Ford is updating its 2013 Flex model with a new nose design, updated power and improved technology. The three-row, seven-passenger model features a restyled front fascia with a nose that is sleeker, sophisticated and more robotic. Apart from the addition of paint colour and wheel choices, no other design elements have been modified.

Flex receives a powertrain update with a base 3.5-litre V6 that now packs 20 more horsepower – 285 versus 265. Customers will still have the option of fitting the Flex with Ford’s 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which carries over unchanged.

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Media24 has just announced the appointment of Angus Thompson as the new editor of topCar magazine.

Angus’s ten years of experience as a motoring journalist make him the ideal man for the job. Some of his previous positions include: Deputy Motoring Editor of the Citizen newspaper and Guest Editor of the Wheels24.com website which is where he developed his passion for digital media.

Angus has been the Deputy Editor of topCar for the last eight years, working alongside previous editors Deon Schoeman and Pierre Steyn. He is also a former recipient of the SA Motoring Journalist of the year (magazines) in 2008 and served as a Jury member for SA Car of the Year from 2003 to 2005.

Brendan Cooper, Associate Publisher of topCar, says that “Angus is a well-respected motoring journalist with a wealth of experience and expertise in his field. I look forward to working with him and am sure his editorship will be another chapter in the magazine’s success story.”

topCar’s popularity is reflected in its current readership of  907 000 (AMPS 2011A), a magazine circulation of 19 764 (ABC Apr – Jun 2011) and 6786 Facebook fans.

Since its release last year, MyFord Touch has taken a fair amount of criticism from both consumers and critics for its cluttered user interface and capacitive controls for the climate control system. A far too complex system with a number of occasional glitches triggered negative publicity for the sophisticated and ambitious system. Ford is now planning to rectify some of these issues with an updated system for 2013 models, with existing Ford owners benefiting from the changes as well.

To begin with, Ford has expanded the features of MyFord Touch to include Apple iPad connectivity and access to Audible.com audiobooks through either voice commands or the touchscreen. A range of improvements are also being implemented for better Bluetooth telephone connectivity and an updated map experience from TeleNav and Navteq will also take shape.

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Rockstar Games, the makers of Grand Theft Auto have released the official trailer for the Fifth installment of the popular car game.

The latest version takes place in  a Los Angeles type setting in a city called Los Santos complete with its own ‘Vinewood’ hillside sign.  The storyline follows the life of a man who is trying to settle down into a new life as a family man but who keeps being pulled back into a life of crime.

Grand Theft Auto V is set for release in 2012.

Watch the trailer below:

source: World Car Fans

Volkswagen has recently revealed its new Passat CC that has been given a facelift and simply renamed the VW CC that will make its debut at the 2011 Motor Show in L.A. this month.

The new model has subtle tweaks including reshaped stainless steel side sills and a new rear bumper. Bi-xenon headlights, static cornering lights and a new LED rear headlight system come as standard. Other interesting features include safety head restraints and fatigue detection. Changes to the interior are expected to be minor.

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Here is one of the first pictures of the new Peugeot 208, a compact mini, that will be replacing the 207 in 2012.

Initially, the new model will be sold as a three- or five-door car but there are expectations that a convertible variation could follow in time. The 208 is lighter than the 207 it replaces by 110 kgs while being more aerodynamic and compact. The aim of the 208 is increased efficiency and agility.

On the outside, while still mainting its signature Peugeot style, the 208 has a distinctive character line to its flanks, floating grille, and ‘boomerang’ shaped rear lights. Other features include a touch screen system for sat navigation, stereo and communication as well as 3G and downloadable apps.

Engine choices come from a pair of three-cylinder petrol engines producing 68bhp and 84bhp, or two diesel units that both emit less than 99g/km of CO2.

image source: topgear

The first official picture of the Subaru BRZ STI concept car, that will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor show this month, has been revealed. The new concept is Subaru’s version of the rear-wheel drive sports coupe that is being developed with partner Toyota.

Although it vaguely resembles its Toyota relative, the FT-86, the Subaru BRZ concept has a slightly boxier look and weighs around 1200kg. The engine is likely to be a 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer, delivering around 200bhp/170lb ft in regular guise which will allow a low sense of gravity resulting in edgy handling.

As a concept, details are scarce at this stage but the final production model is expected to appear at the Tokyo Motor Show in December before entering into international markets in early 2012.

image source: topgear

CEO of Hyundai  John Krafcik has officially announced that the highly anticipated 2013 Veloster Turbo will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2012, reportedly alongside a refreshed Genesis Coupe.

The Veloster will be powered by Hyundai’s new 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder engine that was recently announced in Korea.

source: autoblog