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VW CrossBlue Concept Takes Caring For The Environment Off-Road

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Over in the United States there is a huge following for the “mini van.” Across the pond in Europe we would call such a thing a people carrier and there is a very good reason for their existence. When you have three children or more things become a bit of a squeeze in most cars and so a van with windows is a logical solution. VW want to be a part of this market but rather than become a part of the dull “mini van” following they intend to blend having 7 seats with the ever popular SUV market.

Designed specifically with America in mind, this is the VW crossBlue Concept. A seven seat SUV is far from revolutionary but this car packs some rather nifty environmental tech. Capable of 134MPG, the CrossBlue is powered by a conventional TDI that powers the front wheels as well as two electric motors that individually power the rear wheels. There are various modes that allow for combined or solitary uses of each unit dependent upon the circumstances. In all-electric mode this SUV can cover 20 miles.

With looks inspired by the VW Amarok, we hope to see something like this from VW in Europe.

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Bad Karma, Fisker Based Saloon Gets ZR1 Power

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The Fisker Karma is a bit of an automotive mixed bag. There is no doubt that its styling and exceptionally high levels of luxury makes it one of the best with its class in that aspect, but factor in its cost and return in performance and all of a sudden being environmentally responsible disagrees with your bank balance. Former GM chairman Bob Lutz reckons he might just have an answer to your Karma problems.

Named the VL Automotive Destino, this Fisker Karma based saloon has bid farewell to its green credentials in favour of the fabled LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1. The V8 produces 638BHP and sends all of those ponies to the rear wheels. A higher bonnet and quad exhaust pipes have been installed to accommodate its new heart. The car preserves Fisker’s fantastic interior but also its hefty price. A Karma will set you back $102,000 but the Destino will cost $78,000 more than that.

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Honda Urban SUV Takes To The Stage

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Honda’s recent CR-V has again, just like its predecessors, captivated the segment as sales boom. Looking to capitalise on their crossover knowhow, the Japanese are planning a smaller car that will rival such machines as the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008. We have all seen the teaser images but now Honda have revealed the Urban SUV Concept in full.

This baby SUV will likely become a reality sometime in 2014 alongside the all-new Honda Jazz on which it will be based. The design architecture echo’s that of the much anticipated NSX. Bold body lines dominate its curved shape and piercing LED headlights give it real character. The Urban SUV will help Honda in their bid to produce 400,000 cars a year and with the crossover segment booming, this concept is very logical.

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Infiniti To Take On Germans With Q50

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The luxury saloon market is dominated by the Germans. It seems nobody can touch BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi in terms of complete packages. New brand to Europe, Infiniti, faces an uphill struggle if it wants a slice of the big threes pie, but they think their new Q50 might just be the leverage that they need.

Aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 the Q50 has to deliver. The curvaceous design makes for a good start as not only is it pleasing to the eye but also appears purposeful. Power comes from a 3.7 litre V6 with 328HP or a 3.5 litre hybrid. These engines are unlikely to find their way into European showrooms and will be replaced by more Euro-friendly units. Infiniti pride themselves on refinement and the cabin of the Q50 further promotes this with a luxury feel. The Q50 is also equipped with what Infiniti call “i-Keys.” These are smart keys that are programed specifically for each driver and change various setting once inserted.

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Mini Paceman JCW Sets The Pace

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Mini’s range is expanding at an exponential rate. Purists will tell that it is not right for the brand and that they should go back to building just the one car. The fact of the matter is that vast amounts of people want a Mini and since the explosion of models began the brand has seen bigger successes than since it began. The Mini Paceman JCW looks to continue this.

Effectively a coupe variation of the not so mini Mini Countryman, the Paceman JCW adds a little spice to the mix. The 218HP turbocharged engine will get this car from 0-62MPH in a brisk 6.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 140MPH. Lowered suspension and all-wheel-drive come as standard. The JCW is also capable of 35.8 MPG. Available in manual or automatic, the package includes all the usual Works spoilers, stickers and sporty rims. Passengers are held in place by four individual sports seats.

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Mercedes-Benz CLA Unveiled

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The small premium saloon segment is an area that is building in popularity. Consumers wanting the luxury of a big comfortable car but will considerably lower running costs are fueling a fire that has set the Germans ablaze. BMW are set to launch a saloon variation of their little 1 Series and Audi have already show a concept A3 saloon that was very well received. Mercedes-Benz will be the first to market with their CLA.

The beautifully sculpted body of this car has changed very little from last years concept. That is no bad thing! It’s styling is full of character and with such a purposeful stance it dominates its surroundings. Inside the muscular bodywork is a cabin trimmed in similar fashion to the well executed A-Class. Powering the CLA will be a range of three engines at launch. Petrol options include a 120BHP 1.6 litre four cylinder as well as a 2.0 litre turbo with 208BHP. The only diesel on offer is a 2.1 litre turbodiesel.

Mercedes will offer the car in front or all wheel drive, but more importantly also in AMG flavour at a later date.

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New Corvette Stingray Video

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

After months of speculation and conjecture, the 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray has been officially revealed. The all-new car goes as fast as it looks being powered by a new LS1 V8 with 450BHP. Full details can be found HERE. Here is a video of the GM “big-wigs” talking about what’s new with America’s latest icon…

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2014 Corvette Stingray Storms Detroit

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Welcome to motor city, a sacred place in America where peoples minds are fueled with petrol and their hearts beat like pistons. All of America’s motoring legends call this their home and the USA’s poster boy, Corvette, have made it very clear the importance of this venue by revealing the all-new C7 Corvette. The 2014 Stingray…

Reviving one of the most legendary names in automotive history, this machine is aggression distilled. The Stingray visually is a fantastic blend of American muscle and aerodynamic design. Taking advantage of high levels of aluminium and carbon fibre in its construction, its 6.2 litre 450BHP LS1 V8 will get it to 60MPH in under 4 seconds. Chevy have put a real emphasis on build quality both inside and out as they want this machine to go toe to toe with Europe’s best. The cabin is brilliantly sculpted and is dominated by a digital display that changes dynamically when the cars settings are altered.

Quad exhaust, bonnet vent, famed name. The new Stingray might just be the car that puts American performance cars back on the map.

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