2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE: HERE ARE MORE DETAILS THAT HAS EMERGED

There are many fans who have been waiting for quite sometime now for the grand launch of the Corvette C7. It has nothing to do with being hardcore Corvette fans, nor will the next Corvette be drastically enhanced in terms of technology or aesthetics. But the key thing is that with our growing awareness about our environment and its effects on our financial condition – all that we are curious to know is whether Chevrolet will get the hint and stop using the trade mark V8 engine. Tadge Juechter, the chief engineer at Chevrolet had revealed in a video a few months back of the Corvette being the company’s most favored product. This had led many to speculate that the next generation Chevrolet will continue its reliance on the V8 engine that made them famous, albeit with some modification that is necessary to keep pace with the times.
The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette – and not the 2011 edition as was earlier planned will have a 5.5 liter small block V8 engine under its hood in its front engine, rear wheel drive setup. The engine though will be more powerful in spite of its smaller volume, capable of churning out 440 hp. This is about 5 hp more than the 6.2 liter and 7.0 liter engines that the previous Corvettes dished out. The Corvette will now also have a better economy in terms of fuel performance while the engine will also feature a revised combustion system and aluminum block and heads.
We can say for certain that the engine will not be the only change about the new Corvette. For there are also rumors that the Chevrolet will at last raise the quality of the materials that is used in the sports car, which means an end to the almost incessant complains about poor quality of materials used for generations might finally comes to an end. The new Chevrolet sports car will see higher end seats that resemble bucket seats. If Chevrolet wishes to keep up with the times then they should definitely consider putting in high-tech features in the new Chevrolet. After all, if the Ford Focus is able to get technologically updated then we may expect better things from the Corvette as well.
Latest details about the new edition Corvette suggests that the car will have a European styled, small block, turbocharged V8 engine. The new engine will be a little bigger than the 3 liter displacement and will be of an overhead-cam design instead of the conventional overhead-valve design. A dry sump oil system that is friendly to the high performance road courses and not straight line acceleration capabilities will be used. We can expect to see an output of 125 Hp per liter and an overall of 400 HP. Seems like the Porsche 911 and the Lamborghini Gallardo have got a competitor.

Source : http://www.speedlux.com/

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First Test: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec

Twenty Benjamins. Two large. Two thousand dollars. Any way you put it, throwing that much cash on top of the Genesis 4.6's $44,500 base price gets you a Hyundai sedan unlike any other. The new 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec touts more power, promises stickier grip, and has the most inappropriate name in Hyundai's modern-day lineup.

Despite what its label may conjure in enthusiasts' minds, the R-Spec isn't a sedan designed to embarrass the curvy-road combatants from Mercedes AMG, Cadillac V, and BMW M. No, the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is more a sport model than 'Ring racer. That's that.

But the R-Spec is a step in the right direction. It gives the standard Genesis much-needed injections of athleticism and emotion. Hyundai engineers provided an all-new direct-injected 5.0-liter Tau V-8 GDI based on the current sedan's 4.6-liter. Bore grows from 92 mm to 96 mm and compression bumps from 10.4:1 to 11.5:1, resulting in a healthy dose of 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque (as opposed to 385 hp and 333 lb-ft from the 4.6).

A new bed plate, camshaft carriers, and roller timing chain reduce mechanical chatter and ensure the eight-cylinder is as fuel-efficient as possible (it's rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway). An eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode directs power to the optional Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position rubber ($1400). When needed, four-piston front and rear calipers bite hard on 13.6-inch rotors rather than the usual 13.0-inch variety.

While the powertrain adds much to the Genesis' repertoire, the suspension had staffers talking. Each corner perches on 25- to 30-percent-stiffer Sachs Amplitude Selective Damping shock absorbers. The rear end's multilink setup is tuned to tauter R-Spec requirements. One-millimeter-thicker anti-roll bars -- 26 mm front, 19 mm rear -- fight lateral loads under hard cornering.

The finished product surprised us on the real-world blacktop. The R-Spec was composed in and out of corners and wore its 4199 pounds well. Compared to the 4.6, excessive body lean is nearly cured in the 5.0, which pushes when spurred aggressively (thank its burliness and 54/46 front/rear weight distribution). Although weighty and more communicative, the steering still lacks the directness of some of its German rivals.

Its stiffer ride will have you thinking "sports car," not "luxury sedan." Off smooth paths, the suspension is confused and bouncy at times, yet capable of absorbing mountainous acne. A week's worth of passengers complained not once -- just don't expect the Genesis' usual Lay-Z-Boy ride anymore.

Like the transmission it's bolted to, the V-8 heart is as smooth and as quiet as they come. While welcome for those who appreciate the subdued nature of a Lexus LS V-8, the R-Spec's quiet demeanor is a quality that ultimately disappoints -- an "R" on the tail necessitates a voice that should be more enticing than a muffled burble.

Even so, here is a Korean sedan as quick to 60 mph as a BMW 550i (4.8 seconds) and faster over a quarter-mile than a Ford Mustang V-6 (13.3 seconds at 107.1 mph vs. 13.7 sec @ 102.0 mph). It demolishes the 4.6's figure-eight time by nearly 1 second (26.3 seconds at 0.68 g) and consistently stops three feet shorter from 60 mph (109 feet). It also pulls an average 0.87 g on the skidpad (up from 0.86 g).

Sure, the weakly bolstered front thrones are wide enough to seat a beluga, and are no different from those in lesser models. And the blacked-out headlamps, 19-inch wheels, and R-Spec-branded carpets do little to truly distinguish the R-Spec. But in terms of performance, the improvements are undoubtedly impressive.

One thing that MT testing director Kim Reynolds noted during his figure-eight runs: "Though a fun ride overall, turn-in is a very tricky and touchy thing to master, requiring a hefty dosage of quick on-off throttle inputs to induce smooth rotation." His final assessment? "In the figure-eight the car was fun to drive, but doesn't live up to its bold R-Spec naming."

If we were Hyundai, we would have called the R-Spec the Genesis Sport, SE, or something similiarly civilized, saving the R-Spec nomenclature for a sedan with bigger wheels, a lower stance, bespoke styling -- and at a minimum -- a meaner exhaust note.

Still, that doesn't mean the extra $2000 isn't money well spent...

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
BASE PRICE	$47,350
PRICE AS TESTED	$48,785
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	5.0L/429-hp/376-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8
TRANSMISSION	8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4199 lb (54/46%)
WHEELBASE	115.6 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	196.3 x 74.4 x 58.3 in
0-60 MPH	4.8 sec
QUARTER MILE	13.3 sec @ 107.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	109 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.87 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.3 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	16/25 mpg
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY	211/135 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	1.02 lb/mile

Source: http://motortrend.automotive.com

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EV Innovations Wave and Inizio Electric Cars

EV Innovations has revealed two new electric vehicles at the New York Auto Show.

The first EV is the Inizio EVS. The Inizio is looking to contend with the massively hyped Tesla Roadster – the high performance all-electric sports car. Innovations claims that the Inizio has a top speed of 170mph and a solid range of 200 miles. Acceleration claims are even more impressive for the Inizio as it can go from 0-60 mph in a four seconds.

Expect to pay a little more than the Tesla Roadster (set at $109,000) as the Inizio’s base price starts at $139,000.

EV Innovations other electric vehicle introduction is a much more affordable plug in EV called the Wave. The Wave has a very respectable expected range of 170 miles and will a starting price of $34,000.

While orders for the Wave are already being accepted, both electric vehicles are only prototypes.

Sources: http://www.ecoautoninja.com

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New York Auto Show: 2012 VW Beetle

New York • Volkswagen’s third-generation Beetle, which made its world debut on Monday simultaneously in New York, Shanghai and Berlin, can once again be called the people’s car as the new bug is likely to appeal to everyone, not just young women.

“They de-womanized it,” quipped a colleague from Quebec, as the wraps were taken off the new Beetle. I would say it’s less girly, as the third-generation version does away with the dome roof and flower in a vase, which were the distinguishing features of the New Beetle unveiled in 1998. While the second-generation bug was cute as a button, I don’t know any women over the age of 20 who actually bought it, never mind any manly men. Now, I might consider it. With its less cartoonish features, the longer-roofed bug is still cute but more grown-up.

Volkswagen Group Design chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand Design chief Klaus Bischoff say they were aiming to create a “new original” — developing the car around the earliest Beetle profile, rather than the New Beetle, which came out more than 60 years after the first Beetle. Confused? Think of it this way: The new Beetle (lower-case n) is more like the old Beetle than the New Beetle. Call it the 21st Century Beetle, as Volkswagen has dubbed it.

The 21st Century Beetle is wider and has a lower profile, a longer hood and a larger wheelbase, making it look more powerful than ever. The new Beetle is also sportier, with both a turbocharged TDI Clean Diesel and a turbocharged gasoline engine available along with dual exhaust and performance-handling packages, 19-inch wheels and sport seats. There is also a panoramic roof, a range of audio options — including the Fender Premium Audio System — and a customization program, including a wide variety of colours and wraps along with an annual theme model.

Inside, the attractive cabin has a traditional look to it, more reminiscent of the original Beetle than the New Beetle, with colours that hearken back to an earlier time. The steering wheel is available with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. The 2012 Beetle has an extra glove box integrated into the dash, similar to the original. The lid folds upward, while the standard glove box opens downward. The optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system — oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge — are also classic features.

Despite the sleeker, less dome-like roof, the new Beetle has plenty of front and rear passenger headroom — at least I didn’t have any trouble fitting in the back. Six-footers might disagree, although the longer roof means more space for longer legs. The trunk is much larger, featuring 10.9 cubic feet of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide-opening trunk lid make for easier loading and unloading.

Three engines will be available in the new Beetle: the 2.5-litre gasoline five-cylinder, the 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel and the 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline engine. A five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission will be available on 2.5L models, while Volkswagen’s DSG six-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered on the TDI Clean Diesel and 2.0L TSI models; a six-speed manual will come standard.

Volkswagen says the 2012 Beetle 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever. The four-cylinder engine, which produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, meets all U.S. emission limits and offers manufacturer estimates of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres highway, 8.1 city and 7.1 L/100 km combined.

The Beetle 2.0L TSI is the sportiest model available, with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder turbo engine is estimated to provide 7.8 L/100 km highway fuel economy.

The new Beetle features a long list of safety items such as Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front-passenger air bags and Side Curtain Protection air bags in front and rear.

Volkswagen Canada says the 2012 Beetle will be available in October. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Source : National Post

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NEW 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS

Stuttgart, Germany • Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 125th birthday this year. And as with any person or company that reaches an advanced age, the question that is always asked is what is the secret to such a long life? Centurions often answer that it’s about eating right and exercising, or even taking a drink now and then. But in the case of a car company, there can be only one answer: Build products people want.
These were my thoughts as I sat through the technical presentations for the 2012 M-Class (also called the ML). This SUV is now going into its third generation, having entered the market in 1997 and to date selling more than one million models. Obviously, it’s a vehicle people want.As I listened to engineers describe its newest features and innovations, often in techy engineer-speak, I noted that they always referred back to the customers’ needs/wants. And that got me thinking how important it is for a company to have a rock solid agreement on what a new vehicle is meant to be. In fact, before a new vehicle design even makes it on to paper, there has to be a meeting between the engineers, executives, marketing people and, of course, the designers. The subject? Intent. What does this vehicle intend to be? Who are we building it for? And how do we reach that goal? Total consensus among all the players on these points is crucial. Fail and ghastly automotive mistakes can occur —history is full of them.

So, it’s heartening to see that, 14 years later, the M-Class intent has remained the same. It’s a practical vehicle with a luxury side. And, if anything, the luxury side is getting a boost in this newest M-Class with several all-new interiors and increased ride comfort. It also has improved off-road ability and power and fuel economy improvements in the double digits.Thomas Merker, chief engineer for the M-Class, put it this way: “We want nothing less than the best SUV in the market”. And that is the clear Mercedes intent for this truck.
The target competition is more than plain: Land Rover, Porsche and Audi are being challenged. For buyers, it’s better to focus more closely on the sub-categories that make up Merker’s overall goal. There are four:
1. Safety This time around, the M-Class has increased its focus on what Mercedes calls the “pre-crash phase” of an accident. Its sensors detect an impending crash and do things such as cinch seat belts tight, activate side or window air bags first (as in a rollover), close windows and adjust front-seat travel.
2. Fuel economy It has been improved, with a claim of the best-in-class fuel economy with the new ML250 BlueTEC 4Matic. This diesel-powered truck is said to get an average of six litres per 100 kilometres. Even the gas engines (V6 and V8) will be much improved. How? The M-Class now comes with an auto start/stop function, electric power steering, 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission, reduced A/C and alternator belt drag, lightweight aluminum and magnesium components and low-rolling resistance tires. These items, plus engine improvements, can net as much as a 36% improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing models.
3. Off-road performance Even with this frugal nature, the M-Class was always intended to handle off-roading and the new model does that and more with the addition of some new features. First, there’s a full air suspension system that can change vehicle height and adapt to changing terrain. Parts of this system react automatically, while a selection dial in the cabin also allows manual selection. Downhill speed regulation increases rough terrain control and onboard sensors display a wealth of off-roading data on the console-located navigation screen. This includes angles, ride height, speed, lean and yaw. Real-world testing took place in South Africa, Norway and the deserts of Namibia.
4. Luxury This element has been there from the beginning. However, this will be the most stylish, upscale truck yet.
An all-new dash and instrument cluster incorporate materials such as leather and wood (unvarnished) to create a sweeping, powerful, wide cockpit, and seating (four choices) have innovative styles, including a sports seat that looks like a muscle-bound six-pack. High-gloss silver switches are large and precise as is the refined yet rugged feel of every material inside. The latest in navigation, infotainment and command controls simply add to the feeling of confident elegance for which the M-Class strives. Four separate interior design schemes will be offered.
Production of this new M-Class is gearing up for a world launch. While it’s distinctly European in thinking and design, it’s being built only in Alabama. This one plant will supply the world.
An interesting side note is that, in Germany (and much of Europe and Asia), the size of the SUV market has doubled in just the past 10 years.
We’ll have a chance to drive this new Mercedes M-Class come summer, and trucks should start to arrive in the fall.

Source : http://www.nationalpost.com

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Yaris Third-generation Shown in Europe

Toyota Motor Corp. will complement the leading entertainment system, owned by Touch& Go for the Yaris products sold in Europe. This is the third-generation Yaris that will be launched next September.

Touch & Go system would eventually become standard equipment for the products ofToyota's output. This system has a 6.1 inch screen with touch screen technology andoffers a variety of navigation, including connecting services and mobile applications.

Yaris will be built at Toyota's Valenciennes plant in France, the factory has beenproducing cars for Toyota Europe. Yaris will be available in two engine options, 1.0-liter-powered 68 HP and 93 HP 1.3 liter.

From the side view, the Yaris this time completely changed compared to its predecessor. Starting from the front bumper, grille, hood, body side, to the rear bumperand rear lamp. Everything is re-designed.

Yaris contributed at least 55,030 units from 219,789 units of Toyota sales in Europe inthe first four months of this. While in the U.S., this car is not so sold. Yaris is only sold10,287 vehicles through May, down 50 percent from the same five months of 2010.

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