Mercedes Benz E63 AMG S 2014 Pictures

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Novitec Tornado Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 2013 Pictures

Novitec gets meticulous with Torado Lamborghini Aventador . There are two power stages available for the Torado Lamborghini Aventador, the first allows for 748hp and there`s also a more potent 969hp option which relies upon dual superchargers and a high-performance exhaust system. In addition there`s electronic sound management, a coil-over suspension kit dropping the supercar closer to the tarmac by 30mm, NL1 bespoke alloys and custom interior options. For the bodykit Novitec has added a front spoiler, central front blade and redesigned air intakes. Some rocker panels, carbon-fibre mirror covers and new side air intakes by the windows are also added. Furthermore Novitec provides a new rear wing which is available in two sizes as well as Novitec`s Torado double-expanding diffuser. The boot lid now gets integrated air ducts and there`s additional air vents at the rear, too. All aerodynamic body components are available in the vehicle colour..

GM files a patent for a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission

GM seven-speed dual-clutch transmission patent photo 27.9.2013

Could it be headed to the Corvette?

American automakers haven't had the best luck with dual-clutch transmissions but that hasn't stopped General Motors from filing a patent for a new seven-speed gearbox.

Recently noticed by Corvette Forum, the patent application suggests the company's extensive range of six-speed automatics could be going the way of the dodo. Some of these will be replaced by the company's new eight-speed automatic but it seems logical that the seven-speed DCT could be used in high-performance or higher-end models.

There's no word on when the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission could go into production but early speculation suggests it could be introduced in the Corvette. Previous reports have also suggested the 2016 Camaro could get a dual-clutch transmission but nothing is official as of yet.

Honda recreates Ayrton Senna's fastest lap at the Suzuka Circuit [video]

Created as part of the Ayrton Senna 1989 project

Honda has released a new "3D view" of Ayrton Senna's fastest lap at the Suzuka Circuit.

Created as part of the company's Ayrton Senna 1989 project, the interactive website allows visitors to experience a 3-dimensional computer simulation that was made using data recorded on the McLaren-Honda MP4/5 that Senna drove in the 1989 Formula One World Championship at the Suzuka Circuit. The simulation also has a unique engine sound that was created by analyzing the car's acceleration, engine speed and vehicle speed.

The site is currently having some issues but it's definitely worth a look if you're a die-hard Senna fan.

Mercedes SLS AMG by Kleemann

Posted on 09.26.2013 13:00 by Simona

Mercedes is preparing to end production of the SLS and replace it with the smaller SLC, but tuners are still paying lots of attention to the famous supercar. Danish tuner, Kleeman, is one to show its interest in the SLS by coming up with a pretty cool tuning kit.

The kit offered by Kleemann focuses on maximum power, and the tuner transformed the SLS into the beast we've always wanted to see. A base SLS is powered by a 6.2-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 engine that delivers a total of 583 horsepower - not bad for a Mercedes, but not the best for a supercar.

Kleemann decided it can do better, and came up with an in-house-developed supercharger made from aluminum. This blower increases the base output to an amazing 770 horsepower and 623 pound-feet of torque. With the extra power in tow, the SLS now sprints from 0 to 60 mph in in just 3.3 seconds, from 0 to 124 mph in only 9.3 seconds and up to a top speed of 221 mph.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes SLS AMG by Kleemann.

Mercedes SLS AMG by Kleemann originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 26 September 2013 13:00 EST.

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KTM 250 SX

Posted on 09.26.2013 13:18 by Serafim , Sulthoni

Weighting just 96.3 kg, and powered by a 1-cylinder, 2-stroke, water-cooled engine the 2014 KTM 250 SX offers the best power to weight ratio in its class. The engine is housed by a lightweight chassis that further enhances the motorcycle's performances.

Compared to the previous generations, the 2014 250 SX's engine has been improved with a redesigned reed valve housing featuring Boyesen high-performance reeds. You also get a revised carburetor setting.

Other upgrades made to the 2014 model year include, an improved seat, a new fuel tank and new classy graphics.

The suspension is kept in check by a rear monoshock and a 48mm upside-down front fork signed by WP Suspension. For enhanced versatility, compression and rebound damping can be adjusted to the track conditions. For 2014, the engineers have also revised the chain guide to increase reliability while lowering the weight.

Hit the jump for more information on the KTM 250 SX.

KTM 250 SX originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 26 September 2013 13:18 EST.

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2013 Toyota Prius C

Not really sure yet if these are of the real thing.
This is supposed to be the upcoming "smaller than Prius" Prius.
Powered by a small 1.4 Liter engine with 74hp with a 61hp electric motor.

The interior, at least on this picture, seems pretty cheap and quite 80 s looking...

Honda Legend Review

2011 Honda Legend - $76,990 (manufacturer's list price)

With a name like Legend, people are always going to have high expectations of Honda's flagship sedan. With the exception of the Skoda Superb, this car probably has the most arrogant name on the market (Proton Savvy is really more delusional than arrogant).

This year marks 25 years of the Honda Legend nameplate, although Honda Australia has little to celebrate.

Just 35 were sold between January and September, making the Honda Legend one of the least popular vehicles in the $70,000+ large car segment. So far this year, buyers in this segment have looked past the Legend in favour of the more expensive Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1122 units) and the BMW 5 Series (1042 units). For the record, the Legend has also been pipped by the Superb (620 units) and the Savvy (39 units).

Available in just one specification level, the Honda Legend is not cheap. Starting at $76,990, there are plenty of other options for new car shoppers with this kind of coin. The Ford Falcon G6E Turbo ($58,990), Holden Caprice V ($75,490) and the Volvo S60 T6 ($64,950) are just three premium sedan options at a lower starting point.

In fact, one of the biggest problems about the Honda Legend is the Honda Accord. At $49,990, the top-spec Accord V6 Luxury is $27,000 less expensive than the Legend. The cars share the same wheelbase (2880mm) and the Legend is an imperceptible 35mm longer.

Although the Legend produces 24kW/31Nm more than the Accord, the Accord is more efficient (9.9 litres/100km vs 10.7 litres/100km). Like the Legend, it comes standard with a number of high-grade features including automatic Xenon HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, satellite navigation and a reversing camera.

So why would you buy a Legend?

The 3.7-litre V6 engine in the Legend is an absolute gem. With 226kW of power (at 6300rpm) and 370Nm of torque (at 5000rpm), the Legend's V6 is one of the most powerful naturally aspirated V6 engines available in Australia.

There's no real fury or drama about anything it does - it's all very composed and self-assured. It's like it knows what it's capable of doing and doesn't really see the need to make a big fuss about it. Depressions of the accelerator pedal are accompanied by a mechanical rush, rather than a torquey grunt or a whistling turbo.

Stopped at traffic lights, the Legend is the ultimate wolf in sheep's clothing. The inconspicuous exterior will lead most fellow motorists to think it's a languid, lifeless executive car. You'd no doubt see their jaws drop, if only they weren't so small in your rear view mirror sitting almost where you left them.

There's no lack of punch on the highway either, with the Legend just as effortlessly pulling at higher speeds to overtake strings of slower vehicles.

The feeling of composure and surety is enhanced by Honda's all-wheel drive system, called SH-AWD (super-handling all-wheel drive). Not only does SH-AWD distribute power between the front and rear wheels, it also varies power between the left and right, depending on where the power is needed.

In normal driving conditions, 70 per cent of the torque is sent to the front and 30 per cent to the rear. In low traction conditions, the split changes to around 60:40 front to rear, and during high-speed cornering, the distribution can reach a maximum 50:50 split, potentially sending all 50 per cent to the outside rear wheel and zero to the inside rear. A real-time digital dashboard display cleverly shows you know exactly where the power is at any given moment.

The result of this is tremendous levels of grip, and a truly confidence-inspiring driving experience. In the wet, around bends, at speed - the Legend is unfazed.

The other key element of the Legend's drivetrain is the six-speed automatic transmission, which delivers power smoothly. It has no hesitation hanging onto gear when it knows you mean business, but will just as readily slide to higher ratios when your inputs are less emphatic. The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters add an extra sporting element to what is already an involving package.

Unfortunately, if you push the Legend's drivetrain to even seven-tenths of its capabilities, you will become fairly well acquainted with your local servo clerk. The big Honda is officially rated at 10.7 litres/100km on the combined cycle. On the highway it uses a respectable 7.9 litres/100km, but that balloons out to 15.6 litres/100km once you're crawling through the city. It's an unavoidable consequence of the Legend's combination of a powerful naturally aspirated petrol engine, an all-wheel drive system, and - compared with its direct German rivals - a significantly cheaper starting price.

After spending a week with the Legend, I couldn't shake the perception that I was driving a five-year-old car. While the conservative appearance will appeal to some, most would agree the Legend is showing its age. The front-end looks weighed down by the heavy chrome grille and characterless headlights and fog lights. The rear is a little more lively, with its 'vampire fang' LED taillights, prominent boot lid and twin chrome exhausts. The 15-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels are simple and classy.

It's a similar story inside the cabin. It may come loaded with plenty of features, but with its skinny, slab-sided centre console and woodgrain trim, it all looks a little dated. Personally, if I was parting with $80,000 to get a car on the road, I'd want it to look and feel cutting edge - and let's face it, wear a European badge too - and the Legend just doesn't.

The key is another example of this. It's just a basic key. No flip-out function, no smart entry, no push-button start.

Its memory function is impressive, however. Inserting the key in the ignition automatically adjusts seat and side mirrors and brings the steering wheel out from the dashboard into your preferred driving position (each key has its own memory).

Getting comfortable up front is easy. Both the driver and front passenger get eight-way heated power seats with electric lumbar adjustment. They're both comfortable and offer plenty of support. The leather upholstery also has a high quality feel to it.

Rear passenger legroom isn't class topping but it will meet most needs. Sunshades on the rear windscreen (automatic) and side windows (manual) are perfect when travelling in summer or for longer sunny trips with the kids. A button near the sunroof controls that automatically folds down the rear headrests is just another clever cabin feature.

The 10-speaker audio system has a great sound and is unlikely to disappoint. You can load six CDs into the dash, or connect your phone or MP3 player using the iPod-compatible USB audio connection. Unfortunately, the integrated Bluetooth system only supports hands free phone, not audio streaming.

The satellite navigation system is fairly intuitive to operate and provides clear and accurate instructions. The screen is a good size and positioned high on the dashboard. Included in the map data is an extensive database of points of interest, which is great for exploring unfamiliar areas. The integrated reversing camera takes the stress out of manoeuvring the Legend in tight spaces.

Like most new Hondas, the Legend is silent at idle and generally a quiet drive, leading to a refined cabin ambience. Tyre noise on less-than-perfect surfaces is probably the noisiest intrusion, but it's far from a deal breaker.

Although the boot will swallow plenty of gear, it's far from the biggest going around. Incredibly, the Legend's boot is smaller than that of the pint-sized Honda City (452 litres vs 506 litres). The Legend misses out on a full-sized spare wheel, making do with a temporary space saver instead.

The safety equipment includes all the usual features: six airbags (dual front, side and curtains), electronic stability control (Honda calls it Vehicle Stability Assist), traction control, ABS, EBD and brake assist. As a result, it earns ANCAP's maximum five-star safety rating. Considering the $15,990 Suzuki Swift comes with seven airbags as standard, however, the time has definitely come for larger luxury cars like the Legend to step up with a more comprehensive kit.

The Honda Legend is an interesting proposition. On one hand, Honda asks you to pay $27,000 extra for a car that's the same size as the Accord and has a similar engine. On the other hand, the Legend comes with the unique combination of a tremendous drivetrain and a standard features list that its German rivals could only dream of at the price. If you can look beyond the ageing appearance and the high price for a Honda badge to see the sharp dynamics and clever interior, the Legend is worth adding to your test drive list if you're in the market for a sub-$100,000 luxury sedan.

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport: bodykit and sportier suspension

Here's some new pix of the new Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, which is essentially a regular CT 200h equipped with sportier body styling and a sports suspension. We first featured the F-Sport CT 200h about a year ago where it premiered at the Australian International Motor Show. The Australian showcar was blue, equipped with the same kit.

The F-Sport kit for the CT 200h includes 17-inch dark-finish alloys, a larger rear spoiler, flared side skirts, a mesh front grille and new aero-styled bumpers front and rear. In the cabin the distinguishing features include an F-Sport steering wheel with a flat bottom section and aluminium pedals and scuff plates. The suspension has also had its coil spring rates revised and the standard Showa shocks replaced with ones supplied by Kayaba, all for a sportier setting.

2011 Acura TSX V6 Tech Review

The TSX is a mid-size sports sedan from Acura that debuted in 2003. Until recently, it was only available with a moderately powerful 4-cylinder engine. In 2010, however, Acura wedged a potent V6 into the engine bay of the cut and chiseled 4-door, and it's this expressive mill that powers my tester. But as the saying goes, "beauty before brawn," so let's talk style and design.

Sorry Miranda, you're wrong
Earlier this season, my Auto123.com colleague, Miranda Lightstone, reviewed the 2011 TSX propelled by the 4-cylinder powerplant. What really caught my attention in Miranda's review wasn't her praise for the vehicle's spirited handling and sportiness, but rather it was her disdain for the styling of the TSX that raised my eyebrows.
I believe she referenced the need to close one's eyes when getting into the TSX due to its alien-bred front grille and other distasteful design cues. I take the opposing view. Eyes wide open, I say, in order that the symmetry, harmonious lines and proper proportioning of the TSX can be appreciated.

I happen to admire the fact that the TSX projects a clean, uncluttered exterior design; something not often embraced by Japanese auto manufacturers. Contrary to Miranda's rant, I see nothing old or unpleasant about the appearance of the 2011 TSX. Over the years, this "fun to drive" sports sedan has sharpened its edges and evolved with the times while maintaining its basic shape and size - and that's all good in my view.

Perhaps the cabin design and layout is where Miranda and I can find some common ground.

Attractive, well executed cabin
A point both Miranda and I agree on is the attractiveness and quality of the TSX's cabin, which is full of buttons but works well nonetheless. Fortunately, Acura has resisted the lure of packaging a multitude of functions into a mouse-like controller - and that's a refreshing find in an upscale ride.

I'm particularly fond of Acura seats and ergonomics, both of which the TSX effectively exemplifies. The front perches are snug fitting yet firm and supportive. Visibility from the driver's locale is expansive and for the most part unimpeded.

The cabin setup and its cluster of buttons requires some time to become truly familiar with but if you're a button puncher, such as I am, the "getting to know you phase" won't take long. Once accustomed to the bells and whistles, the true pleasure of the TSX V6 can be discovered.

Hyundai Elantra Touring Replacement Coming Next Year

A Hyundai Elantra compact wagon, known as the i30 in most of the world, is heading to the U.S. in May, according to Agence France-Presse.

The i30, shown above, made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is a likely replacement for the Elantra Touring, which is currently on sale.

Through August, the Elantra Touring has composed about 8% of the Elantra's 2011 sales, with 10,303 vehicles sold. There's no word from Hyundai about whether the new wagon will keep the Elantra Touring moniker.

New Hyundai hauler coming to U.S. next year (USA Today, via AFP)

Audi A1 1.6 TDI heading to showrooms

If the super quick and frugal 1.4-litre TSI Audi A1 didn't tickle your fancy, Audi Australia is adding a 1.6 TDI variant for diesel lovers.

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine, the little Audi produces 66kW and 230Nm of torque. To showcase the diesel A1 s super frugal drivetrain, Audi Australia entered a model into the 3028km World Solar Challenge to demonstrate the car's low fuel consumption.

Today it managed a respectable 3.2L/100km but it's most likely to use about 3.8L/100km when driven normally (4.2L/100km for the S tronic auto). That's in comparison to 5.2L/100km for the current base model 1.4 TFSI Attraction ($29,990).

The diesel A1 weighs 1135kg and comes with low rolling resistance tyres as well as the company's start/stop technology which helps save fuel by turning the engine off when the A1 is stationary at traffic lights. The engine restarts the instant the clutch pedal is operated.

Interested? Read: Audi A1 Review and head into an Audi dealerships.

Acura TL Special Edition 2014 Pictures

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Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept 2013 Pictures

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Hamster steers a 15-tonne Volvo FMX truck up a quarry [video]

Promotes the company's dynamic steering system

Everyone from Audi to Tesla is working on an autonomous driving system, but who knew you only needed a carrot and a hamster named Charlie. All jokes aside, Volvo has released a new video which promotes their dynamic steering system in the FMX.

Filmed at a quarry in Spain, the "Hamster Stunt" shows how easy it is to drive the FMX. Using a specially modified steering wheel, which was equipped with a hamster treadmill, stunt driver Seon Rogers was able to get a hamster to steer the truck by tempting him with a carrot.

While the dynamic steering system is based on a conventional mechanical steering system, it has been equipped with an electric motor that provides extra force at low speeds. It also "automatically regulates the steering and compensates for irregularities that feed through to the steering wheel." Thanks to this setup, drivers can steer the massive truck with just one finger - or hamster in this case.

2014 BMW X5 & 4-Series Coupe gain new engines

2014 BMW X5 xDrive50i 29.5.2013

4-Series Coupe also gains a new Modern Line package

BMW has announced plans to offer several new engines in the 2014 X5 and 4-Series Coupe.

Set to go on sale in November, the entry-level 420i has a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that develops 184 HP (135 kW).  It will be joined by two new TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engines which produce 258 HP (190 kW) in the 430d and 313 HP (230 kW) in the 435d. The latter model comes exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The 4-Series Coupe will also be offered with a new Modern Line package that adds aluminum trim and exclusive alloy wheels. Other highlights include a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and Oyster colored accents on the seats, dashboard and roof liner.

In related news, the X5 gains a number of new engines including:

• An X5 sDrive25d & xDrive25d with a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel that develops 218 HP (160 kW)


• An X5 xDrive35i with a six-cylinder petrol that develops 306 HP (225 kW)


• An X5 xDrive40d with a six-cylinder diesel that develops 313 HP (230 kW)

Other notable additions include a range-topping 335d xDrive Touring with 313 HP (230 kW), an extend range of BMW Individual options and an updated ConnectedDrive system with an optional Driving Assistant Plus package that now includes Traffic Jam Assistant and a fully-automatic Parking Assistant function

Check out the press release for additional information

2014 BMW 1-Series GT returns to the Ring [video]

Could be introduced early next year

Development work continues on the 2014 BMW 1-Series GT as the model has been spied undergoing testing on the Nürburgring.

Dressed in heavy camouflage, the prototype doesn't reveal much but recent patent filings have shown the production model will closely resemble the Concept Active Tourer but adopt a revised front fascia with more conventional headlights. We can also expect a new rear bumper, larger taillights and a traditional exhaust system.

Under the hood, we can expect a variety of three- and four-cylinder engines. Detailed specifications haven't been released but BMW has previously stated their 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder will have outputs ranging from 82 HP (60 kW) to 224 HP (165 kW).

The 2014 BMW 1-Series GT could be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, but nothing is official as of yet.

Kia K9 flagship coming to the U.S. as the K900 - report

Kia K9 02.5.2012

Promises to offer BMW 7-Series luxury for a 5-Series price

According to a recent report, Kia has informed U.S. dealers the K9 flagship will be offered in America early next year.

Set to be called the K900, the rear-wheel drive model is being billed as a BMW 7-Series competitor for a BMW 5-Series price. This suggests the model could carry a base price as low as $50,000 (€36,995).

There's no word on US-specifications but dealers told Automotive News the K900 will be offered with V6 and V8 engines. This likely means we can expect a 3.8-liter MPI V6 with 290 bhp (216 kW) and a 5.0-liter Tau V8 with 420 bhp (313 kW).

Kia has high hopes for the model as they expect U.S. dealers will sell 5,000 units annually. This seems rather lofty as the car will only be available at certain dealerships that invest in "special showroom display items" and specialized customer service training.

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

Posted on 09.18.2013 13:45 by Serafim , Sulthoni

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad looks like a blast from the past, featuring a classic style combined with a lot of vintage elements. However, under the classic skin you'll find a lot of contemporary technologies such as ABS, electronic cruise control or fully electronic throttle actuation system. The bike is also fitted with air-adjustable rear shocks, coactive-braking, adjustable windscreen and lockable saddlebags.

At the heart of the 2104 Vulcan 1700 Nomad lies a modern 1,700cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52-degree v-twin engine that puts out 108 Lb-Ft of torque at 2,750rpm. The engine is kept in leash by a six speed transmission and is fed by a 5.3 gallons fuel tank.

Once on board you are met by spacious touring seats, comfy handlebars and ergonomically placed foot pegs.

The 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad ABS is available in two-tone Flat Ebony / Pearl Flat Crystal White with a starting price of $17,499.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad.

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 18 September 2013 13:45 EST.

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Ford Taurus

Posted on 09.18.2013 14:00 by Simona

Ford unveiled the Taurus nomenclature for the first time in 1985 and kept the model into production for almost two decades, making the sedan the second oldest nameplate it offered on the North American market. Because of dwindling sales, Ford pulled the Taurus from its retail showrooms in the 2007 model year, leaving it just as a fleet vehicle. In the 2008 model year, the Taurus returned as the re-badged and restyled Ford Five Hundred.

However, Ford understood that bringing back the name won't help much if its neglected the model as much as it did just before its initial demise. Having learned from its mistakes, Ford unveiled the sixth-generation Taurus with an all-new look that was revolutionary for the era.

This new generation brought a completely new look, completely transforming the face of the Taurus and, of course, customers' opinions about it. In 2013 Taurus received a facelift that made it even more attractive and kept it looking relatively fresh.

For the 2014 model year, Taurus is offered in three trim levels - SE, SEL and Limited - with prices starting from $27,495.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Ford Taurus.

Ford Taurus originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 18 September 2013 14:00 EST.

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The 2014 Corvette Stingray is on its Way to Dealers

Posted on 09.18.2013 15:00 by Simona

Chevrolet unveiled the seventh-gen Corvette - dubber the Stingray - at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, but it looks like the company needed another eight months to actually finish preparing the sports car and have it ready for the dealerships.

Chevy built approximately 1,000 Stingrays at its Bowling Green assembly plant, and they will hit showrooms within the next few weeks. A truckload of 2014 Corvette Stingrays left the assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky today, September 18th, 2013, so customers should expect their Stingrays pretty soon.

In order to develop the new Stingray, the Bowling Green facility required a $131-million upgrade, including a $52-million investment for a new body shop to manufacture the car's all-new aluminum frame in-house for the first time. Taking a look at the amount of this investment, it is pretty clear that Chevrolet is banking on the 2014 Corvette Stingray being a smash hit.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

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The 2014 Corvette Stingray is on its Way to Dealers originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 18 September 2013 15:00 EST.

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Next-Gen Mustang Has Three Potential Debut Locations

Posted on 09.18.2013 16:00 by Justin Cupler

Okay, if you are a car nut, still have a pulse and are not excited or worried about the next-generation Mustang, then you may want to recheck your label as a car nut... I am not a big Ford fan and even I am on edge the edge of my seat about it.

This is a bang-or-bust redesign for Ford's resident muscle car, as it has the potential to be either the Mustang II debacle all over again or the Fox Body `Stang that swooped in to save the model's life. There is an ongoing debate on when and where the new Mustang will debut, and all of them are somehow centered around the model's 50th anniversary.

We have whittled the possible debut locations down two the three most likely ones, and our reasoning for picking these three.

Click past the jump to find out the three possible locations and why we picked them

Next-Gen Mustang Has Three Potential Debut Locations originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 18 September 2013 16:00 EST.

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2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV First Impressions

LOS ANGELES, California - Every auto manufacturer is searching for the best way to go green and reduce fuel consumption in their vehicles. Some companies are embracing hybrid technology while others have opted to go electric with battery-powered cars.

Even as a 'car person', I find some of these approaches a bit confusing. I admit that I feel overwhelmed with all the information out there and I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to the average consumer.As exciting as some of the changes are, I know that most of us just want to get into a car and drive it. When you're looking for an investment that will service your needs - comfortable, functional, reliable and affordable - how your car does what it does is less important than the fact that it gets the job done.

Mazda is sticking to something more traditional. They have decided to introduce a new generation of affordable gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Believing that the best solution for now is to reduce carbon emissions, and oil dependency is one of the ideas behind SKYACTIV technology.

Globally, the Mazda3 is the number one selling car in the Mazda line-up, selling over 3 million copies since it first hit the market in 2004, with just under 400,000 of them being sold here in Canada. These numbers are high for a good reason; anyone who spent time behind the wheel of the 3 will know that it is a wonderful car to drive. The one thing that Mazda needed to be very careful about was making sure that they kept this car appealing and only make it better.

I am in Los Angeles to take the new 2012 Mazda3, equipped with SKYACTIV technology, for a test drive. Mazda has stressed that even though the changes under the hood will produce an almost 30% improvement in fuel consumption, nothing has really changed in the way the driver feels behind the wheel of this compact car.

Their have been a few small changes in the styling. At first glance, it's not that noticeable, which is a good thing. In my opinion, the Mazda3 is still one of the best looking cars in this class. The exterior sees a few small upgrades like a new fascia and fog light design. The interior upgrades include new trim and tailored gauge displays (blue for SKYACTIV, red for Mazdaspeed3). A blind-spot monitoring system is a first in this segment, and is now available as an option on some trim levels.

Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze at 2011 SEMA

Chevrolet announced they have big plans for their small cars at this year's SEMA with new Dusk and Z-Spec models.

Chevrolet will be displaying different Z-Spec kits on the Cruze and Sonic to evaluate them for production. They are paying a special attention to the Sonic, to emphasize on the potential of this small car for customization.

There will be a pair of Cruzes, the Z-Spec concept with 18-inch custom wheels, an accessory spoiler and a high-flow grille on the outside and special seat inserts, a racing-style pedal kit, accessory shift knob and interior trim, as well as a new steering wheel for the inside, and the Cruze Dusk with a mild concept ground effects package, a unique grille treatment and dark-tinted wheels. The interior has custom seat inserts, along with an accessory shift knob, sport pedals, interior trim kit, a suede-trimmed steering wheel and a custom audio system.

The program for Sonic is more substantial, and includes four different packages:

Sonic Z-Spec #1 - Designers took a turbocharged Sonic five-door and dressed it with concept Z-Spec accessories. They added Z-Spec ground effects, a spoiler, unique grille and graphics package - then finished it off with a Torch Red exterior and Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cobalt Red cabin features custom trim, including perforated black suede seat inserts, a Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel. Additional upgrades include performance brakes with four-piston calipers, a new high-flow exhaust system and performance suspension parts.

Sonic Z-Spec #2 - The next Sonic concept - in Flat White with Torch Red accents - builds on concept Z-Spec accessories with a more aggressive ground effects package, unique grille, rear spoiler and graphics package. It rides on Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels and also includes a re-trimmed interior with Z-Spec sport pedal kit, Z-Spec sport shift knob and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It also features custom racing seats with the Z-Spec logo. The factory powertrain features the 1.4L turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission. Performance upgrades include brakes with four-piston calipers, a high-flow exhaust system and suspension parts.

Sonic Z-Spec 4D Concept - The more formal look of the Sonic sedan lends itself to a touring car-style motif, which this Ashen Grey Metallic concept picks up with concept Z-Spec ground effects, rear spoiler, grille, "Chevrolet" graphics and larger Z-Spec concept 18-inch wheels. As with its five-door counterparts, this Sonic features a re-trimmed interior - in Dark Titanium with Cobalt Red accents - Z-Spec sport pedal kit, aluminum sport shift knob and a flat-bottom steering wheel (trimmed with Cobalt Red suede). The factory turbo 1.4L engine and six-speed manual transmission are complemented by performance upgrades that include four-piston caliper brakes, a high-flow exhaust system and suspension parts.

Sonic Dusk - The most subtle of the Sonic concepts is the Dusk. It features a Berlin Blue exterior, with a mild concept ground effects package, unique grille treatment and 18-inch concept wheels in dark Galvano Silver. Even the lights are tinted blue for a sophisticated statement. The Mojave leather interior has custom seat inserts, Z-Spec shift knob with satin chrome trim, Z-Spec sport pedals and accessory interior trim kit. The Sonic Dusk also features a suede-trimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel, custom audio system and brake and suspension upgrades.

Mazda MX-5 Spyder & Mazda2 Turbo for SEMA Show

Mazda has announced it plans to introduce the MX-5 Spyder and the Mazda2 Turbo at the SEMA Showon Tuesday, November 1.

First up, the MX-5 has a new aerodynamic body kit, a lowered suspension, Brembo brakes, tinted headlights and Advan Racing wheels.

Next, the Mazda2 Turbo has a front lip spoiler, extended side skirts and a prominent rear wing and feature a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with 260 hp.

Nissan releases first photo of completed Juke-R

The unveiling of the Nissan Juke-R prototype has been as slow and painstaking as the car's actual build. First we received initial details, a rendering and video of the project under way. Over the course of the following few weeks, Nissan continued keeping us on our toes with a series of videos showing the project coming together. Now that the vehicle has finally reached completion, the Japanese automaker has released a solitary image of the finished product.

Those unfamiliar ought to be impressed: Nissan took the drivetrain from its top-of-the-line GT-R - including its advanced all-wheel-drive system, twin-clutch transmission and 3.8-liter twin-turbo 480-horsepower V6 - and shoehorned it into one of its smallest vehicles, the Juke crossover. Of course, it wasn't as simple as all that, as the Juke had to be completely gutted down to its frame and rebuilt from the ground up to accommodate an engine more than twice the size of what it was designed for.

In the end, Nissan will build two of these prototypes: one in right-hand drive (for its own roads back in Japan and those where it was built in England) and one in left-hand drive (for the rest of the civilized world). The release of this solitary photo follows a surprise unveiling in front of members of the press at a demo event in Spain.

NISSAN JUKE-R UNVEILED: FIRST IMAGE OF THE ULTIMATE COMPACT CROSSOVER
NISSAN MAKES SHOCK JUKE-R UNVEIL DURING QASHQAI PRESS EVENT IN MALAGA

The world has been given its first glimpse of Nissan's ultimate compact crossover: Juke-R.

Unveiled at a Nissan Crossover media launch in Malaga, Spain, Juke-R shocked an unsuspecting audience when it was revealed as a 'surprise guest' at the end of the press conference. Shown for the first time in the metal, Juke-R continues to create a huge reaction, harnessing the bold design of Nissan's provocative Juke with the speed and power of the company's flagship GT-R...... creating the world's fastest, most innovative, crossover.

Just two versions of the Nissan Juke-R are being created, one in each of left-hand and right-hand drive. The cars have been developed by Nissan and are being built by leading motorsports outfit RML with input from Nissan Technology Centre for Europe (NTC-E). Testing of the car will begin in November.

For details on Nissan Juke-R and to learn more about the Juke-R story, visit the Nissan Juke YouTube Channel or Nissan Juke Official Facebook page:
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NissanJuke
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NissanJukeOfficial