RPMGO Car Blog |
- 2013 Ford Taurus Revealed
- China-only Hyundai Elantra Yuedong and Azera Unveiled In Shanghai
- 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Goes Official
- 2012 Cadillac CTS Updated
- Chevrolet Sells 1.1 Million Cars in Q1 2011, All-time Record
- Fiat Axes Bravo, Replaces With Small Crossover In 2013
- Rolls Royce Introduces The LWB Version Of The Ghost
- 2011 Chrysler 200 Sedan & Convertible, Get “S” Trim
- Shanghai 2011 – Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron
- China-only Kia K2 Revealed
| Posted: 20 Apr 2011 05:00 AM PDT  2013 Ford Taurus With all those China-only models invading the automotive industry, it's good to talk about an all-American car. This week at the New York Auto Show, Ford will bring the 2013 Taurus model, which will feature a couple of mild exterior upgrades here and there, along with a new look for the dashboard and better materials inside the cabin. In addition, there are going to be some modifications in the engine department, but we'll talk about them a little bit later.  2013 Ford Taurus As you can see, the front of the Taurus has received a new inverted trapezoid grille as well as an updated front bumper and a more muscular bonnet. Out in the back, you'll notice that the quarter panels have been raised and they've added generous LED tail lamps. The top-spec SHO model comes with a black mesh grille and matching mirrors, a decklid-mounted spoiler and sits on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in 255/45 ZR19 tires.  2013 Ford Taurus As far as the cabin is concerned, the 2013MY Taurus features an updated dashboard with a new instrument panel, center console and steering wheel and as we mentioned in the beginning, better materials. In comparison to the outgoing model, the new one doesn't have that many buttons and knobs thanks to the fact that the Blue Oval has updated its MyFord Touch technology and now most of the controls are only a touch of the screen away.  2013 Ford Taurus The most important modification brought to the facelift version is under the hood, where we find a new 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbo power unit to choose from. This 4-cylinder power plant will produce about 237 hp and a peak torque of 250 lb.-ft. Fuel economy will be of at least 31 mpg on the highway.  2013 Ford Taurus The automaker also tweaked the V6 3.5-liter Ecoboost engine which now produces 290 hp (263 hp in the current model) and 255 lb.-ft. In addition, this updated version improves fuel economy by 3%, according to Ford. The 3.5-liter Ecoboost engine available in the SHO version hasn't received any updated, which means that it still outputs 365 hp and a peak torque of 350 lb.-ft.  2013 Ford Taurus All these power units will be linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Source: Ford via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| China-only Hyundai Elantra Yuedong and Azera Unveiled In Shanghai Posted: 20 Apr 2011 03:00 AM PDT  Hyundai Elantra Yuedong Another automaker that will launch models that are going to be exclusive to the Chinese market is Hyundai. They've revealed yesterday at the Shanghai Auto Show, two new models: the Elantra Yuedong and the Azera (aka Grandeur). The first one is a facelift version of the U.S.-spec 4th generation of the Elantra that has been launched last year. Inside, the Korean automaker Hyundai says that they've upgraded the cabin with materials of higher quality, as well as new convenience and safety features, like the smart key / button start, navigation, front side airbag, MDPS – Motor Driven Power Steering, eco-driving guide system and a handy USB port. The car will be powered by either a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter or a more powerful 1.8-liter plant. Being a compact sedan, the Elantra Yuedong will have to compete in the biggest segment in China. In 2008, people bought 2.11 million compacts sedans; one year later, sales went up to 3.24 million, while last year they've reached almost 4 million units. According to industry forecasts, sales figures will reach an incredible 6 million units by 2013.  Hyundai Azera Moving on, the Azera will be marketed there as a cheaper alternative to the more premium models in the mid-size segment. Under the hood, the car will feature either a 4-cylinder 2.4-liter engine that churns out 180 hp, or a more powerful V6 3.0-liter that develops 250 hp. Both models are expected to make an appearance in Hyundai's showrooms within the next couple of months. Source: Hyundai via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Goes Official Posted: 20 Apr 2011 01:19 AM PDT  2013 Chevrolet Malibu After a couple of teaser images, General Motors has finally revealed the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and I have to say that it looks great, especially on the inside. Considered as being one of the most important models in the company's recent history, the all-new mid-size sedan will be a global model, as GM said that it plans to sell the new Malibu in almost 100 countries worldwide. In addition, the car will be manufactured at several factories, including China. The U.S.-spec version will roll out from the Fairfax Assembly factory in Kansas City and from the Hamtramck plant in Detroit.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu As you can see, the Malibu has been redesigned from ground up and now features a new exterior look that borrowed a couple of styling cues from the Cruze (in the front) and the Camaro (LED dual tail lamps).  2013 Chevrolet Malibu As I've said in the beginning, the cabin looks great, the best I've seen in a mid-size sedan in recent months. It features a more fluid design with an instrument panel that has circular gauges that look a little bit like the ones in the Camaro, set in squared-off housings. The new flat panel display located on the center console articulates up and down, revealing a 6-inch deep hidden, illuminated storage location. For the U.S. market, Chevy will offer the Malibu with the MyLink infotainment package that consists of wireless connectivity through Bluetooth.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is based on GM's Epsilon II platform that has been used on the Opel Insignia / Buick Regal and the new version of the Saab 9-5. The car's 107.8-inch wheelbase is 4.5-inches shorter than the outgoing model, but this doesn't mean that there is less space inside the cabin. The 62-inch front and rear tracks are now 2 inches wider than before, which means that the Malibu offers almost 4 cubic ft. of additional interior space, as well as increased front and rear shoulder and hip room, along with more than 1 cubic ft. of luggage space at 16.3 cubic ft. Measuring 191.3 inches in length, 73 inches in width and 57.6 inches in height, the car is now 0.5 inches shorter, 3 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller in comparison to the outgoing model.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu In the beginning, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will be powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.5-liter Ecotec engine with direct injection, which will be mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. General Motors says that this engine can produce more than 190 hp and a peak torque of 180 lb.-ft (245 Nm).  2013 Chevrolet Malibu The model features an updated MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear configuration. Behind the wheels are ventilated front and rear discs that are clamped by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum brake calipers.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu The North American version of the new Malibu will be offered in three levels of trims: LS, LT and the top-spec LTZ, and customers will be able to choose from one of the 10 exterior paint finishes available, along with four colors for the cabin.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will go into production in the United States in Q1 2012. The Chinese version will be available at first with a choice of two naturally-aspirated gasoline engines, a 2.0-liter and a more powerful 2.4-liter, both of them being mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The international versions will be offered with a 1.6-liter turbocharged power plant, but GM didn't say anything about its performances.  2013 Chevrolet Malibu In China, the car will hit the dealerships before the end of this year. Source: General Motors via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 19 Apr 2011 08:00 PM PDT  2012 Cadillac CTS The 2012MY Cadillac CTS has been updated with a redesigned front grille, a modified V6 power unit and a brand new Touring Package edition. These improvements are going to be available for all three versions of the CTS, including sedan, coupe and the Sport Wagon. First deliveries are expected to occur this late summer.  2012 Cadillac CTS Without any doubt, the most significant change in the updated model is the revised V6 3.6-liter engine, which now features bigger intake valves, along with an improved intake port design. In addition, they've also managed to reduce the weight of the engine by 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) by using an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design, a lighter structural front cover, new connecting rods, as well as a new composite intake manifold.  2012 Cadillac CTS Along with a lower curb weight, this updated version of the engine develops 318 hp and a peak torque of 275 lb.-ft (372 Nm), which is a little bit more than the old V6 that delivered 304 hp and 273 lb.-ft (370 Nm). Fuel consumption remains the same, at 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. With the 2012MY, there is a new Touring Package that is available for the V6 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter engines. This adds a new bespoke grille that has a dark finish, sueded seat inserts, shift knob and steering wheel, along with a dark Sapele wood interior trim. In addition, customers that choose this optional package will also get chrome door handles, while the 3.0-liter version comes with 18-inch rims that have a pearl-nickel finish. The more powerful 3.6-liter model features 19-inch polished wheels and 14-way adjustable performance seats from Recaro. All three models will get Bluetooth support as standard, while the side blind-zone alert technology will be an optional feature for the CTS Coupe model. Source: Cadillac via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Chevrolet Sells 1.1 Million Cars in Q1 2011, All-time Record Posted: 19 Apr 2011 07:00 PM PDT  2011 Chevrolet Cruze GM's Chevrolet division had a very good start this year as they've managed to sell 1.1 million cars worldwide, thanks mostly to the success of the Cruze sedan and the globalization of the company's name. This is the best first quarter in the automaker's history, managing to sell 15% more cars in comparison to the same period of 2010.  2011 Chevrolet Cruze General Motors said that Chevy has managed to post double-digit sales gains in comparison to the same period of the last year in four of its five top markets. For example, in the United States they've managed to deliver 416,505 units in the first quarter, a 23% increase over 2010. In China, sales reached an all-time record of 159,303 units, which is 17% more than last year. They also did very good in Mexico, with 37,291 cars (a 12% increase), Argentina with 34,103 units (a 21% increase) and Europe, where they've increased their sales by 7% to 112,482 vehicles.  2011 Chevrolet Cruze In addition, in Turkey and Denmark, Chevrolet doubled sales, while in France they've managed to sell 80% more cars, and in the Russian market they've had an increase of 51% as far as sales are concerned. One of the most significant factors that lead to the increase of sales for Chevrolet is its Cruze model, which was sold in 150,652 units in Q1 2011, representing a whopping 117% increase over the same period of last year. The Cruze was introduced in Europe in 2009 and since then the company has managed to deliver almost 600,000 units worldwide. The automaker expects that this trend will continue and even grow after the launch of the hatchback version of the Cruze, a model that will hit the European dealerships this summer. After the Cruze, Chevrolet will introduce the tiny Spark, along with the Aveo/Sonic, both of which are already on sale in some countries and they will continue to be introduced in other markets throughout this year and in 2012. In addition, with the introduction of its all-new Malibum model, General Motors hopes to increase the sales figures of its Chevrolet subdivision even further. Source: General Motors via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Fiat Axes Bravo, Replaces With Small Crossover In 2013 Posted: 19 Apr 2011 06:00 PM PDT  2011 Fiat Bravo It seems that the Italian car manufacturer Fiat will replace the Bravo model with a high-riding C-segment hatch, rather than with a conventional hatchback as they've planned in the first place. They've reached this decision at the end of March and the replacement will hit the dealerships in 2013, if we were to believe the inside sources quoted by Autonews Europe.  2011 Fiat Bravo Fiat will follow the recipe of Nissan's Qashqai small crossover, a model that proved to be very successful for the Japanese automaker. Fiat's Bravo wasn't on Europe's 10 best selling compacts of last year, whereas the Qashqai ranked 5th, with 216,091 units sold. Fiat only managed to sell 44,850 Bravos, in comparison to the segment leader, the Volkswagen Golf, which was sold in 501,671 units.  2011 Fiat Bravo The Fiat Bravo was launched back in 2007 only as a 5-door hatchback and it never reached its annual sales target of 120,000 units. Its best year was 2008 when Fiat managed to deliver 95,292 cars. The automaker said that the model would be profitable for the company as long as 75,000 units were sold annually. They've managed to surpass that target in 2007 and 2008 but failed to do so in the following years. Source: AutoNews Europe via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Rolls Royce Introduces The LWB Version Of The Ghost Posted: 19 Apr 2011 05:00 PM PDT  Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase It really is astonishing to see that more and more automakers from all over the world are launching new models in China and some of them are even exclusive to this market. One of the latest car manufacturers is Rolls Royce and they've unveiled today at the Shanghai Motor Show, the long wheelbase version of the Ghost, along with several China-only Phantom and Ghost editions.  Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase The stretched Ghost is now 6.7 inches longer than the standard model and according to the luxury British brand, good for double the knee room. The car will be built upon order and at least this year, there are going to be only a few made, until RR can increase the production capacity in 2012.  Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase The heart of this model is its massive V12 twin-turbo 6.6-liter engine that produces 555 hp (563 PS / 414 kW) and 575 lb.-ft (780 Nm) of torque, allowing the car to reach 60 mph in exactly 5 seconds.  Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase One of the China-only models is the Phantom Drophead Coupe that has a Maiden Blue exterior paint finish with a Navy Blue and Seashell cabin, complemented by the Straight Grained Oak and Ebony. The second model at RR's venue in Shanghai is the Phantom Extended Wheelbase Saloon, featuring a Rhapsody Black exterior with an Ardent Red and Seashell interior finish with a Piano Black veneer. Yet another model exclusive for the Chinese market is the RR China Edition Ghost, a model that sports a red interior which is contrasted with gold twin-coachlines, stainless steel pinstripes and gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy badging. For the exterior, customers will be able to choose from: Black Ember, Deep Garnet and Infinity. All of these variants are part of Rolls Royce's "Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection" of which only 100 units will be made. Source: Rolls-Royce via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| 2011 Chrysler 200 Sedan & Convertible, Get “S” Trim Posted: 19 Apr 2011 01:00 PM PDT  Chrysler 200 S Chrysler has revealed this week its new "S" trim level for the 200 Sedan and Convertible models, aimed at a younger audience. Unfortunately, this new trim level offers only cosmetic upgrades for both cars, adding a bespoke grille that has a black background, smoked headlamps, body-color mirrors and door handles, along with 18-inch aluminum rims that have dark painted pockets, and the "S" badging.  Chrysler 200 S Inside the cabin you will find a perforated leather steering wheel, heated front seats that have Digital suede inserts and the "S" logo on the head rests, along with a Boston Acoustic sound system that packs a 30 GB hard drive media center. The 200 Sedan S also benefits from a black headliner and suede door trim bolsters.  Chrysler 200 S Customers that order this S trim for either the sedan or the convertible model, won't be able to choose the engine as Chrysler offers only the V6 3.6-liter unit. This power plant develops 283 hp and has a peak torque of 260 lb.-ft., linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.  Chrysler 200 S The Chrysler 200 S sedan will set you back at least $26,790 (including the $750 destination fee), while the convertible has a starting price of $32,490. The car will be officially unveiled this week at the New York Auto Show and will be able to order it in a couple of weeks.  Chrysler 200 S Source: Chrysler via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Shanghai 2011 – Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron Posted: 19 Apr 2011 12:00 PM PDT  Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron Probably one of the best looking cars at this year's Shanghai Auto Show is the Audi A3 Sedan e-tron, a compact-sized 4-door saloon study that packs a hybrid powertrain. The German engineers have decided to replace the 5-cylinder 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that we saw in the concept that was revealed in Geneva, and opted for a greener solution.  Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron They've installed a 1.4-liter TFSI gasoline engine that produces 211 hp and benefits from gasoline direct injection and turbocharging. This engine works in tandem with an electric motor that produces an additional 27 hp (20 kW), raising the total output to 238 hp. The conventional engine is mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch transmission.  Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron The electric motor is fed by the lithium-ion battery pack which Audi installed behind the rear seats, offering a maximum driving range of 34 miles (54 km). The automaker said that the car's batteries can be charged by the standard energy recovery system when the car is running or straight from a power socket inside the household.  Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron When the engines work together, the concept can do the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 144 mph (231 km/h).  Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron Aside from the technical modifications, the e-tron version of the A3 Concept Sedan looks a little bit different than the car we saw in Geneva, and by different we mean that it has a new e-tron-specific grille, a different design for the rims, along with the new colors for the cabin.  Audi A3 Sedan Concept e-tron Source: Audi via Kia K2 This sub-compact sedan features the same technical hardware as the new generation of the Rio hatchback that we saw last month during the 81st edition of the Geneva Motor Show. However, the K2 comes with a new design that borrows a couple of styling ideas from its bigger brother, the K5 sedan, which is in fact the Chinese version of the Optima. Kia K2 The Kia K2 measures 4,370mm in length, 1,460mm in height and 1,700mm in width, making it longer, wider and lower in comparison to the old Rio. The Korean automaker said that the car has a cargo capacity of 500 liters. With a wheelbase of 2,570mm, there should be enough space inside for four passengers. Kia K2 The model is going to be available in six trim levels with two engine choices: an entry-level 1.4-liter and a more powerful 1.6-liter Gamma gasoline engine, both mated to either a manual or an automatic gearbox. Kia's new sub-compact sedan will go into production this June at the Dongfeng Yueda manufacturing facility in Jiangsu province in China. Source: Kia via Carscoop Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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