Peugeot’s new 2012 107, that was shown at the Brussels Motor Show, has been given a facelift that brings it in line with Peugeot’s new aesthetic. The new model is the first major change to the Franco-Japanese city triplets for the 107 that was jointly developed with Citroen and Toyota.

Exterior modifications include a tight-fitting look with a sculpted-out area of the bonnet with the combative lion badge. The grille and bumper graphics are lightly retouched too, while the nose has been fitted with LED day-running lights. The model is available as a three or five door.

(more…)

Based on the Carminat trim package, Renault has unveiled its 2012 Koleos Bose Edition, that is distinguished by faux aluminium mirrors, tinted rear windows and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The interior showcases special seat upholstery with black lacquer trim and aluminium sill plates. Of course, there is the obligatory Bose sound system that has been fitted inside the vehicle equipped with seven speakers and a subwoofer. The Bose badging on the side of the vehicle signifies the special edition.

Power is provided by a 2.0 dCi 150 engine that produces 150 PS (110 kW/148 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. Customers will be able to choose between three power delivery configurations: six-speed manual/front-wheel drive, six-speed manual/4×4 or six-speed automatic/4×4.

The new model, that starts at a price of 29, 400 Euros in France, is expected to launch in March 2012.

Source: World Car Fans

In addition to the 2013 Dodge Dart that is being showcased at the Detroit Motor Show, Chrysler’s Mopar tuning arm will also display two new vehicles namely the the Chrysler 200 Super S and Dodge Charger Redline.

While no great achievement in design innovation, The Super S Stage One kit, as seen in the image above, adds visual flare in the form of a front chin spoiler, satin chrome fog light trim, satin chrome grille surround, a new mesh grille design and bespoke 18-inch “S” alloy wheels. While there aren’t any drastic power upgrades with the new look for the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, the Stage Two kit adds a coil-over suspension, cold air intake and cat-back exhaust.

In the formal press release, Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand said that “The Super S is Mopar’s interpretation of the Chrysler 200 and the extensive list of high-quality Mopar parts enhances the performance and appearance of our Chrysler 200.”

(more…)

Thanks to Chinese portal site sohu.com, the images above and below of the new BMW 1-Series as a 3-door hatchback, has been exposed with patent/trademark designs. With the knowledge of a BMW 1-Series 5-door hatchback on the way, the images provide a good idea of what to expect next from BMW.

Looking elongated, the B-pillar is pulled back and angled towards the rear and the effect is enhanced even more by the arcing of the roof combined with arcing side glass.

BMW will be offering the 1-Series in a total of six different body variants divided into two different build architectures. The 1-Series 3-door hatchback is expected to arrive in the U.S. Summer time in 2012.

Source: World Car Fans

These shots reveal Land Rover testing their new Range Rover 2012, in full camouflage, in the deserts of Dubai that is being developed at Land Rover’s global headquarters in Warwickshire, UK. These photos will put any enthusiasts at ease who may be concerned that Land Rover could be loosing their off-road focus because if there is any place that tests the toughness and resilience of an out-door vehicle its the desert.

The new Range Rover is likely to showcase all the latest in engineering from the Tata owned 4X4 specialist. The new architecture will be aluminium intensive, increased interior space, a focus on upmarket cabin appointments and a suite of upgraded V6 and V8 engines that will provide the power, with a hybrid electrified powertrain to follow.

This new Range Rover is expected to be revealed in about six months time for the UK summer of 2012.

Source: Car Magazine

The image above, reveals the new Lexus LF LC concept car expected to be officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Top Gear have reported that all they know for certain about the new model is that it’s been created at the company’s California design studio, the same place where the original SC430 was drawn.

The new concept is about the same size as the SC and also has two doors but it differs in that there is a pair of seats in the back. The image also suggests that it has a targa top and while Lexus have yet to confirm, it is possible that the new concept is a rear wheel drive and the spacious body work could be wrapped around the Toyota GT 86 platform.

Toyota Motor Company has recently launched the Aqua hatchback, known as the Prius C in international markets, in Japan.

The entry level hybrid prides itself on a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L (83.3 mpg US; 2.8L/ 100km). Powered by a 1.5-litre Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), the Aqua produces a combined motor and engine output of 100 PS (98 bhp / 73 kW). For improved engine efficieny, the vehicle features a cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation system and a battery powered water pump. The water pump, unlike other traditional designs, reduces friction on the engine and allows precise control of coolant flow.

The Aqua has a starting price of 1.69 million yen ($21,700) and Toyota Motor Company has plans to sell 12,000 units per month.

In addition, Toyota as also announced that it will be launching additional TRD and Modellista versions of the new hybrid.  For the TRD there is a new front bumper lower apron with integrated LED lights and side skirts. Also available are a new set of wheels, firmer shock absorbers and springs plus a stainless cat-back exhaust system with dual tips. While the Modellista package offering is similar to that of the TRD, there are two versions available each offering a 5-piece body kits containing front and rear aprons, side skirts and roof spoiler.

Source: World Car Fans

A recent survey conducted in the UK by Warranty Direct, claims that Honda is responsible for making vehicles that are the most pothole proof and therefore less susceptible to any damage that may be caused by potholes on the roads.

According to the results of the survey, only 1.4 percent of Honda owners submit a warranty claim fore repairing damage caused by potholes. In comparison, 12.2 percent of Chrysler owners submit claims alongside luxury car makers Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Jaguar who also find themselves the least pothole resilient. If you’re curious about which brand took second place in the most claims submitted, you may be surprised to know that it is Smart.

Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan, the more economical brands of car manufacturers, all fare well against rough surfaces on the roads. The reason for this may be due to the likelihood that most luxury vehicles are fitted with low-profile tyres but expensive wheels that can easily bend or break while the above vehicles mentioned have more substantial sidewalls and sturdy steel wheels.

View the Top 10 results in the lists below:

(more…)