2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

Porsche is doubling its range of driving fun in the new 911 generation by launching the all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4 on the market in four model versions. The new sports cars with their uniquely powerful proportions combine the excellent traction and driving stability of the active Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system with the benefits of lightweight design, new engines and additional assistance systems - traction and dynamics to the fourth power.

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

Despite enhanced engine and driving performance, all four models consume significantly less fuel than their respective previous models; in some cases the savings add up to as much as 16 per cent. So, the new all-wheel drive 911 is consistently following the same course as the 911 Carrera Type 991 presented in 2011. The Carrera 4 takes top efficiency and performance to an even higher level.

The most distinctive identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is still the wide rear section: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the wheel housings at the rear are each 22 mm wider, and each of the rear tyres is 10 mm wider. This increases the track width of the 911 Carrera 4 by 42 mm, and the track width of the S-model by 36 mm. The impressive look at the rear is highlighted by an exclusive tail-light panel with parking light and rear light functions. The tail-light panel runs directly under the spoiler edge and visually joins the two rear lights. For one, this emphasises the powerful back end of the vehicle; for another, it lends the all-wheel drive models a unique and very distinctive night design. When the lights are turned on, the illuminated rear light band visually connects the rear lights and signals that a new all-wheel drive 911 is driving ahead.

Interior and features

The interior of the new all-wheel drive 911 cars that is making its appearance is based on the new generation concept. The central design element is the centre console that rises towards the front. It provides excellent ergonomics that integrate both the driver and front passenger.

The operating concept permits uncomplicated and intuitive control of key vehicle functions. Already equipped with standard features that are extensive and high-end, the new 911 Carrera 4 cars can be customised to a wide variety of individual tastes with an extensive list of options.

Sport seats for dynamic driving and long trips

The defining interior element of all 911 Carrera cars is the standard sport seat system with electrically adjustable backrest angle and seat height. The optional sport seats with fully electric 14-way adjustment add - in addition to adjustments of the standard seats - electric adjustment of the longitudinal position, seat cushion angle, seat cushion depth and four-way lumbar support. The Sport Seat Plus option that is also available offers 18-way adjustment and more prominent side supports; it also offers adjustment of the side supports on the seat and backrest for optimal lateral support in all driving situations.

New: lightweight sport shell seats made of fibre-reinforced polymer

For 911 Carrera drivers with very sporty performance standards, Porsche offers new especially lightweight sport shell seats with folding backrests, integrated thorax airbag and manual longitudinal adjustment. The seat shell is made of glass-reinforced and carbon-reinforced polymer with a visible carbon surface. A special feature is the pivot point of the backrests, which lies high in the side supports. The lateral support that is characteristic of race car shell seats is thereby also assured in the pelvic area. However, the folding backrest still enables convenient loading of the luggage compartment in the rear.

Articles Source : NetcarShow

Polish BMW Drifters Return with New Hoon Video

Just in time for the holiday season, the Polish crew from JBB, an acronym for Jazda Bardziej Bokiem that translates to "More Driving Sideways", has released a new video dedicated to the newly born daughter of one of their drift team's members.

To refresh your memory, JBB had impressed us last December with a short drift film featuring a custom BMW 3-Series E30 that was unleashed on a large truck lot.

Now, the BMW drivers have hit the streets for some new slide-ways action. Judging by the blurred faces and license plates in the video, we'll have to assume it wasn't all legal...

You can watch the BMW hoons in the video that follows below.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Video Source : Youtube

Lexus announced yesterday that they would present the new IS at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

The car will still be available with the 250 engine but now also in IS300h, a back-wheel drive sedan powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor for emissions announced under 100g/km - a real feat for the segment - with a power estimated between 200 and 240hp...

Lexus IS300h 3

Lexus IS300h 3

Lexus IS300h 3

Lexus IS300h 3

Lexus IS300h 3

Regarding its design, at the front, despite the camouflage, we envision a LED line under the main light while at the back the lights seem to be a mix between those of the LF-CC and previous generation of the IS, in the extension of a pen stroke which defines the rear bumper and continues on the lateral skirt (like on the LF-CC).

Having a look to the first photos of the interior, there is mainly one thing to notice, a F-Sport badge hidden on the steering wheel, an assumption confirmed by the anthracite wheels presented on the test mule and typical of the F-Sport series...

Preliminary specs

The Lexus IS300h uses the same platform as the recently launched GS450h in a smaller format with a shorter and narrower wheelbase, the CVT gearbox has been modified.

Its weight should be around 1700kg for a 0 to 100kph expected below 7 seconds!

Articles Source : technologicvehicles

Toyota Reveals New 2013 Crown Royal and Crown Athlete Sedans in Japan

One of Toyota's oldest running nameplates that has been around since 1955, has just entered its 14th generation with the introduction of the new 2013 Crown series in Japan.

 

2013 Toyota Crown Royal

As with its predecessor, the new Crown, which is about the same size as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class measuring 4,895mm (192.7 inches) in length, is offered in two basic flavors, the more luxurious Royal model and the sportier looking Athlete.

 

2013 Toyota Crown Royal

"To attract people to the car today, we had to redesign it," the Japanese company's President Akio Toyoda, told the press during the presentation of the car in Japan on Tuesday. 

 

2013 Toyota Crown Royal

Toyota says both Crown models feature fresh styling inside and out adding that all major components have been updated, while there's also a new 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, and new tech goodies such as the Toyota Multi-Operation Touch, which combines various vehicle functions into one touch panel on the center console.

 

2013 Toyota Crown Royal

Compared to the Royal, the Athlete sports a more dynamic styling thanks to its bespoke grille inserts, redesigned front and rear bumpers, pronounced front fenders and an aero kit. Inside, the differences concern the sportier trim accents and sport seats.

 

2013 Toyota Crown Royal

There are three available engine options starting with a 2.5-liter V6 gasoline unit that delivers 200hp (203PS) and 243Nm (179 lb-ft) of peak torque driving through a six-speed automatic to either the rear- or all four-wheels, and which is offered on both Crown models.

 

2013 Toyota Crown Royal

Also available on the Crown Royal and Athlete is a new 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder inline Atkinson cycle gasoline unit linked to an electric motor producing a combined output of 176hp (178PS) and maximum torque of 221Nm (163 lb-ft), offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive.

 

2013 Toyota Crown Royal

Last but not least, the Crown Athlete can be had with a range-topping 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine capable of delivering 311hp (315PS) and 377Nm (278 lb-ft), connected to an 8-speed automatic turning the rear wheels.

Pricing in Japan starts at 3,530,000 yen (US$41,400 or €31,300) for the base Crown Royal RWD 2.5 V6 and rises to 5,430,000 yen (US$63,600 or €48,300) for the Crown Athlete G 3.5 V6.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2013 Renault Talisman

With the world premiere of Talisman, Renault fulfils the promise of "casual luxury" that is winning over more and more Chinese customers.

2013 Renault Talisman

2013 Renault Talisman

2013 Renault Talisman

2013 Renault Talisman

2013 Renault Talisman

2013 Renault Talisman

Renault Talisman is the new flagship sedan for the Chinese market, embodies the "casual luxury" that Chinese customers have come to appreciate: value for money and luxury for daily life. Its elegant design and best-in-class interior are targeted at demanding young businessmen who are looking for a car that meets both professional and personal requirements. Talisman, produced in Korea at Renault Samsung Motors, will be exported to China starting in mid-June 2012 with a base price of 318 800 RMB (38 652 euros).

Articles Source : Netcarshow

2012 Nissan GT-R Review

Previous generations of the Nissan GT-R have been called Godzilla, and the 2012 Nissan GT-R retains that nickname. The 2012 GT-R really is more of a monster than a car, since it's capable of intimidating some of the highest-quality, top-dollar exotics on the road while amazing those who see one drive by.

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

Even though the overall body style has not changed much since the GT-R's debut in 2007, the 2012 model year has some great options that separate it from the others. The biggest option for enthusiasts is the Black Edition. To start, the Black Edition comes with a sweet appearance package and specialized black-out alloy wheels. Inside, the Special Edition comes with black and red leather Recaro racing seats and a black headliner. This package does come with a cost of $5,000, but still keeps the 2012 GT-R under $100,000 -- a price point any automotive manufacturer wishes their supercar could be priced at and still be profitable.

Speaking of competition, other vehicles on the road are hard-pressed to match up to the 2012 GT-R because of its low price point and outrageous specifications. For example, when comparing the GT-R to the latest Porsche 911, you might get slightly more status with the Porsche since it is more recognizable, but it does not come close to the power and capability of the Nissan. When comparing the price point, one might say that the Corvette as a regular model is thousands cheaper, but one would have to opt for a Z06 or even a ZR1 to get close to the power of the GT-R.

Nissan has kept the same 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine in the GT-R model since it was first manufactured, but the 2012 model offers the largest amount of power yet at a total of 530 horsepower -- up to 50 horses! Nissan has also kept the all-wheel drive system and 6-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission since the first model, but they were able to make a few changes to help with durability and shift timing.

Inside, however, Nissan has only made a few changes for the 2012 model. For instance, the LCD display mounted at the top of the carbon fiber center stack offers excellent information, including such important performance data as g-forces, shifting patterns and lap times.

Articles Source : autotrader

2012 Subaru Impreza: North Carolina Mountains

As I got ready for a solo road trip into the mountains of North Carolina, I picked up the keys to the 2012 Subaru Impreza from AutoTrader.com's long term test fleet. Being an SUV-loving girl, I was curious as to how this little compact car would feel during the four hour drive to the mountains. I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised and I learned a very important lesson along the way.

2012 Subaru Impreza

2012 Subaru Impreza

2012 Subaru Impreza

2012 Subaru Impreza

2012 Subaru Impreza

There is certainly more good than bad in this car, and I'll start off with what left me wanting more:

Technology

I currently drive a sparsely appointed 2005 Toyota RAV4, but after driving our Long-Term 2013 Mazda CX-5, I have come to expect a little more from brand new cars. And so I was a little disappointed with the technology in the Impreza. It was a little more difficult than I expected to sync my iPhone through the Bluetooth connection, and the overall experience of using it was not nearly as seamless as in other cars. Each time I got in the car, I had to reconnect the Bluetooth to get my music playing, and with several stops along the drive, this was more work than I had hoped.

In fairness to our 2012 Subaru Impreza, it's priced at about $24,000 and our 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring is closer to $30,000. Also, you can get the Impreza with navigation and satellite radio, but we opted not to get that on our car to help keep the price below $25,000

MPGs

Overall, I got a respectable 32 miles per gallon. For such a small car, I was hoping for something closer to 35 or more, but considering that a decent portion of the drive was heading up mountain roads and that all Imprezas have all-wheel drive, 32 mpg seems reasonable.

Although the Impreza's tech failed to wow me, there is certainly plenty to love about this little car. Our next update will highlight the Impreza wagon's stronger points.

Articles Source : autotrader

2013 Renault Symbol

New Renault Symbol is being given its first public airing at the 2012 Istanbul Motor Show. The newcomer's upgraded, modern equipment specification and revised engine range ensure it has all the ingredients to make it a hit with customers in Renault's international markets.

"New Renault Symbol delivers a level of equipment normally associated with vehicles from the next segment up," notes Evrim Gouillou, Marketing Project Manager. "Its new design and attractive equipment package are the perfect answer to meet the demands of customers in Renault's international markets."

Modern styling

New Renault Symbol features Renault's new styling cues. As is the case with all the brand's new models, the front logo is larger and sits in a more prominent, upright position in the middle of a wide, black, chrome-trimmed grille strip.

A standard of comfort and technologies worthy of the next segment up

New Renault Symbol seats up to five adults in perfect comfort thanks to the availability of even more room for rear passengers.

In response to the needs of customers in Renault's international markets, New Renault Symbol comes with a more extensive equipment package, including (depending on version) the Renault Media Nav multimedia navigation system complete with a wide, seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen colour display. Meanwhile, USB and Bluetooth® connectivity enables occupants to enjoy music stored on portable players and to make or take telephone calls in total safety. The specification also includes cruise control with speed limiter, while modularity is enhanced by the 60/40-split folding rear bench seat.

A choice of more economical and more environmentally-respectful engines

New Renault Symbol's customers will be able to specify the new TCe 90 petrol engine. The fuel consumption of this 90-horsepower powerplant is just 5.3 litres/100km, equivalent to 122g of CO2/km. The list also includes the dCi 75 and dCi 90 diesel engines, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of which have come down to 3.9 litres/100km and 103g/km respectively.

Renault's hallmark quality

New Renault Symbol has been engineered for use by customers in Renault's international markets and comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty.

Following its unveiling at the 2012 Istanbul Motor Show, New Renault Symbol is scheduled to go on sale in Turkey at the beginning of 2013, before being released in Algeria and Tunisia.

2013 Dodge Dart GT

The Dodge brand dug deep into its rich, nearly 100-year history to name its all-new compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart, and is again drawing on the storied history for the newest Dodge Dart model.

The sporty Dodge Dart GT model originally made its debut in 1963 and offered drivers enhanced performance and style, including a heavy-duty suspension that delivered improved ride and handling characteristics.

2013 Dodge Dart GT

2013 Dodge Dart GT

2013 Dodge Dart GT

2013 Dodge Dart GT

2013 Dodge Dart GT

2013 Dodge Dart GT

2013 Dodge Dart GT

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart GT model delivers sport-tuned suspension attributes that cater to the driving enthusiast, distinctive styling, including standard class-exclusive racetrack LED taillamps and integrated dual exhaust, and it's loaded with premium standard features, including perforated heated Nappa Leather seats, 8.4-inch touchscreen and 7-inch TFT for an outstanding value, with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of only $20,995 (excluding destination).

"The new Dart GT embodies the best attributes that compact car buyers are looking for, including outstanding style, performance, technology and value," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO Dodge Brand. "With 184 horsepower, 18-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension, premium leather interior and several class-exclusive features, the Dart GT represents the sweet spot in the compact car market, offering mid-size roominess combined with premium amenities for only $20,995 MSRP."

The Dart GT model is the latest addition to the 2013 Dodge Dart lineup, which currently includes the Dart SE, SXT, Rallye, Aero and Limited models. Dodge continues to investigate a high-performance R/T model.

Building off the exceptionally well-equipped Dart Limited, the GT adds: 184 horsepower 2.4-iter Tigershark with MultiAir 2 with six-speed manual or available six-speed PowerTech automatic AutoStick; 18-inch aluminum wheels; sport suspension with frequency sensing damping shocks; unique performance front fascia with black accents and Hyper Black grille; black projector headlamp bezels; body-color door handles; class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust with bright exhaust tips; class-exclusive racetrack LED taillamps; unique premium Nappa perforated leather seats in Black with Ruby Red stitching or two-tone Black/Ruby Red; class-exclusive heated steering wheel; heated front seats; dual-zone automatic temperature control; remote start (with automatic transmission); universal garage door opener and GT badge.

Additional standard equipment on the 2013 Dart GT model includes: projector fog lamps; power heated mirrors with supplemental signals and courtesy lamps; class-exclusive 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen; class-exclusive floating island bezel; ParkView rear backup camera; class-exclusive 7-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) reconfigurable instrument cluster display; premium door trim panel with soft-touch upper surfaces; leather steering wheel with audio controls and speed control; accent stitching on the instrument panel; power 10-way driver seat, including power lumbar support; driver and front passenger seatback pockets; overhead console with sunglass holder; front passenger in-seat storage; illuminated front cup holders; illuminated vanity mirrors; temperature and compass gauge; 12-volt auxiliary power outlet in console; speed-sensitive power locks; power windows with express one-touch up/down front windows; ambient LED interior lighting; automatic headlamps; active grille shutters; underbody aerodynamic treatment; tire pressure monitoring display; air conditioning with micron filter; power mirrors; remote keyless entry; front center console with fore and aft sliding armrest; 60/40 split folding rear seat with armrest with storage/cup holders and trunk pass-through; six-speakers; security alarm; front and rear floor mats and 600-amp maintenance-free battery.

A variety of options are available to allow the GT customer the ability to personalize their Dodge Dart to their exact specifications. It starts with a choice of 12 exterior colors - all available at no extra charge - including Redline Red, Header Orange, Blue Streak, Citrus Peel, Laguna Blue, Pitch Black, Tungsten, Bright Silver, Bright White, True Blue, Maximum Steel and Winter Chill.

Optional equipment includes:

• Six-speed Powertech automatic transmission with AutoStick
• Technology Group (push-button start, keyless Enter 'N Go, rain sensing wipers, smart beam headlamps, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection)
• 18-inch Hyper Black Aluminum Wheels
• Power Sunroof
• HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Garmin Navigation with Sirius XM Travel Link
• Alpine Premium Sound System with 10 speakers, including subwoofer and 506 watt amplifier
• Engine block heater

Articles Source : Netcatshow