Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

Looks like Toyota and Gazoo Racing will be bringing more than just the Lexus LF-A to the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race this week. In a surprising announcement, the Japanese automaker will also bring their new mid-engine convertible hybrid concept to Nurburgring, which they've christened as the Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II.

An updated version of the first concept that was introduced at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II is an MR2-based hybrid concept that features plenty of styling cues from the fabled MR2 sports car. It was also designed in a far more aggressive detail befitting of its status as a new-age hybrid concept car.

In addition to the advanced convertible design language of the car, Toyota and GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by MN2) also improved on the car's mid-engine sports-hybrid AWD system that now carries a 3.5-liter Type 2GR-FXE V6 engine that produces 249 horsepower to go with a front electric motor that bumps up the output to 299 horsepower.

So far, these are the only details we have of the new Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II, but rest assured, we'll have more details when the car makes its official debut at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring this weekend.

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2014 Audi Q2 Concept Leaked

Audi currently offers a Q3, a Q5, and a Q7 SUV in their line-up, with a Q6 in the pipeline to serve as a competitor for the BMW X6. Now new rumors suggest that the company is already working on a new baby SUV that will be sportier than the five-door Q3.

The future Audi Q2 will be built on the MQB Group architecture and will be closer in design to the A1. Rumors say that the new Q2 will introduce advanced LED headlight technology never before seen in small cars and that Audi will offer customers the chance to personalize the Q2 in any way they see fit.

The Q2 will be a two-door SUV featuring a front-wheel drive system as standard, but quattro four-wheel drive will be offered for the most powerful versions. Under the hood, we will see the same engines as in the A1 including a 1.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbo and an efficient 1.6-liter diesel engine.

A concept version of the Audi Q2 should debut in about a year's time, with a production version set to arrive in 2014.

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2012 Acura RL Review

Despite debuting over seven years ago, extensively refreshed in 2009 and nip/tucked again in 2011, the Acura RL remains a mystery. Flagship products usually sell in small numbers, but the RL is one of the rarest sedans in America. This isn't exactly been a badge of honor for Acura. Overlooked by shoppers who flock to the cheaper Acura TL and largely forgotten by the automotive press (after all these years, TTAC has never fully reviewed the RL) With a full replacement due next year in the form of the RLX concept, I hit Acura up for an RL for a week to see how a flagship product from a major brand could manage to sell just 56 vehicles in Canada and 1,096 in the USA in 2011. For those who like statistics, the TL outsold the RL by 2,850%.

Beating "sideways" under the hood of the RL is Acura's ubiquitous 3.7L V6, good for 300HP and 271lb-ft of twist at a lofty 5,000RPM. 300HP may have been a selling point back in 2005, but in today's luxury market, 300 is where things start, not end. The 3.7 s 271lb-ft is practically meager when pitted against the 350lb-ft cranked out by Lincoln's Ecoboost V6, not to mention BMW's twin turbo V8. Rubbing some salt on the wound, the TL's optional 3.7L engine cranks out 5 more ponies. Ouch. Still, the MKS Ecoboost and S80 T6 are on the high-end of the competition's scale which, more realistically, includes the GS350 AWD and the Cadillac XTS.

For 2011 Acura updated the RL with a new 6-speed transmission. The extra cog cut the RL's dash to 60 by almost a full half second vs the 2010 model (5.9 as tested.) Mercedes may advertise a 7-speed automatic and BMW and Audi tout their ZF 8-speed, but let's be honest here - the E350, 535xi or A6 3.0T don't compete head-on with the RL. When you scale back the competition to the more natural competitors of the S80, MKS, GS350 and XTS, the right number of gears for this crowd is six. The 2012 RL is now rated for 17/24MPG (City/Highway) which is 1MPG better than before. Over our 745 miles with the RL we averaged a middling 19MPG. In comparison, Cadillac's XTS promises to be the most efficient AWD sedan in this size class at 17/28MPG.

The RL is perhaps one of the most forgotten and misunderstood vehicles of our time. Looking at the sales numbers, you'd think there was something horribly wrong with the RL. In 2011 only 1,096 RLs found a home meaning even the unloved Volvo S80 outsold it nearly 5:1 and the MKS bested it by 12:1. However, the problem with the RL isn't that the Volvo, Lexus and Lincoln competition is more modern. The problem is the new TL with SH-AWD. With a thoroughly modern interior and electronics, the TL might have a less capable AWD system, but with a lower price tag it is no wonder it outsells the RL 31:1. Still, if you're shopping for a $50,000 luxury sedan, the RL isn't a bad choice, but the new RL couldn't come any sooner.

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2013 Ford Taurus SHO Review

The 2013 Ford Taurus SHO model year full-size saloon of the Blue Oval comes with a fresh face, more features and a new 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Both that four-cylinder turbo and the improved 3.5 V6 offer decent figures, but this is the Taurus with the muscles - the Taurus SHO.

The Taurus SHO was always powered by an Ecoboost 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp and 475 Nm, and there's no change in engine or figures for this facelifted version. There were rumours that this SHO will get bumped to 400 horses, but considering the firepower it already has, perhaps that's unnecessary. A six-speed SelectShift auto with steering paddles does transmission duties.

So no power up, but the SHO does get a new optional Performance Package. A 3.16:1 final drive ratio will improve initial acceleration, and you'll get new dampers and specific springs. Also, the EPS steering has been tuned and the ESC has a track mode with "true off" (zero intervention), performance brakes and "track-tuned calipers".

Looks wise, the SHO is set apart by a black mesh grille flanked by series-specific HID headlamps. A fender-mounted scallop with SHO badge and 19-inch wheels can be seen on the sides (20-inch machined and painted wheels are optional). Black wing mirrors (heated with memory and puddle lamps) and a decklid spoiler are the other changes. The cabin is in full black.

Here's a finding that Ford is keen to share. About half of 2010 SHO customers had not previously considered buying a Ford, and frequently it's high-end sedans (examples given are 3 and 5-Series BMWs and Acura TLs) that are traded in. Interesting.

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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.

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Introducing 2013 Ford Mustang GT

Ford Mustang gets a new design for the 2013 model year in the form of new front and rear fascias, a more prominent grille and splitter, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps, signature lighting, painted body-side rockers, dramatic LED taillamps, mirrors with pony projection light and a new wheel lineup.

Ford Racing started with a 2013 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe powered by the revamped 5.0L V8 - packing 420 stock horsepower and 390lb-ft of torque (also in stock form) - but this Mustang GT is far from stock. To enhance the performance, Ford Racing has added their own street legal supercharger package featuring a 2.3L Whipple supercharger unit, a Ford Racing aluminum radiator kit, Ford Racing quad outlet exhaust (a similar setup to what is found on the Boss 302 with both side and rear exit exhaust) and an engine oil cooler. The folks from Ford Racing haven't stated just how much power they are making with this project car but the Ford Racing/Whipple 2.3L supercharger package alone is good for 624 horsepower.

The new GT500 Convertible will carry all the design elements from the coupe model, meaning you will get the same aggressive and sporty car, in a topless version of course. The Shelby GT500 is distinguished from the other Mustangs in the line-up by a more aggressive exterior look with a signature coiled Cobra badge on the front grille and front fenders. It also separates itself with a unique aluminum power dome hood with functional heat extractors and unique Shelby front and rear fascias, rear diffuser, and decklid spoiler. Both coupe and convertible versions come with racing stripes on both the top and the sides with 19 painted forged-aluminum wheels rolling at the bottom.

The 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302, meanwhile, also receives a new hood with heat extractors and a more aggressive front splitter. The Boss also rocks SYNC for the first time, and new reflective hockey-stick graphics are are also available. Boss 302 buyers will also be able to choose a new Parnelli-Jones-approved School Bus Yellow paint scheme. We like it. Expect to see the 2013 Ford Mustang land on dealer lots in the spring of 2012. Hit the jump for the full press releases.

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2013 Nissan 370Z Goes on Sale in June

The 2013 370Z gets an updated front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights and a new red reflector has been added to the rear. 370Z models with the sport package get revised 19-inch alloy wheels, while the other 370Z models get new 18-inch wheels. Sport package models also get new euro-tued shock absorbers. Two new exterior colors round out the changes (Magma Red and Midnight Blue).

The 2013 370Z is powered by a 332 horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. For even more power, buyers can opt for the NISMO 370Z that is powered by a 350-hp 3.7L V6 and a standard close-ratio 6-speed manual.

The most notable visual change on the 370 Coupe and Roadster (but not the Nismo Z) is a freshened front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights. The base 370Z Coupe also gets new wheels.

The optional Sport package comes with Euro-tuned shocks, revised 19-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers.

The Nismo Z gets a new Bose premium audio package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers, premium gun-metallic dark-finish 19-inch wheels, and GT-R-style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid.

Nissan decided not to tinker under hood, so the 3.7-liter, VQ37VHR V-6 is still rated at 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque (350 hp and 276 lb-ft in the Nismo). The six-speed manual transmission is still standard, while a seven-speed auto is optional on all models except the Nismo. Pricing should be announced closer to June 2012, the Z's scheduled on-sale date.

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2012 Toyota Prius V Review

2012 Toyota Prius V will have more than 50 percent more interior cargo space than the current Prius. The exterior styling is smooth, round and bold, with an extended roof line that allows the vehicle to maintain the triangular shape symbolizes the Prius. The front has strong trapezoidal headlights, wind gliding aero corners for better aerodynamics and an enlarged Europe in the network, which help create a unique design in the evolution of the current Prius. Toyota Prius style behind V is distinguished by a refined rear door panel, rear lights and a complex combination of roof spoiler designed specifically improves air circulation.

2012 Toyota Prius V is a showcase of technology that includes many of the same standard features. Four driving modes (Normal, hydraulic, environmental and EV) to meet a variety of road conditions and driver preferences. Smart Key System with start button, an electronic shifter, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and a rear view camera as standard. Available options include low-power LED lights, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Advanced Parking Guidance System. A new trend in hybrid vehicles with cargo space and heritage Prius excellent environmental performance and fuel economy, the 2012 Toyota Prius V goes on sale in late summer 2011.

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2012 Nissan Versa Sedan Review

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Or in Nissan's case, the hatchback or the sedan?

The maker has set off a bit of confusion by splitting the launch of its updated subcompact line-up between the Shanghai Motor Show, earlier this week, and a separate Wednesday news conference at the New York Auto Show.

For American motorists, it turns out, the four-door model shown in New York, and badged 2012 Nissan Versa, will be the update they'll be seeing later this year at U.S. dealerships. But that will be followed by a 5-door based on the Nissan Tiida unveiled in China, it turns out.

Credit several factors with the big jump. First and foremost, the new V-platform used for both sedan and hatchback has undergone weight "optimization," explained Tavares, the 3,000-pound 4-door coming in a significant 150 pounds lighter than the old model.

Meanwhile, Versa migrates to a new 1.6-liter inline-four engine mated to a second-generation Xtronic CVT, which is both lighter and able to cover a broader gear ratio than a more conventional 7-speed automatic, according to CEO Tavares.

The 1.6-liter engine uses a new dual injection system and twin-variable valve timing to enhance its efficiency, improving performance as well as mileage. It produces 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque.

The new 2012 Nissan Versa could also win fans of those who'd actually like to stay friends with those stuck in the rear seat. At 103 cubic feet, the interior is in a category a segment larger than the Versa's footprint would suggest - Tavares pointedly noting that its rear seating area is larger than that of the current BMW 5-Series.

The emphasis on the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan is no surprise considering the realities of the U.S. market, but Nissan will eventually bring over the 5-door version, shown in China as the Tiida. And there are budding indications that as the small car market builds Americans may once again see hatchbacks in a positive light.

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2013 Dodge Ram 1500

The new 2012 Ram 1500 Adventurer will be equipped with fog lights, 20"wheels made ??of alloy, it is also the main characteristics of the rear doors can be locked, the lights in the cargo area, rear bumper and other equipment. What is standard on models 2011 Ram 1500 Adventurer is a 160A alternator, fuel tank of 26 liters, 700A battery that requires no maintenance and halogen lights.

The 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 HD dealer is made to small businesses in the world. Ram says that the trader now has the title of best in class, both for towing and payload, that is functional for business owners in Texas. With 5.7 and V8 Hemi engine, this truck is powerful enough to help do the job. It sports a capacity of 3,100 pounds, who heads the Ford F150 and Chevy Silverado.

Its maximum weight of 11,500 is also spearheading the F150 and the Silverado, for what is best for the job in trucks. An attractive feature for small business owners in Texas is available from 6 feet 4 inches that offers a room RamBox 18 percent more than last year's model.

With best-in-class standard horsepower rated at 305 at 6,400 rpm and torque of 269 lb.-ft. at 4,175 rpm, the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 goes from zero to 60mph, three seconds faster than the previous V-6 powertrain. The new Ram 1500 becomes the latest vehicle to benefit from the advanced technology Pentastar engine. Features include Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), high-torque over a broad rpm range, low exhaust emissions, E85 capability, exceptional fuel economy, and best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

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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