2014 VW Golf GTI Revealed in Production Guise, Available in 220PS and 230PS Trims

Welcome to the new-old, or what Volkswagen prefers to call the seventh generation of the Golf GTI, which was unveiled today in final production trim following the release of a thinly disguised concept study at last year's Paris Motor Show.

As with the regular Golf MK7 hatchbacks, you'll be forgiven if you're having a hard time telling the new GTI apart from the current model, as VW has followed an extremely conservative evolutionary approach with the design.

The new sports hatch gets all the usual styling trinkets we've come to expect from GTI models, like the red accent line on the grille, which now extends into the headlamps, honeycomb grille inserts, smoked (LED) tail lamps, a rear spoiler, twin pipes, side sills, a diffuser and different set of 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 225/45 size tires.

The same applies for the interior with the classic tartan pattern fabric for the standard sport seats, a flat bottom steering wheel, black headliner, and red ambience lighting.

What's different about the latest Golf GTI is that it is based on VW's newest MQB platform that helps sheds 42kg (93 pounds) over the outgoing model for a base curb weight of 1,351kg (2,978 pounds)

It also gets a newer 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder unit that's offered in two power levels, 217hp (220PS) for the base model and 227hp (230PS) for the GTI Performance version, which also features a front axle differential lock.

Available transmission options include a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

VW quotes a 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) for the 230PS model with a manual gearbox, which compares to the current 210PS Golf GTI's 6.9 seconds and 240km/h (149mph).

In Germany, advance ordering for the new Golf GTI Mk7 will begin on March 5, the same day that the car will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, with prices starting at €28,350 or about US$37,000

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 Jeep Compass with New 6-Speed Auto Heads to Geneva for its European Premiere

We've already seen the 2014 Jeep Compass here in the States as it was unveiled at last month's Detroit auto show, and now it's time for European consumers to get a taste of the updated model as well at the Geneva Auto Salon that opens its gates for the press on March 5.

The most important upgrade is the introduction of a new 6-speed automatic transmission offered on the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter gasoline engines producing 156 and 170 horsepower respectively. The 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with 136hp and 163hp continues to be linked exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox.

You'll probably have a hard time noticing the cosmetic changes, which concern trim specific updates such as the Limited model's revised grille, chrome front fog lamp bezels, smoked tail lamps and new 18-inch wheels, while all models equipped with a ParkView rear backup camera gain a plated chrome insert on the tailgate trim applique.

Interior revisions include the optional Saddle Brown perforated leather seating with accent stitching, updated instrument cluster overlay graphics, satin chrome finish for the center bezel, shifter bezel and pull cups, and a vinyl wrap for the armrests and center console lid. The only new safety feature is the now standard front-seat-mounted side air bags.

In Europe, the Jeep Compass will be available in three trim grades named Sport, Limited and the all-new North edition, with front wheel drive or Jeep's Freedom Drive I full-time active 4x4 system with Lock mode.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Latest Nissan Altima Becomes the New Teana for China

Nissan and its Chinese partner Dongfeng Motors lifted the veils off their new local market Teana sedan during a press conference in China on Tuesday in front of more than 1,000 (!) journalists and dealers from all over the country.

If the mid-size sedan looks eerily familiar, it's because the Teana is the same car as the North American Altima with some barely noticeable changes such as the added chrome strips on the lower sections of the doors and rear bumper, and the front grilles, the white markers on the headlamps and the revised tail light graphics.

The Teana will be manufactured at Dongfeng Nissan’s plant in Xiangyang, Hubei province, and is set to go on sale in the country in late March. It will be offered with Nissan's latest 182hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine matched to an Xtronic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission).

According Nissan, the previous generations of the Teana achieved more than 700,000 sales in China since its introduction locally in 2004, a success the company believes will continue with the new model.

“It doesn’t get any more important than this. This is the flagship of the Nissan range in China. This represents everything that we are about,” said Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer, at the launch in Guangzhou.

“We are confident because the new generation Teana is a stronger product," said Dongfeng Nissan Vice President Ren Yong. "It contains even more of our efforts and we’ve done thorough preparations for it. We hope that with the launch the new Teana, it will bring momentum to dealers and for our sales. It will also allow customers to experience the benefits of the new Teana and return us to a position of strength.”

Articles Source : Carscoop

Cadillac Begins Producing XTS Sedans in China for the Local Market

This week, General Motors and its Shanghai-GM passenger vehicle joint venture with SAIC began manufacturing the new Cadillac XTS sedan at a plant in Shanghai, with all cars to be sold in China. A GM factory in Oshawa, Ontario, started production of the XTS last summer for sale in North America.

To better serve the needs of local customers, the China-market XTS will also be offered with a smaller displacement 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine, which is not available in the U.S..

The XTS will be marketed in five different configurations with prices ranging from 349,900 Yuan and 569,900 Yuan ($55,100 to-$91,400), which is significantly more than what Cadillac commands for the car in the States ($44,075 to $64,360).

Currently, Cadillac China’s dealer network numbers 150 shops, roughly doubling in the past year, while GM plans to open another 100 outlets by 2015. The luxury brand delivered 30,000 vehicles in China in 2012 and has set an annual target of more than 100,000 units by 2015.

“We are reaching the next level of Cadillac growth in China,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president Global Cadillac. “This expansion in localized assembly for our brand in China coincides with the strong momentum of our new product portfolio and significant growth in the dealer network.”

Articles Source : Carscoop

Datsun Brand to Sell Cars in South Africa as Well Starting from 2014, First Teaser Rendering

At a press conference at Nissan's Yokohama plant on Monday, the Japanese carmaker announced that the re-born Datsun Brand is set to return to South Africa, with the first passenger car to be launched onto the market at the end of 2014.

The announcement follows a global decision in 2010 to re-introduce the Datsun brand as part of the Japanese company's "Nissan Power 88" mid-term plan, which calls for an 8 percent global market share and 8 percent operating profit by fiscal year 2016.

Currently, Datsun sales are planned for four major markets, including South Africa, India, Indonesia and Russia, during the course of 2014.

"Following Infiniti's launch last year, we are delighted that South Africa is also a destination of choice for Datsun vehicles," commented Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan South Africa (NSA).

"Datsun enjoyed a proud heritage in the country after the Bluebird made its debut at the Pretoria Show in 1958, the 120Y and SSS models were household names, before going on to become the number one brand between 1976 and 1978."

In addition to the announcement, we also found a teaser rendering showing the front end of Datsun's first production model that will be a compact passenger car. We're not sure if this image has gone public before, but this is the first time we've seen it.

In December, it was revealed that the Datsun's new low-cost family cars will share their underpinnings with Russia's Lada, which in mid-2014, will pass into the ownership of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Lancia Delta Also Gets New "S by MOMODESIGN" Edition

Five years after the latest iteration of the Lancia Delta broke cover at the Geneva International Auto Salon, the Italian hatchback is returning to the Swiss show with a new special edition model named "S by MOMODESIGN".

Just like the Ypsilon S by MOMODESIGN that will also premiere in Geneva, the Delta has been lightly customized by Italian designer, manufacturer, and retailer of motorcycle clothing and accessories, MOMODESIGN.

On this model, the side skirts and bumpers are finished in the same shade as the body, while you will also find Ecochrome finishes, smoked headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tail pipes (or so Lancia claims because we can't see them in the pictures…) and a gloss black tailgate.

Color options include two brand new finishes named metallic Anthracite Grey and the two-tone Anthracite Grey and Eclipse Black, along with three more choices, Zenith White, Magma Black and the Zenith White/Eclipse Black two-tone.

Lancia tells us that the interior of the car is enhanced with a gloss black center console, Ecochrome inserts, yellow tachometer and specific seats in leather and ballistic fabric.

For the special edition Delta's motivation, buyers can choose from the following powerplants: 120PS 1.6-liter MultiJet diesel, 120PS 1.4-liter TurboJet LPG/Gasoline, 190PS 1.9-liter Twinturbo MultiJet diesel and 120PS 1.4-liter TurboJet petrol unit.

Articles Source : Carscoop

New McLaren P1: Official Photos of Production Model Break Cover

We have no idea when McLaren was planning to share new images of its P1 hypercar, but nine photos showing the final production model have just hit the interwebs. How can we be sure that this is the production version and not the concept?

Easy. Besides the new color, the P1 in these images features added carbon fiber air-vents on both corners of the front bumper, road tires and a tighter mesh for the rear end vent, all of which were announced by a McLaren spokesperson during a private showing in New York back in December.

McLaren has also told us that the P1's hybrid powertrain combines a mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and an electric motor producing a system output of 903HP (916PS) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to the rear wheels.

The lightweight hypercar will be able to cover about 10 kilometers (around 6 miles) on electric power alone with zero emissions.

We're still waiting for McLaren to release performance figures, but expect a zero to 100km/h (62mph) in well under 3 seconds and a top speed over 350km/h (217mph).

Articles Source : Carscoop

New 2014 Chevrolet Impala Starts from $28,445* in Canada

The new rear-wheel drive SS sports sedan won't be heading to Canada, but another new Chevrolet sedan will, which is only natural since the 2014 Impala is built at GM's Oshawa, Ontario factory as well as at the Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, assembly plant.

The new generation of the Impala will reach Canadian dealerships this spring with a starting price of $28,445, which GM says is "just $145 more than the 2013 Impala it replaces", but conveniently forgets to mention in the same sentence that whereas the base version of the 2014 model features a 195hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the outgoing 2013 model is fitted with a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6.

If you want a V6, the 305hp version of the 2014 Impala has an MSRP of $32,945 for the LT and $39,645 for the better equipped LTZ. Besides the base $28,445 LS, other trim grades available for the 2.5-liter engine are the $31,445 LT and $36,445 LTZ. Destination charge on all models is $1,550 (*). GM said pricing for the third engine option, the 2.4-liter gasoline unit with eAssist, will be announced at a later date.

In the U.S., the 2.5L Impala LS starts from $27,535 and the 3.6L LT from $30,760, with both prices including destination charges.

Articles Source : Carscoop

McLaren releases astonishing P1 performance figures

McLaren took the wraps off its upcoming P1 supercar nearly five months ago at the Paris Motor Show, but the automaker refused to release details about its interior, powerplant or performance – those juicy details would all have to wait.

Yet after a private showing in New York, followed by another exclusive event in Beverly Hills, McLaren began to slowly trickle out information about the P1's instrument cluster and passenger cabin, before finally disclosing its 903 horsepower hybrid powerplant earlier this month.

Finally, after much speculation, McLaren has revealed the last piece of the puzzle and announced its tested performance figures. The 100 km/h benchmark (62 mph) falls in "less than three seconds" while the 200 km/h barrier (124 mph) is shattered in "under seven seconds." Lastly, the rear-wheel drive P1 will hit 300 km/h (186 mph) in "no more than 17 seconds" (an impressive 11 seconds faster than its legendary McLaren F1). Those blistering numbers put the P1 among a very small and elite group, with members like Bugatti, Koenigsegg and Hennessey – the fastest road cars on the planet.

If you are wondering how much it costs to embarrass a Ferrari, McLaren also broke its pricing embargo today. Base price, in the United States, is a cool $1,150,000.

McLaren Automotive announces performance figures for the McLaren P1™

• Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) provides astonishing acceleration: 0 to 300 km/h (186 mph) in less than 17 seconds, more than 35% faster than the legendary McLaren F1
• Top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h (218 mph)
• The production number has been limited to 375 units
• Base price in the US is $1,150,000
• Fully equipped as standard for road and track use
•  Production model is almost unchanged from the original design study

McLaren Automotive has announced the final numbers, images and information relating to the McLaren P1™ ahead of a global reveal in just a few days at the 83rd International Geneva Motor Show.

The race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) gives the McLaren P1™ astonishing performance. Zero to 100km/h (62 mph) will take less than 3 seconds, zero to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 7 seconds, and zero to 300 km/h (186 mph) will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds. This is 11 seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (218 mph).

The McLaren P1™ has translated to production form with very little changed from the prototype shown at the Paris Auto Show. In fact just one change-the addition of LTR ducts ahead of each of the front wheels to further aid cooling and optimise downforce.

McLaren has announced a global production number of just 375 units – a figure that will ensure the McLaren P1™ will remain a rarity.

McLaren has also announced that the car will have a base price of $1,150,000 in the US and have a specification that fully equips the car for both road and track use. The company prides itself on designing performance cars that their owners can use regularly so the McLaren P1™ comes standard with a comprehensive specification list. The options list is limited to only bespoke content that a customer might wish to add through McLaren Special Operations, and fitted luggage.

As already announced, the McLaren P1™ will have the combined force of two highly-efficient powerplants, offering the optimum mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed. A mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine is substantially enhanced featuring, for example, larger turbochargers and a highly effective electric motor, to give a combined output of 916PS (903 bhp) and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. This ensures instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine. Emissions of less than 200g/km on the EU combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power.

The tires fitted to the McLaren P1™ are specially developed P Zero Corsas, which have been developed with McLaren's technology partner, Pirelli. The team at Pirelli has been involved throughout the entire development program, and this has seen the tire testing phase integrated into the schedule, as a key performance component. The final compound and construction has been developed and optimised during testing, and the end result is a tire that is finely tuned specifically to the performance and handling characteristics.

To rein in the power produced by the twin powerplants, the McLaren P1™ is designed to offer braking performance more associated with a GT3 or sports racing car. Developed by McLaren's Formula 1 partner Akebono, the system features a new type of carbon ceramic disc, which has previously seen service in space, but never before used on a road car. Stronger than conventional carbon ceramic, the material dissipates heat more effectively, giving the highly efficient braking system exceptional stopping and cooling capability. The system also boasts significantly reduced weight, and a bespoke ceramic layer coats both friction surfaces to give an attractive mirrored finish.

The car can also be driven solely in electric mode. In city driving, with an average speed of 30 mph, this could mean up to a 20km range. More than enough for an owner to enter, for example, a city center Zero Emissions Zone, have dinner and return home.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Audi builds 5-millionth vehicle with Quattro

Quattro, the trademark name Audi has put on its all-wheel-drive system engineered for passenger vehicles, recently celebrated its five-millionth installation. The driveline has been offered in more than 140 different vehicles since its introduction more than three decades ago.

The all-wheel-drive technology made its world debut at the 1980 International Geneva Motor Show, beneath the floorpan of the Quattro Coupé, a low-volume two-door. It didn't take consumers long to embrace Audi's innovative approach. While most four-wheel-drive systems at that time utilized heavy transfer cases or second cardan shafts, Quattro was virtually tension-free, light, compact and efficient. Most importantly, enthusiasts found it was especially suitable for sports cars.

Today, the automaker offers Quattro on its full line of passenger vehicles and it is unquestionably successful (the technology enjoyed a 43 percent take rate in 2012). On models with transverse-mounted engines (A3 and TT), Audi uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuator. Under normal conditions, the clutch sends power almost exclusively to the front wheels (if wheel slippage occurs, up to 100 percent of the torque may be sent to the rear). Vehicles with engines mounted longitudinally (A4, A5, Q5, etc...) use a self-locking center differential sending 40 percent of the engine torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear under normal conditions (it is able to send the majority of the power to the axle with better traction when needed). The highest-performing Quattro systems use torque vectoring to further improve cornering grip and speeds.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Abarth To Show Four New "Fuori Serie" Creations In Geneva

Fiat, like MINI, knows that that buyers of its 500 Abarth models want to personalize their rides. Unlike MINI, which specializes in primarily cosmetic changes, Abarth has launched a program that gives customers an even broader-scope upgrade and customization path.

Introduced at last September’s Paris Auto Show, Fiat’s “Fuori Serie” customization service for 500 Abarth models allows customers to consult with Abarth’s designers and engineers to create one-of-a-kind hot hatch. From unique trim through custom graphics and interior upgrades, Fuori Serie changes are limited primarily by the shopper’s budget.

To demonstrate the intent behind the program, Fiat showed a Fuori Serie Abarth 500 in Paris that was influenced by the Fiat Abarth 131 Mirafiori ‘Olio Fiat’ rally car from the 1970s. In addition to its blue-with-yellow graphics, the car received a custom suspension, Brembo brakes and engine upgrades to boost output to 180-horsepower.

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Abarth will again show off its Fuori Serie program with offerings in both the “New Heritage” collection, which pays tribute to the history of Abarth racing, and the “New Wave” collection, with a nod towards the latest design trends

Representing the New Heritage collection will be the Abarth 695 “Record,” based on the Abarth 750 Record Bertone, and the Abarth 695 “Scorpione,” based on the A112 and 124 Abarth.

The Fuori Serie New Wave models will be depicted by the Abarth 695 “Hype,” aimed at younger buyers who favor cutting-edge trends, while the Abarth 695 “Black Diamond” is targeted to buyers seeking a bit more refinement and style.

All Fuori Serie cars, however, begin with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine tuned to produce 180 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and bolted to a paddle-shifted automated manual transmission.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design, while the rear is a torsion beam setup with unique calibration and an anti-roll bar. Dampers are adjustable units from Koni, and front brakes are from Brembo.

There’s still no word on whether or not the Fuori Serie service will be offered in the United States, but our instincts say it isn’t likely. The 500 Abarth is selling well enough on its own, and we imagine the Fuori Serie customization would price the Abarth beyond a point American buyers are comfortable with. 

Articles Source : Motorauthority

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Show

This is, arguably, the least practical of the current crop of high-end electric cars, but we don't really care.

Gullwings, SLS AMG looks, a hot electric blue exterior, and up to 155 miles of all-electric driving range? Sign us up. The SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive is a winner.

Also, for once, we're not really bummed they put music over the sound the car driving--because it's nearly silent.

Of course, we'd rather have the snarling, awesome 6.2-liter V-8 in the 2013 SLS AMG GT, but we wouldn't kick this one out of bed for eating electrons.

Articles Source : Motorauthority