Automotive News & Concepts

Sneak Peek: 2014 Honda Brio Sedan

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Honda has released an official teaser image of the upcoming Brio-based saloon on its Thailand website.

This new saloon is scheduled to hit our shores mid-next year. It will be powered by the all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine. Honda will plonk this diesel engine in the Brio hatchback as well.

The Brio-based saloon will be sub-four-metre in length and will hence benefit on the excise duty front.

When launched, this new saloon will compete with the likes of the Indigo eCS, Swift Dzire and the upcoming sub-four-metre Mahindra Verito.

Thanks to: Autocar India

New Car: 2013 Chevrolet Spark (India Version)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:13:00 +0000

General Motors has launched an updated version of the Chevrolet Spark. The new Spark gets upgrades to the front and the rear styling, along with refreshed interiors.

Changes to the exterior include re-profiled front and rear bumpers, a new split honeycomb grille with chrome inserts, a bigger Chevy bow-tie emblem and new fog lamps. There are minor tweaks to the tail-lamps as well.

The refreshed interiors will feature dual-tone shade and different seat fabric. The centrally mounted instrument cluster is new as well and the company says it has been inspired by the wing design. The new Spark also gets a double-DIN audio system with USB and Bluetooth.

The design changes were carried out at General Motors’ technical centre in Bangalore. Going forward, styling updates to all its legacy models (vehicles phased out globally, but still in production in India) will be carried out at its tech centre. The Tavera Neo 3 had also been updated at the Bangalore facility.

Thanks to: Autocar India

Hot News: 2014 Range Rover Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:08:00 +0000

Land Rover is putting the final touches to the new Range Rover Sport ahead of a showroom debut a year from now. It is thought that the Range Rover Sport will make its public debut in the spring at the Geneva or New York show.

The new model is based on the same riveted and bonded aluminium monocoque as the new Range Rover and is expected to follow it closely in terms of specification.

Today’s car is priced from just under £50,000, but with the switch to a much more sophisticated aluminium platform, all-new suspension and improved features, insiders expect a price hike of at least 10 per cent for the new model.

The new Sport is expected to weigh the same as its sister model, which means that the entry-level V6 diesel variant should hit 2160kg — 300kg lighter than the current entry-level model. This in turn will ensure that the new Range Rover Sport is a markedly more dynamic proposition than the current model.

The range will kick off with the new-generation 255bhp, 442lb ft turbocharged V6 diesel engine. The familiar V8 supercharged motor is good for 504bhp and 461lb ft in its standard application, but with Porsche having just unveiled the 542bhp Cayenne Turbo S, Land Rover bosses may see fit to launch a new extreme-performance version.

The new Sport is also expected to get the option of the 335bhp twin-turbo V8 diesel engine. With 516lb ft on tap from just 1750rpm, this engine could outrun the petrol V8 for through-the-gears acceleration.

Also new to the Range Rover Sport range will be a V6 diesel-electric hybrid model, which has a claimed combined 333bhp, a 0-62mph time of 7.4sec and CO2 emissions of just 169g/km. It’s thought that the Sport hybrid will be on sale from launch.

Judging by the spy shots on which our artist’s impression is based, the Sport uses the same under-structure and even the same doors as the new Range Rover. Although the windscreen and windscreen angle are also common to the two cars, Land Rover designers have used a number of visual tricks and relatively inexpensive changes to give the Sport a much more dynamic appearance.

The bonnet tapers more sharply to its leading edge and the roofline slopes more aggressively towards the tailgate. The rear overhang is shorter than that of the new Range Rover and its tailgate glass is raked more steeply.

Another trick to give the Sport a more dramatic appearance is the use of deeper door skins, which make the side windows shallower and, along with the big sill extensions, give the car deeper body sides. At the front, the headlights will be more aggressive than on the Range Rover and the bumpers will be blockier.

The interior has more of a slope to its dashboard and centre console than in the Range Rover, but almost all of the switchgear is shared. The Sport also gets an upright automatic shift lever, something that will be shared with the Jaguar F-type.

The interior will be aiming for Range Rover levels of luxury but will feature a more sporting treatment. One source said that Bentley-style quilted leather upholstery will be offered as a trim option.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Aston Martin Plans to Produce Cygnet V12

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:03:00 +0000

The Aston Martin Cygnet city car could be sold with the firm’s V12 engine if there is sufficient customer demand.

Sources suggest that a feasibility study has already been completed, and that the 6.0-litre V12 from its range-topping cars will fit the tiny city car’s engine bay without extensive modifications.

Other upgrades to allow the Toyota IQ-based Cygnet to handle the weight, horsepower and torque of the powertrain are said to be “significant but not insurmountable”. It is likely, however, that the V12 would have to be detuned significantly from the 510bhp it produces in the new DB9 and Vantage models.

The Cygnet is currently sold in one state of tune, powered by Toyota’s 97bhp 1.3-litre petrol unit.

If Aston gives the go-ahead for a production Cygnet V12 it is likely to be sold as a project car much like the Nissan Juke R has been. The Juke R, which fits the Nissan GT-R’s running gear into a Juke supermini body, sells for around £400,000. It was put into limited production, mainly for the Middle East market, following a positive reaction to the concept car’s creation.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2014 BMW 5-Series

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:01:00 +0000

BMW is already testing a mildly reworked version of its Mercedes E-class-rivalling 5-series, a model likely to make its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next September.

While development of the new car still has the good part of a year to run, changes being made to the 5-series appear less significant than those adopted by the new E-class.

Externally, the bumpers are more heavily structured and the lamp graphics revised, but on the evidence of the prototype caught here testing in Munich, the existing bodywork is largely untouched.

Inside, BMW plans to provide the 5-series with the latest version of its iDrive multimedia system and a configurable instrument display already recently introduced on the facelifted 7-series.

On the engine front, the twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine in the 535i is set to gain an added 14bhp, lifting its reserves to 316bhp in the new 540i model.

The twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine in the 550i is also expected to get added firepower. Munich insiders have already confirmed a 43bhp increase to 444bhp.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Mazda 6 Coupe Gets Green Light

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:56:00 +0000

Mazda is planning to rival the Audi A5 with a stylish new three-door coupe version of the 6, Auto Express has learned. And it’s likely to spawn a high-performance MPS model, too.

Our exclusive image shows how easily the latest Mazda 6’s swoopy design translates into a coupe body, carrying over the range’s ‘wing’ grille design and creases running the length of the body to create a muscular stance. It would join the saloon and Tourer estate to become the third member of the 6 family.

The coupe would act as a halo car for Mazda, which is precisely what the company wants for the new 6 range. At the Moscow Motor Show in August, program manager Hiroshi Kajiyama told us: “The CX-5 heightened the brand position. This car [the 6] has to raise it further again.”

The most potent engine in the new range is currently the 173bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel in the Sport. The saloon version does 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds. But an MPS would turn up the heat. When we asked Kajiyama about a new 6 MPS, he said: “There is a high potential for this, and it would be helpful to the brand.”

The original 6 MPS, launched in 2006, was offered only as a saloon. It featured a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 257bhp and four-wheel drive – and the new MPS coupe could follow a similar formula.
As the 6 shares underpinnings with the CX-5 SUV, a 4WD system would be easy to fit, while a turbo version of the new SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine is the most likely candidate, with around 260bhp and strong economy.

Expect the 6 Coupe to arrive some time in 2014, with the MPS following a few months later. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Lotus to Join Venture with Aston Martin?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Lotus has been struggling financially for some time now. Just two years ago, the niche sports car maker showed five all-new concept cars at the Paris auto show. Since then, plans have been scaled back as former CEO Dany Bahar was let go for conduct and the Malaysian government sold its shares of Lotus parent company Proton to industrial group DRB-Hicom. While the future of Lotus is unknown, a report from Automobile suggests Lotus could team up with Aston Martin in a cooperative agreement or outright merger.

Though you might think two sports car makers joining forces would create some redundancies in the combined product portfolio, Automobile suggests there would be no overlap of their current models. As Aston Martin is a respected luxury brand and Lotus is known for its lightweight, attainable sports cars, a marriage of the two companies could just work out.

While the prospect of a partnership between the two British marques sounds appealing, both companies would need to raise funds to pay off debts just to keep daily operations going. How much cash would the automakers need to raise? Between $1.1 and $1.6 billion, according to the report.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: Mercedes to Debut SLS AMG Black Series at LA Show 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Last week we had the unique opportunity to get an up-close tour of Mercedes-AMG’s world headquarters in the small German town of Affalterbach. Beyond drooling over the immaculate facilities that included a showroom, race car assembly line, engine production area, and an AMG Performance Studio (the brand’s personalization program), we spoke to a few key engineers and marketing personnel.

The soon-to-be-released SLS AMG Black Series will debut at this November’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
In true Black Series fashion, expect the all-new Black Series to sport a lower ride height, additional aerodynamic cues like race car-inspired wheel arches and a fixed rear wing, bigger wheels and wider tires, ceramic brakes, and, yes, more power. Current rumors have the hand-built 6.2-liter V-8 making somewhere in the 630-horsepower range, which nearly matches the output of the recently debuted 45^th Anniversary SLS AMG GT3 race car.

According to Dr. Martin Hart, chief powertrain engineer, when comparing the SLS Black Series to the current SLS AMG GT, the Black Series is “the REAL beast” (he said with a massive grin) with even quicker shifts from the updated seven-speed automatic gearbox, a more dynamic chassis, and superb braking. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but given the performance enhancements and a likely very limited production run, don’t expect it to be cheap.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Recall Up Date: 2012 Honda CR-V

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:40:00 +0000

The Problem: Certain 2012 Honda CR-V LX models have a misprint on the safety certification label, which lists incorrect values for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating, tire size, and wheel size. Having the wrong ratings on the label could lead owners to improperly load the vehicle, which could result in tire failure.

The Fix: Honda will notify owners to come in to a dealership, where a corrected label will be applied free of charge. The recall is expected to begin around November 6, 2012. Owners of affected vehicles can call Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 264 2012 Honda CR-V LX models are affected, built from August 30, 2012 through August 31, 2012.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Recall Up Date: 2005-2007 BMW 7 Series

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:38:00 +0000

The Problem: The doors on models equipped with Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic door options can appear to be shut but, due to a software glitch, may not be fully closed and latched. Certain road or driving conditions or contact with the door could cause it to open while in motion, potentially leading to “occupant ejection.”

The Fix: BMW will notify owners to visit a dealer for a software upgrade. The recall is expected to start in November 2012. For more information, owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: The recall cover 7485 model-year 2005-2007 BMW 7 Series models equipped with Soft Close Automatic door and Comfort Access options. The date of manufacture ranges from August 23, 2004 to September 3, 2007.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Ford Fiesta Sedan

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 05:14:00 +0000

Ford has unveiled the updated Fiesta saloon at the Sao Paulo motor show. The 2013 Fiesta features design cues from Ford’s new global design language. It gets a restyled front fascia that includes an aggressive, Aston Martin-like front grille with chrome slats, re-profiled front bumper and fog lamps, revamped headlamps and a new bonnet design. This comprehensive facelift makes the rakish Ford now look positively handsome from the front. Also vastly improved is the rear. While the current car has small tail-lights, this car’s rear lights span all the way across to the bootlid. This is likely to cost Ford more, but the money seems well spent as the car looks much better now. A new black rear splitter at the bottom also reduces the visual mass of the car considerably.

For India, there’s likely to be a bigger change under the hood. Ford is likely to slot the much-acclaimed 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol motor. Ford could also make it available in two states of tune, at 99bhp for the economy sensitive and 123bhp for those who want a sporty drive. While the Fiesta facelift is expected to come to the country sometime early next year, the EcoBoost engine will be introduced in India under the bonnet of the much-awaited EcoSport compact SUV.

The introduction of this engine will also mark the Indian debut of Ford’s EcoBoost powertrain technology. Developed at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in the UK, this newest and smallest member of the EcoBoost engine family features advanced turbocharging technology, direct injection and improved twin variable-camshaft design to deliver performance that belies its small size. Ford says it’s capable of developing power similar to a bigger 1.6-litre motor and fuel efficiency similar to that of a smaller unit.

By 2015, the company plans to have the capacity to build 6,00,000 engines in India. Of the engines produced, around 60 percent will be retained for the domestic market while the rest will be exported. The EcoBoost engines produced in India are also likely to be exported back to Thailand, from where many of Ford’s CKD kits come.

Thanks to: Autocar India

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Rafale

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 04:57:00 +0000

The latest special edition version of the Bugatti Veyron has been shown at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil.

The new Rafale special edition is based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, the open-top version of the world’s fastest car producing 1184bhp from its mighty quad-turbo W16.

The Rafale is differentiated from standard Vitesse models by its special ‘Gris Rafale’ paint finish and blue carbonfibre trim. Also new externally is its bespoke alloy wheel design.

The interior of the Rafale has also been given a makeover; it features special blue leather seats with grey stitching and blue carbonfibre trim to match the interior.

The new model is available now for £1.5 million, which is an increase of just over £170,000 on a standard Veyron Vitesse.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Chevrolet Onix

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 04:55:00 +0000

General Motors' new small car developed specifically for the Brazilian market has been revealed at the São Paulo motor show. The Chevrolet Onix is based on GM's small car architecture but has been adapted to suit Brazilian's rough and ready road conditions.

The Onix will be built in Brazil as a five-door hatchback and be offered with 1.0 and 1.4 litre engines which can run on petrol, ethanol or a combination of both. Five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions are offered.

A high level of specification is being offered with the Onix, including Bluetooth connectivity and Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system. Special customisation options will also be offered.

"We looked to create a car with high levels of design, comfort and technology that will exceed customer expectations," said Chevrolet marketing director Gustavo Colosi.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Hyundai HB20X

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:33:00 +0000

Hyundai has accompanied the launch of its new Hyundai HB20 supermini at the Sao Paulo motor show with a new crossover version of the car.

The Hyundai HB20X is production ready and will be joined in the three-strong HB20 line-up next year by a saloon version. The new trio have been designed especially for Brazil and will be built in the country in a new dedicated plant near Sao Paulo.

The HB20X gets a different bumper to the HB20 hatchback, raised ground clearance, black body cladding and larger 15in alloy wheels. Roof bars are also fitted to the HB20X, as is a new rear bumper and tweaked interior trim.

Power for the HB20X will come from Hyundai’s 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine, which has been adapted to run on both petrol and ethanol, or a combination of both.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Polo Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Renault Clio Mercosur

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Renault is bolstering its thriving Brazilian business with a budget version of the Renault Clio. The Clio Mercosur has been unveiled at the Sao Paulo motor show.

The Clio Mercosur is the latest incarnation of the Clio 2, with the front and rear taking inspiration from the Clio 4, unveiled at last month’s Paris motor show. The graphics are expected to be offered on the options list.

Little is known about the Mercosur, but it is likely to continue to be offered with the 1.0-litre 75bhp engine fitted to the current Brazilian market Clio. That engine is able to run on petrol or ethanol, reflecting Brazil’s popularity for the fuel.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Honda Fit Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:29:00 +0000

A rugged version of the Honda Jazz has been revealed at the São Paulo motor show. The Fit Twist, as it will be known, is in response to the popularity of superminis with a perceived go anywhere ability in the Brazilian market.

But despite the more rough and ready look, Honda has confirmed no suspension changes for the model have taken place. Instead, there is extra body cladding and bigger wheels to give it a more purposeful look.

The model has been conceived purely with the Brazilian market in mind, and as such is not destined for sale in Europe or the UK.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: Renault DCross Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:27:00 +0000

A new Renault concept car based on the Dacia Duster has been launched at the São Paulo motor show.

The Renault D Cross previews how a potential new style-led range-topper for the Duster SUV could look. In Brazil, Dacia models are sold as Renaults.

The concept is easily distinguished from the Duster with its new front grille and headlight design, as well as its circular rear LED lights.

It gets a two-tone pant finish; bright green for the front and cabin, and grey for the rear section.
Chrome alloy wheels also feature, as does increased amounts of body cladding and a spare wheel of the roof.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: Volkswagen Taigun Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Volkswagen formerly intends to join the burgeoning junior SUV ranks after unveiling a concept that hints towards a future production model at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil.

Called the Taigun, the compact four-seater previews the look set to be adopted on a planned new Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke rival to be positioned and priced below the Tiguan when launched towards the middle of the decade.

The production model will provide the basis for a whole new family of similar sized offerings from Audi, Seat and Skoda. Ulrich Hackenberg, VW’s R&D chief, told Autocar that the compact SUV would be sold in each of VW’s global markets, including the UK.

The Taigun is based around a stretched version of the VW Up’s NSF (New Small Family) platform. At 3859mm in length, 1728mm in width and 1570mm in height, the Taigun is 566mm shorter, 82mm narrower and 130mm lower than the Tiguan. The concept is not four-wheel drive, as the NSF platform currently only supports front-wheel drive.

VW design chief Klaus Bischoff describes the new SUV’s appearance as “confident, logical and clean”. It is more rugged and technical in style than the Tiguan, and previews the new face of VW’s future SUVs.

The interior of the Taigun has, according to Bischoff, been inspired by the latest smart phones, with a clean and reduced look that aims to provide the sort of visual clarity and simplicity of operation associated with early workhorse off-roaders, albeit with modern day levels of quality and finish.

Power for the concept comes from the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 108bhp and 129lb ft as the upcoming Up GT. Drive is channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The 985kg Taigun can crack 0-62mph in 9.2sec and reach a top speed of 116mph. Combined economy is rated at 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions are 110g/km.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: Nissan Extrem Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:20:00 +0000

The Nissan Extrem small crossover concept has been revealed at the São Paulo motor show.

The new concept, which was teased last week, is based on the Nissan March (Micra) and is a crossover between a SUV and a small sports car, Nissan design chief Shiro Nakamura told Autocar.

Nakamura said that Nissan's Brazilian operation has led development of the concept, and the build of it took place there. The design work was undertaken by Nissan's Design Studio in San Diego.

The Extrem is smaller than a Juke, and is billed by Nakamura strictly as a concept in its current guise.
He also distanced the concept from reports claiming it was intended to preview a modern day successor to the Nissan 240Z sports car.

Autocar understands the concept previews Nissan's intentions to launch a small three-door crossover for markets including Brazil. Indeed, one source said the firm "never did show cars that are flights of fancy".

As well as using March mechanicals, the concept also features front-end styling inspired by the model, a move which is intended to link the March, which was recently introduced into the Brazilian market, to the concept.

Initially, certain design flourishes from the Extrem are expected to carryover into future production models, such as the headlight design.

But further off, should the concept be well received by the Brazilian show public, then Nissan is poised to launch a small three-door crossover for the market that's smaller than the Juke but inspired by the Extrem.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Hyundai HB20

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:18:00 +0000

The Hyundai HB20 has been shown at the Sao Paulo motor show. Hyundai describes the HB20 as "the first Hyundai strategically developed and exclusively produced for the Brazilian market".

It says HB stands for Hyundai Brazil, and 20 is the global nomenclature for this size of platform. It is understood the HB20 shares its basic architecture with the European i20.

Nine trim levels will be offered alongside a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.6 litre flex-fuel engines, which can run on petrol or bioethanol. A five-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, while a four-speed automatic is available with the larger engine.

The HB20 will initially launch as a five-door hatchback, while saloon and SUV variants will launch in 2013.
All models feature dual front airbags and air conditioning as standard.

The domestically developed supermini will be built at Hyundai's first plant in Brazil. The new $600m Piracicaba plant is the seventh factory to be built outside of Korea and will provide employment for more than 20,000 people directly and in the plant's supply chain.

Thanks to: Autocar

Sao Paolo Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Volkswagen Gol

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:16:00 +0000

A new three-door version of the Volkswagen Gol, Brazil's best selling car has been revealed at the São Paulo motor show.

The locally produced Gol has been Brazil's best selling model in each of the last 25 years, and is on track for a 26th in 2012. More than seven million units have been produced in that time.

The Gol is closer to a current Polo than a Golf in size, and although VW officials wouldn't confirm its exact underpinnings in relation to a more familiar European model, it has been upgraded to be given the VW Group's latest electrical architecture and design.

The engine line-up is made up of FlexFuel units, which can run on petrol, ethanol or a combination of both.

The Gol is such a success for VW in Brazil, a market expected to expand to 5 million sales per year by 2018, that if it was a brand by itself it would be the fourth largest in Brazil with a 10 per cent market share.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2012 Skoda Superb Outdoor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:14:00 +0000

The rugged, four-wheel-drive Skoda Superb Outdoor has gone on sale, priced from £26,465.
That buys you a Superb Outdoor powered by a 158bhp 1.8-litre TFSI engine, which comes complete with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The same model in SE trim would normally cost around £3,000 less, so to justify the price increase Skoda has added a leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, hill-hold control and heated windscreen washer nozzles. It also gets rugged plastic protective cladding and 18-inch Luxon alloys as standard.

Buyers can also choose a 2.0 TDI with 138bhp and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox for £28,100, or the 168bhp version of the same engine with a six-speed manual for £27,600.

Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are unchanged compared with the standard Superb Estate models, so the 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG model manages fuel economy of 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 165g/km.

As with all Skoda models, the Outdoor comes complete with a three-year, 30,000-mile warranty. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: SEAT and Skoda to Get Small SUV

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:12:00 +0000

Just as the up! city car appeared as a VW-badged concept first before spawning the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo, the new Taigun concept could form the basis for SEAT and Skoda small SUVs. Based on a stretched version of the up!’s new small car family platform, you can read full details on the Taigun here.

“First we need to learn if this concept makes sense in the real world. If the reaction is positive we will realise it, and if we realise it it would make sense to synergise with other brands,” Dr Urich Hackenberg, VW’s head of product development, told us.

As the Taigun shares most of its mechanicals - including its three-cylinder petrol engine, seats, electrical architecture and chassis – with the up!, which in turn is virtually identical mechanically to the Mii and Citigo, it would be a simple transition to spread the costs of this new small SUV over the three brands.

A production version of the Taigun is still a few years off, though. Hackenberg told us that if he pushed the green button on the project today, it would take around two years before the public was able to buy one.
But judging by the overwhelmingly positive reaction from showgoers in Sao Paulo, it can’t be long before VW bosses give it the go-ahead. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Recall Up Date: 2012 Maserati GranTurismo & Quattroporte

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:05:00 +0000

The Problem: A software error may prevent the tire-pressure monitoring system from warning the driver when the tires are underinflated. This could allow the owner to inadvertently drive on underinflated tires, increasing the risk of accident.

The Fix: Maserati plans to reprogram the TPMS computer for free beginning in November.

Number Of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 485 2012 Maserati GranTurismo, GranTurismo Convertible, GranTurismo MC, and Quattroporte models.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Recall Up Date: 2012 Mercedes E350 & E550 Coupe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:03:00 +0000

The Problem: The right-side curtain airbag may not have been stitched properly, which could allow it to deflate too quickly after deploying in an accident. That could reduce the amount of protection the airbag offers to occupants during a crash.

The Fix: Starting in November, Mercedes-Benz dealers will begin replacing the right-side curtain airbags.

Number Of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 499 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupes.

Thanks to: Motor Trend