Bugatti CEO confirms firm’s four-door supercar

Bugatti CEO confirms firm’s four-door supercar

Bugatti is pursing plans to launch a super-luxurious, ultra-rapid saloon that may cost more than the Veyron hypercar it replaces. Bugatti, which is owned by VW, has unveiled the model dubbed Galibier to potential customers who have supported the Veyron and its versions since 2005. CEO Wolfgang Durheimer said that he has approved a proposal to produce the car. He said that he is in talks with the board so that Bugatti could build the “fastest limousine in the world” that will be powered by the largest production engine with 16 cylinders.

Durheimer said that this clearly indicates that for Bugatti to keep its fastest-cars reputation, this saloon has to have a power output at part with the Veyron’s. He said that at a minimum, all Bugattis should offer 1000hp. It implies that the Galibier will avoid hybrid or eco technologies and continue with the development of Bugatti's 16-cylinder engine.

Durheimer hinted that the Galibier may be priced higher than the Veyron's £1 million list price, saying that it will have an “extraordinary price.” Only 100 Veyrons will be built before its production run ends. At the earliest, the Galibier will go on sale at the end of 2013.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : Bugatti Galibier 16C

2012 Honda Accord: details, specs and price

2012 Honda Accord: details, specs and price

Official details as well as pricing for the 2012 Honda Accord have been released. The LX Sedan has a starting price of $21,380. The EX V-6 Sedan is priced at $27,280, the LX-S Coupe is at $22,980, while the EX-L V-6 Coupe is at $29,930. The sedan models include the 4-cylinder Accord LX, LX-P (Premium), SE, EX and EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6. The coupe models are the 4-cylinder Accord LX-S, EX, EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6.

All Accord EX-L models will get the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Four engine variations are offered, beginning with a 177hp, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans. What’s expected to arrive next is the 190hp 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that comes as standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models. The range-topping 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine delivers 271hp and is offered in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and the Accord EX-L Coupe.

Depending on the engine and trim level, the transmission choices may vary and could include a 5-speed manual transmission (offered on certain 4-cylinder models) and a 5-speed automatic transmission (which comes as standard on all V-6 models and selected 4-cylinder models). Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard equipment on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with an automatic transmission. Exclusively offered on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe is a 6-speed manual transmission. When compared to the 2011 model year, the 2012 Accord range doesn’t have significant changes except that a USB audio interface is now standard.[via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Cadillac SRX gets Auto Dry Brakes wipe rotors

2012 Cadillac SRX gets Auto Dry Brakes wipe rotors

The 2012 Cadillac SRX is equipped with the StabiliTrak system that helps prevent crashes. But there’s also a lesser known benefit. It removes water from brake components during wet highway driving conditions. This offers extra control in soggy conditions since Auto Dry Brakes can help enhance overall brake effectiveness during rainy conditions on the highway. Auto Dry Brakes function with the SRX RainSense automatic windshield wiper system, or when the standard windshield wipers are operating and the SRX had been continuously moving at more than 20 mph for more than four miles without using the cruise control.

The StabiliTrak hardware generates a minimal amount of hydraulic pressure, pulsing pressure to its brake calipers at intervals to wipe water from the brake rotors while the car is running. GM said that when the rotors are drier, the brake system becomes more effective and provides a “more-assured stopping feel and better brake effectiveness in wet conditions. Auto Dry Brakes apply pressure to all four of the SRX’s disc brakes at intervals of every six kilometer while the accelerator is applied.

Randy Leek, a General Motors brake development engineer, said that it’s very important that before the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brakes have to be very dry. He explained that this feature was designed to be sure that the brakes offer optimal braking performance during “inclement weather.” The 2012 SRX has a starting price of $36,060 (including $875 destination charge). It is powered by a 308hp 3.6L direct-injected V6 engine that has a driver-selectable ECO Mode for optimal fuel economy.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Cadillac SRX

Bmw X1 coming to the U.S. in 2013, after it gets a facelift

Bmw X1 coming to the U.S. in 2013, after it gets a facelift

BMW’s X1 is much-awaited in U.S. shores but its arrival has been delayed further to this fall instead of in the spring of 2011. It has been offered in Europe for some time now and it had already gone on sale in Canada and in several countries in Asia. One of the primary reasons for the delay is the high demand in Europe. As a result, its plant in Leipzig, Germany has been operating at full capacity.

In addition, BMW is faced with the rising demand in the U.S. as the economy is recovering, according to Insideline.

Last May, BMW’s US chief Jim O’Donnell revealed that the X1 may be pushed back further and arrive only towards the end of next year. This was said to be due to the demand for the X3, which has significantly boosted BMW’s profits. Inside Line said that there may be even more delay as it’s likely to arrive together with the facelifted version, which may come in 2013.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2011 BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition

Land Rover hints next-gen Defender with DC100 concept

Land Rover hints next-gen Defender with DC100 concept

The future of Land Rover’s iconic Defender model – a direct descendent of the original military-inspired models of 1948 – has long been in doubt, but a new concept car set to debut in less than two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show should clear things up.

Land Rover says that a new Defender will launch in 2015, and while the automaker hasn’t released many details, the next-generation off roader will have to be quite a bit different to meet increasingly stringent global safety and emissions regulations. Land Rover isn’t commenting on North American availability, although the British brand hasn’t officially ruled out such a possibility.

The DC100 is what Land Rover calls a “modern interpretation” of the Defender. Penned under the watch of design chief Gerry McGovern, the DC100 clearly departs from the current Defender in a number of ways – like its much larger wheels and almost vintage Ford Bronco-like side profile.

For now, Land Rover is keeping quiet on just what platform the concept car rides on and the automaker hasn’t made any hints about what’s under its hood. We’d guess it features a shortened version of the LR4 and Range Rover Sport architecture and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. A hybrid system is also a distinct possibility since Land Rover is likely needing to show off a greener image for the Defender.

As for off road capability, the DC100 concept looks like it will rely more on a sophisticated traction control system than the big rubber and articulating solid axles of the current model. That’s a trick that has worked well for those few LR4s and Range Rovers that venture off the pavement, so it should combine well with the DC100′s approach and departure angles to make a surprisingly adept performer.

For worst case scenarios, Land Rover has chosen to include a built-in winch. [via : Leftlane]

Frankfurt preview : Ford Evos concept

Frankfurt preview : Ford Evos concept

 

In less than two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford will take the wraps off of a new four-door, four-seat fastback concept car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that will serve as a centerpiece for both its future design and technology.

The Evos concept car signals a new design direction for Ford.

 Watch the other video

“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading,” said J Mays, Ford’s design chief. “Our exciting new design DNA has been developed and refined by an intensive effort by all of our talented global design team.”

Penned in both the United States and Europe, the Evos is a fastback coupe-like car with four gullwing-style doors. While we wouldn’t look for those unique portals to make production, it’s safe to say that the more aggressive front fascia with its angled, almost Aston Martin-esque front grille will serve as inspiration for future Ford products.

Evos is about the length of a C-segment compact car, but it’s wider than typical in order to give it a more sport-oriented stance.

Inside, Evos boasts a driver-oriented cabin with limited switchgear. Instead, the car features a high-tech, cloud-based system of displays that actively grab information to both present it to the driver and to modify the vehicle for various conditions. For example, Ford says that Evos will automatically change steering and suspension response in accordance to varying weather conditions it might discern from cloud-based information sources.

Ford says it thinks of the Evos as a personal assistant, not a vehicular smartphone. The automaker says it is considering new systems that will help better integrate its infotainment devices – like those powered by its Microsoft Sync system – into the driving experience. For example, it says that the Evos could be programmed to automatically close a garage door or turn off lights when it senses it is leaving a user’s house.

“The cloud-connected vision shows the enormous potential of tailoring the driving experience to suit the exact personal tastes and moods of the driver,” said Paul Mascarenas, the company’s global research and innovation chief. “From recommending a great driving road from friends on your social networks or resetting your alarm clock to let you sleep in when a morning meeting gets cancelled.”

Powering this concept is a lithium ion plug-in hybrid powertrain that Ford says offers the same performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi the automaker will introduce here next year. [via : Leftlane]

2012 Vw Beetle going to China

2012 Vw Beetle going to China

Starting this October, the third generation VW Beetle will go on sale in the U.S. It will then arrive next in other markets throughout the world. VW said that the new 2012 Beetle will be exported to China, where it expects to achieve record sales. VW executives don’t believe that the latest Beetle could ever come close to what the first version, which came out in the 1960s, had achieved. However, VW hopes that this entry level vehicle will boost the demand for the other models in the lineup.

VV anticipates that the model will help in giving the brand more presence in China and in gaining momentum in the rivalry with General Motors. Other automakers have decided to follow VW’s strategy. For instance, Fiat is working on the 500 series similar to VW’s approach.

The Detroit Bureau reported that the 2012 Beetle will be offered in “posh" cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong beginning later this year or early next year. It’s notable that more than 22 million Beetles have been sold across the globe but it had never before been marketed in China. A VW official said that in China, the Beetle will be marketed as a unique car with an uncommon personality and a distinctive fashion sense. The Beetle had been in production in Mexico for many decades and had been exported to both sides of the US. This means that the facility’s options will be expanded with the move to China.[via - 4wheelsnews]



Photo : 2012 Vw Beetle

Bmw X3 gets the five-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests

Bmw X3 gets the five-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests

It took the new BMX X3 just a few months to become a success at the vehicle markets around the world. BMW is attributing its achievements to its segment-leading dynamic flexibility and handling. Moreover, its commendable position on the safety aspect has now been substantiated by the leading crash test program in Europe. Specifically, the model has obtained the five-star rating -- the highest grade -- in the latest crash test by Euro NCAP.

Thanks to the comprehensive array of standard safety features as well as effective occupant protection in different collision types, this second-generation sports activity vehicle earned its high marks during the test for new vehicles. With the high Euro NCAP crash test rating, the safety concept made for the BMW X models is undeniably of high caliber. The new BMW X3 features a very stable body structure. During a collision, the forces put forth on the vehicle are deflected along precisely defined load paths.

These forces are also absorbed by big deformation zones. As a result, the passenger cell executes its role as a survival space even in serious collisions. Among the standard safety equipment in this new vehicle are the side, front and curtain head airbags that protect anyone in the vehicle from injury. Belt force limiters and belt latch tensioners for the front seats are also available as standard, as well as the ISOFIX systems in the rear for attaching child seats. The vehicle also features an option to deactivate the front passenger airbag. The central safety electronics controls the restraint systems, taking into account the type and severity of an accident in order to set off the most effective protective procedures in each situation.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Bmw X3

Subaru XV: new picture revealed

Subaru XV: new picture revealed

This Subaru XV image hints at the styling of the final production version of Subaru's new crossover vehicle, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in the middle of this month.

A concept version of the crossover appeared at the Shanghai motor show earlier this year, and Subaru has promised that the final car is faithful to that early version.


The teaser picture appears to reflect this, although it does indicate that the car has a reworked rear venturi area compared to the concept. What is not shown in the image is whether the full-length panoramic roof of the concept vehicle has made it through to production.

The XV is 4450mm long, 1780mm wide and 1570mm high, with a wheelbase of 2635mm. By contrast the Impreza, with which it shares a platform, is 4415mm long, 1740mm wide and 1475mm high, with a 15mm-shorter wheelbase.

Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and the dynamic chassis control will be featured in the new model, which will be launched in the UK in the early part of next year. A 1.6-litre petrol will be offered, as well as a 2.0-litre diesel.

The company will also display an enhanced model of the BRZ coupe, called BRZ Prologue, at Frankfurt.[via - Autocar]

Vw interested to invest in wind farms in the North Sea

Vw interested to invest in wind farms in the North Sea

Talks are ongoing between Volkswagen AG and German renewable energy developer Windreich AG about a plan for the automaker to invest in one of its wind farms in the North Sea. Willi Balz, Windreich's CEO, confirmed that there are talks but he declined to give details about the project. Approval has been given by the German authorities for three Windreich projects, such as the 42-turbine Deutsche Bucht farm, which has a potential capacity of up to 252 megawatts if 6-megawatt turbines are utilized.

Balz said that among those competing to supply the turbines for Deutsche Bucht are Areva Wind, a German unit of the French nuclear reactor maker Areva SA, and a second manufacturer that he declined to name. It’s likely that construction will begin in 2013.

An Aug. 25 report from the Financial Times Deutschland newspaper cited company officials who reportedly revealed that Volkswagen plans to invest about 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in wind, solar and hydro projects within the next two years. This report further stated that Volkswagen has been meeting with four developers, including Windreich, about potential investments. Volkswagen spokesman Christoph Adomat said that company wants to raise usage of renewable sources to become an "economic and ecologic" leader in the global car sector.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Vw expects to sell more than 2 million vehicles in China in 2011

Vw expects to sell more than 2 million vehicles in China in 2011

Volkswagen AG’s sales in China this [are expected to reach over 2 million vehicles, making it VW's largest global market again (starting in 2009). From January to July 2011, Volkswagen Group sold 1.3 million units, higher by 16% compared to the same period last year. If VW achieves its sales goal for the year, it means that its 2011 deliveries would increase by 4.2%. This would be about the same pace as China’s industry sales but would be flat if compared to VW’s growth rate last year (a 37% rise from the previous year with sales of 1.9 million vehicles).

This year, industry sales had flattened after a scrapping incentive was terminated and the sales tax on small cars was raised. The Volkswagen brand is the best-selling marque in China. However, VW is in a tight sales race with General Motors Co. If sales of microvans are included, sales of GM's Chinese joint ventures reached 1.3 million units from January to June of this year, while VW Group sold 1.1 million units.

CEO Martin Winterkorn disclosed VW’s sales target in a statement that was released during a trip to China when he came to celebrate the 20th anniversary of FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co., the German automaker’s joint venture with China FAW Group Corp. FAW-Volkswgen builds Audi-brand vehicles and Volkswagen-brand models like the Golf, Jetta, Sargita, New Bora, Magotan and CC. VW's Skoda models are made by its joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Ford wants to become a leader in terms of technology and fuel economy

Ford wants to become a leader in terms of technology and fuel economy

Ford Motor Co. has several plans for its future Ford and Lincoln lineups to become the leaders in terms of technology and fuel economy. MyFord Touch technology will be seen in 80% of the Ford model lineup by the 2014 model year. In some cases, it will be offered as standard equipment. It also plans to soon present two hybrid vehicles and to work in the development of additional direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engines.

Ford also seeks to bring some of its products upscale, says Autonews. For instance, the restyled 2013 Taurus will feature interior refinements and enhanced fuel economy with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Ford will also be improving the Lincoln products in the future.

To rebuild Lincoln, it will offer clearer designs with seven new or improved Lincoln products by the 2014 model year.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Colin Dodge helps Nissan become one of top-selling Japanese brand in Europe

Colin Dodge helps Nissan become one of top-selling Japanese brand in Europe

Nissan believes that it will be able to take back its title as the top-selling Japanese brand in Europe from Toyota but with Colin Dodge on the helm, it will be able to accomplish this within three years. Last year, Nissan had posted its highest market share in Europe since 1995 with the help of Dodge. Nissan said that in a flat market, its 2010 volume increased by 13% to 547,000 vehicles in Europe (such as Russia and Turkey) to give it a 3.1% share, an increase from 2.8% in 2009.

This is the third straight year of European market share growth. Industry association ACEA said that Nissan’s momentum persisted in the first half with European sales rising 17% to 246,565 units. Dodge was instrumental in pushing the boundaries of the Qashqai and Juke crossovers, which have surpassed expectations. It was in 1998 that Toyota beat Nissan to take its place as the selling Japanese brand in Europe. Nissan has quite an aggressive campaign. It has a new lineup.

In fact, it has 10 new or refreshed models that have made their debut since March of last year. Dodge began his career in Nissan in 1984 as a paint shop manager. Starting in 2003, Dodge became the managing director of Nissan’s UK operations, such as Sunderland factory. In the past couple of years, he has worked throughout the world, namely in Europe, India, Africa and the Middle East.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Bmw developing laser lights for its cars

Bmw developing laser lights for its cars

BMW’s headlights will be evolving even further in the coming years as it’s already considering the use of lasers. Currently, the technology is centered on the use of LEDs but BMW wants to further improve safety and efficiency. BMW believes that laser lighting will boost its assets as well as lead to the introduction of revolutionary functions. BMW thinks that consumers are ready to accept intelligent headlights.

Laser headlight technology is different from the natural light and the artificial light that have been presented so far. The primary difference is on laser headlight being monochromatic, which means that all the light waves are the same length and has a constant phase difference.

This is why laser headlights provide a nearly parallel beam with an intensity that’s 1,000 times higher than that of LED technology. These new headlights may reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. Furthermore, the designers may also gain from this as the laser lighting diodes are 100 times smaller than the cells of the LED headlights. The BMW i8 Concept had previously featured the laser headlight technology. It’s expected that this development will be featured on the 2014 i8 production model.[via : 4wheelsnews]

2012 Nissan Maxima gets minor facelift! Priced from $31,750!

2012 Nissan Maxima gets minor facelift! Priced from $31,750!

Nissan has started taking orders for the 2012 Nissan Maxima, which has a price tag of $31,75 (for the S CVT model while SV CVT is priced from $34,450). The changes on the 2012 Nissan Maxima cover both the exterior and the cabin. The Maxima will be given a subtle facelift that includes the use of a new front grille, redesigned taillights, and new wheels that have a dynamic design and are available in 18- and 19-inch sizes. Several new details are also featured on the Maxima’s interior.

There is a white background light for the instrument cluster, a new color (Cafe Latte), new trimming that includes Dark Piano-hairline trimming and Atlantic Cherry wood tone. Numerous parts also come in a metallic finish. The knob for the audio and HVAC also gets a new design.

It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol unit that produces 294 hp and has a peak torque of 261 lb-ft (353 Nm). Buyers could opt for a new Limited Edition package (for the 3.5 S model), which offers headlights that have a smoked look, a set of High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, metallic trimming, 18-inch aluminum-alloy Dark Hyper Silver finish wheels, a compass integrated in the rear view mirror, dark satin chrome front grille, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and outside mirrors have built-in turn signals.[via : 4wheelsnews]

Photo : 2012 Nissan Maxima

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 to receive new goodies, including SYNC interface

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 to receive new goodies, including SYNC interface

The 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 might be receiving a batch of certain gadgets, as indicated by various sources. One of the rumored innovations that will be integrated into the Boss is Ford’s SYNC interface, enabling the driver to benefit from an LCD screen of 4.2 inches that will sit in the main instrument cluster. Additionally, the Boss will also have Ford's MyKey system as well as HID headlights.

The novelties might target the exterior, as Ford is anticipated to provide a visual package that is reminiscent of the 1970s Boss 302, according to MustangDaily.

There are no significant changes in the technical specs for this vehicle, likely because it is still fresh in the market. Thus, the same 5.0-liter V8 unit, which gives 444 hp and a peak torque of 380 lb-ft., is still expected to be found under the hood. The new model is predicted to be revealed next year.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Vw wants to produce 400,000 cars at its Slovak site in 2012

Vw wants to produce 400,000 cars at its Slovak site in 2012

Volkswagen AG intends to manufacture 400,000 vehicles next year at its facility in Slovak, according to Volkswagen Slovakia’s head Andreas Tostmann. With this plan, the assembly plant will be reaching full annual capacity. Currently, the plant’s production capacity is 280,000 vehicles per year. Volkswagen Slovakia currently manufactures the Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, as well as components of the Porsche Cayenne. The company’s Slovakia unit produces the SUVs for the group.

It is the second largest exporter in the central European country last year, producing 144,510 units from 106,000 vehicles in 2009. Its revenues rose by 37.4 percent year-on-year to 4.04 billion euros. The production of the company increased almost 100 percent during the first half of 2011, thanks to the solid demand in other countries for its SUVs. The company intends to invest 1 billion euros more in the euro zone country by 2015.

Moreover, VW announced last month that production during the first six months of this year in Slovakia would be increased by the commencement of serial assembly of the "New Small Family" models. The company is set to unveil the first vehicle belonging to this range -- the Up minicar -- at the Frankfurt car show this month. In the next several years, a lineup of vehicle models under the New Small Family group, from a coupe to a minivan, will be revealed. A decontented version is in the works for emerging markets. The sister brands of VW -- Seat and Skoda -- will have their own variants.[via - 4wheelsnews]

Chrysler says its new eight-speed automatic transmission will boost fuel economy

Chrysler says its new eight-speed automatic transmission will boost fuel economy

Chrysler Group’s new eight-speed automatic transmission will be the first to be offered on automobiles that had been built domestically. As a result, its two full-sized, rear-drive sedans will have better fuel economy and lower emissions. In a statement, Chrysler said that the transmission will initially be offered on 2012 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers that are powered by Chrysler's 292-hp Pentastar V-6 engine. Chrysler spokesman Vince Muniga has announced that these cars are in production and are expected to begin arriving in dealerships on Oct. 1.

Cars with the new transmission will come with a $1,000 premium, says AutoWeek. A price tag of $28,995 has been attached to an entry-level Chrysler 300 with the eight-speed. Meanwhile, the Dodge Charger SE is priced at $27,320. Destination charges are included in these prices. These two cars will be offered with a five-speed for $1,000 less. Chrysler claims that the estimated highway fuel economy for the two cars will increase by 15% to 31 mpg. But when it comes to estimated city fuel economy, the figures are expected to increase to 19 mpg, higher by 5% when compared to the 2011 versions of the cars, which had been equipped with a five-speed automatic.

In addition, Chrysler and Dodge will offer eight-speed, all-wheel-drive versions of the 300 and the Charger. These cars will come with paddle shifters on the V-6 and V-8 models. Chrysler’s license for the eight-speed transmission comes from German supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which builds eight-speeds for luxury brands like Audi, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce. Initially, the transmission is imported from ZF in Germany but by next year, Chrysler will start to build the eight-speed in Kokomo, Ind. Chrysler expects to beat domestic rivals by offering an eight-speed, which is intended for rear-drive configurations with longitudinally mounted engines.[via : 4wheelsnews]

photo : 2011 Chrysler 300