Lamborghini from promoting their outrageous machine proving what they are capable of building. As a continuation to a previous promo video, Lamborghini shows us the end highlighting the one-of-a-kind Aventador J.

The 700-horsepower roadster will go to one lucky owner reportedly paying $ 2.74. That figure may be a drop in the bucket for the 1-percenters here in America but for us common folk, all we get are hi-res images and a promotional video below.

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

read more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

&nbsp

When it comes to high-end vehicles, numerous folks just have to have the latest and greatest evolution of a distinct nameplate. Typically times, that&rsquos fairly simple to justify, as most next generation automobiles have far more energy, much better fuel economic climate, much more space and much more toys than their predecessors. But the truth of the matter is a lot of purchasers just want new automobiles because they&rsquore, nicely, new. They&rsquore far better for rubbing their buddies&rsquo and neighbors&rsquo faces in it and what have you.

&nbsp

And that&rsquos a shame, simply because newer isn&rsquot always greater. Confident, the present E92-chassis BMW M3 is a spectacular vehicle, but it doesn&rsquot get us quite as hot or bothered as the prior E46 M3. Maybe it&rsquos because we locate the styling more pleasing, or the three.2L straight-six far more fascinating than the comparatively hum-drum 4.0L V8 (as hum-drum as a 4.0L V8 that makes 414 usually aspirated horsepower can be, anyway), but we just find ourselves digging it a small a lot more than the E92. And we dig this G-Energy tuned instance even far more.

&nbsp

read far more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

Filed under: Safety, Technology, UK

Q: What do you call a navigation method designed particularly for the elderly?
A: A map.

In all seriousness, GPS navigation technology designed to help the aged drive a lot more safely could substantially minimize the number of accidents involving geriatric drivers. Old individuals currently try to compensate for decreased faculties by altering driving patterns, not driving at night and taking the simplest routes rather than the fastest. It only tends to make sense to deploy technology to help them figure out “easier” approaches to a destination.

At least that is the thought behind a $ 20 million project getting developed at Newcastle University in the U.K. According to The Sun, the investigation is getting funded by the British government, with the end outcome becoming a system that would give simple-to-fully grasp directions without suggesting turns across traffic or travel on freeways.

UK gov’t backs GPS method created for elderly originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this&nbsp|&nbspComments
Autoblog

—

—

—

The catalogue for Coy’s international auction, Legende et Passion, held in Monaco on Saturday 12th Could 2012, is now offered on the web to Club members at www.coys.co.uk. This is a quite significant European headline auction, held against the backdrop of the Historic Grand Prix de Monaco, and is one particular of the most crucial European sales to be held this year.Coys Legende et Passion Auction originally appeared on Conceptcarz.com on Fri, 27 Apr 2012…
MotorShout – Most recent News

—

—

—

&nbsp

Do we actually want however one more exalted evaluation of the E92 BMW M3 Coupe? Must we heap &nbspeven far more praise on the altar of this contemporary day automotive deity? The answer, of course, is an unequivocal &lsquoyes&rsquo — this is a automobile which undeniably deserves its stellar reputation and our unabashed adulation. But what is it specifically that tends to make this auto so particular and meritorious? And where, if anyplace, might this unbelievable machine fall brief?

The 2011 BMW M3 Coupe is a standout even among the all-star class of uber-efficiency luxury automobiles it competes against, &nbspi.e., Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Lexus IS-F, Audi S4/S5 and Cadillac CTS-V. It&rsquos genuinely a wolf disguised as a sheep with handful of visual hints of its mighty muscles and sharp fangs. The platform&rsquos chassis is already an outstanding starting point and BMW M tuning wizardry does a tremendous job of syncing the driver with the vehicle for a level of manage and engagement that is becoming increasingly tough to find.

&nbsp

read far more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

The Toyota Tacoma, on its minor refreshing for 2012, gets a new restricted edition TRD package dubbed the TRD T/X Baja. Onlookers received a glimpse of a pre-production Tacoma TRD Baja edition at earlier shows such as SEMA and the Texas State Fair last year. Now we get official specifics and pricing on Toyota’s Off-Roading Tacoma Baja edition.

The new 2012 Tacoma TRD T/X Baja comes as part of Toyota Racing Development’s initiative to provide customers with a subtly “Raptor-ized” Tacoma capable of significant off-roading.

Some Toyota execs will call this tricked-out off-roader Toyota’s Raptor. I would not go as far as to call it that, nonetheless, the Baja Off-Road package does consist of front/rear Bilstein shocks, BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16), bead-lock style off-road wheels, increased front lift by 2 inches, a TRD catback exhaust program and custom Baja graphics.

Pricing for the new 2012 Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja edition (Access Cab) equipped with a manual transmission will start at just $ 32,990 plus a delivery fee of $ 810. For those shoppers who have already taken the liberty to configure a new Tacoma with just the Off-Road package, they will locate out that the new Baja edition comes out to be more affordable in the finish.

If you ask me, this Toyota Tacoma TRD T/X Baja edition is the way to go for a ‘lesser Raptor’ that happens to be less complicated your wallet. Look for the 2012 Tacoma TRD Baja to hit dealerships subsequent month (Could 2012).

Hit up the full press release below for additional info.

Toyota Announces Pricing for Restricted Edition Tacoma Pickup TRD T/X Baja Series Package

• Inspired By Toyota’s Baja Racing Heritage
• Enhanced Suspension For Greater Off-Road Overall performance
• Particular Package Adds to Updated 2012 Tacoma

TORRANCE, Calif., April 23, 2012 – – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., announced costs right now for the TRD T/X Baja Series Package. Inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing heritage, the truck reveals bold graphics with its name “Baja Series” and enhanced suspension, elevating the capability of Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road pickup to a new level of enjoyable and function. The particular restricted edition package will be obtainable on choose Tacoma fourࡪ pickup trucks.

The TRD T/X Baja Series Package supplies the buyer with a fantastic value and high level of capability that is backed by Toyota’s regular car warranty. The TRD T/X Baja Series Package is provided at an MSRP of $ 5,015 less a $ 650 Factory Credit. There is an additional savings because the package the Baja Series is built on top of, TRD Off-Road Package for the Baja Series, is priced beneath the typical TRD Off-Road Package.

Toyota has a rich Baja racing heritage that dates back practically 3 decades and contains numerous titles at the legendary Baja 500 and 1000. Toyota’s desert racing program has inspired the development of many TRD off-road focused items and packages over the years including the Tacoma PreRunner and TRD Off-Road packages for both Tacoma and Tundra. Final year, Tacoma’s Off-Road Package was enhanced with the launch of the TRD T/X and T/X Pro packages. TRD now takes Tacoma off-roading to the subsequent level with the development of the T/X Baja Series.

The T/X Baja Series will be accessible on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab fourࡪ models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The Tacoma T/X Baja Series is equipped with a four.-liter V6 engine with either six-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions. In addition to an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start off Assist Manage (HAC) and Downhill Assist Manage (DAC) at the moment equipped on the TRD Off-Road package, the restricted edition T/X Baja Series adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish, TRD Cat-back Exhaust, increased front ride height of nearly two inches and exclusive Baja Series graphics.

The front suspension has been upgraded to incorporate Ø66mm piston Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs that feature a protective zinc plated body and a 1 inch enhance in wheel travel. The rear suspension is equipped with Ø50mm piston Bilstein race shocks with a remote reservoir to boost shock oil capacity for higher heat dissipation and damping sensitivity. The rear shocks also contain a zinc plated physique and a 1.5-inch improve in wheel travel.

The T/X Baja Series will be part of a Tacoma line that was updated for 2012 with a restyled front finish and a refreshed interior in all models. Exterior changes included a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other alterations. Inside, Tacoma received a new center-instrument panel style with a revised gauge cluster, along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack added new air conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.

The 2012 Tacoma interior also received a new appear with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, even though the SR5 grade featured a new seat fabric style. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring solution for 2012 on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models equipped with a V6 engine. The a lot more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road packages also feature new water-resistant fabric protection seats.

All Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series models will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and will reach dealer showrooms in May 2012. Rates for the Baja Series Tacoma do not include delivery, processing and handling charges (DPH), which are $ 810. The DPH fee for autos distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) might vary.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Baja Series Model-By-Model Costs
Tacoma Baja Series 2012 MY, Model Code, Series, Description, MSRP, TRD Off-Road Pkg for Baja ($ ), Baja Series Pkg ($ ), Baja Series Factory Credit, New MSRP

2012, 7553, Tacoma, Access Cab fourࡪ V6 MT, $ 25,055, $ 3,570, $ five,015, -$ 650, $ 32,990
2012, 7554, Tacoma, Access Cab fourࡪ V6 Car, $ 25,935, $ 3,670, $ five,015, -$ 650, $ 33,975
2012, 7593, Tacoma, Double Cab fourࡪ V6 MT, $ 26,455, $ 3,455, $ five,015, -$ 650, $ 34,275
2012, 7594, Tacoma, Double Cab fourࡪ V6 Auto, $ 27,335, $ 3,555, $ five,015, -$ 650, $ 35,255

All rates listed above exclude the Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) fee of $ 810

Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Attributes
Off-Road tuned front and rear TRD Bilstein racing shocks
Electronically-controlled locking rear differential
Active Traction Manage (A-TRAC)
Hill-Start off Assist Manage (HAC)
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) with bead-lock style off-road wheels with exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish
TRD Cat-Back Exhaust
Elevated front ride height by practically two inches
Matte Black T/X Baja Vehicle Side Graphics
Exclusive TRD Tailgate Badge

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

Early Sunday morning at just past two o’clock in the morning, a 52-year-old lost control of his Ferrari 458 Italia crashing by way of railings and onto a tramway. The lead to of the accident was drink driving at excessive speed. The force of the accident ripped off the passenger door. The driver sustained no injuries, his passenger
MotorShout – Most recent News

—

—

—

&nbsp

There are a good many BMW purists out there who have constantly been vehemently opposed to the notion of an M3 convertible. And a lot of that opposition became even far more vehement with the arrival of the present E93-chassis M3 Cabrio with its retractable hardtop. But for the modest dynamic compromises the convertible tends to make relative to the coupe, it serves up important advantages in terms of pleasant climate enjoyment.

&nbsp

German tuner ATT-TEC (Ma Bell must enjoy that name&hellip) must be effectively conscious of those positive aspects. How else do you explain the firm&rsquos decision to hop up the folding roof version of the BMW M Division&rsquos volume leader?

&nbsp

read much more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

You cannot doubt the thought that the SUV segment is an exploding market place, even when you take into account the present high price of gas. Let’s face it, in America, size matters and the SUV and crossover market place is a dominating factor not only amongst growing households, but for those who demand added utility rather of the classic sedan or coupe. Lamborghini is among a growing list of premium auto brands to introduce a new SUV that may hit the automotive marketplace very soon. To officially unveil Lamborghini’s new SUV, the Urus, Stephan Winkelmann takes to the stage at the Volkswagen Group Night in Beijing.

The new Lamborghini Urus (a Spanish Bull) will join the Italian Bull lineup focusing on premium SUV market place customers who want to depart from the conventional sports vehicles provided by such brands. Believe of it as a dream you usually had of taking the whole household to Disney in the new Aventador or Gallardo. Only this time, you will have 600 horsepower on tap, potentially three seats in the back and perhaps a small usable storage to boot.
Hit up the video beneath of the official introduction to the Lamborghini Urus Idea vehicle beneath.

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

&nbsp

To the typical non-vehicle person, the concept of a Lamborghini SUV straddles the fence amongst preposterous and blasphemous. Of course, these of us in the know (or these who read the current feature on this website) know that a trail-ready Lambo is hardly unprecedented. Nonetheless, the Italian supercar constructor has gone with out an off-roader &ndash notion or production &ndash considering that the last LM002 rolled out of the factory in 1993.

&nbsp

That&rsquos about to change, however. Immediately after years of &ldquoWill they or won&rsquot they?&rdquo conjecture, Lamborghini is going to show the Urus (which is officially just a concept at this point) at next week&rsquos Beijing Automobile Show. And even though the exact mechanical specifications are still unknown, we do know what it will appear like thanks to the photos you see here getting leaked. (Whether or not the leak was intentional or not is up for debate.)

&nbsp

read a lot more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

Even though manufactures and individual vehicles get accolades day-to-day and nightly, it’s a uncommon occasion when the people behind these award-winning cars and trucks get their personal recognition.  Every single once in a although even so, they do get the credit they deserve: case in point Volvo’s own CEO Stefan Jacoby.  The man behind many innovative and unique models such
MotorShout – Newest News

—

—

—

From all of the prior circulating rumors of Lamborghini birthing a new SUV, it was only a matter of time that we would get a glimpse at official pictures from the Italian Bull maker. Right after-all, the world wide web waits for no a single.

What is to be referred to as the Urus, is Lamborghini’s newest automobile added to the lineup and really initial SUV. For apparent reasons, the Lamborghini Urus will compete head-to-head with the likings of the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, BMW X5M/X6M, Bentley’s upcoming SUV and any other premium brand sport-utes to hit the industry.

Powering the new Lamborghini Urus SUV will be the company’s properly-endowed 5.2-liter V10 engine creating 584 horsepower for the riding-high Bull. Added particulars are expected to be released when Lamborghini officially unveils the Urus at the Beijing Motor Show. For now, appreciate the leaked official pictures of the Lamborghini Urus SUV below.

Sources: AutoForumz via World Car Fans

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

&nbsp

read much more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

Savage officially unveiled the Savage Rivale GTR at Top Marques Monaco 2012. The Rivale GTR is essentially a two-door racing version of their four-door Roadyacht GTS. The Savage Rivale GTR is built on the same platform as the GTS, but weighs less than its bigger brother and features a more powerful engine. The 6.2 liter
MotorShout – Latest News

—

—

—

Savage officially unveiled the Savage Rivale GTR at Top Marques Monaco 2012. The Rivale GTR is essentially a two-door racing version of their four-door Roadyacht GTS. The Savage Rivale GTR is built on the same platform as the GTS, but weighs less than its bigger brother and features a more powerful engine. The 6.2 liter
MotorShout – Latest News

—

—

—

&nbsp

Last week we kicked off a contest to celebrate the launch of NapaFilters.com. The internet site provides professional filtration help for men and women with all varieties of automobiles, gear and machinery. It&rsquos loaded with &ldquoall you want to know&rdquo about what good quality filters can do for your automobile, &nbspdetailed tips for filter maintenance, which filters are the right filters to select for your car, truck, boat, energy sport car, or RV and considerably much more.

We are happy to announce that Missy Bates Roberts is the winner! We thank all of the participants, and for these that didn&rsquot win, please check back from time to time as we have contests on a pretty regular basis. If you had been able to make it more than to the NapaFillters.com, we hope you enjoyed it as significantly as we did. If not, certainly make sure to check it out! We discovered the in-garage videos that feature step-by-step directions on what you need to have to know about altering oil, air and cabin air filters fairly darn cool.

&nbsp

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

&nbsp

These of us auto junkies living in SoCal are spoiled by the sheer number of automotive connected events and motorsports spectacles that appear to materialize virtually every weekend from March via December. But with repetition comes desensitization. And some of us have turn out to be jaded and, dare I say, downright blas&eacute about the scene of late. I as well have succumbed to this fate.

That stated, this past Friday and Saturday, Extended Beach played host to Round 1 of the 2012 Formula Drift Pro Championship, a motorsports series that is to road racing what MMA is to boxing–a fresh, dynamic and fulfilling encounter with instant gratification that may not have arguably the storied history yet but is absolutely shaking issues up. Contemporary day drifting has emerged from cars going sideways on deserted mountain roads in the wee hours of the morning to getting broadcast on living space Tv sets in a just a short chunk of time. Watching the action at Formula Drift these last couple of days reignited a spark for me that seemed to be precariously close to extinguishing.

&nbsp

read much more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

Filed under: Coupe, Wagon, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style, Luxury

Cadillac’s CTS Coupe and Sport Wagon are two of the most distinctive styles to come out of a mass-market place brand in some time, and we’re big devotees to both here at Autoblog. Predictably, the two models attract a significantly smaller slice of the North American industry than the four-door sedan, but Cadillac says it remains committed to offering each a two-door and a load-lugger in its lineup. Nevertheless, that does not mean such future models will wear CTS badging.

According to Vehicle and Driver, Cadillac is undecided, but 1 or each bodystyles could migrate to the smaller sized ATS platform. While neither of the two CTS variants has been any great shakes sales-wise (Cadillac does say the wagon has outsold its BMW 3 Series equivalent), the models are observed as important tools to woo shoppers – conquest sales in certain.

We might add that because Common Motors remains committed to the concept of making Cadillac a international brand, a smaller sized coupe and wagon model could give the marque entry into bigger volume segments in Europe. For its component, C/D expects Cadillac to position a coupe in between the ATS and subsequent CTS, mimicking pricing and hierarchy strategies at Audi and soon, BMW. The publication also predicts that a wagon will remain in the CTS family members, as it “better meets the demands of older, richer luxo-wagon buyers,” noting that ATS wagon intenders could likely be wooed into the SRX anyhow.

What do you feel? Leave your musings in Comments.

Future Cadillac coupe and wagon models may possibly not be CTS variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspE-mail this&nbsp|&nbspComments
Autoblog

—

—

—

One of the easiest, if not the easiest, ways to transform the appearance of a vehicle is to change the wheels. Bolting on a set of big, sporty looking wheels can make even the most dull and pedestrian vehicle look more muscular and snazzy. Of course, that’s assuming the wheels are themselves muscular and/or snazzy looking.

At the opposite end of the spectrum lie wheels that are strange, if not downright weird. Some of these rims were fitted at the factory, but most are aftermarket pieces, and they run the gamut from functionally funky modern art pieces to kitschy tributes to cultural touchstones. Here then, in no particular order, are 20 of the most curious and kooky rims that have ever been attached to road-going motor vehicles.

read more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

Filed beneath: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid

It’s effortless to recognize that, if you power your automobile with electricity, you don’t want to use as considerably gasoline. But, how considerably do you actually save, in terms of fuel expenses and greenhouse gas emissions if you plug in rather of gas up?

A new report, released these days by the Union of Concerned Scientists, known as “State of Charge: Electric Vehicles’ International Warming Emissions and Fuel-Cost Savings across the United…
MotorShout – Most recent News

—

—

—

&nbsp

Many expert racing drivers and drifters, prior to hitting the bigtime, have had to hold down &ldquonormal&rdquo Monday via Friday jobs. Normally these 9-to-5 vocations are at least tangentially automotive-connected (e.g. mechanic or taxi driver), but not usually. Some perform in food services, some work in retail, and nevertheless others perform in education. NASCAR star Carl Edwards used to be a substitute teacher, 1983 Indianapolis 500 winner Tom Sneva is a former school principal, and pro drifter Daigo Saito has worked for a nursery school.

&nbsp

Never ever heard of Daigo Saito? Not as well many Americans have, though it should be said even fewer had prior to this past weekend. You see, Saito &ndash the 2008 D1 Grand Prix and 2011 Formula Drift Asia champion &ndash didn&rsquot just participate in his very first American drifting competitors in the Formula Drift season opener on the Streets of Extended Beach no, he completed on the podium, finishing ahead of a lot of of the U.S. drift scene&rsquos most significant names. Tends to make you want to know a lot more about this guy, doesn&rsquot it? Your wish is our command.

&nbsp

read a lot more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

German aftermarket tuner Loder1899 tells us Horus was an Egyptian god, and Wikipedia says he was generally depicted as a falcon or a man with a falcon’s head. Whilst we’re not seeing significantly that’s bird-like in this customized Range Rover Evoque, a new front fascia with integrated fender flares and a related therapy for the other end signifies the Evoque no longer looks like the baby of the Land Rover clan. The car in the images is also fitted…
MotorShout – Most up-to-date News

—

—

—

German aftermarket tuner Loder1899 tells us Horus was an Egyptian god, and Wikipedia says he was generally depicted as a falcon or a man with a falcon’s head. While we’re not seeing a lot that’s bird-like in this customized Range Rover Evoque, a new front fascia with integrated fender flares and a equivalent therapy for the other finish means the Evoque no longer looks like the child of the Land Rover clan. The car in the pictures is also fitted…
MotorShout – Newest News

—

—

—

&nbsp

NAPA Filters is recognized as an specialist in filtration and is the globe&rsquos largest distributor of light and heavy-duty filters for the automotive aftermarket as properly as heavy equipment and industrial applications. They just launched their new site with access to all of their products along with expert filtration help for folks with all varieties of autos, gear and machinery. It&rsquos loaded with &ldquoall you need to have to know&rdquo about what top quality filters can do for your vehicle, detailed tips for filter maintenance, which filters are the appropriate filters to pick for your car, truck, boat, power sport vehicle, or RV and a lot much more.

There&rsquos even a &ldquodo it your self&rdquo DIY section that attributes a &ldquofind your filter&rdquo search tool for a full range of NAPA filters: oil, air, cabin air, and fuel for a range of vehicles. The internet site also gives in-garage videos that function step-by-step instructions on what you want to know about altering oil, air and cabin air filters. NapaFilters.com tends to make it super simple for all kinds of consumers to establish the finest filter alternatives based on their car, oil sort and driving circumstances.

&nbsp

read far more

Sub5zero.com

—

—

—

The 2012 Lexus LFA. Image: Lexus

Take into account this: For the price tag of a single Lexus LFA, you could buy 3 Nissan GT-Rs and still have a lot left over for track days, gas, tires and brakes. The Nissan, at roughly a quarter of the price of the LFA, is actually quicker from -60 mph and in the quarter mile. Yes, the GT-R gives up some ten seconds about the Nürburgring to the LFA Nürburgring Edition, but the final GT-R to lap the ring for an official time was a 2011 model, and it ran on a semi-wet track. A 2013 GT-R, on a dry track, would likely create a significantly closer lap time.

What the GT-R doesn’t supply is exclusivity. Nissan builds thousands of them, whereas Lexus is only constructing 500 LFAs, ever. In spite of a rough commence to sales brought on by the international recession, Lexus claims to be undertaking effectively with the LFA at the moment. So effectively that Autoguide reports an LFA II supercar is in the works.

Do not anticipate the LFA II to be just slightly quicker and a bit more high-priced. In reality, sources say the LFA II will be twice the automobile at twice the price tag. Expect overall performance to legitimately challenge the fastest automobiles in the planet, and anticipate the price tag tag to range from $ 800,000 to a million dollars per vehicle. That sum buys you greater exclusivity, as well, considering that only 100 copies will reportedly be built.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s CEO, is stated to be behind the LFA II project, which is supposed to additional Toyota’s reputation for constructing efficiency automobiles. Frankly, we’re puzzled, because building unattainable supercars is hardly a way to draw consumers into showrooms. If Toyota wants to establish itself as a performance auto organization, it would be better served to create much more cost-effective sports automobiles like Scion FR-S, which mere mortals can afford to purchase and drive.

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Convertible, Overall performance, Scion

When an automaker comes out with a two-door sportscar, you know what will come next: a roadster version. But whilst we haven’t heard anything from Toyota, its Scion division or its partner in crime Subaru on the prospect of a GT 86/FR-S/BRZ convertible, a California coachbuilder has stepped up to the plate with a idea version of its own.

The Scion FR-S Speedster idea you see right here was worked up by Cartel Customs, a company with a history of chopping the roofs off of Scions. But while the lack of roof and chopped-down windscreen are what set it apart, Cartel hasn’t stopped there. The aftermarket outfit also installed a giant 61-inch rear wing and upgraded the suspension, brakes, rolling stock, exhaust and clutch, and gave the open cockpit a hot rod-style retrofit, as well.

Even though this appears to be a one-off chop-job, the truth that it really is set to kick off the festivities at the Toyota-sponsored Long Beach Grand Prix CART race this weekend has us raising an eyebrow like Cartel Customs has raised the roof on this beauty you can check out in greater detail in the high-res image gallery.

Cartel Customs to showcase Scion FR-S Speedster at Extended Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspE-mail this&nbsp|&nbspComments
Autoblog

—

—

—

Just following the 1 of the most significant announcements at this year’s New York Car Show, SRT released many promotional videos of the design &amp development that went into the rebuild of an icon – the 2013 SRT Viper.

One of the highlights of the new 2013 SRT Viper’s attributes is its advanced 4-stage stability management technique. In a way it will “save your ass when you’re really in trouble.”

Having such an advanced stability manage method is not only to appease the government, but to satisfy the enthusiast who thinks he/she can handle a 640 horsepower and 600 ft-lbs of torque V10 powered snake.

Hit up the videos below to get an in-depth overview of the tech bits that make the new 2013 SRT Viper such a remarkable American sports auto.

Automotive Addicts

—

—

—

Hyundai Motor America these days announced its continued partnership w?th Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) to compete in the 2012 Formula Drift series. Hyundai will be lead sponsor of the RMR Genesis Coupe driven by former Formula Drift champion and acclaimed stunt driver, Rhys Millen.The Formula Drift competitive automobile has been extensively drift-prepared by RMR, creating much more than 600 horsepower to develop the extreme drift angles and blinding smoke each fans…
MotorShout – Most up-to-date News

—

—

—

Canada’s SR Car Group likes to take a vehicle, any auto, and make it wilder. The Audi S4 they did looks intriguingly evil. The wheels they’ve designed for the Lamborghini Reventon are remarkable.

Their most up-to-date canvas is the Scion iQ, which became Project Pryzm. “The objective behind Project Pryzm was to produce a automobile that would leave you speechless,” says SR Auto. Let’s just say they are obtaining genuinely close, but we still have a few things to say…
MotorShout – Most recent News

—

—

—

Filed below: Spending budget, Hatchback, Toyota, UK, Specialty

Finding word of an additional special edition from the UK isn’t surprising, as we’ve grown virtually numb from the carnival of Mazda, BMW and Citro&eumln models that have been given a couple of extra gubbins for a handful of extra quid. But when the Union pairs a Toyota Aygo with Tabasco – as in, the legendary Louisiana hot sauce – contemplate our eyebrows raised. Except, that does not exactly seem to be what this is – it’s the Toyota Aygo Tobasco. As in the alternate spelling for the pepper that tends to make up the hot sauce, not the condiment itself.

The Aygo+ Tobasco edition gets a choice of three colors: Orange Spice, Black or Dark Gray, and all come with orange side mirrors and door handles. Inside, orange is splashed all over, on the speedometer and tach, vents and door speakers. Orange upholstery is also on offer you.

We do not know how much you have to love the pepper to verify this box, but it really is there if you happen to be feeling saucy. It joins a suite of other upgrades for the tiny Aygo+ such as new seat trims and a new stereo. Hit the jump for the press release with the details.

Continue reading Toyota offering spicy new Aygo Tobasco special edition

Toyota supplying spicy new Aygo Tobasco special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspE-mail this&nbsp|&nbspComments
Autoblog

—

—

—