Latest New Car Information and Car Exporting News

01/28/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Jaguar XFR-S

A new Jaguar XFR-S goes on sale this summer. The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S sedan is a serious piece of machinery aimed squarely at BMW's M5, Mercedes's E63 AMG, Cadillac's CTS-V and Audi's S6. Only 99 of them are headed to the U.S.

The mid-size, rear-drive sports sedan gets a performance makeover in the vein of the XKR-S sports car and the same engine. The 5-liter supercharged V8 is tuned up to 550 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 502 lb-ft of torque from 2500 rpm, enough to reach 60 from rest in 4.4 seconds (typically a traction issue in this class) and on to an electronically-limited 186 mph.

Revealed at the November 2012 LA Auto Show, the 2014 XFR-S will be equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It will come equipped with an automatic engine Start/Stop feature and it avoids the federal Gas Guzzler tax with EPA ratings of 15/23 City/Highway mpg. However, we the crackling, rumbling exhaust will encourage behavior resulting in somewhat lower mileage. If fuel economy is what you're after, the XF is also available with a turbocharged four-cylinder and a supercharged V6.

Suspension rates and roll stiffness of the XFR-S both increase by 30 percent over the standard XF, while adjustable dampers keep the high-performance model civilized when comfort and quiet are more important than outright cornering and transition speeds. Forged 20-inch alloy wheels hold grippy 265/35 and 295/30 Pirellis, better able to cope with the power through an electronically controlled differential and braking forces summoned by 15-inch discs.

XFR-S will be easily distinguished from garden XFs, especially with the higher-profile rear wing with carbon-fiber center section. Other aerodynamic changes aimed at high-speed stability and cooling the running gear include a deep front spoiler with bigger intakes, carbon fiber splitter and gloss-black mesh grille, wider side sills and aero blades behind the front wheels, and a deep diffuser under the back. Of the five colors offered two have Racing in the name and only one, Stratus Grey, is remotely close to subtle.

Inside the charcoal leather seat bolsters are woven to mimic carbon fiber, and piped and stitched in contrasting red, white or blue. Trim is aluminum and piano black, with the occasional R logo added, and an 825-watt, 18-speaker Meridian sound system is among the standard amenities. Options are limited to the carbon-fiber rear wing, carbon fiber engine cover, electrically heated windshield and carbon fiber cabin trim to replace the piano black.

01/19/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

A new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class compact luxury four-door sedan goes on sale in the U.S. this fall. Based on the A-class found in Europe, the 2014 CLA-Class is poised to take on the BMW 1 Series, Cadillac ATS, Audi A3 and other small luxury cars.

Though scheduled to make its official appearance in Geneva later this year, we got a sneak peek at this baby Benz preceding the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

One trim level will debut first: the 206-horsepower CLA250, powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, also found on its European sibling. It will ride on a sport-tuned suspension and all-season run-flat tires, wrapped around 17-inch two-tone wheels. A diesel version is available in Europe, but we won't see one here; at least for now. The high-performance AMG version is also rumored to be coming to U.S. soil, but Mercedes-Benz is keeping mum for now.

Standard equipment on the 2014 CLA250 will include MB-Tex faux leather upholstery, air conditioning, power driver seat with memory, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, cruise control, hill start assist, and Bluetooth connectivity. It will use MB's Mbrace2 interface via a 5.8-inch display screen.

Options will include a Premium Package with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors, integrated garage door opener and a premium Harman/Kardon surround sound system with satellite radio capability and iPod/USB interface. A Sport Package will add AMG-style bodywork and 18-inch AMG wheels. The Multimedia Package adds COMAND interface with a 7-inch touch screen, hard-drive-based navigation, SD card slot, Sirius traffic and weather capability, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer and a rearview camera. A Driver Assistance package adds many of Mercedes-Benz's electronic driver aids, including blind spot assist, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Fuel economy estimates are not yet available, but fuel-saving technologies like auto stop/start and direct injection should help offset the CLA250's nearly 3,300-pound curb weight. Hybrid and electric versions of the CLA-Class, according to Mercedes execs, are not planned.

Look for the CLA-Class in dealerships in the fall of 2013. Pricing, according to Mercedes-Benz, will start just over $30,000.

01/11/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Honda Accord PHEV

One of the world's most mainstream cars gets a decidedly non-mainstream powertrain in the form of the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid. In the works for years but finally confirmed earlier this year, the PHEV version of Honda's top-selling midsize sedan uses the same ninth-generation body as the gasoline-powered car, with some extra touches added especially for the electrified four-door.

Features and styling cues specific to the Accord PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) include a unique front grille, LED headlights with blue accents, a lighter, aluminum hood and standard 17-inch alloy wheels. Underneath, there are additional aerodynamic treatments, as well as a different rear bumper cover that decreases drag and aids fuel economy.

Unlike the single-motor design used in the Honda Civic, CR-Z and Insight hybrids, the Accord PHEV plug-in uses a two-motor system: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gas engine paired with a 124-kW electric motor.

The 2014 Accord PHEV is EPA-rated at an impressive 115 mpg equivalent (MPGe), higher than the Chevrolet Volt, Prius plug-in or Ford C-MAX plug-in. Honda says the Accord PHEV is expected to have a range of 10-15 miles in pure EV mode, with a total driving range of more than 500 miles, depending on driving style.

Honda also says the Accord PHEV will fully charge in less than one hour with a 240-volt fast charger, or only three hours with a standard 120-volt household. Those are bold claims, considering other plug-in hybrids can take more than twice that long to charge.

In the cabin, the Accord PHEV has cloth bio-fabric seating surfaces and a special instrument cluster that displays the hybrid functions. It also includes Honda's new LaneWatch system, which shows the driver a video view of the blind spot on the center monitor, courtesy of a tiny camera housed in the passenger's sideview mirror. It's replete with other electronic babysitters, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

California and New York will get the Honda Accord PHEV in January 2013. Only one trim level will be offered, and it will be available in just three colors: black, white, or silver. Prices start at $39,780, about on par with the Ford Fusion Energy plug-in.

01/08/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG

Finding an empty niche in the car business is rare, but Mercedes-Benz has identified one in the super-ute category and fills it with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG, the biggest, baddest box from the Black Forest. What makes the 2013 GL63 AMG unique, relative the BMW X5M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and ML63 AMG, is the three-row, seven-seat arrangement no other uber-ute has. Hold on to your sippy cups.

AMG products begin their transformation beneath the hood, where the 2013 GL63's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 dishes up 550 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque, the same as an ML63 with Performance Pack and 121 hp more than the GL550. The GL63 accelerates very well for a 5600-pound box, is electronically limited to 174 mph, gets 13 mpg and has an Eco button and Start/Stop to save gas (or earn points with the government). It's connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive to ensure you win the crosswalk Grand Prix getting the kids to school, even in the rain.

Full air suspension offers automatic leveling for varying loads or trailers, adaptive damping to suit your mood and road, and active antiroll bars that limit body lean like a big invisible hand holding you upright. Massive brakes, new electric-assist steering and fat 21-inch wheels hiding under subtly flared bodywork ensure it will not be embarrassed by those aforementioned five-seat hot rods.

Beyond the fenders, the GL63 gets a different grille to feed air and cool each of those 550 ponies, matte silver and gloss-black trim, different rear bumper and enough AMG badges you could adorn every backpack in it twice over. The sounds emanating from the quad exhaust outlets will thrill or frighten every kid within earshot.

Most GL-Class features are standard, including but not limited to Designo cabin trim and fine leathers, automatic curve-following bi-xenon headlamps, 360-degree camera system, nine airbags, soft-close doors, crosswind stabilization, panoramic moonroof, power easy-entry rear and folding third-row seats, Keyless-Go, parking assistant, attention assist, blind-spot assist, and lane keeping assist.

Apart from venturing off the highway and thirst, the GL63 AMG maintains GL-Class utility. Each of its three rows has room for adults. Access from the seats to the doors can be accomplished maturely if not gracefully. The rear seats fold in multiple configurations, yielding 94 cubic feet of cargo space or seats for five with boards and skis inside. Specifics aren't yet published but we anticipate a trailer tow rating of more than 7,000 pounds.

01/03/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

Next-Gen Nissan GT-R May Go Hybrid
The 2014 Nissan GT-R represents the fifth revision of the R35 series GT-R since its launch. We hear that at least two more updates to the present Godzilla are in the works and that the R35 will live on until at least 2015, though our source says it could be around until as late as 2017. The extended timeframe could be good news, as we've heard that Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn only recently lit the green light to begin development of a new GT-R. So what's next? Let the speculation begin! The most significant changes to the new GT-R will most likely be to its exterior design and engine. As you can see from this artist's impression the next GT-R, the basic proportions should remain the same, while the headlights and aerodynamic package are likely to receive a big makeover in an effort to further maximize downforce and high-speed stability. 2013 Nissan GT R Black Edition Front Three Quarter In Motion Like all automakers, Nissan is staring down the barrel of ever more stringent U.S. and European emissions regulations that will force it to continue to reduce CO2 output and improve fuel economy. According to our source, that means the next GT-R may have to employ "some electronic device" to help boost Godzilla's mpg numbers. Nissan reportedly is looking at two potential options. The first is some kind of hybrid system. One possible future hint was the hybridized (and downsized to 3.7 liters) VR38DETT fitted to the Infiniti Essence concept car first seen at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show that produced an estimated 600 combined horsepower, though our source stresses that the Essence is not the next GT-R. Engineers are also evaluating a hybrid system similar to that of the Infiniti M35h. However, adding a hybrid system means bulking up the GT-R's already substantial weight with motors and batteries, so unless designers can shave some 400 pounds off of the current car, a hybrid GT-R is likely to be problematic.
The second option is a "turbo compressor and generator setup" still in the testing stages. Seen as a mere "assist" device for the current powertrain, a newly fitted drive motor could be designed to slot right inside the car's rear transaxle. "The GT-R would also have to employ a start-stop device as well as cylinder deactivation technology to get CO2 down," says our insider. 2013 Nissan GT R Black Edition Front End Chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno hinted at a possible date for the next generation's debut when he said his team's entry in this year's Nurburgring 24-hour race was to ensure the car had the performance, reliability, and endurance capabilities to "take the car up to 2017, when you can expect significant revisions." As we left the circuit, Mizuno hinted that he and his team were already working on the next generation GT-R. But it was one of his talented younger cohorts who nodded a silent "yeah" when we suggested the next-generation coupe would be a hybrid. So, if nods are to be believed, then the all-important weight issue seems to have been solved. Now that's good news.

01/03/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Refreshed versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans and wagons go on sale in spring 2013 as 2014 models. The new models were revealed to the press in December.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get redesigned headlamps and hood, new front and rear bumpers, and a redone interior. They will be packed to the gills with electronic driver's aids and other safety features. A new four-cylinder diesel finds its way into the lineup, and all-wheel drive will now be available on all trims.

As it has done with the C-Class, Mercedes will offer the new E-Class with a choice of two different front ends. The Luxury models get a classic sedan grille and traditional upright hood ornament. The Sport models integrate the Mercedes-Benz star into the front grille. E-Class Sport models have larger air intakes and an aluminum trim line along the lower rim of the front bumper.

In the rear, the E-Class gets wide new LED tail and a revised bumper. Dual exhaust pipes come on Sport models.

The 2014 E-Class cabin features a refreshed interior, with a new instrument cluster, head unit and air vent design. A bevy of electronic safety features come standard, including lane departure assist, a radar-based collision warning system and adaptive brake assist. A stereo camera gives a 3-D view of the vehicle and can detect oncoming and crossing traffic, as well as pedestrians.

A new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 model replaces the V6-powered E350 BlueTEC diesel with a smaller, more efficient four-cylinder diesel engine that makes 190 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

The 2014 E350 sedan and wagon will continue to use the current 302-hp V6, while the turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 will come in the 2014 E550, good for a mighty 402 hp.

The E400 Hybrid model puts out the same amount of horsepower as the E350, with an expected fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway.

All 2014 E-Class will use a new-generation 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and manual shift mode.

Mercedes-Benz also plans a line-topping E63 AMG model.

Gasoline-powered E-Class models will be available in Spring 2013, while the E250 diesel model and E63 AMG are expected to arrive in Fall 2013. Pricing has not been announced, but we expect the 2014 E-Class to come in slightly higher than the outgoing model, starting around $52,000 for the base model and upwards of $95,000 for the AMG.

01/01/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Infiniti LE

Who says battery cars have to be boring? No question that the vast majority of today's hybrids, plug-ins and pure battery-electric vehicles put a premium on fuel economy rather than performance. But an assortment of new models will try to shift the balance more to the muscle side of the equation.

That includes Infiniti, the luxury arm of Nissan Motor Company, which is scheduled to get its first battery-electric vehicle, or BEV, sometime in the 2014 model-year. The maker offered up a first look at what's to come with the introduction of the Infiniti LE Concept at the New York International Auto Show.

Yes, technically, what was on display was a show car. But unlike the concept vehicles of the past, that simply means Infiniti added a little bling and disguised a few final details it hasn't yet worked out. That includes the final grille design which will look a bit more traditional than the cut crystal style nose shown at New York's Jacob Javits Convention Center. But beyond that and a few other subtle sheet metal tweaks, what you see is what you're going to get.

And that's a very, very different vehicle from the Nissan Leaf, despite the fact that the two share the same specially designed platform and basic electric drive component set. The Infiniti LE is designed to stimulate, it seems, rather than simply transport.

The new model is lower to the ground and far more sleek and sexy, with an overall sports car-like design, rather than the ungainly shape of the Leaf, which, like the Toyota Prius, was designed to look different from a traditional car. What's particularly surprising is that Infiniti designers were able to switch shapes so effectively.

When you're designing a car to run on battery power you have to keep one thing in mind above all else: range. The littlest things can shave off miles, so that immediately means low rolling resistance tires that sacrifice grip for improved aerodynamics. The better you cheat the wind the farther you can go on a charge.

The Infiniti LE has a wind-slick drag coefficient of 0.25, significantly better than the Nissan Leaf, we're told, largely because it sits much lower to the ground. Yet the luxury brand didn't have to adopt some of the more awkward details from the Leaf, like the blister-like headlamps. In its current form, the compact sporty design carries many key Infiniti design cues, such as the crescent-shaped rear pillar, as well as Infiniti's LED head and taillights.

Significantly, Infiniti designers were told to stop the project three times, sources reveal, in order to ensure they stayed on the right course to deliver a truly sexy and sporty machine.

There's been plenty of development done under the hood, as well, to maximize the performance of the basic Infiniti battery drivetrain. While the maker isn't revealing specifics, yet, that appears to mean finding ways to improve the performance of everything from batteries to electronic control systems to the motor driving the LE. The goal was to improve acceleration performance over that of the Leaf.

One of the details that has yet to be finalized is the size of the Infiniti LE battery pack. The maker has reserved space for almost 10 percent more batteries than the 24 kilowatt-hours of lithium-ion cells on the Nissan Leaf battery-car. What Infiniti ultimately delivers will be a trade-off between range, performance and price. But the maker asserts a goal of getting at least 100 miles per charge.

And the Infiniti LE should be able to launch from 0 to 60 in 9 seconds or less. While that won't threaten someone in a G37 it's an acceptable number for an electric car and several seconds faster than the Leaf, which does not boast an acceptable number.

Look for the Infiniti LE to charge into showrooms by early 2014 or sooner. Pricing is to be determined but should be several thousand more than the top-end $38,100 Nissan Leaf SL. From there, you may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit and state and local incentives where applicable.

12/29/2012 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Acura RLX

Acura's new flagship sedan seems a promising replacement for the outgoing and underwhelming RL. Unveiled at the 2012 LA Auto Show, the 2014 Acura RLX rides on a wheelbase two inches longer than its predecessor and boasts a flashier design, new engine, a bevy of interior space and the latest in electronic safety systems.

Distinctive Jewel-eye LED headlamps give the RLX a fresh look, while other styling cues, like the angular grille found on other Acura models, give it a strong family resemblance. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloys, engineered to reduce noise for a quieter ride. Upper trim levels roll on 19-inch wheels and tires.

The 2014 RLX uses an all-new direct-injected V6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. It should be good for plenty of low-end thrust, as Acura says 90 percent of its peak torque is available between 2000 and 6600 rpm. The powerplant uses variable cylinder management technology for increased efficiency, which allows the vehicle to operate on three or six cylinders depending on driving demands. The transmission is a retooled 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Official fuel economy ratings aren't yet available, but Acura claims the RLX will achieve 20 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Interior space in the RLX is impressive, with plenty of shoulder room and legroom of 38.8 inches, the most in the midsize luxury segment.

Like all new luxury vehicles, the RLX continues the trend toward everything electronic, with now-expected features such as adaptive cruise control, multi-angle backup camera, forward collision warning and lane departure warning. New technology for the brand includes a low-speed follow feature, which allows the car to autonomously maintain a set following distance or stop completely in low-speed traffic, and Agile Handling Assist, which uses active braking around corners for a smoother ride.

Other features include capless fueling, an electronic parking brake, and automatic brake hold, which keeps the car in place until the driver hits the throttle. The RLX uses the latest version of the AcuraLink connectivity interface, which delivers real-time information such as traffic updates, restaurant reservation availability, and stolen vehicle information. A standard 10-speaker audio system includes HD radio, Bluetooth streaming audio capability, XM Radio, a USB port and auxiliary audio jack.

The RLX is expected to go on sale in Spring 2013 and will be initially available in five trim levels. No word on pricing, but considering the RL's starting price of $48,200, we'd expect the base RLX to come in at around $50,000.

A hybrid version of the RLX is slated to appear later in 2013, which is expected to produce 270 horsepower and achieve 30 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. As with all hybrids, expect a considerable premium over the gas-only model.

12/28/2012 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Porsche Cayman

A new Porsche Cayman goes on sale next spring. The 2014 Porsche Cayman echoes the changes to the 2013 Boxster, a new vehicle that is lower and longer yet lighter and faster than that it replaces. It also gets different air intakes and styling at the ends to help it look less like a Boxster with a hardtop.

As before it is offered in plain Cayman and Cayman S versions. The Cayman uses a smaller but more powerful 2.7-liter flat-six of 275 hp, while the Cayman S uses a 325-hp 3.4-liter flat-six with larger standard wheels and brakes. Both engines rev higher, with peak power at 7400 rpm and an 8000-rpm limit, both use stop/start for improved city mileage and both use dry-sump lubrication that holds twice as much oil as most cars. A 6-speed manual is standard, Porsche's 7-speed automated dual-clutch PDK available. EPA ratings are expected to be around 20-22 mpg city and 28-32 highway.

Suspension has been retuned for the longer wheelbase and larger wheels (18-20 inches) and the steering assist is now electric. Assuming the 2013 Boxster is a good indicator, the Cayman's handling should be superb, and plenty of options in suspension management and torque vectoring are available on those bent more on maximum speed than driving purity. Stout brakes are standard, the S front discs right off the 911, and ceramic-composite optional.

Nearly 45 percent of the new Cayman body is aluminum, including the long rear hatch that helps carry 15 cubic feet of cargo if you stuff it to the roof; your dealer can help with ski and bike racks.

Inside, the Cayman's center consoles rises to the dash creating a sportier environment and lifting the screen closer to sightlines. The traditional key-on-the-left ignition and central tachometer remain, while one nacelle is used for a 4.6-inch display for myriad functions. New two-tone upholstery combinations are offered, including shades like Agate Grey matched with Amber Orange or Lime Gold.

Options new to the Cayman include adaptive cruise control, Porsche entry & drive (pushbutton start) and an 800-watt, 12-speaker Burmeister sound system.

The 2014 Cayman will start at $52,600 MSRP, according to Porsche Cars North America, not including $950 destination charge. Cayman S will retail for $63,800. Don't expect to find those prices given Porsche's extensive and not inexpensive option list, however. A Cayman with Premium package and PDK will run $63,000-plus, while a Cayman S with special paint, Burmeister sound and all the performance bits (wheels, brakes, suspension and differential) will be pushing $100,000.

12/27/2012 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

After bringing this subcompact hatchback to the U.S. earlier this year, Chevrolet unveiled the all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark at the 2012 LA Auto show.

The 2014 Spark EV will be powered by an electric motor and coaxial drive unit designed in-house by GM that generates the equivalent of 130 horsepower and a whopping 400 pound-feet of torque. Torque is that force that propels you from intersections and up hills and 400 pound-feet is a lot of power. Chevrolet claims its 20-kWh lithium ion battery will give the Spark EV one of the best ranges in the segment but hasn't yet said exactly what that range will be.

GM's smallest car, the Spark is about the size of the Mitsubishi i electric car and about the length of a Mini Cooper. The Spark EV uses the same wedge-shaped body as the gasoline-powered version with the same high-strength steel underneath. However, the Spark EV features additional aerodynamics to reduce drag and improve range.

The motorcycle-inspired cockpit of the Spark EV features two reconfigurable, high-resolution, seven-inch color LCD screens that display vehicle information, including a so-called confidence gauge, which shows the expected driving range.

Connectivity comes standard on the Spark EV, including Chevrolet's new MyLink radio interface that allows users to stream content from their smartphones via apps like Pandora and BringGo navigation.

The Spark EV can be charged via three platforms, including an optional SAE Combo DC Fast Charger (a first for an all-electric vehicle in North America). Using this method, the battery can charge to 80 percent of its capacity in about 20 minutes. With a 240-volt outlet, Chevrolet says the Spark EV recharges in less than seven hours. No word on how long it will take on a regular 120-volt household outlet, although we imagine it will be significantly slower.

The sticker price for the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is about $32,500 before incentives, or about $25,000 for taxpayers who qualify for a $7,500 tax credit from the federal government for buying an electric vehicle. At $25,000, the Spark would cost less than the Ford Focus Electric or Nissan Leaf, but more than the Mitsubishi i.

California, which has mandated the sale electric cars, and Oregon will get the Spark EV first, in addition to Canada and South Korea. An official on-sale date has not been released.

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