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Subaru set to unveil sport coupe BRZ at Tokyo Auto Show

by on 11/22/2011 0

The word is official and Subaru confirms that they will be unwrapping the BRZ sport coupe that’s ready for production during the auto show in Tokyo happening late this month. Finally we will see the much awaited rear wheel drive compact sport coupe developed in collaboration with Toyota. The carmaker though did not release any photographs of the vehicle in its full glory.

It is still a teaser pic for all Subaru fans but we got confirmation that the car will get a naturally aspirated 2.0L flat four engine that has direct injection heads from Toyota.

The gearbox will be an option between automatic and manual with six speeds. Subaru also promises a rear drive unique setup for the car’s chassis and impressive handling. The dimension of the Japan BRZ is pegged at 167 inches in length, 70 inches in width, and 51 inches in height. The wheelbase of the vehicle is 101 inches. The car is basically smaller than the new Subaru Impreza.

Even before the launch, Subaru has already announced the next version of the vehicle coming as the BRZ Concept STI which will be unveiled during the auto show in Los Angeles next week. It can be pretty confusing since the stock JDM will be appearing at the Tokyo auto show two weeks after the L.A. exhibit.

Subaru assures everyone that the STI concept will be different from the BRZ standard version in terms of looks and specs.

During the motor show in Tokyo, the space for Subaru will also be occupied by the S206 based on the Impreza WRX STI. This will be another limited edition released for the die hard fans of the sedan and will feature unique setup for the engine, suspension, brakes, chassis, wheels, and tires. Initial reports say it will have 320 horsepower but we will know the official numbers by November 24.

There will also be the Advanced Tourer Concept which is a downsized version of the Hybrid Tourer Concept that took the spotlights in the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show.

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Preview: The 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

by on 05/17/2011 2

The 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider, two-seater, 8-cylinder Berlinetta, is truly a magnificent vehicle. Breathtaking to see, and power beyond comprehension, are the first thoughts when viewing this super elegant vehicle. Certainly, it should be all those things and more for just under $300,000 US. Introduced to the public at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, and having replaced the F430, the 458 continues to thrill the masses. Of course, not everyone can drive a Ferrari, but everyone can certainly dream, and this model delights its most ardent fans.

458 Ferrari RoadWith top speeds clocked at 202 mph, the 458 is a contender on the race track. What the average driver could do with those specs on the road remains to be seen, but what is known is that most would likely face costly fines, and maybe a stint behind bars. But, then again, only the 458 can arouse the senses and coax the “badboy or badgirl” image to the forefront even more than the already gorgeous ’10 Ferrari California. How could anyone test the real merit of this fine vehicle without driving it to the max?

With precision tooling, aerodynamic specifications, racing technology, and increased fuel efficiency, the 458 is built on a Pininfarina design. Efficiency and lightness are the crucial elements of a sports car, and this design is one of the best. Smooth, sleek, aluminum chassis, and strategically placed air vents give this model the necessary features to reduce drag and increase performance. Pininfarina’s and Ferrari’s association has been a long-standing tradition, both parties seeking the same goals of simplicity, efficiency, technology and superiority in a luxury vehicle. Reaching these goals, while at the same time reacting to environmental trends, was an incredible undertaking. Typically, fast cars burn plenty of gas and produce toxic emissions. That has dramatically changed, however, with the 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider.

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Preview: The 2012 Audi Q3

by on 04/29/2011 0

Everyone has been anxiously awaiting the début of the 2012 Audi Q3. It was supposed to show at the 2011Geneva Motor Show, but did not. Instead, it was first seen by the public at the April 2011 Auto Shanghai exhibition. Although this news tidbit was out long before the public showing of the concept car, it was confirmed that Audi would not be producing the Q3. On the contrary, it would be built by Seat, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, in the Martorell, Spain factory. Sales are expected to be brisk, as the plant ramps up to produce 80,000 units per year.

Audi Q3 ImageOne trend that has emerged recently for all car manufacturers is the necessity to move away from big SUVs. Consumers are looking for less expensive vehicles (not cheaply priced, though), and smaller vehicles that do not use as much gas. This newest market segment is called the “luxury compact crossover”. The 2012 Audi Q3 will fit the new niche in downsized upper-end cars. Consequently, the new Q-car will be a four-door with hatchback, smaller than the existing Q5 SUV model. It will also come in a two-door version with back entry door for cargo. Of course, for today’s busy families, the four-door is perfect because children and pets can easily fit in the back seat, while suitcases and bags are neatly stored in the rear of the vehicle.

Originally announced as the Cross Coupe concept car in 2007, the Q3 will be lighter than other models, mostly because of the aluminum hood and back hatch door. The car is sportier in style, but still mature in design. The front of the car is blazoned with a large black grill, and in the center, the Audi insignia. Rectangle headlight holders define the shape of the Q3′s nose. A sloping roofline adds to the sleek nature of the car.

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Preview: The 2011 Mini Coupe & Roadster

by on 02/17/2011 0

In celebration of the fiftieth birthday of Mini in 2009, BMW, the company that owns MINI, announced that there would be two new Minis available for the 2011 season. Actual models, or rather prototypes, of the 2011 Mini Coupe and Roadster were shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. Once the official press release was announced, confirming production of the two new models, referred to as the twins, the Oxford plant which builds the MINIs began a massive hiring plan to complete production for the 2011 projected launch. At the February 2011 Canadian International Auto Show, it was announced that release of the coupe is slated for Fall 2011.

The MINI Coupe is a two-seater model with 211 horsepower, and based on the John Cooper Works (JCW) platform. The prototype or concept car showed little space for storage, other than behind the seats, but for the occupants, the ride should be comfortable enough. Nevertheless, the interior would offer several designs and various colors, making this compact vehicle appealing to car buyers. The steering wheel comes in a three-spoked design with leather padding for easy maneuvering on tight bends. The Mini Coupe boasts an ergonomic dashboard with the control features arranged according to how often they might be used. In other words, the functions that were used frequently would be closer and more accessible to the driver.

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The Chevrolet Corvette ZHZ – Hertz Rents out pure power!

by on 12/20/2010 1

That’s right Hertz rents out the Chevrolet Corvette ZHZ. While renting out high performance sports cars is not a new thing having them custom built for the rental company is. The only way to get your hands on the ZHZ is to rent one from Hertz. They are not being sold to the public. This is definitely a unique arrangement but it is one that has proven to be quite popular.

Steffi Vertriest CorvetteThe idea of renting out high performance sports cars is not all that unique. In fact there are companies that specialize in doing just that. Nevertheless it is rare to see a large chain like Hertz doing it. The reason they do it of course is that there is a demand for it. Surely they have seen the number of people who are taking advantage of the opportunity to rent these types of cars and have jumped into the market. It certainly doesn’t hurt that they can charge a high price for the chance to drive one of these cars. The premium charged to rent a Corvette ZHZ is pretty steep making this a profitable enterprise for Hertz.

The reason for the demand to rent cars like the Chevrolet Corvette ZHZ is easy to explain as well. They are out of the price range of most people. There is a whole class of super cars that everybody dreams of driving but which few people can actually afford. However the chance to rent one allows them to live out their dreams. Although the cost of renting a ZHZ is pretty steep it is at least in the price range of the average person. The chance to drive one for a couple of days is well worth it for a lot of people.

Corvette ZHZ Interior Corvette ZHZ Wheel Arch

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Worthersee Tour might Bring Along 2010 Seat Ibiza Bocanegra ST

by on 05/14/2010 0

Seat, a member of the Volkswagen Group, told the press that it will be unveiling a sportier Bocanegra variant of the newly released Ibiza ST. This unveiling is slated during a VW Group event in Austria, the Worthersee Tour. Just like the modifications which were made on the hatchback version of this line, the tweaks will be minimal, touching only the cosmetic side of the vehicle.

According to official reports, this particular model will receive black trimmings surrounding the headlights, central grills which will also be in black, and black mesh surrounds as well. The Bocanegra ST will also get bumpers which will be matched with its body color, black housings for the door mirrors, a heavy tinted sunroof, and a Bocanegra badge on its rear hatch.

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For the Seat Bocanegra interior, a three-spoke and flat-bottomed steering wheel will be in place. Customers can also look forward to aluminum-finished pedals, sporty seats and decals. The wheels of the Ibiza Bocanegra ST will be 17” Sira-designed ones covered by 215/40R17 tires. Just like the rest of the line, the Bocanegra ST will be given two 1.4L turbo engine variants. You can choose between 150 and 180 HP.

Most of the design styling details of the new Bocanegra were borrowed from the Ibiza FR and the Leon Copra. We could also expect Seat to showcase a wide range of Ibiza ST accessories during the Worthersee Tour. Aside from the sporty Bocanegra ST, the VW Group member will also display its Leon Supercopa race car. This one was made exclusively for the European race series.

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Infiniti EV to get luxury image and performance

by on 04/20/2010 0

Executives of Infiniti are giving it all just to ensure that the luxury variant of the Nissan electric car Leaf will get the upscale treatment that the brand deserves.

INFINITIInfiniti officials reviewed the proposed designs when they visited the styling studio of Nissan in California and complained that the car presented to them looked like just another variant of the Leaf. Given that the United States will be the biggest market of the upcoming Infiniti model, the designers have made the necessary changes to give it a better styling and correct other problems that were pointed out.

The Vice President of Infiniti North America also went to Japan to see these designs and he assures the consumers that they can expect a unique and cool Infiniti product.

Nissan will start delivering the Leaf through their dealerships by December. The electric car will have a tag price of $25,000 after all the incentives you can get for buying an alternative-fuel car. The Infiniti counterpart has not yet announced when their electric car will go on sale though it might be two or three years from now.

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Do more with BMW ConnectedDrive Technology

by on 07/28/2009 0

Technology is such a wonderful thing. It not only changes the way we think, it also changes the way we get our hands on information. Take for example, BMW’s ConnectedDrive technology that changes the way BMW owners access fuel prices, stock index, and everyday weather.

In the United States, the luxury carmaker’s ConnectedDrive technology continue to find more and more ways to make information accessible to driver wherever, whenever. In September, the online data connectivity was launched. It beat the information Google Maps were able to offer before. The online data connectivity brought more and more opportunities not only for BMW drivers but also to the passengers.

Take for instance, weather. BMW ConnectedDrive technology transmits the latest weather forecast not only for today but for the following three days. It includes information on warnings in an area plus daily advisories. How convenient is that?

Another thing that helps drivers in a very big way is access to fuel prices in real time. It helps drivers get information where to get the gas with the cheapest price. Not only that, the navigation system helps the drivers get to the destination in the quickest (and cheapest, save on gas) way possible. How convenient is that?

In order to avail of the BMW ConnectedDrive technology, clients are asked to subscribe to the Assist Convenience Plan the car company offers. Several models already include the BMW Navigation System and the BMW Assist like the 2009 models and the Z4, 1-Series, 3-Series and 7-Series; the 2010 and 5-Series, M5 and M6.

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