Loder1899's Range Rover Evoque Horus gets wide

German aftermarket tuner Loder1899 tells us Horus was an Egyptian god, and Wikipedia says he was usually depicted as a falcon or a man with a falcon's head. While we're not seeing much that's bird-like in this customized Range Rover Evoque, a new front fascia with integrated fender flares and a similar treatment for the other end means the Evoque no longer looks like the baby of the Land Rover clan. The vehicle in the photos is also fitted with optional gigantic 11x23-inch wheels shod with 315/35R23 Michelins and a lowered suspension. Without them, the conversion runs €3,032 – or about $4,000, including German taxes. Awful or awesome? Let us know what you think in the comments.

 View orginal artical here- Loder1899

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Next Gen Nissan Trucks Still Years Away

After reports of the next-generation Nissan Titan being delayed with a possibility of not bowing until 2014, it appears the Japanese automaker is still several years away from debuting its new trucks.

Nissan had hoped a new Titan would be on the market by now, but Chrysler‘s bankruptcy and subsequent Fiat takeover caused a deal on the next-generation Titan to break down. The Japanese automaker had its design and engineering team working on a Nissan-branded Ram 1500 but unfortunately that will never see the light of day.

The engineers have, however, worked on evolving the Titan’s frame when building the new range of NV vans but plenty more work still has to be done on the new Titan. One source said that the new Titan is still “a couple of years” away, which puts it still on schedule for a 2014 release as previously mentioned.

The new Frontier however is further behind than the Titan and will probably remain a body-on-frame vehicle, which means the third-generation Xterra will also be body-on-frame.

View orginal artical here- Next Gen

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2014 Infiniti G IPL Reported with Twin-Turbo 530-HP V6

Infiniti appears to have some impressive products in its pipeline, including a next-generation G powered by a twin-turbo V6 with 530 hp.

The relationship between the Japanese automaker and Mercedes-Benz is picking up full steam and will go beyond the upcoming Benz-based compact. For 2014, Infiniti will be producing next-generation four-cylinder engines for both Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti models at its Nissan Tennessee plant. And as we reported before, the first C-segment hatchback will be produced by Magna Steyr in Austria.

But the big news is that the next-generation G will start production in 2014 and is slated to go on sale by summer of that year. The Japanese automaker’s goals is to build on top of its highly-successful model by launching it in 70 countries worldwide. Apparently the design for the next G was finalized in June of last year and is shared with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class platform.

Overall length and width is expected to stay the same as the current-generation G, but it will have a lower roofline in the style of a four-door coupe. The sedan will debut first in 2014, with the coupe variant following in 2015. Infiniti is also considering a crossover variant, which makes sense.

What has us uber excited is that the IPL-spec G will feature a 3.7-liter twin-turbo V6 powerplant pumping out 530 hp and will probably be priced competitively with the GT-R, if not more In fact, the inside source that reported to Motor Trend compares it to the C63 pricing. The new IPL engine will be hand-made in the same plant where the GT-R is produced out in Tochigi, Japan.

View orginal artical here- IPL

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Lexus LFA II Rumors: Twice the Car, Twice the Price

The Lexus LFA is undoubtedly a supercar, but many criticized its lofty $375,000 price tag.

When compared to its performance rivals that figure seems downright excessive. After all, for $225,000 you can land a Ferrari 458 Italia or for $90,000 there’s the Nissan GT-R. Then again, at this level you’re paying as much for exclusivity as for price and with just 500 units ever made, and the fact that the LFA is undoubtedly Japan’s first ever supercar, the automaker had no trouble finding buyers.

Based on that car’s success and Toyota’s newfound performance spirit under the leadership of CEO Akio Toyoda, Lexus is already preparing a successor that will be vastly more impressive in terms of performance. It will also be vastly more expensive.

Our well-connected source was informed by a senior Toyota executive who prefers to remain anonymous that plans for an LFA II are currently in the works. The new supercar has been described as twice the car, with a significantly higher performance level. To match that new performance, pricing will climb steeply, into the range of $800,000 to one million dollars.

Like the LFA it will be an exclusive product, but even more so than the original, with plans to produce just 100 units.

View orginal artical here- Twice Car

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2012 Toyota Yaris SE

Toyota lost much of its credibility with enthusiasts after killing off what few performance cars it offered years ago, and yet the average car buyer still seems drawn to most anything wearing one of its badges. Even so, there has been one vehicle in the Toyota lineup that enthusiasts and cars-as-appliance shoppers have seemingly agreed upon for all the wrong reasons: the Yaris.

The subcompact Yaris has never taken hold here in the U.S. like its larger Corolla and Camry stablemates – its awkward shape and unmemorable driving characteristics combined to keep this little Toyota from the top of the sales charts. The Yaris has always remained far behind the monthly sales talliess of the more engaging Honda Fit and practical Nissan Versa.

Toyota has gone back to the drawing board for the 2012 model year, combating the dullness of the old Yaris with a combination of more expressive styling and the promise of improved driving dynamics. It has even tuned the Yaris SE with a stiffer suspension and bigger tires as an olive branch of sorts to budget-minded enthusiasts, so we couldn't resist taking the reins of a five-door SE for a week-long test to see if Toyota's new, greener branch is worth taking.

Whether in three- or five-door form, the outgoing Yaris offered polarizing styling, and the sedan was frumpier still. The good news? Toyota designers had nowhere to go but up, and our Absolutely Red tester finds the Japanese automaker taking a step in the right direction. The Yaris' new aesthetics reveal far more personality, with edgier contours and a more pleasing wheel-to-well ratio. These improvements are magnified with SE trimmings, as the front lower fascia is more aggressive and standard fog lights take the place of small black placeholders. We are also big fans of the SE's standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, which are wrapped in 195/50/16 Bridgestone rubber.

The 2012 Yaris is a big improvement on the outside, and the reclamation project gains steam upon entering the cabin. Once seated, drivers are greeted with a meaty, leather-wrapped steering wheel with white contrast stitching and a frill-free gauge cluster. The large, simple-to-use climate system controls and audio system interface are a welcome development, save for one nagging issue that we'll get to shortly.

Toyota has also upgraded materials beyond the aforementioned leather-wrapped wheel, starting with clever soft-touch padding around the stereo that stretches over to the front passenger door. The dash top is predictably dressed in hard plastics, but this vast expanse is at least rendered in a crosshatch imprint that looks and feels good. Our favorite part of the upgraded Yaris materials? The blue plaid cloth inserts decorating a set of otherwise black seats. The dynamic blue pattern brightens up the cabin, giving it a more thoughtful and upscale feel. Room is generally quite good, though there are others in the segment that offer more flexible seating configurations.

Our Yaris SE also came equipped with a generous helping of technologies that even B-segment buyers demand these days. This SE model arrived equipped with a six-speaker sound system made more desirable with the addition of a USB input, auxiliary jack, Bluetooth streaming music and hands-free calling. The sound system is great for a vehicle that costs only $16,400 (plus $760 destination), but we did have one issue: Toyota has opted to go with a single control knob to tackle a number of different tasks. Unfortunately, we rarely used it correctly. The big knob works as audio control, and in most vehicles, that means pressing it like a button will turn off the stereo altogether. Not in the Yaris. When the knob is pressed, the radio goes into menu mode, and turning the knob left or right no longer controls the volume. That's frustrating – we don't know why more automakers just don't provide separate volume and tuning knobs.

Buyers have come to expect more amenities in subcompact offerings, and the Yaris does a nice job of delivering the goods. Today's buyers also look for a vehicle that delivers outstanding fuel economy as well, and the Yaris answers the call with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 103 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 revs. That's not a lot of juice compared to the 138-hp Chevrolet Sonic or the 117-hp Honda Fit, but the Yaris weighs in at only 2,295 pounds – almost 250 pounds lighter than the Honda and over 400 pounds less than the hatchback Chevy.

Even with its weight savings, the Yaris is still low on power compared to its rivals. Engineers have made up for the power deficit somewhat by gearing the five-speed manual model for spirited driving – at least in urban settings. The Yaris feels downright sprightly from a dead stop up to about 40 miles per hour, and Toyota's official 0-60 time is a reasonable 9.4 seconds. Unfortunately, those engineers haven't managed the same trick out on the open road – the 1.5-liter is a dud when trying to execute a pass on the interstate. And it's not like you can downshift to third gear to outpace slower traffic, because the little four is wailing away near redline the moment the clutch is released, and fourth often isn't enough help.

We weren't expecting a lot out of 105 horses, but we did have reason to hope for more excitement in the handling department. The reason for our optimism? Toyota says this SE model features a 20-percent stiffer chassis than the rest of the 2012 Yaris lineup, along with niceties like rear disc brakes shrouded by fatter tires. The sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion-beam rear setup do a fine job of keeping the Yaris planted, and it certainly helps that there's only 2,295 pounds to toss around.

The SE also boasts sport-calibrated electronic power steering. The wheel actually has good weight to it, though we'd prefer a broader spectrum of power assist variance to differentiate between grocery store parking lot cornering and taking tight turns at speed. When it comes time to chuck the Yaris into a corner, the experience can be a bit unnerving thanks to the seats. Because the front chairs are jacked up to give the driver an elevated seating position, tackling a winding road with gusto is a bit like like trying to slalom in a lawn chair. Also odd is the long-throw five-speed shifter, which sits at knee level and never quite manages to feel like a natural extension of the right hand.It took us a few days to get used to the Yaris' unique driving position, but we instantly grew accustomed to its 34.5 miles per gallon. That's what we averaged during a week of mixed driving, a figure that splits the EPA's 33 miles per gallon city / 38 mpg highway estimates right down the middle.

Overall, the 2012 Yaris is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with noticeable improvements inside and out. It's better looking, better equipped and better to drive. Unfortunately, enthusiasts still probably won't be compelled to consider this Yaris, mostly because of a serious power deficit compared to rivals from Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan and, well, just about every other serious subcompact on the market. That's something of a shame, because the Toyota's chassis is well executed in SE guise. Of course, even if enthusiasts don't bite, something tells us Toyota will have an easier time selling its entry-level hatchback than its Japanese rivals... if only because of the badge on the back.

View orginal artical here- Car

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2013 BMW M6

Here are some rendering of the 2013 BMW M6. The next M6 is said to have a 560HP twinTurbo V8 with twin clutch technology, also available in a cabriolet.

  

View orginal artical here- 2013 BMW M6

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Tesla On Ice: Model S Cold Weather Testing [VIDEO]

Tesla's soon-to-be-released Model S may hail from sunny California, but that doesn't mean this EV won't be ready for winter.

Tesla took the Model S on a trip to Baudette, Minnesota (one of the coldest places in the lower 48), to test how sub-zero temperatures affect the Model S. The Automotive Enviro Testing grounds offer over 800 acres of snow and ice conditions to test vehicle dynamics, along with battery operation.

Watch this Video 

The Model S is rear-wheel drive, but its sophisticated instant-torque electric motors combined with an advanced traction and stability system have the Model S looking fairly competent in the winter weather. A lot of that stability can also be attributed to the battery being in the sub frame, lowering the vehicle's overall center of gravity.

Check out the video below to see one of this year's hottest EVs tearing it up in the snow.

View orginal artical here- Tesla

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Toyota working on even more exotic followup to Lexus LFA?

Many countries have produced supercars with price tags that dip into the six figures, but that rare breed of exotic that fetches upwards of a quarter million is all but completely exclusive to Europe: Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani out of Italy, Bugatti from France, McLaren and higher-end Aston Martin models of Britain, top-of-the-line Porsche offerings from Germany, Koenigsegg of Sweden and so on. 

That's what makes the Lexus LFA so exceptional. It extends beyond the Acura NSX and the Nissan GT-R that previously defined the top end of Japanese supercars and joins its European rivals at the very top of the market. But that, we're reading, is only the beginning.

According to a shadowy anonymous source cornered by AutoGuide, Toyota is already working on a successor to the LFA, and their mole says the car will be even more exotic, more powerful and more expensive. 

Just what that entails when the LFA is already limited to 500 examples, packs a 552-horsepower 4.8-liter V10 and costs $375,000 has us conjuring up images of an animé take on the Bugatti Veyron. AG suggests the car could nudge the million-dollar mark with production limited to just 100 examples.

Could it be a production version of the LF-LC concept? It's probably too early to tell. In fact, we're going to go ahead and take this entire rumor with a few shakers-worth of salt and advise you to consider doing the same.

View orginal artical here-New car

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Nissan Leaf gets a fancy brother: The Infiniti LE

The first complaint about current mainstream electric vehicle options is that they don't offer enough range. The second is that they only come in small and, some might say, unattractive packages like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-Miev. Infiniti may not have solved the former problem, but it's done its best to solve the latter with the LE concept.

The concept gives the Nissan Leaf a sportier, more upscale brother.Infiniti has shown us a few takes on sporty green cars in the Essence and E-Merge, but it is a lot more serious about this one. In debuting the model at this week's New York Auto Show, Infiniti said that this is a "production intent" concept and will be on the market within two years. The company also said its "near similar form" to the production model, 

so it's clear this isn't just a fanciful EV concept designed to attract show goers to Infiniti's booth.In designing the LE, Infiniti set out to make an Infiniti that was electric, not an electric car with an Infiniti label. Key toward that goal was showing that "zero emission does not have to mean small." Rather than a small hatchback, Infiniti made a proper, fastback-style sedan that's about the same length as its current G Sedan. From that basic principle, Infiniti added signature design cues like the double-arch grille and crescent-cut rear pillar. It sculpted a defined belt line that provides a sense of speed and power. The LE may not be nearly as dramatic as the Essence or E-merge, but it's definitely lighter on the eyes than a Leaf.

While it hasn't solved the limited range dilemma, Infiniti has done its best to get every mile by keeping the LE as aerodynamic as possible. Specific equipment used for the goal includes the high rear deck, aero-treated wheels, aero rear diffuser, aero fin front spoiler and aero side fin spoilers. The car's drag coefficient is 0.25.

Infiniti hasn't given all the details on the car's powertrain, but it's most certainly adapted from the Nissan Leaf. The electric motor puts out 240 lb-ft of torque and provides "impressive EV acceleration." The 24 kWh lithium-ion battery can be recharged by way of standard outlet, DC fast charging and Nissan's upcoming wireless charging pad.

Inside, the next-generation Infiniti Connection system keeps drivers in touch with the outside world. The system is controlled by way of twin-screen display, which delivers driver-centric information like navigation and points-of-interest search. The system also helps the driver in finding charging stations, syncing his calendar and pre-heating or pre-cooling the vehicle.

The battery pack is located under the passenger compartment floor, opening up the interior for comfort. Soft "Infiniti EV Blue" LED lighting flows from front to back. The leather-trimmed seats have sued and mesh fabric.

We're guessing the production version will lose the icy, space-age-y silver paint job and gratuitous blue LED lighting, but Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore said that it will maintain the "zero emission powertrain, advanced telematics, cutting-edge design, advanced connected services and premium appointments" of the concept. It should be a nice addition to the EV market.

View orginal artical here- Infiniti 

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Lexus prices updated RX among other models

So a new front-drive Lexus RX 350 will now set you back $40,185, but that's really not the most interesting pricing news from Lexus. That would be the RX 350 F Sport, which debuts for the 2013 model year in July, carrying a base sticker of $47,875.

While all versions of the RX get the new spindle grille, the F Sport packs Lexus' eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a performance-tuned suspension that employs Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, akin to what's available on the GS line. Cosmetic enhancements include a mesh grille and F Sport badges, aluminum pedals and black leather seats with contrasting white stitching. A unique set of 19-inch wheels completes the package, which we look forward to getting our hands on.

Lexus has also announced the base price of its hybrid RX, which will start at $46,805, and the hybrid GS. When the 2013 GS 450h goes on sale in May, it will be priced from $59,845. Additionally, the 2012 Lexus IS will see the price bumped $200 across the board. Scroll down to read the full press release. TORRANCE, Calif. – April 6, 2012 – Lexus today announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2013 GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan, the complete 2013 RX luxury utility vehicle line, and a price adjustment to the 2012 IS luxury sport sedan.

Equipped with the second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the 2013 GS 450h delivers 338 total system horsepower, while achieving 31 combined city/highway mpg. Arriving in dealerships in May, the 2013 GS 450h will have a base MSRP of $58,950, unchanged from the model it replaces.

The updated 2013 RX once again raises the bar for design, engineering, and luxury innovation in the segment it created. Arriving in dealerships this month, the 2013 RX 350 carries a starting MSRP of $39,310. Offering V8-like performance and fuel economy similar to a four-cylinder sedan, the 2013 RX450h will also arrive at dealerships this month with a starting MSRP of $45,910.

Featuring an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sport-tuned suspension with performance dampers, the RX F SPORT was designed to engage driving enthusiasts. When it arrives at dealerships in July, the RX 350 F SPORT will have a base MSRP of $47,000.

The 2012 Lexus IS luxury sport sedan will receive an increase of $200, representing a percentage increase of 0.5% to 0.6% on a model-by-model basis.

MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

GS 450h

The 2013 GS 450h will complete the GS lineup when it joins the recently launched GS 350 and GS 350 F SPORT at Lexus dealerships in May. With a total system power output of 338 horsepower, the GS 450h not only has the power of a V8, but also exceeds most V6 engines in fuel economy with best-in-class EPA estimated ratings of 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. The GS 450h is certified as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

Like the GS 350, the new GS hybrid also features Lexus Drive Mode Select. In addition to the Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ modes available on the GS 350, the GS 450h adds an EV mode, which allows the driver to travel a short distance at low speed using only the hybrid battery pack.

Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a Pre-Collision System, which uses the radar sensors shared with the Dynamic Cruise Control System to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision as well as to apply braking force in the case of an impending collision, a Night Vision System, Heads Up Display, Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). LKA and LDW provide a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course and alert the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

Next-generation Lexus multimedia brings a host of entertainment and connectivity enhancements, including the Lexus Enform® App Suite (one-year trial subscription included) and standard enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

 RX 350 and RX 450h

The RX, the top-selling luxury utility vehicle in America for 14 years, raises the bar even higher in 2013 with numerous interior and exterior upgrades. The RX 450h with Lexus Hybrid Drive also receives these enhancements.The bold new face of Lexus, the signature spindle grille, is complemented by a new headlamp design, LED daytime running lights, distinctive fog lamp bezels, and an aggressive new bumper. Updated taillamps and the rear license plate surround complete the exterior enhancements.

The luxurious and spacious RX receives numerous interior enhancements for 2013. The steering wheel has been redesigned with a sportier look and a more comfortable and relaxing grip. A metallic accent enhances the look of the glove box. The center console has been redesigned for versatility and easy accessibility.

The cabin of the 2013 RX also gets new available Ebony Bird's-eye Maple wood trim and available Saddle leather interior. Rich, detailed contrast stitching is used on the seats, center console and door-mounted armrests of the available leather trim. Four new exterior colors are available for the RX: Silver Lining Metallic, Claret Mica, Deep Sea Mica, and Fire Agate Pearl, replacing Tungsten Pearl, Matador Red Mica and Cerulean Blue Metallic.RX 350 F SPORT

This 2013 RX 350 F SPORT (AWD only) was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with performance and styling enhancements including:

Eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters;

Newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels with dark graphite finish with 235/55R19 tires front and rear;

New and unique sport front bumper with mesh grille;

F SPORT tuned suspension with front and rear performance dampers; and

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).

F SPORT exterior and steering wheel badging further differentiates this vehicle from the rest of the RX line.

The RX 350 F SPORT also comes with black leather-trimmed seats with white contrast stitching, black headliner, and aluminum pedals and footrest. The RX 350 F SPORT also comes standard with all features from the Premium and Comfort packages. The eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is a first for the RX line.

Model Year Model Name, MSRP, Price Increase $, Price Increase %

2013 RX 350 FWD, $39,310, $235, 0.6%

2013 RX 350 AWD, $40,710, $235, 0.6%

2013 RX 350 F SPORT AWD, $47,000, n/a, n/a

2013 RX 450h FWD, $45,910, $675, 1.5%

2013 RX 450h AWD, $47,310, $485, 1.0%

IS 250 and IS 350

The 2012 Lexus IS luxury sport sedan received a price adjustment which will become effective with May production. All IS models receive a $200 price increase. The model-by-model adjustments reflect individual percentage increases ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 percent. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. A complete list of model-by model price adjustments is below.

Model Year Model Name, MSRP, New MSRP, Price Increase $, Price Increase %

2012 IS 250 (MT), $33,595, $33,795, $200, 0.6%

2012 IS 250, $34,765, $34,965, $200, 0.6%

2012 IS 250 AWD, $37,225, $37,425, $200, 0.5%

2012 IS 350, $40,020, $40,220, $200, 0.5%

2012 IS 350 AWD, $42,480, $42,680, $200, 0.5%

All prices listed above exclude the Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) fee

View orginal article here-Lesux

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In Detail: Opel Ampera

It looks like the Volt. It sounds like the Volt. It's built on the same assembly line in Detroit as the Volt, but it's not a Volt. It's the Opel Ampera. Despite all the similarities, there are some differences that Europeans enjoy and we can't have...yet.

Side-by-side, the major difference between the Chevy Volt and the Opel Ampera is the styling. The front has a similar profile, but has two huge boomerang shaped headlight housings. One could say it looks like its mascara is running. Nonetheless, we like the looks. Out back the styling is a bit cleaner than Volt. The big black panel on the Volt, is painted in body color. In addition to the added body color bits, the Ampera also has more styled alloy wheels.

The battery pack comes from A123 Systems--the same pack used on the Volt--but Ampera has an additional driving mode called Battery 'Halten,' or Hold. Battery Hold mode allows drivers to use the gas engine to power the electric motors, even when the battery is charged. We can't do that in the Volt. The Volt first uses energy from the battery before moving on to gasoline.

With the extra Battery Hold drive mode, Ampera drivers can choose when to use battery power, often opting to save it for later on in their commutes. This works best when going into the city from the suburbs. Drivers can use gasoline on the way in and get 30 mpg while driving on the highway, but can then select battery mode when entering the city. City driving is best for the all-electric mode because of continuous stop-and-go traffic.

Cities with restricted zones, like the European low emissions zones, only allow vehicles like hybrids, EVs, or low-emission gas engines. So using the battery mode is best in these areas. Also, when driving on battery in London, there is no congestion charge in the city center. Battery Hold mode is at home in Europe.

The downside to Battery Hold mode can happen when it's not managed properly. Per mile it is cheaper, and greener, to drive on electricity. If a driver uses gas when going to the city, then doesn't use all of the battery's range before leaving, the trip was not as efficient as it could've been. With the Volt, the better energy (battery) is always prioritized.

So how successful is the Ampera in Europe? Representatives have stated that there are already over 7,000 orders for the Ampera. Opel is optimistic about reaching their sales goal of 10,000 units for 2012. Having a car with Battery Hold mode in cities with congestion fees can really make the car appealing. In London, fees are about $18 every time you drive into the congestion zone. Add that to high fuel prices and the Ampera looks like a very good way to save money and drive smart.

View orginal artical here-Car News

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The BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW’s much anticipated 1 series M coupe is finally here. If you are looking for a hot hatch that will dominate them all then look no further. Here are some brief specifications and details of the new M car from BMW. Crank Motoring looks forward to driving this highly revered car soon. Look out for the review!

BMW 1 Series M Coupe as a fascinating entry to the world of BMW M cars, a modern interpretation of hallmark M characteristics with an outstandingly low power-to-weight ratio (4.4 kg/bhp), a level of agility, efficiency and performance which is unsurpassed within the segment, motor racing expertise as a basis for drivetrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology.

4-seater with characteristic coupe proportions and the unmistakable design features of a BMW M car, front section with precisely defined air ducting including air curtains, athletic side section with typical M gills, strikingly flared wheel arches, a powerful rear end, dual tailpipes on both sides.

In-line 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo and direct injection, 250 kW/340 bhp, engine-speed-related power delivery, overboost function, two engine curves to choose from, cooling system tested on the race track, powertrain system with 6-speed manual transmission.

M-specific chassis with weight-optimised components, typical M axle kinematics and forged aluminium control arms, M differential lock, compound high performance brake system, driving stability regulation including M Dynamic Mode (MDM).

Interior with characteristic M cockpit design and exclusive materials concept including trim strips, door panels, cockpit scoop in Alcantara and sports seats in leather with orange contrast stitching.

A choice of three exterior paint finishes, interior design based on set configuration, extensive individualisation options to increase driving pleasure including all driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services available for the BMW 1 Series.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe:

 in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo and direct injection,

Capacity: 2979 cc,

Output: 250 kW/340 bhp at 5 900 rpm,

Max. Torque: 450 Nm (with overboost: 500) at 1 500 – 4 500 rpm,

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 4.9 seconds,

Acceleration [0 – 200 km/h]: 17.3 seconds,

Maximum speed: 250 km/h,

Average fuel consumption according to EU: 9.6 litres/100 kilometres,

CO2 emissions according to EU: 224 g/km,

Exhaust gas norm: EU5.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe goes on sale in South Africa in May 2011.

 View orginal artical here-BMW 1 Series

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As Gas Prices Rise, So Do Sales Of Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Sales of the Chevrolet Volt are up (GM).

The recent surge in gas prices across the country has brought similar surge in the number of car shoppers seeking fuel-efficient vehicles.

The effect has been "dramatic," says Erich Merkle, chief of sales analysis at Ford.

The number of customers buying fuel-efficient vehicles started increasing in mid-January, and accelerated as gas prices continued their climb through February, Merkle said.

General Motors reported Thursday sales of small and compact cars increased 43 percent over February 2011. Sales of the electric Chevy Volt surged upward from 603 in January to 1,023 in February, a 70 percent increase.

Ford said sales of its compact Focus increased 115 percent year over year. And Chrysler, which saw overall sales leap by 40 percent, saw a 315 percent year-over-year increase in sales of its Chrysler 200 sedan.

"Our product portfolio now contains some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in our company's history," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler's Dodge Brand.

Small-car sales typically account for 19 percent of total sales volume, according to Merkle. Small cars have claimed as much as 24 percent of the overall market share this month, according to Ford estimates. In California, where gas prices average more than $4 per gallon, small-car market share is expected to reach 32 to 33 percent in February.

Gas prices rose 9-percent in February and averaged $3.73 per gallon Wednesday. It was only late December when they averaged $3.22 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com.

"In our opinion, there's no doubt this rotation is being stimulated by this increase in higher fuel prices," Ford's Merkle said.

Sales of mid-size sedans are also performing well, growing market share from approximately 14 percent in December to as high as 17 percent today.

Last spring, gas prices rose to a high of $3.96 per gallon in March and April of 2011, and automakers saw a similar correlation between the price increase and sales of smaller and fuel-efficient products.

Auto sales are making a strong comeback as consumers come off the sidelines amidst reports of surging consumer confidence and reduced unemployment. Overall, automakers believe, based on Thursday's latest round of sales data, that the U.S. auto industry is on pace to sell 14 to 14.5 million units in 2012. If today's Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) reaches 14.4 or above, it would mark the industry's highest pace in four years, according to TrueCar.com.

Domestic automakers were caught flat-footed in 2008 when a surge in gas prices sent concerned drivers away from the large-vehicle offerings that dominated domestic lineups at the time. Since then, the Big Three have diversified their portfolios and added more fuel-efficient vehicles across all sizes. Now they can capitalize on pent-up demand for those cars.

"Today, we're in a much different position," Merkle said. "... We're in the best position for whatever the external market brings."

But higher gas prices could eventually cross a threshold in which they hamper the overall economy, and thus, new-car sales.

That was a concern expressed Wednesday on Capitol Hill. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified told a congressional panel that the high gas prices, driven in part by growing tensions between Israel and Iran, could slow the ongoing domestic economic recovery.

"That is likely to push up inflation temporarily while reducing consumers' purchasing power," Bernanke testified.

Foreign policy impacting the unrest in the Middle East is somewhat alterable by President Obama, who is seeking re-election and would like to not be facing $5-per-gallon gas prices nationally in the Fall. But the other big factors driving up gas process are increased demand from China and the loss of some refineries in the Eastern U.S., which will depress supply. And those factors are harder for a President to influence.

View orginal artical here- Gas Prices Rise

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