2012 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Overview

When you look at a Mercedes E-class, you realize it is not just the work of a group of people. It is the result of a constantly refined tradition, with an unending story told best by the all new Mercedes E-250 Elegance. This baby not only has sleek aerodynamics that defines visual perfection, it has also provided a super smooth ride synonymous with comfort and elegance for over 100 years.

NEW MODEL

First introduced in2010, the current Mercedes Benz E-Class has been a top seller for the German luxury automaker and on March 2012 the 500000th E-Class sedan rolled off the production line in Sindelfingen, Germany. (This figure only represents the production of current generation e class sedans with exclusions of the E-Class coupe and e class cabriolet.) Their ingenuity not stopping short, the e class designers recently unveiled the hybrid version: the E-400 and E-350 Blue TEC Hybrid capable of 56 mpg on the European combined cycle.

COMFORT

This is one car you will not have to chew your lips off while stuck in traffic. A new chassis and dampers that adapt to the driving conditions make this as comfortable and cruisy as a luxury sedan can get. Sitting on the driver’s seat alone is quite an experience and certainly only in few cars will you find the working of the gear lever transmitted electronically through a cable. It entails full Bluetooth audio streaming as well as a 6 GB hard drive to store your favorite tunes. Talking of music, it is played through Harman/Kardon LOGIC 7 surround system to cater for the long journeys. The rear seats are slightly reclining with plenty of head and leg room, which are very practical for a family car.

SAFETY

Want to die in an accident? Then don’t drive an e class. Its safety measures entail the PRE -SAFE systems which not only tightens the seat belts before an unavoidable accident, but also automatically closes windows, sunroof, fills up air cushions on the multi -contour seats and even moves the front seats to a safer position in the crucial moments before an accident. It also includes 11 airbags: front, side and rear ones, pelvic bag, full size window-bags for driver and front passenger and a knee-bag for the driver. That aside, the prime thought that you are in a Mercedes E-Class is enough to prevent you from dying. Ha! Ha!

STYLISH

The E-Class is a beautiful car in its own right, and like BMW and AUDI its going for a more subtle look of sublime elegance, only that it’s doing much better; you will surely want to have one of these.

HANDLING

The turning feel is so smooth, more like an S-Class than a C-Class that at times you forget you are connected to the front wheels. There is almost no feedback and the suspension is best suited for normal driving though when push comes to shove it responds with profound agility around tight corners and in sudden directional changes.

PERFORMANCE

Believe it or not, the 1.8L German engineered engine has the power output of engines with twice the capacity. The 1.8L E-250 CGI delivers 150kw (200bhp) and 310Nm of torque with a top speed of 242km/h and an acceleration from 0-100 km in 7.5 seconds. The more costly 2.1L E-250 CDI delivers the same power but with 500Nm of torque with a top speed of 240 km/h. its acceleration from rest to 100km/h is 7.7 seconds.

FUEL ECONOMY

If you have five woes and fuel bills is one of them, now you have four to worry about. The engine size is a pocket friendly 1.8L for the CGI, smaller than most cars in its league yet with power commensurate or greater than theirs. The fuel economy is more like a 1.5L Toyota at 7.6L/100km (for my drive it was 7.8L/100km which I did extensively enough,) and with an additional $ 320 you get the E-250 CDI with an unbelievably low 5.1L/km, only 0.1L/100km more than the overrated Toyota Camry Hybrid.

ECO-FRIENDLY
Mercedes has never believed in smoke screen as part of its defense, and the E-250 CDI takes it even higher by being the least polluting car in its range. It emits 154g/km of C02 and promises 47.1 mpg economy-an improvement of 20g/km and 4.4 mpg over the previous generation E-220 CDI. The E-250 CGI is the least polluting e class at 134g/km of CO2.

SHORTCOMINGS

Critics leveled against it suggest that the tail lights connote a Toyota-like appearance (many Mercedes owners hate Toyota.)

You also have to manually adjust your seat instead of electronically and that it lacks a reverse camera. The COMAND is not as intuitive as BMW’s iDRIVE and the satellite navigation system is not as advanced as of the BMW 5 series.

More Pictures of 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 250

2013 GMC Acadia unveiled

One of the most popular vehicle models that bowed at the 2012 Chicago auto show is the 2013 GMC Acadia. Upon its first introduction into the market, this model was able to establish itself as one of the best in its class. As a result, General Motors has decided to upgrade this model and this eventually led to the production of the 2013 GMC Acadia.

When the 2013 GMC Acadia was unveiled at the 2012 Chicago auto show, a lot of car experts have noticed that the latest version of the iconic crossover model has received a major facelift from General Motors. This simply means that most of the dominant features of the previous year’s version were changed and these changes allowed the new Acadia to have an image of its own.

When viewed in front, the 2013 GMC Acadia has a muscular stance. Due to this, the latest version looks more capable and intimidating. Thanks to its new upright design and the three-bar grille that was installed on the vehicle’s front fascia. In addition to this, the vehicle is now fitted with a pair of LED running lights and these are offered as a standard feature of the vehicle.

Aside from the upgrades that were implemented in front, the Acadia’s rear was also subjected to a few changes. The current model is now equipped with a wraparound rear glass and a new rear spoiler. The vehicle’s rear bumper was redesigned and the primary purpose of this was to make the Acadia’s front and rear portion quite coordinated.

General Motors has also revised the interior layout. But instead of using hard plastics and other cheap components, the company’s designers decided to use more soft-touch materials inside the vehicle’s cabin. Aside from that, the stitching that was used to fasten the soft-touch materials in place was also remarkable. On top of these, the ambient lighting that was installed inside the Acadia makes the vehicle’s cabin look more elegant and upscale most especially at night.

In terms of performance, the 2013 GMC Acadia is still capable of towing a maximum load of up to 5,000 pounds. Its 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine allows the Acadia to generate a maximum power output of 288 horsepower. The engine is mated to an improved 6-speed automatic transmission that provides a better shifting response and drivability. Given this engine and transmission, the 2013 GMC Acadia with a front-wheel drive system obtains the fuel economy ratings of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

More Pictures of 2013 GMC Acadia

Military-Inspired 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition Unveiled

In the early stages of the Second World War, the vehicle we'd come to know as the Jeep Wrangler was born as a go-anywhere, general-purpose military scout vehicle. The Jeep became an iconic symbol of the U.S. military through World War II and into theaters including Korea and Vietnam.

Today, the Jeep is retired from military service, but there's no denying its born-from-conflict roots. In recognition of this, and to honor members of the U.S. military both past and present, Jeep is launching a special edition of the 2012 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited in tribute.

Dubbed the Wrangler Freedom Edition, the model comes in red, white or blue paint, and sports a military-themed star graphic on the hood and rear quarter panels. Gracing each front fender is a star-themed emblem with the slogan "Oscar Mike," military jargon for "on the move."

The Freedom Edition's 17-inch wheels, as well as its grille and bumper inserts, are finished in Mineral Gray. Inside, black cloth seats sport the same "Oscar Mike" logo as the front fenders, and silver accent stitching is used for the steering wheel, door panels seats and armrests.

Based on the Sport trim level, Freedom Edition models start at $28,165 for a two-door Wrangler, and begin at $30,670 for a four-door Wrangler Unlimited variant. For each Freedom Edition model sold, Chrysler will donate $250 to charities for military families, including the Fisher House Foundation and the I Support Foundation.

Active and retired military members may even qualify for a $500 cash allowance, which means you're getting an even better deal on an iconic SUV, and supporting charities that support our military at the same time. We'd call that a win for everyone.

More Pictures of 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

2012 Toyota Camry Atara S Sedan

Toyota is one of the world’s most successful automotive brands, and in the States, the Camry mid-sizer is their best seller. In Australia, it’s easily the de facto choice in its class for rental and taxi companies, government fleets and private buyers. Join us as we take the Australian-spec Atara S for one of our weeklong road test and reviews.

The AU$33,490 RRP Atara S is the second cheapest model in the 2012 Camry range and the obvious choice for the vast majority of private buyers (the Altise, at AU$30,490 RRP, is the mainstay of fleet operators).

The 2012 Camry feels large for a mid-sizer with a length of 4,815 mm (190 in.) and a wheelbase of 2,775 mm (109 in.). It’s also 1,825 mm (72 in.) wide and 1,470 mm (58 in.) tall.

It’s fine-looking looking from most angles though the styling is best described as evolutionary rather than revolutionary - a Toyota hallmark. It’s a shame that from the side it looks more like a minor facelift than an all-new model; the angular window-line seemingly unchanged from the previous generation.

Still, in Atara S guise the Camry comes with front fog lights and five spoke alloy wheels which help to alleviate many of the deign shortcomings. There’s also the expected assortment of three letter acronym safety equipment (ABS, EBD, traction / stability control etc.) resulting in a 5 star ANCAP rating. This alone should be a big incentive for many private buyer.

Unlike the majority of Atara S’s currently in Aussie showrooms, our press fleet vehicle came with a full leather interior and a power tilt/slide sunroof. Everything else - from the climate control air conditioning, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and touch-screen audio - is standard.

All the controls are clearly labelled and easy to use; a definite plus. One thing I didn’t like was the fact that the audio and climate controls are backlit in green; with the white instruments and blue touch-screen it seemed out-of-place and dated. The foot-operated handbrake is also an unusual touch in a car such as this. The air conditioning is fantastic and the front seats extremely comfortable.

The lack of automatic adjustment for the front passenger seat is disappointing though not unexpected. The steering wheel is nice and chunky and the interior material choices are - as to be expected from Toyota - of a very high standard. This is a no-fuss cabin that’s well designed and well-appointed for a car at this price range. The boot - which contains a full-sized spare - is easy to access and large enough to accommodate almost anything.

The Camry’s 133 kW (178 hp), 2.5-liter inline four delivers 231 Nm (170 lb. ft.) of torque through a 6-spd automatic gearbox. It’s an eager if somewhat pedestrian sounding unit that benefits greatly from an above average transmission. Smooth power delivery makes the Atara S a competent highway cruiser. Fuel economy seems to be about 10 L / 100 km around town and 7.5 L / 100 km on the open road.

The steering is a bit lifeless but otherwise I have few complaints about the Camry’s driving experience. It handles well, rides comfortably and is effortless to drive. The suspension setup is well adapted to Australian road conditions and the brakes work flawlessly. "Boringly competent" best describes the 2012 Camry’s on-road performance.

More Pictures of Toyota Camry Atara S Sedan

Yamaha Venture Lite

Posted on 02.22.2013 18:10 by Sulthoni , Kirby Garlitos , Serafim

The Yamaha Venture Lite comes with a long list of features which make it a pretty practical and versatile snowmobile. It's also built with comfort in mind and you'll especially like the tall windshield, heated grips, comfy seats and luggage rack. Moreover, the passenger seat can be simply removed for solo riding, while the extra luggage space gives you more room to stow your belongings.

Power comes from Yamaha's fuel-injected Genesis 4-stroke Sport Performance engine, which will bring mile after mile of smooth and economical power.

The Venture Lite is built on the FX chassis, which has a lightweight, rigid CF Die-Cast member and chromoly tube construction. The ride quality is kept in check by a double wishbone front suspension specially engineered for the Venture Lite. The suspension was carefully designed to accommodate the particular weight distribution and handling needs of a snowmobile, thereby is perfectly suited for the Yamaha Venture Lite.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Yamaha Venture Lite.

Yamaha Venture Lite originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 February 2013 18:10 EST.

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Fisker's Lawsuit Against XL Insurance Settled; May be a Sign of Pending Deal

Posted on 02.22.2013 19:00 by Justin Cupler

Following the damaged caused to a slew of Fisker Karmas by Hurricane Sandy, Fisker's insurer denied the claim and the EV builder almost immediately filed a $33 million lawsuit against the insurer. According to a report, the two companies have settled the lawsuit and all legal action was dropped.

There is no mention of who started the settlement process, but this does seem like strange timing. See, only weeks ago Fisker hired a consultant to help the struggling manufacturer save a little money and to search for a potential partner or buyer. It's common knowledge that a pending legal battle makes it much harder to talk a potential partner into joining forces and even tougher to find a buyer.

This leads us to believe that Fisker may have a partner or buyer that is interested, but wanted the legal battle settled before moving forward. This is all multiplied by the recent report from Reuters that Geeley, the Chinese automaker and owner of Volvo, was more than just a little interested in purchasing majority stake in Fisker.

All of this is coming together all too well for us to ignore the possibility of Fisker selling sooner rather than later.

We'll keep an eye on this situation and update you.

Fisker's Lawsuit Against XL Insurance Settled; May be a Sign of Pending Deal originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 February 2013 19:00 EST.

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Modified Honda Prelude 1991 Pictures

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Modified Peugeot 205 GTi Pictures

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Promiz Customs Infiniti FX35 2013 Pictures

Big, Bad And Full Of Promiz: Infiniti FX35 . Slovakian tuning company, Promiz customs has taken hold of the otherwise sedate-looking FX35 and re-constructed its face with items like a new bumpers and grille. The striking blue model also gets 22" Vossen CV3 rims and heated front seats. Power is derived from a 3.5-litre V6 engine which now kicks out 390hp..

TechArt Porsche 911 991 Carrera 4S 2013 Pictures

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Spy Shots: 2014 Kia Soul Caught Testing in Sweden

Posted on 02.22.2013 09:00 by Simona

Launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Kia Soul has soon become one of the best-sold models from Kia in the U.S. The model received its first facelift last year, and now the company decided to bring an all-new model in order to keep interest at top.

Even though the car is heavily camouflaged, it looks like the roofline is slightly lower on the new Soul and the body seems to be a little wider. These updates will offer the new Soul a more masculine appearance.

Other updates includes a typical Kia grille moved up a bit, bigger air intakes, plus redesigned headlamps that now look more square and it received an LED stripe on top. On the interior, it looks like the dashboard has also been redesigned.

Under the hood, you should expect the same engine lineup and transmissions as the one used in the new Kia Cee’d.

Spy Shots: 2014 Kia Soul Caught Testing in Sweden originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 February 2013 09:00 EST.

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Wiesmann GT MF4-CS

Posted on 02.22.2013 10:00 by Justin Cupler

Many of you likely have no clue what or who Wiesmann is and to be honest, we had to look them up too. Hailing from Germany and known for putting out some of the most unique-looking and rare supercars on the planet Earth, Wiesmann is obviously not a manufacturer to be taken lightly. And when it is set to debut a new model, we had all better take notice.

Wiesmann's newest addition to its lineup will be the GT MF4-CS, which it will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. To get us amped up for the debut, Wiesmann has released a teaser image of the car's unique front end, which is a staple for the Germany-based automaker. If the name looks familiar to you Wiesmann enthusiasts, it should, as it released the GT MF4-S back in 2009 and this is the club sport variant of said model, hence the "CS."

Wiesmann didn't offer up any details on the GT MF4-CS with exception to the fact that this club sport version will be lighter. We do know that the GT MF4-S carried a BMW-sourced 4-liter V-8 engine that cranked out 420 horsepower and linked up to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. We assume that the CS model will feature the same driveline. We also know that the GT MF4-CS will be limited to only 25 units, so get your checkbooks ready!

We'll update you once Wiesmann releases additional information.

Click past the jump to read Wiesmann's press release

Wiesmann GT MF4-CS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 February 2013 10:00 EST.

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Volvo XC60 2014 Pictures

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Modified Toyota Supra Turbo Pictures

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Pagani releases second teaser before Geneva launch [video]

New audio system ?

Pagani has released another teaser for their new product which will be showcased at Geneva Motor Show next month.

At the beginning of the month we saw the first teaser Pagani launched and we assumed they were previewing the Huayra Roadster. However, this may not be the case after seeing the second teaser video released yesterday. The latest clip is related to audio since we get to see several dials and speakers, along with the words Sonus Faber.

Sonus Faber is a high-end audio system producer located in Vicenza, the same location showed at the end of the previous teaser. What this probably means is the Huayra will get a new sound system and/or Sonus Faber will launch Pagani-signed, Huayra-styled speakers.

As a reminder, Pagani launched a while ago a carbon fiber audio system styled like the Zonda.

Gemballa GT Spider announced for Geneva

Gemballa GT Spider 21.2.2013

Based on the McLaren 12C Spider

Gemballa has announced plans to introduce the GT Spider at the Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the McLaren 12C Spider, the car features a carbon fiber body kit that includes new bumpers and revised side skirts. The model can also be equipped with GForged-one ultra-light alloy wheels that measure 20-inches at the front and 21-inches at the rear. They are available in Black Magic or Gunmetal and can be ordered with diamond cut spokes.

To spruce up the cabin, Gemballa offers premium leather and Alcantara upholstery. Customers can also order instrument dials in a variety of colors.

The styling package will go on sale later this year and pricing starts at €47,166 ($62,225)

Mercedes-Benz A200 CDI by Brabus

Posted on 02.21.2013 10:00 by Kirby Garlitos

German aftermarket company, Brabus, is the foremost authority when it comes to building tuning programs for Mercedes vehicles. Just look at its history and you’ll notice that about 80 percent of its projects involve Mercedes vehicles with the occasional Smart programs sprinkled in.

Its latest program for the Mercedes A200 CDI is yet another shining example as to why people go to Brabus when they have a Mercedes that’s ready for some aftermarket lovin’.

Compared to what we’ve seen from some of their past projects, we’d say that the performance mods given to the A200 CDI are relatively modest. But that doesn’t mean that it won’t garner some attention, especially since the A-Class is a popular choice among people looking for an affordable Benz.

So with the help of its BRABUS PowerXtra D2 kit, Brabus was able to take the A200 CDI’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and improve its output from 136 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque up to 165 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

On top of the decent performance spike, the German tuner also added a set of grey twin-ten-spoke alloy wheels while taking out the stock exhaust and replacing it with a twin dual-exhaust setup.

It’s also worth noting that with the 2013 Geneva Motor Show just around the corner, we wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Brabus brought this car to their exhibit space.

Volkswagen Golf GTD

Posted on 02.21.2013 11:00 by Simona

VW is further expanding the seventh generation Golf lineup with the addition of the new GTD version. Set to be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the new Golf GTD will be put on sale immediately after with a starting price of 29,350 (about $38,700 at the current exchange rates).

The new-generation GTD continues a tradition started way back in 1982 when Volkswagen revolutionized the market with the unveiling of its first turbo-diesel Golf. The seventh-generation Golf GTD is the most powerful diesel Golf ever launched and it delivers an impressive fuel economy of just 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers (or about 56 U.S. mpg).

When compared to a standard Golf, the new GTD version received smoked LED rear lights and a larger roof spoiler. The interior has also received numerous GTD elements, like sports seats and steering wheels, a black roofliner and a GTD instrument cluster.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Volkswagen Golf GTD.

Volkswagen Golf GTD originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 21 February 2013 11:00 EST.

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SSR Mazda RX-7 2002 Pictures

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Modified Toyota Previa Pictures

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2014 Audi RS Q3 officially unveiled [VIDEO ADDED]

Goes on sale this fall

Following this afternoon's leak, Audi has officially unveiled the 2014 RS Q3.

Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the first RS Q variant has an aggressive appearance with new bumpers, revised side skirts and honeycomb grille inserts. There's also matte aluminum trim, a roof-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and an elliptical tailpipe. Other highlights include a 25mm reduced ride height, high-performance brakes (with painted black eight-piston calipers) and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.

The sporty styling carries over to the cabin as the crossover features leather / Alcantara sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and alloy pedals. Upon closer inspection, buyers will also discover an RS-specific MMI infotainment system and piano black, aluminum race or carbon fiber trim. If that isn't impressive enough, customers can order GPS navigation, a WLAN hotspot and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder petrol engine that develops 310 HP (228 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system. This enables the 1,730 kg (3,814 lb) crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). In terms of efficiency, the model averages 8.8 L/100km (26.7 mpg US / 32.1 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 206 g/km.

The Audi RS Q3 will go on sale this fall and German pricing starts at €54,600.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur unveiled [VIDEOS ADDED]

Debuts in Geneva

The late night unveilings continue as Bentley has taken the wraps off the 2014 Flying Spur.

Designed to set a new benchmark in the "luxury performance" segment, the redesigned Flying Spur has an evolutionary design which borrows cues from the Continental GT and Mulsanne. As such, the sedan has a lower and wider appearance which is further enhanced by curvaceous surfaces and muscular rear haunches. Notable highlights include LED-infused headlights, ventilated front fenders, a more upright grille and 19- to 21-inch alloy wheels.

Underneath the svelte bodywork is a redesigned structure that has reinforced sections and deformational elements. Besides being stronger - torsional stiffness increases four percent to 36,500 Nm/degree - the model is 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter thanks to aluminum (hood and front fenders) and polymer composite (boot lid) components.

The cabin is virtually brand new as only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests and some of the front console / controls are carried over from the previous generation. As a result, the interior has over 600 new components including softer leather seats, wood trim (in one of seven "sophisticated" veneers) and an updated infotainment system with an eight-inch display.

As usual, rear passengers get top billing as the Multi-Media Specification adds Wi-Fi connectivity, a 64 GB hard drive, wireless headphones and two 10-inch displays.

To control all toys, Bentley offers a "Touch Screen Remote" that deploys from the rear center console at the push of a button. It allows rear seat passengers to easily control a variety of different systems including the climate control and infotainment systems as well as their own seat.

Customers can also order the Mulliner Driving Specification which adds diamond quilted seats, a leather headliner, alloy pedals, a knurled gear lever, a jewel filler cap and 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

At launch, the model will be available exclusively with a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine that produces 625 HP (460 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system which enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds) and hit a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In terms of efficiency, the Flying Spur returns 14.7 L/100 km (19.2 mpg UK / 15 mpg US) and has CO2 emissions of 343 g/km.

WCF readers spy 2014 BMW X5, 5-Series, 4-Series Coupe, i8, 5-Series GT, next-gen X6 and MINI Cooper

2014 BMW X5 spy photo

BMW planning major lineup update

Two WCF readers have sent us some very interesting spy shots of various BMW models, along with the new MINI Cooper, taken in South Africa.

The hottest car spotted in these photos is the production version of the i8 which will be powered by a 3-cylinder turbo gasoline engine working together with an electric motor. The setup should allow the hybrid supercar to run the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 4.8 seconds.

Next one is the new generation of the BMW X5 which will get a 3-Series-inspired front fascia and a front bumper with air vents on both sides. At the back it will feature X3-like taillights, as well as a more upscale interior cabin.

The BMW 5-Series facelift can also be seen in these spy photos, showing minor revisions compared to the current model. The front bumper will suffer some modest modifications, just like the taillights. A mild makeover is also expected for the kidney grille, headlamps and mirror caps.

Set for an unveiling sometime this week, the next-gen MINI Cooper hardtop will grow in size and will be sold with a wide array of engines, including a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder with 128 hp (96 kW) and 148 hp (110 kW) in diesel and gasoline versions.

There's also a blue camouflaged BMW which most likely is the 4-Series Coupe, while sitting next to the i8 is what appears to be the 5-Series GT facelift. Near the 5-Series GT is another car and we assume is the next generation of the BMW X6.

Many thanks go to DV and Andrew for sending the pics!

Volvo & Geely to jointly develop a shared platform

2013 Volvo V40 Cross Country

Companies will establish joint a Research and Development Center in Sweden

Volvo and Geely have announced plans to establish a joint Research and Development Center in Gothenburg, Sweden to develop a new modular architecture that will underpin future C-segment vehicles.

Smaller than the previously announced Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), the C-segment platform promises to be flexible and deliver "considerable cost savings in terms of development, testing and sourcing." However, Geely Chairman Li Shuf said "the sharing of knowledge and technology has to be done without jeopardizing brand integrity and individual product development. We believe a stand-alone, yet joint R&D Centre with a focused approach is the best way to achieve this."

There's no word on when the C-segment platform could be introduced, but the companies intend to have the R&D center fully operational by the end of 2013. When this occurs, the center will employee approximately 200 engineers from Sweden and China.

Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept 2015 Pictures

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SchwabenFolia Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X 2013 Pictures

Rally Heritage Meets Tattoo Craze: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X By Schwabenfolia. The tongue in cheek livery with its top-notch entertainment value certainly injects some much needed excitement into a car which really deserves to be shouted about. Schwabenfolia have not only wrapped it with humour but also ensured a turbo-charged blast of 390hp and 520Nm at top whack. There`s then a 3" Invidia Q300 exhaust system, 18" Yamato rims by Enkei, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Semi-Slicks for further enlivenment..

Spyker B6 concept teased for Geneva arrival

Spyker B6 concept teaser photo

Porsche 911 competitor ?

Spyker is making a comeback with the all-new B6 concept set to receive its debut in Geneva.

Spyker's CEO Victor Muller has announced the brand's revival with the B6 concept scheduled for an unveiling on March 5 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

No further details were disclosed, but a recent report says it will be smaller and more affordable than the C8 Aileron. The same report indicates it will be a Porsche 911 rival, while Victor Muller previously mentioned it will be a "surprise".

Spyker has moved most of its outfit from Coventry, England to Zeewolde, Holland, with plans of resuming production in the near future.

PP-Performance modifies Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG with SLS parts

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG by PP-Performance

With 605 HP

PP-Performance has installed a series of modifications into a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

We recently have seen several mods for the C63 AMG which seems to be a popular car among tuners worldwide. The latest modified model is the work of PP-Performance who installed several hardware parts borrowed from the SLS: crankshaft, pistons, camshaft and the complete intake manifold.

The tuner's objective was to increase the engine's output to 600 HP (441 kW), but during the first tests the dyno showed already 605 HP (445 kW). Thanks to the additional horsepower, this custom C63 AMG was able to reach a GPS-tested top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

For comparisson, Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled the C63 AMG Edition 507 which offers 507 HP (373 kW) from its naturally-aspirated V8 6.3-liter engine.

Special thanks to Ghanem Al Dhahri for the tip!

Famous Parts Mercedes Benz SL500 (R230) Roadster 2009 Pictures

Adding On: Prior Design Mercedes-Benz SL500 Gets Sprucing By Famous Parts . Prior Design`s striking wide body kit features customised front and rear bumpers, side sills, front mudguards, rear side wall widening and a new bonnet. The Design company also made some changes to the exterior mirrors and lights. Famous Parts then expressed its admiration by taking this tuned model as a base for its work. Some pearl white matte metallic paint, an electronic lowering module and 20" Type III FPX wheels with Continental Sport Contact tyres were all added by Famous Parts. Part of the customised SL500`s rear end is also borrowed from the SL63 AMG.

Tunerworks Ferrari California 2013 Pictures

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2014 Dodge Durango facelift enters production in May - report

2011 Dodge Durango

Could debut in New York

Jeep recently introduced the 2014 Grand Cherokee, but we haven't heard much about the facelifted Dodge Durango - until now.

Allpar is reporting that sources have confirmed the 2014 Durango will go into production in May before being launched in June. This likely implies the facelifted model will debut at the New York Auto Show which kicks off on March 27th.

Little else is known about the crossover, but it will likely have new lighting units and a revised tailgate. We can also expect an updated interior with a digital instrument cluster, a new infotainment system and revised trim.

Engine options will likely carryover but they should be connected to a new eight-speed automatic transmission for improved fuel efficiency.

Cadillac testing twin-turbo and supercharged engines for the 2015 CTS-V - report

2014 Cadillac CTS spy photos 18.7.2012 / Automedia

ATS-V Plus also a possibility

The CTS-V has always held a special place in Cadillac's lineup and new details are starting to emerge about the next-generation model.

Motor Trend is reporting that General Motors is testing two different engines for the high-performance flagship. Both appear to be based on the 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine but one setup is apparently supercharged while the other uses twin-turbochargers.

If that sounds like overkill, the ATS-V is expected to use a twin-turbo V6 engine. However, the magazine is reporting the model was designed to accommodate a V8 engine so there could be an ATS-V "Plus" towards the end of its lifecycle.

In related news, Cadillac is reportedly considering a return to model names instead of acronyms like ATS, CTS and XTS. A new naming strategy could be introduced when the Omega flagship is launched, but the company is still debating the move as some insiders feel names like "Brougham" and "de Ville" might not resonate with buyers.

2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD Arrival

If you haven't looked at Volvo recently, and you are looking for all-weather capability, now is a good time to do so. For 2013, the Volvo S60 has been updated with an AWD option that expands the luxury sedans capabilities. The new 2013 S60 also comes with new automatic wipers and headlight washers for extra convenience in cold weather climates. The luxury sedan competes in the entry-level luxury sedan segment with the Acura TL, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

This Volvo S60 AWD ($31,750) tester came with the Premier package ($2,200) with a power glass moonroof, leather seats, keyless entry and push button start. It also came with a Climate Package ($700) that makes it the ideal car for cold weather climates. It features heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles and an interior air quality system. The electronically controlled all-wheel drive system adds $2000 and comes with a Instant Traction a rear deck spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Quicker than last years model

Volvo says the new 2013 S60 T5's 0-60-mph time is nearly half a second quicker than last years model. It doesn't sound like much, but after driving the S60 AWD for a week, it certainly feels quicker. The S60 T5 s 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque over a broad range. It comes mated to a new six-speed Geartronic automatic with Sport-mode for quick shifts.

The chassis delivers excellent handling. The S60 had plenty of power in the high country of Colorado and felt at home on the snowy roads up near Evergreen. The all-wheel-drive with instant traction worked flawlessly in four inches of powder the area received during the week. And the sport sedan handled the snow packed roads on the commute to Denver with ease. The T5 gets descent mileage at 20/29 city/highway, but it's hard to keep your foot out of the turbo which drains the tank and fuel mileage numbers considerably.
Turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is very satisfying

When the foot feed is pressed to the floor, the S60 makes it easy to pass on a two-lane road, as we did going from Morrison to Evergreen. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is very satisfying, quick and smooth. The six-speed automatic with the Sport-Mode allows the driver to make quick upshifts while taking the curves hard going uphill. The T5 turbo performs like a sporty sedan should and leaves the driving enthusiast satisfied with the experience. It's not intended to compete with the BMW 3 Series or the Audi S4, but it shouldn't be expected to for the price.
Volvo has a unique take on how they use wood

The S60's interior is luxurious and the leather sport seats were comfortable and supportive while drive aggressively in the corners. The quality of materials in the 2013 Volvo S60 are on par with the rest of the entry-level luxury sedan class and the fit and finish is typical for the Swedish car. Volvo has a unique take on how they use wood and metal accents which gives the S60 more personality than most of the competition in this price range.

The back seat isn't quite as accommodating as the front seat. The seats are supportive, but legroom and foot room are tight for taller adults. Both rear seats and the front passenger seat fold down giving the S60 plenty of cargo room. And for taking the sport sedan to the slopes, there's a separate ski pass-through making it easy to transport skis inside. The trunk has a 12-cubic-foot capacity which is somewhat small for the class, but a low liftover height makes it easy to access the space for carrying luggage.
The T5 is a great value

The 2013 Volvo S60 AWD is stylish and beautiful inside and out. Its leather and aluminum interior appointments are satisfying, and its function nearly flawless. The four-door T5 has great power when you need it and cornering with all-wheel drive is superb. The T5 is a great value with enough performance to satisfy. The T5 AWD offers good value, considering its power, safety engineering, comfort and style. It's definitely worth taking a look for the buyer interested in an all-weather entry-level luxury sport sedan.

Modified Pontiac Trans Am 1994 Pictures

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Audi S8 4.0 TFSI 2013 Pictures

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Audi A3 Sportback 2013 Pictures

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Chevrolet SS 2014

The 2014 Chevrolet SS will debut ath the Daytona International Speedway. The Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8, expected to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2 liters, more than the 5.5-liter V-8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors.

Video: Audi A1 Quattro Promoted in Gymkhana Style

Posted on 02.15.2013 17:00 by Simona

Audi Gebrauchtwagen, in cooperation with Zentrum M nchen, has developed a cool promotional video for the A1 quattro sports hatch. The video was developed in Gymkhana style with multiple-time DTM championm Timo Scheiderm behind the wheel. He managed to put this limited-edition machine through its paces around the streets and construction sites of Germany.

The A1 quattro is powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine that produces 256 horsepower at 2,500 to 4,500 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. The car will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 152 mph.

The message of this video is: "If it isn't dirty, you're not doing it right." Still we will advise you not to try this at home and you have to remember that a professional driver was used to shot this video.

LOTUS Elise 2011 auto insurance informations | features |

LOTUS Elise (2011)

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LOTUS Elise (2011)

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The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar market 14 years ago when the small lightweight agile 2-seat mid engine sportscar was introduced. By ensuring that the Lotus Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus' core values of performance through light weight, the Lotus Elise was able to produce supercar performance with city car economy.

Making its debut at the 80th International Geneva Motorshow, the 2011 model year Lotus Elise introduces a number of changes and improvements to maintain its class leading position.

The body - an evolution
The body of the new 2011 Lotus Elise is an evolution of the iconic Elise design, retaining the character and style, while offering a more planted, purposeful stance and a pure, contemporary look that links it to the Evora. As with all Lotus product the design is an exciting blend of dramatic style and functional efficiency

The new Lotus Elise body has a fresh sculptured front, including a new bumper, front clam and access panel that combine to give the Lotus Elise a wider look with more road presence.

At the rear of the car the new engine has been encased by a distinctive "twin-spine" engine cover whilst lower down a more aggressive diffuser is tightly wrapped by an elegant new bumper design that now includes the rear licence plate.

New headlamp units with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides (incorporating daytime running lamps and direction indicators) give a contemporary twist to this classic design. Elsewhere, the signature, Lotus "mouth" and familiar sculptured forms have been sensitively refined to give a crisper, more dynamic look. The repositioning of lamp functions has enabled the creation of broad clean surface between the fenders which combines with sleek corner intakes and prominent splitter detail to give a broader more planted stance.

The theme of purity is carried through to the cooling apertures that are efficiently finished with a new lightweight aluminium mesh that gives the car a classically sporting character.

The rear boot is now opened from the cockpit rather than via a separate key operation. The high quality feel of the Lotus Elise is continued throughout the car with the Lotus Elise graphic incorporated into the new side LED direction indicators, like those on the Evora.

The driving position, from the perfectly positioned pedals and steering wheel, to the comfortable and supportive seats with ProBax technology means that, like all Lotus cars, the driver becomes part of the car rather than being just a passenger.

With the sleek new body the aerodynamics have improved giving a reduction in the coefficient of drag of 4%.

Finally, a choice of two beautiful, light weight wheel designs are available; an incredibly light forged wheel and a new cast wheel completes the picture for this sensitive update of a Lotus Icon.

Additional changes to the 2011 Lotus Elise
The new 2011 Lotus Elise has a number of additional changes and improvements, with the installation of a new advanced 1.6 litre Valvematic engine meeting EURO 5 regulations. This new engine is 200cc smaller than the outgoing Lotus Elise S model and produces similar power (136 PS, 100 kW, 134 hp at 6800 rpm) with maximum torque of 160 Nm, 118 lbft at 4400 rpm, but offers a significant improvement to fuel economy of over 23%, to 6.14 litres / 100km (46 mpg) and a reduction in CO2 emission by more than 13%. This provides the new Lotus Elise with the lowest CO2 per performance for any gasoline high performance sportscar in the world. This high technology engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, providing closer and more performance orientated ratios than the outgoing 5 speed box.

The 1.6 litre engine is controlled via the bespoke Lotus T6 engine management system. Cruise control is available on the Lotus Elise for the first time with the controls present on a stalk located to the left of the steering column.

New cast wheels have been designed specifically for the Lotus Elise and the new optional forged wheels weigh just 29.26 kg per set, 2.14 kg lighter than a set of lightweight cast versions. Both are available in silver or black colour.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive of Group Lotus said, "The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar when it was launched 14 years ago and now the Lotus Elise has become greener, giving drivers access to class leading performance with less guilt."

Donato Coco, Director of Design said, "The Lotus Elise is an iconic sportscar and it was important that we did not complicate its design, so we made the car more pure in its look, improved the aerodynamics, and gave it a more contemporary look with high quality detailing."

Paul Newsome, Director of Lotus Product Engineering said, "We are always looking at ways of keeping the Lotus Elise ahead of its peers and for the 2011 model year we have improved efficiency without losing the innate fun that has made the Lotus Elise legendary."

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "In its 14 years of production the Lotus Elise has accounted for 32% of all the 61 years of Lotus production, illustrating how significant to the brand and well loved it is. The 2011 Lotus Elise is greener, purer and more desirable, making it even more relevant to today's marketplace. The new Elise underlines Lotus' reputation as one of the most innovative sports car manufacturers in the world."

Engine
The Lotus Elise introduces the new 1598 cm3, 1ZR-FAE engine, provided by Toyota. The key to this engine's performance and efficiency is the Valvematic system (a variable valve lift mechanism), which is combined with the dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent). The engine continuously controls intake valve opening/closing timing and the intake valve lift to vary the volume of the intake airflow, giving significant improvements in efficiency and fuel economy. This ensures optimal performance based on the engines operational condition, thus helping the Lotus Elise achieve both high fuel efficiency and high performance.

First of all, the maximum power output is achieved at near maximum revs (engine speed) of 6800 rpm and maximum torque (a respectable 160 Nm, 118 lb.ft) is reached at 4400 rpm. This gives a good combination of mid range pull but also encourages the driver to rev the engine to the maximum permitted engine speed of 7000 rpm (transient rev limit). Like all Lotus Elise sportscars, there are three shift up lights, on the binnacle cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that the driver is almost on the rev limiter so time to change up a gear!

The height of the engine cover has been raised by 34mm to accommodate the taller 1ZR engine compared to the previous 1ZZ engine from the outgoing model due, in part, to the additional Valvematic technology included on the new engine. This has given Lotus engineers an opportunity to subtly redesign the rear engine cover to match the design theme from the front and rear of the car.

Chassis
The Lotus Elise is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis weighs 68 kg (150 lbs) and has a stiffness of 9,800 Nm per degree, giving a high level of control of the suspension. At the rear, and also acting as a rear energy absorbing crash structure, a lightweight steel subframe carries the engine and gearbox. At the front, the radiator and key ancillaries are mounted into a high tech composite energy absorbing crash structure that is both lightweight, compact and over three times more energy absorbing than the equivalent steel structure.

Ride and handling
The legendary Lotus ride and handling gives a superb high performance, sporty drive, combined with a compliant ride and progressive on limit handling, it makes the Lotus Elise a car that demands to be driven.

The entry level Lotus Elise weighs 876 kg, making it one of the lightest fully homologated sportscars in the world. This low weight translates into efficient performance with minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. The efficiency of the Lotus Elise structure means that the 136 PS (100 kW, 134 hp) delivers phenomenal performance.

Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes of the Lotus Elise and all of these factors contribute to the excellent driving experience of the Lotus Elise.

Safety
The Lotus Elise has high performance AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo callipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs to give excellent stopping power.

The Lotus Elise comes as standard with a track tuned ABS system that is designed to be unobtrusive under normal driving conditions. This system is designed to be used on track and has a high threshold, only intervening in emergencies.

The ABS system is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and more linear engine response.

The impressive braking coupled with excellent handling gives good primary safety and the composite front crash structure and rear crash protection offers efficient secondary safety. Driver and passenger airbags and pre-tensioning seatbelt are standard on all Lotus Elise models.

Auto insurance Information http://aarp.thehartford.com/ The AARP Automobile Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06115. CA License #5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company. In Texas, the Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company, through Hartford Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford payments for AARP's license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. Specific features, credits, and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. The program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions. = Savings amounts are based on information from The Hartford's AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new auto insurance policyholders between 7/1/08 and 6/30/09 and provided data regarding their savings. Your savings may vary. = If you are age 50 or older, once you're insured through this Program for at least 60 days, you cannot be refused renewal as long as applicable premiums are paid when due. Also, you and other customary drivers of your vehicles must retain valid licenses, remain physically and mentally capable of operating an automobile, have no convictions for driving while intoxicated and must not have obtained your policy through material misrepresentation. Benefit currently not available in Hawaii, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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2011 LOTUS Elise auto insurance informations hi-res pictures

LOTUS Elise (2011) car pictures, photos and wallpapers.
- Car insurance agency, specifications, review -
- The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar market 14 years ago when the small lightweight agile 2-seat mid engine sportscar was introduced. By ensuring that the Lotus Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus' core values of performance through light weight, the Lotus Elise was able to produce supercar performance with city car economy -

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LOTUS Elise (2011)


Auto insurance Information
http://aarp.thehartford.com/

The AARP Automobile Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06115. CA License #5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company. In Texas, the Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company, through Hartford Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company.
AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford payments for AARP's license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. Specific features, credits, and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. The program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.

= Savings amounts are based on information from The Hartford's AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new auto insurance policyholders between 7/1/08 and 6/30/09 and provided data regarding their savings. Your savings may vary.

= If you are age 50 or older, once you're insured through this Program for at least 60 days, you cannot be refused renewal as long as applicable premiums are paid when due. Also, you and other customary drivers of your vehicles must retain valid licenses, remain physically and mentally capable of operating an automobile, have no convictions for driving while intoxicated and must not have obtained your policy through material misrepresentation. Benefit currently not available in Hawaii, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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2012 FORD Ranger. Car insurance, auto accident lawyers info.

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FORD Ranger (2012) Features.

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The all-new Ford Ranger - the latest in a wave of global vehicles - made its worldwide debut at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show. The all-new Ranger has a powerful presence and promises to give pickup truck owners more can-do capability and a transformed truck ownership experience.

From impressive gains in power and safety to exceptional towing capability, the next-generation Ford Ranger emerges as a clear segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous Ranger heritage of pickup truck capability, but it also gives truck owners a spacious, comfortable, feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience they would expect to find only in a car.

Amongst the most high-tech in its segment, Ford Ranger is the impressive result of an all-new global compact pickup truck platform from Ford - the latest to emerge under the company's One Ford initiative - and Mazda. It replaces two previous-generation compact truck platforms currently in production to present a new face of Built Ford Tough to customers around the world.

Built on innovation, it boasts a list of technologies and features to lead the segment - including a new Rearview Camera System, Rear Park Assist, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control. Ford plans to reveal even more new Ranger technologies in the coming months.

Destined for sale across five continents and more than 180 markets, Ford Ranger will be offered as a complete family of compact trucks - with three different cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and up to five series choices, depending on the market.

"We know trucks so we leveraged our best expertise from around the globe to create the all-new Ford Ranger," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.

"Focusing our global resources on a single new compact pickup truck platform meant we could deliver significant improvements, technologies and features that owners will value, along with impressive fuel economy that alone will be a reason to buy."

The all-new Ranger reflects Ford's insight into compact pickup buyers around the world and their evolving wants.

"Compact pickups are hugely important to customers in many regions of the world," said Jim Farley, group vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. "For many, it's the only vehicle in a household headed by a hard-working person others depend on. These people need a truck that can get the job done - and they'll be amazed how Ford Ranger's smart new technologies make the job easier. And increasingly, they're also looking for the kinds of features, technologies, spaciousness and refinement you'd expect in a car, and Ranger is just as innovative here."

All-new model builds on strong heritage
For nearly 20 years, Ford Ranger has been one of Ford's most popular pickups across the globe. It has provided millions of buyers with Ford Tough Truck capabilities - hauling heavy payloads, pulling trailers and absorbing punishment on the roughest roads. The all-new Ford Ranger now has even more capability but has been transformed into a taut, toned and muscular contemporary shape exuding strength and toughness.

With an all-new chassis frame, front and rear suspension and steering system, Ranger delivers more payload and outstanding towing capability. It is powered by a choice of three new, fuel-efficient powertrains, including two state-of-the-art common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. Add in more chassis and safety technologies, and the story of Ford Ranger pickup truck leadership becomes as vivid as its powerful, purposeful stance.

Ranger has the flexibility to handle every chore at home or on the job.
Its transformation is perhaps most vivid in the all-new interior, which brings new levels of spaciousness to the compact pickup ownership experience. The all-new Ford Ranger offers a comfortable and quiet ride, along with a level of features and technologies that make it second-to-none.

The flagship of the new range is the Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab model unveiled in Sydney in lustrous Aurora Blue, showcasing a gutsy fuel-efficient new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi 110 kW (150 PS) diesel engine with an impressive 375 Nm of available torque.

"This new Ford Ranger we're revealing to the world today is compelling evidence of what we can achieve by harnessing the power of One Ford," said Gary Boes, vehicle line director for Ford's new compact truck platform.

"The new Ranger responds to what pickup truck owners all around the world want in a vehicle and it was designed and engineered by a team with unrivalled truck expertise. It's being tested in the most demanding conditions in the most gruelling testing environments on five continents to prove its world-class credentials. Ford Ranger respects truck owners and it will earn their respect day in and day out," Boes said.

'21st Century Tough' styling inside and out
The all-new Ford Ranger creates a bold and purposeful presence, with a fresh, contemporary exterior design that exudes the famous Built Ford Tough personality. Designers call the look '21st Century Tough'.

Taut, toned muscularity and a bold, confident stance instantly signal the strength and capability of an ultra-modern pickup truck. Yet it also communicates a transformed, more sophisticated and refined style that appeals to a new generation of truck owners.

"In many areas of the world, the role of Ford Ranger has changed," said Craig Metros, chief designer. "It still has to be a work vehicle with a durable interior and the ability to carry a heavy payload, but it also serves a dual role with refinement, comfort and more consumer-friendly features topping the list for many buyers."

Metros said extensive research among truck customers around the world revealed surprising similarities in taste and design expectations.

While needs and expectations may differ in the 180 markets where it will be sold, the new Ranger Tough Truck design resonates around the world.

"Good design is long lasting and transcends all markets," said Metros. "Cute gimmicks don't cut it with this group. It's a robust truck that gets the job done, first and foremost."

According to Metros, Ford Ranger looks very tough but not in the more chiselled style of Ford's larger North American F-Series trucks. The contemporary design will be just as at home on city streets outside trendy restaurants in Cologne or Melbourne as it is in the Outback or on a luxury property development site.

Reflecting the diverse uses of compact pickups around the world, the all-new Ford Ranger product range will offer everything from basic work trucks with hose-out interiors to high-series models, such as the Ford Ranger Limited and Ranger Wildtrak, both yet to be revealed.

The best of Ford's design language also have been applied to the interior. Borrowing cues from ergonomically-designed power tools like DEWALT 1, and encasing instruments in a protective shell like a G-Shock 2 watch, designers were inspired to blend form and function while ensuring the instruments are clearly visible for the driver.

Inside, trim panels are designed to be easily substituted. A single basic instrument panel is assembled off-line and simply installed in the vehicle. While the trim styles vary, all parts are designed to be interchangeable.

"Look closely and you'll see that regardless of the model, we didn't stray from the basic layout and design," Metros explained. "All the exterior and interior shapes and panels are identical."

Small details received careful attention to ensure quality and craftsmanship in every model. From graining on interior panels to tonal colour choices, the execution exudes a premium feel throughout the interior.

On the instrument panel, designs were used that would easily accept modular parts - such as radios, and heating and ventilation controls - to ensure build quality was maintained to eliminate any unsightly gaps.

According to Debbie Pascoe, Ford's colour and trim design manager, the materials used throughout the cabin have to be especially durable. Seats have to be comfortable but also able to withstand commercial customer usage.

"The typical pickup driver needs space and we designed an interior that is comfortable, easy to slide in and out of, with controls that are larger to accommodate work gloves, for example. When you design a truck interior, special considerations have to be taken to ensure the cabin will be just as durable as the rest of the vehicle. But tough doesn't have to mean rough," she said.

Interior materials are subjected to constant abuse and have to withstand punishing rigours not seen in a passenger car. Seating materials must be able to take a beating from tools that are flung into the cabin or forgotten in a back pocket. Door panels can't be easily scuffed or scratched by dirty boots. And truck customers increasingly want an interior that's stylish and comfortable for personal use.

"We haven't forgotten that many of these vehicles are not only used for work but are also primary transportation in many areas of the world as the family vehicle," Pascoe said.

Three passengers can easily fit into the second row of the new Ford Ranger Double Cab. It offers ample knee clearance and better foot clearance between the B-pillar and the seat. That means getting in and out of the new Ranger has never been easier for rear-seat passengers.

Ample storage is provided throughout the interior cabin with up to 20 storage locations. Double Cab pockets in all four doors can easily fit water bottles and, on selected models, a deep centre console keeps beverages cool. The glove box is large enough to accommodate a laptop computer. Storage for mobile phones and other small items can be found in the console.

Underneath the rear seats, a convenient hidden storage area for electronic items and small packages is provided, while on selected Ford Ranger Double Cab models, an armrest in the centre rear seatback fold includes two cup holders.

To help reduce Ranger's ownership costs, especially at the fuel pump, a wide range of design features were optimised to improve fuel efficiency. Using the same leading-edge simulation technology as Formula One teams, aerodynamicists performed more than 1000 full-vehicle aerodynamic simulations to perfect the shape of the vehicle.

Using this technology, engineers demonstrated that with a hard line at the fender top, wind flow was divided and resistance lowered. The backlight was positioned more vertically, A-pillars optimised and a small spoiler was added to the top of the tailgate. A front airdam plays a significant role in controlling the airflow underneath the vehicle, leading to a significant reduction in the drag coefficient.

"Decreasing wind resistance was a start. Small incremental gains in fuel efficiency quickly add up and help meet fuel economy targets," Metros said.

More muscle under the bonnet - three new engines
With a body that is lean and taut, the muscle lies beneath the bonnet. The all-new Ranger powertrains have been engineered to give customers an uncompromised combination of power and torque.

Ford Ranger introduces three new engines to Ford's compact pickup truck range globally:
= A new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with peak torque output of 375 Nm and power output of 110 kW (150 PS).
= A highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine with a powerful 470 Nm of torque and power rated at 147 kW (200 PS).
= A 2.5-litre Ford Duratec I4 petrol engine with more power at 122 kW (166 PS). It can be configured for E100 flexible fuel capability or aftermarket upfitted to run on CNG or LPG.

"This all-new engine family demonstrates our commitment to making Ford Ranger the best option for today's pickup truck customer," said John Tatge, Ranger chief programme engineer. "We're bringing the best engine technology from the Ford powertrain range to make Ranger the clear choice for capability and fuel economy, particularly with our world-class Duratorq diesels. Their torque makes Ford Ranger the truck to own."

Developed in Australia and tested and validated around the world, Ranger powerplants are designed to run on a variety of locally blended fuels with different octane ratings.

Selected Ford Ranger powertrains benefit from the advantages of lower engine rpm and reduced wear and tear, with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions available across selected models. Increased fuel economy, coupled with other advances to facilitate maintenance and serviceability, help reduce annual ownership cost.

"The all-new Ford Ranger is a driver's pickup truck," said Rob Sharples, powertrain programme team leader. "It's inviting to drive, and all of its driver inputs and vehicle controls work together in harmony."

Transmissions and final drive ratios have been carefully matched to deliver exceptional acceleration, excellent fuel efficiency and a quiet ride.

The new Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been extensively tuned to deliver smooth, quick shifts almost imperceptibly to the driver, reinforcing the car-like refinement of the new Ranger. In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. For sportier driving, a quick flick of the shifter changes the transmission into Sport mode. This provides later shift points and the driver can manually select gears through a forward (downshift) or rearward (upshift) movement.

It also features another smart Ford technology - Grade Control Logic. It automatically downshifts on a downhill grade when sufficient brake pressure is sensed, adding to the all-new Ford Ranger's towing and hauling capabilities.

The 6R80 automatic transmission has been designed for both 4x2 and 4x4 versions. It is lightweight and includes strengthened internals that have been designed and tested to Ford's global commercial vehicle standards.

Ranger can also be fitted with Ford MT82 six-speed manual transmission with its short, car-like shifter - well-positioned ergonomically for the driver - that provides crisp, precise shifting matched perfectly to the generous torque output of the new diesels. An upshift indicator in the instrument panel helps coach drivers on the best gearing for fuel economy.

The 2.5-litre petrol engine is offered standard with the proven Ford MT75 five-speed manual transmission.

The all-new Ford Ranger four-wheel drive models are equipped with a well-proven electronically controlled transfer case that allow drivers to shift from 4x2 to 4x4 anytime via an electronic switch conveniently located on the console. If extra torque or additional downhill braking is needed, low-range gearing also can be enabled.

Select four-wheel-drive Rangers also can be equipped with either an electric locking differential or a limited slip differential in a wide array of final drive ratios.

While fuel economy certification will take place closer to the start of production, Ford is forecasting that the new Ford Ranger powertrain range will contribute to significant savings at the pump.

New levels of ride quality and chassis control
The same level of detail that makes Ranger stand out in a crowd will set it apart from the competition with an entirely new chassis that provides even more capability along with car-like comfort, reduced steering effort, more precise handling and better on-road stability.

Off-road performance has been improved with a stiffer frame, ground clearance of up to 232 millimetres and driveline components that have been strategically mounted above the frame rail and out of harm's way.

Despite an increased 3220-millimetre wheelbase - and wider track for the 4x4 model of 1560 millimetres and 4x2 model of 1590 millimetres at the front and rear - the all-new Ranger's turning circle makes it easily manoeuvrable in parking and on narrow city streets. Its rack-and-pinion steering system has been thoroughly designed to provide robust performance while delivering more precise steering.

Up front, the entire suspension is brand new. A new coil-over-strut suspension allows for better tuning of the upper and lower wishbone design. The suspension set-up, while similar for two- and four-wheel drive models, has unique capabilities and has been tuned with specific damper valving and spring rates on all models to compensate for weight, centre of gravity, engine torque and drive distribution.

At the rear, an entirely new suspension system provides a smooth, firm comfortable ride with a rear leaf suspension design that has been carefully tuned for a variety of road conditions while still delivering outstanding payload capacity.

The rear suspension also provides Ford Ranger with a firmly planted ride for high-speed driving on dirt roads, common in South America, with reduced sway and less vehicle 'skate' on corrugated or rough surfaces.

Considering customers in areas of the world where monsoons cause frequent flooding, Ranger's key electrical components and air inlets are strategically placed high in the engine compartment. This contributes to impressive water-wading capability.

Offering the biggest brakes in class, stopping power for Ranger is excellent.
All Ford Ranger models are equipped with larger front rotors measuring 302-by-32 millimetres and twin-piston callipers. The brake calliper features a pair of phenolic pistons which reduce weight and improve thermal performance.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles use a 270-by-55-millimetre rear drum, whilst the Hi-Rider and 4x4 vehicles use a 295-by-55-millimetre rear drum.

The brake system has been subjected to extreme environmental conditions and customer driving requirements - at minus 30 degrees Celsius in Sweden, in the intense heat in California's Death Valley, the congestion of city traffic, the German Autobahn and the unforgiving roads of the Australian Outback.

The largest brake system in segment provides excellent fade resistance, particularly with maximum payload. While competitive systems start to fade and stopping distances increase, the Ranger is engineered to keep performing.

For superior braking performance, Ranger is available with Ford's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system that includes four-wheel traction control, yaw control and roll-over mitigation.

Invisible to the driver, the ESP system includes sensors located at all four wheels that independently monitor wheel speed and detect wheel slip during acceleration or braking. If a slip is detected or the vehicle is swerving (yaw), brakes are individually applied to ensure the vehicle stays on its intended path.

Under extreme conditions, the Traction Control System reduces engine torque by managing spark and fuel delivery.

The top level brake system includes Emergency Brake Assist to provide maximum boost for the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and is automatically triggered during panic stop situations. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution accurately maintains brake pressure in rear brake lines to help provide decreased stopping distances. Flashing hazard lights automatically alert following vehicles when an ABS stop is triggered.

Among segment leaders with an exceptional towing capacity, sure-footed grip and stability is ensured with the available Trailer Sway Mitigation and Adaptive Load Control.

If a trailer begins to sway, brakes are selectively applied to slow down the truck-and-trailer combination. To ensure that Ford Ranger maintains a stable ride when carrying full loads of cargo, Adaptive Load Control determines the payload and applies the necessary measures to maintain a straight and level ride.

Like all contemporary Ford products, the all-new Ranger is engineered to provide comprehensive safety protection, starting with a highly protective body structure utilising high-strength steel throughout to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Engineers used sophisticated computer modelling to hone the crashworthiness of the all-new Ranger. This included more than 9000 full-vehicle crash simulations before the first prototype vehicle was subjected to a physical crash test.

The all-new Ford Ranger offers new passive safety technologies, including the availability of side curtain airbags on all cab styles for the first time.

Other new Ford Ranger technologies - including Rear Park Assist and new Rearview Camera system - not only aid pickup drivers in everyday use, but also help them avoid potential contact with pedestrians.

Payload capabilities
Carrying a crew of five? Headed to the job site with large appliances, building supplies, sand or gravel? Loaded with produce for sale at the local farmer's market? Whatever the payload, all are easily stored within the cargo box of the new Ford Ranger double cab - even with a full passenger load.

Measuring 1549 millimetres long, 511 millimetres high and with a maximum cargo width of 1560 millimetres, the cargo box of the double cab is more than 100 millimetres wider. Volume is an impressive 1.21 cubic metres.

Width between the wheel arches is 1139 millimetres on all models and special provisions are provided in the cargo box to place struts of lumber in pockets that are located above the wheel arch. This allows plywood or sheet rock to be stacked flat. Width at the rear tailgate opening at the top of the box is 1330 millimetres.

New from the ground up - more to come
It's not often that engineers and designers have the opportunity to build a new pickup truck from the ground up, and the all-new Ranger is evidence of how Ford seized that opportunity.

When Ford Ranger begins production in 2011, it will set new benchmarks in many categories including a stand-out design, road manners that are smooth and refined, a chassis that is off-road capable and powertrains that are fuel efficient, clean and live up to the global Built Ford Tough promise.

The new Ranger will be manufactured around the world in three volume production sites geared for regional reach, especially in growth regions.

A progressive production ramp-up is slated to begin next summer (Northern Hemisphere) in Rayong, Thailand, for the Asia Pacific region. Ford is transforming plants in Argentina and South Africa for additional capacity to eventually serve other key regions as the launch cadence progresses. The new manufacturing strategy for the single global compact truck platform will drive new levels of product commonality for the Ford Ranger all around the globe.

Although not planned for introduction in the United States or Canada, the all-new Ford Ranger will eventually be marketed in 180 countries, making it one of Ford's farthest reaching products. This reflects the importance of compact pickup trucks to consumers in many parts of the world and the significance of the Ranger in Ford's global product portfolio.

Ranger also symbolises how Ford is leveraging its global product resources more efficiently. Its product development team was headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The full-range product development facilities at Ford's Melbourne-based Broadmeadows Complex and nearby proving ground facilities in Geelong became an ideal base for the global Ford Ranger team.

"One Ford brought all of our strengths together to create the all-new Ford Ranger," Kuzak said. "When you look at how important compact trucks are around the world, it was the ideal candidate to be our next global product."
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Auto insurance Information McMahon, McCarthy & VerrelliAccident Attorneys www.bronxaccidents.com McMahon, McCarthy & Verrelli have been trying Bronx accident cases since 1984. Types of Cases and injuries we handle at McMahon, McCarthy & Verrelli : = Motor vehicle accidents = Truck accidents = Airplane accidents = Construction accidents = Slip and fall accidents = Building fires = Traumatic brain injuries = Spinal cord injuries = Elevator Accidents = Medical Malpractice = Defective Products = Wrongful death = Birth injuries = Workplace accidents = Pedestrian accidents = Motorcycle accidents = Bicycle accidents = Civil rights violations = Premises accidents = Clergy abuse = Lead poisoning = Scaffold accidents = Rapes and assaults = Police brutality = False arrest = Crane accidents = Taxi accidents = Bus accidents = Subway accidents = Boating accidents = We're in your neighborhood 147 East 233rd Street Bronx, N.Y. 10479 Tel: (718) 324-8900 3054 East Tremont Avenue Bronx, N.Y. 10461 Tel: (718) 319-1600 2565 Bronxwood Avenue Bronx, N.Y. 10469 Tel: (718) 405-5657 909 Midland Avenue Yonkers, N.Y. 10704

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2012 FORD Ranger


2010 FORD Mustang Shelby GT500
The all-new Ford Ranger - the latest in a wave of global vehicles - made its worldwide debut at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show. The all-new Ranger has a powerful presence and promises to give pickup truck owners more can-do capability and a transformed truck ownership experience......Read more >

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Auto Accident Lawyers Info McMahon, McCarthy & VerrelliAccident Attorneys www.bronxaccidents.com McMahon, McCarthy & Verrelli have been trying Bronx accident cases since 1984. Types of Cases and injuries we handle at McMahon, McCarthy & Verrelli : = Motor vehicle accidents = Truck accidents = Airplane accidents = Construction accidents = Slip and fall accidents = Building fires = Traumatic brain injuries = Spinal cord injuries = Elevator Accidents = Medical Malpractice = Defective Products = Wrongful death = Birth injuries = Workplace accidents = Pedestrian accidents = Motorcycle accidents = Bicycle accidents = Civil rights violations = Premises accidents = Clergy abuse = Lead poisoning = Scaffold accidents = Rapes and assaults = Police brutality = False arrest = Crane accidents = Taxi accidents = Bus accidents = Subway accidents = Boating accidents = We're in your neighborhood 147 East 233rd Street Bronx, N.Y. 10479 Tel: (718) 324-8900 3054 East Tremont Avenue Bronx, N.Y. 10461 Tel: (718) 319-1600 2565 Bronxwood Avenue Bronx, N.Y. 10469 Tel: (718) 405-5657 909 Midland Avenue Yonkers, N.Y. 10704

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