Saturday, December 29, 2012

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet


The same goodness you would get from the new Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 991), is now carried over to the new Cabriolet version.

Forever being the king of European sports cars, the legendary Porsche 911 is became sacred to the brand since the first one came out in 1963. Now, 48 years has passed and after undergoing several model changes, this is it. The much awaited full model change for the king of European sports cars is made to be more stunning, sleek and stylish.

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet


At first glance, the 991 looks the same as the outgoing 997 but take a second look and you'll see all the body panels are new as are the Porsche design DNA carried from the Panamera saloon. In fact, you can see the Porsche label spelled it out at the back. This design really more like an attractive swimming instructor in her racing swimsuit. That looks nice.

Now at the interior, it is well-sculpted and well-refined to meet up with its Porsche design DNA and this exactly looked like the Panamera and the second-generation Cayenne. What's amazing is the new high resolution multi-function screen for the best user-friendly experience. It can be somewhat very essential when it comes to navigation and this is the one that works, well kind of. This looks a lot nicer than the 997's interior that is somewhat "it's cool if you're an 11 year old boy" but it's certainly cool.

Seems that this one is perfect for the road and track because the Porsche 991 remains the same RR (Rear-engine, Rear-wheel-drive) layout that became the epitome of the 911 history for 48 years. At the normal 911 Carrera, it is powered by a 3.4L boxer engine that produces 350PS of power and 390NM of torque. The hardcore 911 Carrera S is powered by 3.8L boxer engine that produces 400PS of power and 440Nm of torque. With the 7-speed PDK is considered to be available, get ready for this because the new Porsche 991 comes with the world's first 7-speed manual transmission! That's right folks, a 7-speed manual transmission. Seven gear stickshift! This is definitely the first of its kind because over the years the maximum gear of a manual transmission is six, which of course we love it, but is there such thing in a world is a 7-speed manual transmission? Here in Porsche, it exists and its exclusive to the 991, providing combined fuel economy of 9,2 Liter/100 km at the standard 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 9,7 Liter/100 km at the flagship 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. We are very jealous to see this legend equipped with the world's first 7-speed manual.

Available in 14 colors: Schwarz, Indischrot, Carraraweiss, Racinggelb, Basaltschwarz, Aquablau, Platinsilber, Dunkelblau, Anthrazitbraun, Achatgrau, Rubinrot, GT-silber, Cognac, and Limegold.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Nissan's Born-Again Datsun to Share Platforms with Lada

From the moment Nissan announced that it will revive its dormant Datsun brand with the goal of conquering emerging markets, we knew that cars like the 240Z were out of the question.

Lada Kalina 2013

Lada Kalina 2013

Lada Kalina 2013

Lada Kalina 2013

Lada Kalina 2013

At the time, one CarScoop commentator projected that the new generation of Datsun models "are going to be rebodied Dacias", which as it turns out, isn't too far from the truth.

Today, Nissan revealed that the new low-cost Datsun models will share their platform and other underpinnings with Russia's Lada, which in mid-2014, will pass into the ownership of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

"Datsuns will be built off the new Lada Kalina platform," Nissan executive vice president Colin Dodge told Autonews Europe.

Dodge (the man, not the brand…) said the cars from the two brands will use a common modular platform with shared components including braking and fuel systems as well as steering mechanicals, noting, however, that "the upper body and interior will be completely different, You won't notice it as a Lada".

Datsun will reveal its first two models towards the end of 2013 with sales to start in Russia, India and Indonesia the following year. A third model series will arrive in 2015, while Datsun has plans to expand in other emerging markets as well.

In a previous report, The Wall Street Journal cited several company sources including Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn as stating that Datsuns will have a starting price as low as $3,000 or about €2,300 at the current exchange rates.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Flogging a Gold-Finished Lamborghini Aventador Around an Empty Port Looks Fun

Unless you're stuck in traffic, it doesn't really matter where you drive to enjoy an Italian exotic like the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, but doing so in a gold-wrapped example in an empty port in Miami, is an experience not many people will get in life.



Enter the world of NueVueProductions and its unnamed driver who had the unique opportunity to have some slippery fun with Prestige Imports Miami's Project AU.79 Aventador during the shooting of a short film in Florida.

The Project AU.79 Aventador is the meticulous work of Brett David and his team who spent some 70 days (!) to turn the stock white Lamborghini into the flashy gold-finished product you see in the pictures and videos that you can enjoy right past the break.

Articles Source : Carscoop
Video Source : youtube

Peter Schreyer Becomes Kia's First Non-Korean President

The man who played if not the, one of the most important roles in turning around the global reputation of Kia as the firm's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has been appointed to the role of president, the first non-Korean to hold that title in the automaker's history.

Kia Schreyer

Kia Schreyer

Kia Schreyer

Kia Schreyer

Kia Schreyer


Schreyer, who will keep his position as Kia's design boss, is one of three presidents at the company. His promotion is a sign that the Hyundai and Kia group wants design to play an even greater role in the future as it continues its global expansion challenging Germany's car industry.

The German-born, 59 year-old designer joined Kia in 2006 after a bright career at the Volkswagen Group where he contributed to the appearance of several VW and Audi models including the Passat and the first generation Audi TT and Beetle.

In a recent interview with Automotive News, Volkswagen patriarch Ferdinand Piech admitted that it was a mistake for the company to not hold on to Schreyer: "We should not have let him go," commented Piech.

Among other Kia models penned by Schreyer and his design team, include the production Optima, K7, Sportage and Quoris, and the Track'Ster and GT concepts.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 Volvo XC60 scooped before launch

A Chinese automotive site has snagged the first spy shots of the updated Volvo XC60, completely uncovered. While the overall profile of the vehicle remains intact, the headlights are heavily revised. Gone are the two-piece units, which featured the separate light strip between the main cluster and the grille. In place now are larger lenses, somewhat reminiscent of those found on the S60 sedan. Also updated is the grille, which gets a little wider to meet the new headlights. The grille receives more chrome, while the lower front fascia has been revised with wider openings. A pair of LED fog lights are pushed way out to the corners.

2014 Volvo XC60 / Chinese automotive

Out back, the license plate holder gets a bold chrome strip above it, and the recessed exhaust is replaced with chromed, dual exhaust outlets that have been integrated into the bottom of the rear bumper.

Inside, the instrument panel has been revised, with a large, centrally mounted speedo, featuring a digital display in the center. According to reports, this is a similar setup to that of the new V40. As such, it appears that the changes are thoughtful efforts to move the XC60 forward by incorporating the most current Volvo design elements.

Articles Source : AutoBlog

More car dealers capping finance and insurance products amidst ethics concerns

Automotive News reports a larger number of dealers are scaling back the markup on their finance and insurance products as well as aftermarket service plans in an effort to avoid the ire of regulators. There are no industry numbers on how many dealers use self-imposed caps on how much they can charge their customers for these services, but Automotive News polled dealers in an independent survey. Of those who responded, around two-thirds say they use caps, with two-thirds of those who do attributing the restrictions to ethical concerns. Gouging a customer invariably has a negative impact on store reputation, and dealers aren't keen to encourage an increase in government oversight.

Some dealers can mark up financing and insurance products by 100 percent, but most prefer to use sales volume to boost their bottom line. Doing so builds consistency and credibility among new buyers by eschewing large discounts or markups. Even so, several of the respondents in the AN survey reported record finance and insurance revenue through the third quarter of 2012, with dealers seeing over $1,200 per vehicle.

Articles Source : AutoBlog

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander US-Version

The all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover is expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient CUVs with standard 7-passenger seating in the North American marketplace (pending EPA fuel mileage rating)..

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander US-Version

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander US-Version

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander US-Version

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander US-Version

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander US-Version

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander US-Version


What's more, the mid-grade Mitsubishi Outlander SE model will now be available with Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system - a welcome feature previously reserved exclusively for the top-flight Outlander GT model.

Joining its slightly smaller brethren, the made-in-America redesigned 5-passenger 2013 Outlander Sport, as part of Mitsubishi's revised model lineup, the all-new 2014 Outlander elevates the level of luxury, refinement and fuel economy that consumers have come to expect from the affordably-priced crossover segment.

With its smooth surfaces and crisp, modern lines, the new exterior design of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander lends the Japanese automobile manufacturer's latest head-turning creation an air of elevated status and sophistication more akin to crossover vehicles residing within in a much loftier price point.

Perhaps the most prominent new feature of the exterior sheetmetal is the new streamlined front fascia, accentuated by a more urbane design that emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency as much as eye-catching appeal - an engineering necessity in these days of high fuel prices and increased fuel economy mandates.

Greatly aiding fuel efficiency of this captivating crossover is a wind-cheating advanced aerodynamic exterior design that is 7% more aerodynamically-efficient as well as a lightweight body that is approximately 200 pounds lighter than that of the car it replaces.

Other environmentally-friendly features include a new HVAC interior heating/cooling system that minimize energy consumption and a lighter version of the available Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system.

The potent yet smooth-operating 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant receives the latest edition of the company's exceptionally engineered MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system with continuously-variable valve lift timing technology for optimal fuel efficiency and power production with reduced harmful emissions (all 2014 Outlander models meet LEV II - ULEV emission standards). This 4-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm.

This workhorse 4-cylinder engine is coupled to an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that mimics unique ratio patterns for improved "shift" feel as well as enhanced fuel economy. An all-new feature added to the new Mitsubishi Outlander's CVT is Acceleration Control that provides better throttle response at the early stage of acceleration and postpones upshifts until later in the rev range.

What's more, a new driver-activated ECO-mode setting that is standard on all 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander models helps to further reduce fuel consumption by slightly reducing engine power on initial acceleration as well as the airflow volume of the air conditioning. Furthermore, when Outlander models equipped with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) are driven with 4WD engaged, the driver-activated ECO-mode will allow the vehicle to function as a 2WD vehicle until sensors instantaneously reactivate 4WD when deemed necessary.

The premium 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT model receives a power upgrade in the form of a 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6 MIVEC engine that produces a full 224 horsepower at 6250 rpm and a plentiful 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 3750 rpm. This spirited engine utilizes low viscosity engine oil (0W-20) and iridium spark plugs to help maximize fuel efficiency. A refined 6-speed automatic transmission is a paragon of efficiency, directing power to the driven wheels with improved torque converter performance and a new final drive ratio contributes to improved fuel mileage.

Mitsubishi designers and engineers put a special emphasis in endowing their stylish all-new crossover with numerous cutting-edge advanced safety technologies (available on SE and GT models). Among these are:
  • Adaptive Cruise Control - a radar-based sensor in the vehicle's front grille constantly measures distance between the Outlander and the vehicle in front of it, allowing the driver to select three different following distance settings.
  •     Forward Collision Mitigation - a radar-based system that detects obstructions in front of the Mitsubishi Outlander and automatically warns and then applies the brakes to help minimize a collision with the vehicle in front.
  •     Lane Departure Warning - a camera-based system that helps to monitor lane position of the Outlander and warn the driver via visual and audio warnings should they begin to veer into the next lane.

Standard safety features include a 7 airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, and a completely redesigned new airbag for the driver's seat; a new Brake Pedal Recession Protection Structure to reduce driver leg injury in the event of a high-speed frontal impact; enhanced pedestrian protection with the redesigned hood and front fenders; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); Hill Start Assist (HSA); anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and an all-new ultra-rigid chassis that benefits from the most advanced form of Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) impact-absorbing safety cell technology ever.

Along with these new class-leading safety technologies, particular attention has been paid within the all-new Outlander's interior to make it not only an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin but also one that makes use of the highest grade materials available.

Consumers who appreciate the finer things will immediately notice the all-new premium surfaces consisting of a soft-touch instrument panel, lovely wood grain appearance trim (GT model) and attractive high-gloss black center console panel.

Additionally, all seven seating positions have been completely reconfigured for improved comfort/ergonomics as well as for ease of operation of the fold-flat seats (2nd and 3rd row seating sections) allowing up to 128.6 cubic feet of passenger room.

Other impressive upscale appointments included as standard equipment are a high-resolution meter cluster; air conditioning with micron filter; a dynamic-sounding 6 speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system; privacy glass, cruise control; tilt and telescopic steering column and a newly designed steering wheel.

The mid-level Mitsubishi Outlander SE builds on the base ES model's already expansive standard equipment package with a 6-inch touch-screen display audio system; rearview camera system; HD radio; fog lamps; 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control; heated front seats; FAST key passive entry system with push-button engine ignition on/off switch; and Mitsubishi's FUSE Handsfree Link system™ with USB that allows voice activation of iPod™ and cell phone via simple voice commands.

Among the higher grade Outlander GT standard features are the potent yet fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 MIVEC engine/6-speed automatic transmission combination with steering wheel mounted paddle shifter; Mitsubishi's proven Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system with Active Front Differential (AFD); Super wide-beam high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights; wood grain appearance trim; and the addition of SiriusXM™ satellite radio to the already excellent 6 speaker audio system.

Available luxury features (SE and GT models) include a state-of-the-art 9 speaker 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® sound system with DTS Neural Surround, PremiDIA® Surround, HD Radio and Dolby Volume; an intuitive next-generation High-Definition navigation system with 3D mapping, expanded Point of Interest (POI) information and road speed limit display; a convenient remote power tailgate that can be activated from the driver's seat or by the FAST-key entry remote fob; and leather seating surfaces.

The all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is available (SE and GT models) with the company's outstanding Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that has been optimized for the vehicle's new Brake Control and Electric Power Steering, allowing for even better vehicle performance and stability. Derived from similar computer management system hardware found in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the Outlander's S-AWC system includes sensors that monitor vital vehicle dynamics including engine torque, gear ratio, steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration as well as yaw rate to deliver an exceptional degree of vehicle stability, traction and safety in both adverse and every day driving conditions.

Available in 6 striking colors - Cool Silver Metallic, Cosmic Blue Mica, Mercury Gray Metallic, Copper Metallic, Diamond White Pearl or Labrador Black Mica - the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is the perfect vehicle for environmentally-conscious, active individuals or families requiring a comfortable, well-equipped sophisticated crossover that provides the latest in advanced safety technologies, ecology and comfort.

Articles Source : Netcarshow