Revealed: Mini Concept Paceman

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The Mini range will experience a serious expansion. Besides Coupe, Roadster and the promised new compact model , is now the handsome Paceman.

Mini will Paceman first proposals in the Detroit Motor Show, which takes place next month. The model is based on the recently launched Countryman and also shares the platform with this crossover. The designers have Paceman however a more elegant and desirable form created, so the car can withstand the handsome Continue reading here.

Lamborghini LP700-4 Order Guide Leaked, Reveals Murciélago Replacement’s Specs and Options

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A purported order guide for the not-yet-revealed Lamborghini LP700-4 has leaked onto the internet via Teamspeed.com, and it presents a pretty comprehensive rundown of the specifications and options for Lambo’s Murciélago replacement.

There’s no surprise in the powertrain specs, which mirror those we told you about a few weeks ago. The raging bull’s heart will be a new 700-hp, 6.5-liter V-12 bolted to an equally fresh seven-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission. The order guide claims 0-to-62-mph runs will take just 2.9 seconds and promises a top speed of 217 mph. Fuel economy is listed at 13.5 mpg, although it’s not clear whether that’s a city, highway, or imaginary mileage figure. Also, who cares? Continue reading here.

 

Kia to debut 2 midsize sedans within 6 months

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Kia plans to replace its slow-selling Amanti sedan this year--close on the heels of the similarly sized, redesigned Optima sedan now being rolled out. But the exact timing of the launch is undecided.

The Amanti replacement, tentatively called the Cadenza, had been expected in April. Kia officials now say only that that car will be launched in the first half of 2011.

Bringing out the two sedans in rapid succession could create a problem, although U.S. executives say the vehicles are aimed at different customers.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101220/CARNEWS/101229994#ixzz18gLA1q4R

Remote control for Nissan Leaf owners

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Nissan has now made it easier for owners of its electric Leaf model to stay in touch with their vehicle and check on vital stats such as battery status and range. Teaming up with Telenor Connexion, the Japanese car maker will enable owners to use a mobile phone or PC find out the current status of their car and even do thing such as remotely turn on the vehicle’s air conditioning. Continue reading here.

Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Leaf And Chevy Volt Fight For NACOTY Award

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Hyundai Sonanta, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf are the three finalists of the North American Car of the Year 2010 contest. The winner will be officially announced on January 10, 2010.

The Detroit Auto Show 2011, expected to open its gates next month, will also mark the announcement of the new winner of the North American Car of the Year award. The competition’s officials have already revealed the names of the three remaining finalists, the big final being disputed between Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata. Continue reading here.

Mercedes-Benz Delivers First F-CELL EV to Californians

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The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL uses an electric motor doling out 134 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. A fuel-cell stack is used for generating electricity which gets stored in a lithium-ion battery. While maintaining a terrific fuel economy, the F-CELL does not compromise on the quality of a ride. The only by-product in the process is water and the car takes just three minutes to refuel.

The F-CELL, however, is not ready for mass sale as of now. The test lease program is a part of the development still going on for a production version of the EV. A costly $850 per month is also not exactly the buyer’s idea of debuting onto the EV bandwagon. But a limited 70 number of the F-CELL available at present is definitely a tempting idea.

The initial group of buyers will get the opportunity to test the vehicle as regular ones over the next three years. The data collected by the Department of Energy (DOE) from this campaign will be utilized to reinforce their Hydrogen to the Highways programme. We may also safely assume that the valuable information gathered about the user patterns and customer response will be incorporated in the next batch of F-CELLs.

source:nitrobahn.com

Recall Alert: 228,235 Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, New Beetle, Rabbit

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Volkswagen is recalling five models across five model years due to an improperly placed fuel line. If the fuel line rubs against other parts, it could leak and lead to a fire.

2007-09 Golf 2007-09 Jetta 2007-09 Jetta Sportwagen 2006-10 New Beetle 2007-09 Rabbit Depending on the model, dealers will remove or reposition parts that come into contact with the fuel line.

Source:autorifi.com

Jeep moves 2011 Compass upmarket

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The Compass, which now draws on the luxury styling cues found on the Grand Cherokee, went “from sketch to released surface, usually a six-month program, in five weeks,” said Mark Allen, head of Jeep design.

All of the sheet metal from the A-pillar forward, plus the grille, headlight treatments, and front and rear fascias were replaced. In fact, the headlights were taken from the Grand Cherokee's parts bin.

“We were focused and we had enough resources to throw at it quickly” to meet the deadline for the 2011 model year, Allen said. “It was an amazingly lightening-fast program.”

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101216/DETROIT/101219948#ixzz18IdakecB

BMW plans alternative fuel cocktail

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Speaking to the agency in London this week , Dr Jochen Schroeder, BMW’s manager of electric powertrain pre-development said;"We want to see how the market reacts to the first EVs,” as he explains how BMW is learning from its first steps into the electrification of motor cars and is planning to explore and develop a host of alternative fuel solutions. Read the rest of this article here.

2011 Jaguar XJ Supersport – Short Take Road Test

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With the new XJ, Jaguar has clarified the menu. Where once buyers had to choose between XJ8, XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V-8, and Super V-8 Portfolio, now the car is offered as either a standard length XJ or the supersize-me long-wheelbase XJL. In the spirit of Jaguar’s Indian ownership, we envision the engine lineup as three levels of spiciness: the mild 385-hp base car, the medium 470-hp Supercharged, and the extra-spicy 510-hp Supersport. We already sampled the XJ Supercharged, and now we have a chance to taste the extra heat of the Supersport.

The XJ Supersport starts at a base price of $111,075, or $22,500 more than an XJ Supercharged. Nearly everything Jaguar offers is standard on both; the only major options are different wheels, rear-seat entertainment, a heated windshield, and adaptive cruise control, a $2300 upgrade on the Supercharged that is included on the Supersport. The flagship also adds little bits of garnish throughout the interior and, as if the XJ’s leather-and-wood trappings weren’t enough, the Supersport goes whole-cow and adds a leather headliner. Otherwise, it appears to be exactly like the lesser car. In other words, you don’t get a lot more for your money.

Source:caranddriver.com

2012 BMW 1-series Coupe and Convertible – Car News

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It’ll take a serious Bimmerphile to spot them, though. New headlight units feature frosted brows but otherwise appear very similar to the current car’s. The taillights now match those of other current BMWs, incorporating hockey-stick-style accents; these are rendered with LEDs on cars equipped with active xenon headlamps.

Both the 128i coupe and convertible will come standard with what BMW calls “air curtain,” which is basically special ducting built into the front fascia. This new system, which was first announced for the upcoming 1-series M coupe, routes air from a pair of intakes in the front fascia to the outsides of the front wheels, forming a high-speed wall, or “curtain,” that smoothes airflow in that area. The 135i forgoes this efficiency-minded series of tubes and instead comes standard with the M Sport body kit, which continues as an option for 128i coupes and convertibles as well.

Inside, the 1er gets new switchgear. A new gloss white (can we call it piano white?) trim option joins the lineup—it has a clean look, and should hide the inevitable scratches better than shiny black trim does.

These likely will be the last tweaks to the first-gen 1-series, as a new model should arrive for 2013. We'll get our first in-person look at the 2012 1-series in Detroit next month, and the cars will go on sale in April 2011.

Source:caranddriver.com

2011 Jeep Compass Preview

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Key upgrades for the 2011 Compass include a retuned suspension with stiffer springs, damping, and rear anti-roll bar for a more controlled highway ride, while a new available Freedom Drive II package steps up the Compass's off-road capability. The design is heavily revised as well, with a new hood, fenders, nose, and head lights presenting a more modern face. Read full review here.

 

Source:thecarconnection.com

Nissan Markets 2011 Nissan Quest Minivan Through "Mommy Bloggers"

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The Internet has been a boon to automakers looking to reach the widest possible audience in terms of advertising their latest and greatest models. However, the Web is also a powerful tool when attempting to market a vehicle to a very specific niche, due to the sheer variety of traditional and “new” media outlets available. Continue reading here.

 

Source:autotropolis.com

Toyota to recall Sienna minivans for brake risk

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Toyota Motor Corp said on Monday it would recall about 110,000 of the 2011 Sienna minivans due to a risk that drivers could damage the brake system as they use the parking brake.

The Sienna is an all-new model.

Toyota said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue, and that it would notify owners in January of the problem.

But the fix will be delayed until replacement parts are available in February, Toyota said, when it will ask owners to bring the minivans to dealers for installation of new parts. Read the rest of this article here.

Source:msnbc.msn.com

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe AMG Spy Photos – Future Cars

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AMG used to be about straight-line performance above all. The small subsidiary, located some 15 miles north of Stuttgart in the village of Affalterbach, has traditionally focused on stuffing monstrous V-8 and V-12 engines into pretty much everything Mercedes makes. But now, the sub-brand is focusing more intently on compact and agile cars. Continue reading here.

Source:caranddriver.com

Kia recalls nearly 8,000 Sorrento models over incorrectly machined brakes

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2011 Kia Sorento models were fitted with rear brake calipers that were improperly machined.

Says NHTSA: “As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash.” Read the rest of this article here.

The All-New BMW 1 Series M

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With anticipation of enthusiasts around the world at fever pitch, today BMW’s M GmbH division unveiled the newest member of its intimate product family. It’s here, it’s live, it’s great. The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe.

For the first time, the coveted M badge has been granted to the popular BMW 1 Series in the form of the all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Read the rest of this article here.

Source:inautonews.com

Rumor has it that Chevrolet will change Aveo to Sonic

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December 9, 2010) Automotive sites around the internet are abuzz with rumors that General Motors will change the name of the sub-compact Chevrolet Aveo to Sonic for the 2012 model year. It's the right time for a name change. A change for change sake could be a good thing. The Aveo name never struck much of a chord, and it is probably mispronounced as much as any car name currently in circulation. But more than that, the Aveo will be completely redesigned for the 2012 model year. Continue reading here.

Source:motorwayamerica.com

2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Prototype: Drive Report

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Toyota has decided that the particular lithium -ion cell chemistry used in our prototype is a technical dead end. When the production 2012 Plug-In arrives, it will use a different type of cell in its battery pack.

We also devoutly hope that Toyota enables the production car to use its larger battery pack under all circumstances. To our shock and confusion, we came to understand after our April drive that once the car has used the energy stored in its larger pack, it essentially reverts to being a standard hybrid. Read the rest of this article here.

Source:greencarreports.com

2011 Chevrolet Volt Ultimate Guide

2011 Chevrolet Volt Ultimate Guide

via Google Alerts - "nissan leaf" by All Cars Electric (blog) on 12/8/10

December 8th, 2010 You told us that you enjoyed our 2011 Nissan Leaf: Ultimate Reference Guide so much that we're back again with AllCarElectric's ultimate ...
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Priced: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Priced: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

via Inside Line Automotive News on 12/8/10

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon will go on sale on December 21 with a base price of $31,820, including an $860 destination charge.

2009-'10 Mazda 5 Recalled for Faulty Fuel Pump Connector

2009-'10 Mazda 5 Recalled for Faulty Fuel Pump Connector

via Inside Line Automotive News on 12/8/10

Mazda is recalling 16,200 2009-'10 Mazda 5 vehicles because of a defective fuel pump connector that could lead to engine stall and the inability to restart the engine, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2011 Kia Sorento Recalled for Defective Rear Brake Calipers

2011 Kia Sorento Recalled for Defective Rear Brake Calipers

via Inside Line Automotive News on 12/8/10

Kia is recalling 7,697 2011 Sorento vehicles because defective rear brake calipers could reduce braking power, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Nissan LEAF Power System Named to Ward's '10 Best Engines'

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SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ward's today announced that Nissan LEAF's 100-percent electric, zero-emission drive system is included on its prestigious '10 Best Engines' list for 2011. It is the first time in the 17-year history of the magazine's '10 Best Engines' that the selection committee has chosen a power system which doesn't have an engine and will never burn a drop of gasoline.  

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Eligible for $1800 Tax Credit, But You’ll Have to Act Fast

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Uncle Sam has deemed the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid worthy of an $1800 Alternative Motor Vehicle tax credit, but interested parties need to take the plunge soon: the tax break expires December 31. Continue reading here.

2011 Dodge Journey - First Drive Review

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Chrysler is waging a war against the lame reputation of its own products—a war on dullness, if you will. The battlefield strategy? Thoroughly refresh or totally re-do pretty much every Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep model for 2011, an audacious rollout—a Mopar “shock and awe” Continue reading here

 

Source: caranddriver.com.

Two new Hyundai transmissions boost mpg

Two new Hyundai transmissions boost mpg

via Google Alerts - "automotive news" by AutoWeek on 12/6/10

By HANS GREIMEL, AUTOMOTIVE NEWS on 12/06/2010 Hyundai already uses a continuously variable transmission on the hybrid version of the Elantra sold in South ...
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Nissan's next Sentra to look more like the Altima

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Nissan aims to double or even triple sales of its next-generation Sentra by offering a car with styling more in line with the mid-sized Altima.

"We miss the heart of the market right now," said Al Castignetti, Nissan Division vice president of sales. "A lot of people reject the Sentra because of its looks. It's not a bad car; it's a great car. But it is not a natural progression to move down to it from the Altima."

Nissan will sell about 100,000 Sentras this year in the United States, well below its compact rivals at Toyota and Honda. Continue reading here.

Source: autoweek.com

Honda planning turbocharged, non-hybrid CR-Z

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As much as Honda wants us to believe that its CR-Z hatchback is some sort of "sport hybrid," the truth is that it doesn't exactly live up to our expectations. It's a decent steer, but it's not exactly a sports car, and its meager fuel efficiency is easily bested by the majority of non-hybrid B-segment offerings. According to a report from Autocar, however, Honda is rumored to be working on a CR-Z that ditches its conventional hybrid powertrain in favor of a small-displacement, turbocharged mill.

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8′s 6.4-Liter Hemi Dyno Tested

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We’ve known for months now that Dodge would be dropping a new 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) Hemi V-8 into its SRT8 variant of the new 2011 Dodge Challenger, and then in late October we finally saw it. Now we have some insight into the kind of power delivery we can expect from the big cube V-8 thanks to these latest dyno results. Read the rest of this article here.

 

Source:dailydriverblog.com

BMW X5 Wallpapers

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Purely image only post of sweet BMW X5 vehicle. Wallpaper image format so you can put any of these into background of Windows or whatever OS you use. Good car wallpaper for iPad and iPhone too! See the rest here.