Honda to ditch Euro Accord Next Year; expect no replacement

A Honda executive has finally confirmed its plan to ditch the Euro-spec Honda Accord globally in 2015. Unfortunately there has been no plan for replacement so far.

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said that local sales of the Accord Euro will be stopped sometime in 2015, as a result of Honda’s decision to drop the model in all markets.

“February next year will be the final month of production for Australia. The fact is that because the Euro was not sold in the US at all [Ed. Note: it was sold as the Acura TSX], the lead market was primarily Europe and that segment is declining, so ultimately that led to this global decision,” Collins told Australia’s The Motor Report.

This is not the first time we have heard of Honda’s plans to discontinue the Euro-spec Accord, but this is the first official confirmation. Australia is a unique market as far as the Accord is concerned, with both the European and North American Accord sedans being available.

“We were very unique in the world in selling two Accords in the same market, but it was hugely successful for a time,” the executive said, adding that Honda sold over 60,000 Accord Euro cars across the two generations offered in Australia.

However, starting from 2015, Honda Australia will concentrate on the latest generation of the North American “wide-body” Accord which arrived in the country early last year.

The Honda Accord clearly has a fan base in Europe and in my view not offering a model in this segment may not be the wisest decision for the Japanese company.

Source carscoops

Read More

Ferrari SA Aperta 2011

Unveiled at the Paris Auto Show the special edition SA Aperta, an open-top version of the now famous 599. The model comes to celebrate Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary and is limited to only 80 units.

The SA Aperta is powered by a V12 engine that delivers an impressive 670 HP. It features a low-slung windscreen, a redesigned chassis. Its profile arches back from the A-post to two aerodynamic fins beautifully integrating the two roll-bars which themselves cleverly mimic the outline of the seats.

The interior gets sophisticated materials, trim and colors used throughout. Ferrari announced that each SA Aperta will be an unique model.

In the official press release Ferrari said: "The SA APERTA is a true roadster which allows its occupants to enjoy the superlative emotions afforded by our signature front-engined V12 architecture in a completely open-top setting. In fact, it has just a light soft top designed to be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad."

The 80-piece Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is about a rare a modern-day Ferrari can get. Introduced last year at the Paris Motor Show in line with Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary, the Italian supercar is the personification of Ferrari limited edition madness. In this new video of the car, YouTube user Marchettino takes us on an up-close look at the limited run 599. Check out the video after the jump and see what the 599 SA Aperta is all about.

Source caranddriver

Read More

Mercedes-Benz to debut Concept A-Class at New York and Shanghai Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz is to release all new Mercedes-Benz Concept A with exciting look and features, called Concept A will debut at the Shanghai motor show in China later this month.

While the production version of the new A-class set to head into European showrooms next year will forgo some of the Concept A’s more fanciful detailing, the general shape and appearance is set to remain intact. The fascia--mounted lower than that of the existing second-generation A-class--borrows the aeronautical theme first established on the SLS, mixing it with modern touches such as a free-standing monitor, back-lit instruments and brushed-aluminum trim elements.

Falling in line with the rest of the family, its squared-off nose is aggressive and wears the Tri-Star emblem well. From the side, the Concept A shows hints of the CLS and even the R-Class. The headlights of the Concept A-Class continue this design element with innovative full-LED high-performance headlamps. The daytime running lamps consist of 90 optical fibers with aluminum sleeves which are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp.

A front-wheel-drive Benz, the Concept A benefits from both turbocharging and direct-injection. A BlueEFFICIENCY 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is fitted under the hood, and produces 210-horsepower. That four-banger is paired with a dual-clutch transmission.

The Concept A aims to add first-rate features to luxury compact segment. A radar-based collision-detection system will be the first of its kind in this segment and, when paired with Adaptive Brake Assist, can help lower the risk of having someone rear-end your 2012 A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A will hit European showrooms in 2012 and will also appear in New York Auto Show 2011.

Source  techprezz

Read More

Hyundai Blue2 Fuel Cell Concept Car

Hyundai, one of leading Automaker is going to reveal a new Concept Car at the Seoul Motor Show this week, the concept named Blue2 a fuel-cell concept is expected to help the Car giant gain "early leadership of the FCEV market." But yet the production of this new car hasn't been confirmed.

Blue2 is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW(1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/ℓ that's 82.1 miles per gallon when converted to the U.S. cycle. the design of Blue2 is called as 'Intersected Flow,' by company, incorporating both innovative and dynamic design elements. The car concept really looks hot, there is the glossy black strip that runs from the bottom of the C-pillar all the way back to the bottom of the front wheel.  wraparound-style greenhouse combined with a flat, slightly slanted roof.

Blue2 is coming with a low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which is claimed to have a improved  aerodynamic performance. The vehicle's condition is visible via unique and futuristic images on the exterior of the car through outside LED screen panels, that are placed both front and rear of the Car. Conventional door mirrors have been replaced with cameras, and the car even features a welcome system that recognizes the driver and automatically opens the door.

"Hyundai's goal is not to be the biggest car company, but the most loved. We want to be a reliable partner to our customers, supporting their happiness, rather than a company that pursues its own interests," said Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor. "We will ceaselessly introduce world-class products of the best quality to overcome the difficult market environment and turn it into an opportunity, while modestly listening to the voice of the customer." In particular, Hyundai will focus on "improving quality, creating new values through new thinking, and developing advanced eco-friendly technologies to contribute to a greener society," Yang said.

The Blue2 uses a combined center cluster and fascia, using an organic LED monitor and ultra-light tempered glass to display vital information. There are even seat-mounted entertainment holders that house things like Apple iPad tablets and other tablet devises, as well.

 

Read More

Fisker Hybrid Karma to release Next Month

Fisker Autotive has finally started the production work on its new $88,000 Karma plug-in hybrid car, The car is expected to be released by next month in US and Europe. way back in 2008 the electrified Karma was first presented.

The car will be capable of travelling about 50 miles solely on electric before a gasoline engine engages, began Tuesday at Valmet Automotive's plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland, said Roger Ormisher, a spokesman for Fisker.We're going to be ramping up very slowly, very carefully to ensure quality," Ormisher added. "This year we want to get over 7,000 deliveries."

The Karma is coming to a field where all the electric models are going to compete each other, some of them are Tesla Motors Inc.'s $109,000 Roadster and Nissan Motor Co.'s battery-powered Leaf hatchback and General Motors Co.'s Volt plug-in.

Anyway it's nice to see more car makers are coming forward to build electric vehicles with powerful engine and great design that reduces pollution linked to climate change.

 

Read More

2012Mecedes AMG C63 Coupe Price & Release date revealed

Mercedes-Benz has announced on Sunday that its New 2012 C63 AMG coupe would be released in September in US and in July in Europe. Ahead of New York Auto Show, Mercedes has also unveiled the official details on the new C63 AMG Coupe.

The First edition will be sold as “Edition 1” and will be offered with exclusive equipments, New C63 will come with the same 6.2 liter V8 engine with a total output of 457 HP, consumers are offered choice that will let you chose performance package increasing the total output to 487 HP.  C63 AMG Coupe can dash 0 to 6 mph in 4.5 seconds and in 4.4 second with the AMG performance package. The engine will be mated to AMG’s new SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission that offers three different modes: "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort), and "M" (Manual).

For exterior like with all the other AMG model, the C63 AMG Coupe is designed with sporty look, The sports coupe will get an AMG front bumper, AMG radiator grille with a chrome inserts, a specific AMG bonnet, AMG-specific LED daytime running lights, side skirts, and a rear bumper with diffuser insert.  There will also be a ride lowered by around 40 millimeters, a sports suspension, and speed-sensitive AMG sports steering. The wide front wing will get the "6.3 AMG" legend, while the car will sit on new 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish.

For Interior AMG has AMG door sills, AMG sports seats AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather on top and bottom flattened with aluminum gearshift paddles and AMG instruments, including an AMG race timer and start screen.

The competitor to C63 AMG Coupe will be BMW M3 Coupe. The Bavarian model develops a total of 414 HP and is priced at $58,400. The New C63 AMG Coup will set you back €72,590 at a starting price when it arrives in Europe ($102,500 at the current exchange rates) or €77,231 ($109,100) for the "Edition 1".

Source  Tech Prezz

Read More

New McLaren S-Works Venge Bicycle released

McLaren one of the esteemed super car maker launched its new sports bicycle S-Works Venge. There will be two model of McLaren Bicycles those are McLaren and S-Works Venge.

Bicycles are built in collaboration with American manufacturer Specialized and designed by Chris D’Aluisio, the head of research and development for Specialized, the S-Works Venge is a high-end performance bicycle that has an aerodynamic frame built completely from carbon fiber and weighs at a ridiculously light weight of less than 1 kg, which is about two pounds if you’re keeping score. Add in all the necessary parts and elements of the bike, including the fork, the seat, the crankset, and the electronic gearshift, and you have the whole thing weighing in at just 2.07 kg, or about 4.5 lbs.

Specialized has conducted track testing with the Venge against their current top-line race bike, the Tarmac SL3. Claimed watts saved by the Venge range from 3W at 20km/h to a whopping 23W at 45km/h, and presumably a lot more than this at Mark Cavendish's sprint speed of around 70km/h. Giving a professional rider that sort of advantage is incredible and should be apparent from very early on in the season.

The McLaren Venge is expected to hit the Market in September meanwhile S-Works Venge will be available by the end of April this year. Price of the bike is yet to be detailed later but in the UK the McLaren Venge will cost £5,000 for the frame module. US prices for the S-Works Venge are $3800 for the frame module, $8800 for a SRAM Red build and $9200 for a Shimano Dura-Ace build. US prices for the McLaren Venge are yet to be confirmed.

Source Tech Prezz

Read More

Alfa Romeo 4C to be released in 2012; unveiled at Geneva Auto Show

One of the Most anticipated and long awaited Alfa Romeo 4C Concept car, a compact sportscar from the Italian car maker has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The 4C concept is a classic two-seat, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive compact sports car with a length measuring just four metres and a wheelbase of under 2.4-metres.

According to the latest reports, the new car will be inspired by the legendary 33 Stradale, a car built back in 1967 which became a collector’s item due to its performance characteristics and due to the fact that only 18 units were ever produced. Moreover, the car will also be inspired by the 8C Competizione, a limited edition supercar released by Alfa Romeo which was too expensive for the market.


It is powered by a 1.7-litre turbocharged petrol engine, as used in the Guilietta, and features a twin dry-clutch transmission. The automotive manufacturer is not revealing a precise horsepower figure for the motor at present but it uses 232bhp in others.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout (high quadrilateral at the front, MacPherson at the rear) to ensure maximum agility and road handling. This solution, along with the rear-wheel drive and the extraordinary weight/power ratio, ensures Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, enhanced even further by the weight distribution (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). The Concept takes up the Brand’s sporting tradition, taking us back to its origins, when agility and the weight/power ratio were the keys to a successful racing vehicle, and combining these aspects with the Alfa Romeos which take to the road every day.

The Alfa Romeo 4C, shown at the Geneva Motor Show, will be on sale in Europe in 2012. While the 4C might make it to our shores, the sale date is not known as of yet. One just needs to keep their fingers crossed and pray to whatever deity it is one believes in, that the Alfa Romeo 4C comes to America.

Read More

Ferrari FF 2012 to be shown up at Geneva Auto Show; Details revealed

Ferrari has finally revealed the official details of their new successor for the 612 Scaglietti. named the FF. FF is an acronym for Ferrari Four. The car seats four and has four-wheel drive and, Ferrari says, “ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept.” the new model is the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

It is made up of ultra-light components which, Ferrari says, are 50 percent lighter than a conventional 4WD system. The press release claims that, with assistance from the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, it “delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels.”

The new Ferrari FF GT sports car concept is expected to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and a production version will follow by 2012. The first FF photos were released in late January, along with a video that shows a lineup of the new cars and then settles on one of them — blood-red

Designed by Pininfarina, the new Ferrari FF features a shooting brake-like body style, with a front design clearly inspired by the 458 Italia and a large rear hatch. According to Ferrari the new model can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 liters, but up to 800 when rear seats are down).

The FF’s V12 engine, a whopping 6.3 liters, is the biggest one ever for Ferrari and cranks out 651 horsepower and 504 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a seven-speed manual with semi-automatic paddle shift. The FF will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3,7 seconds and will hit a top speed of 208 mph.

Combined with a transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, the engine has a fuel economy of 15,4 l/100 km, the equivalent of a CO2 emission of 360 g/km. The weight-to-power ratio is impressive for this section of market: 2.7 kg/CV.

After the concept makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari will start preparing the production version. However, The car is expected to go on sale by 2013 not before the end of 2012. Rumors say the price will be in the $700k area. check out the Video below before you skip.

Read More

Jaguar's Growler E 2011 reminds "E-Type"

Jaguar is celebrating 50th anniversary of its iconic car "E-Type", do you expect only a party for that?no, Jaguar has definitely designed a perfect car to honor its 50th anniversary of their iconic car “E-Type”. It’s called the Growler E 2011 and while there’s plenty of room for improvement with the name, overall, the Growler E looks like it can stand out from the rest of the four-wheeled lemmings out there.

The car will be based on the Jaguar XKR and powered by a supercharged 5.0 liter V8. While this engine delivers 510hp, the designers imagine that this will be tuned up to produce 600hp thanks to engine remapping. Vizualtech did a splendid job designing the Growler E 2011. It was able to retain much of the old E-Type’s shapes and curves while also adding a modern touch to it. It’s just too bad that we won’t be seeing this car other than in these pages.

The composite body is glued on a chassis made of a central carbon fibre core, on which two tubular frames are bolted at the front and rear, supporting engine, steering, transmission and suspensions. This car will weigh 200kg less than the XKR, so the Growlers weight is only 1550kg. Because of this, the Growler E should outperform the Jaguar XKR. The acceleration from 0-100km/h is projected to stay under four seconds.

Vizualtech says that if there is some demand, it may commission construction of a small series which should be hand-built. The price for this great retro design is unknown.  Vizualtech is a Swedish design studio, founded by Bo Zolland in 1999.

Read More

Volt Order can be placed nationwide in the beginning of Q2- GM

According to GM's designer Ed Welburn the automaker will speed up delivery of the Chevrolet Volt electric car so it will be available in every U.S state by the end of this year. It is major acceleration in the rollout of the plug-in hybrid.

Read More

TOYOTA Vehicle Recall; 1.7 Million Globally and 245,000 in U.S

Motor giant TOYOTA a leading Vehicle manufacturer has decided to recall vehicles around the world, when they recall vehicles from market it is really shame but what to do when there is problem with vehicles released around the world, better thing is to recall the vehicles to save the face and replace it with another cars or repair with good performance.

Read More