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There have been rumours circulating that Kia was planning to build a production version of its GT concept but a new report but a new report has indicated that the new model could also be available in a wagon and coupe variant.
Citing anonymous sources, Inside Line reported that Kia is considering a series of GT-based vehicles rather than a single sedan or hatchback. The aim of this decision is likely to assist Kia in spreading out development costs while allowing the model to target a wider range of consumers.
While no date has been confirmed for the launch dates of the coupe and wagon, the standard model could be available in 2013.
Toyota has teamed up with Tesla to help develop the electric Rav4 that was first revealed as a concept car at the Los Angeles Motor Show back in 2010. Tesla, that is being paid $100 million dollars by the Japanese auto manufacturer is supplying the battery pack, e-motor and power electronics for the new Tesla/Toyota SUV.
These images of the new electric RAV4 suggest the production version will not deviate too much from the concept and is recognisably a RAV4 but sports more streamlined grille panels. The rear of the vehicle shows the grille, headlamps and LED day-running lights that are all virtually unchanged.
Ray Tanguay, Toyota chairman in the US said that “The Tesla-Toyota joint development team has agreed that building the vehicle at the Woodstock plant on the same line as the gasoline-powered RAV4, will streamline and simplify the production process and guarantee the highest level of quality control. This is a great example of Toyota’s determination to collaborate with companies with leading edge technology.”
The car will go on sale in the US in 2012, with no plans to be available in Europe.
source: Car Magazine
Audi has just announced the introduction of the Limited Edition 252-hp A1 Quattro, a high-performance version of the German Automaker’s subcompact hatch.
“the A1 Quattro comes equipped with the automaker’s legendary all-wheel-drive system, with power provided by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder used in the S3. The reworked mill puts out 252 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm – a boost of more than 70 hp and 74 lb-ft over the standard 1.4-liter A1.”
The wheel wells are filled with a modified MacPherson strut suspension in the front and at the rear, a multi-link setup. The braking system has been upgraded with larger discs at all four corners with black painted calipers. The electromechanical steering has also been adjusted to provide a 14.8:1 ratio and the ESP has been modified for high-performance duty.
The exterior is inspired by other past Audi concepts as well as the S and RS lines. The interior showcases a new instrument panel, aluminum pedals and black leather with red stitching.
The A1 is expected to go on sale next year with only 333 units available.
source: Autoblog
Saab is officially bankrupt, Parent company Swedish Automobile announced today. The company has been in trouble since April, when it ran out of cash, couldn’t pay its suppliers and had to stop building cars. However, after eight months of negotiations it looked as if Saab was going to be saved after a sale was agreed with Chinese manufacturer Youngman and distributor Pang Da. Unfortunately that very deal fell through, triggering the bankruptcy. The deal was primarily called off due to General Motor’s refusal to have their designs and technology used by the Chinese. General Motors spokesman Jim Cain told Automotive News that Saab had not been able to reassure GM that its technology would be safe in the sale to the Chinese.
A brief explanation: General Motors once owned Saab, but put it up for sale in 2009 when GM itself was in financial trouble. By that time Saab had designed the new 9-5 and 9-4X using mostly GM parts in their underbodies, suspensions, powertrains, and electronics. Then In early 2010, Saab was bought from GM by Victor Muller’s investment company, which also owned tiny supercar maker Spyker. However, when Muller agreed upon the sale to the Chinese, GM then decided it wouldn’t let its designs go to China. GM believe that copyright protection is too weak in China and its technology would be pirated. This poses a huge threat to GM as they manufacturer other cars using the same systems – the Insignia, Astra, new Zafira and their US and Chinese equivalents.
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala was recently caught on camera being in heavy coverage while being taken out for a test drive.
Based on the long-wheelbase version of the Epsilon 2 platform, the new Impala is set to be powered by a choice of either GM’s 3.6-litre V6 or its recently revealed 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Shortly after its official debut, an eAssist version is likely to be available.
While it is difficult to make out the details of the exterior due to the camouflage, the ride height appears lower, the roof and windshield more raked and the front fascia has taken on a pointed, Camaro-esque shape.
The interior has been improved, offering a leather dash and trim, aluminum accents and a sizable navigation screen front-and-center.
source: Autoblog
Here are the first images of the Mercedes’ sixth generation premium roadster – the 2012 Mercedes SL.
The SL is all-new. The current version of Mercedes’ flagship coupe-cabriolet, the R230, was first launched in 2002 and has since undergone a few facelifts, each of which has slightly increased the vehicles’s look of aggressiveness. In terms of style, this SL moves further in that direction, but changes under the skin help it shed significant bulk. Mercedes claims that the new model, codenamed R231, is up to 140kg lighter than its predecessor, that weighed in at 1970kg depending on the specifications. Weight-loss has been achieved through the extensive use of light-weight aluminium in the body-shell with steel only being used for rollover protection in the A-pillars.
The SL has Sculpted flanks and SLS-aping vents with chromed fins while the rear is dominated by oversized CLS-alike wrap-around tail lights extending into the hind quarters. Mercedes claims the new SL is the most aerodynamic car in its sector assisting with noise suppression even if the roof is down.
Honda has officially confirmed that it will be showcasing its new NSX supercar concept at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show in January 2012. The next-generation Acura NSX supercar will be one of four all-new vehicles revealed by Honda next year.
Some background on Acura – it’s Honda’s upmarket wing in America that came to Europe as a Honda. It’s still fondly remembered as one of the first supercars to add comfort and ease to its pursuit of outright speed with three-time Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna involved in its development. An earlier NSX project was scratched during the financial storm of 2008 but Honda are clearly back on track with this new project.
Aside for the confirmation of the project, Honda has not revealed much information but by looking at Honda’s latest strategy the new NSX will pioneer a more sporting hybrid application of the technology seen in lesser Hondas.
The Acura NSX is expected to be a two-seater with a lightweight build, a full zero-emissions EV capability and a launch date speculated to be in 2013.
source: Car Magazine
Ford is teasing its 2013 Fusion via mobile apps which fans can download for iPhone or Android by pointing the camera of the device at the Ford logo either from a car, online or an image in a magazine. Once the the app has read the logo, it activates a 360 degree version of the new model, which users can use for a virtual driving course.
The app will offer new courses and video clips featuring interviews from the creators of the car every day from Wednesday until the hybrid vehicle is revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. As expected, Users can also share photos from the app via Twitter and Facebook.
Ford’s goal is to keep enthusiasts and fans engaged, active and creating a buzz on social networks as part of the build up to the car’s launch while still maintaining some secrecy of the car’s look and design details.
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