‘Jaguar Heritage Racing’ has a rich and long history



Jaguar Heritage Racing – The Technical Story

Jaguar Cars has a rich and long history, from the humble origins of the Swallow Sidecar company in 1922 through to the successful multi-national company of today. In 2010, Jaguar celebrated its 75th anniversary.

With Jaguar’s Test Centre based at the ever-challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife, Jaguar Racing Heritage took to the world famous track to celebrate its sporting legacy and the technical story of Jaguar that has helped shape the driving experience of the modern era.

Please enjoy the attached video!

Dacia Logan STCC



The car dubbed the Dacia STCC Edition uses a body inspired by the firms Logan model. Logan is a popular model build by Dacia, a romanian company accuired by Renault.

The Dacia Logan STCC has been captured on video ahead of its racing debut in the Swedish Touring Car Championship scheduled for May 3-4.

The Dacia Logan STCC is manufactured by Swedish firm Solution F and uses a V6 3.5-liter mid-mounted engine producing more than 400 bhp (298 kW). The mill is linked to a 6-speed sequential gearbox and helps the 2,204 lbs (1,000 kg) racer sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in three seconds, en route to a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).

A Race track is probably the last place you’d expect to see a Dacia Logan on, but thanks to the Company’s Swedish dealer the car is going to compete at this year’s STCC (Swedish Touring Car Championship), and by the looks of things it is ready to see some action. So apart from the body shell, this car isn’t really a Dacia. But still, it is quite cool to see an economy car tear up the track like this. Kudos to Dacia and Swedish team Solution F.

The New Toyota RAV4



One of the most reliable vehicles in the Toyota stable, the RAV4 has been produced since 1994, and was most recently updated in 2006; the 2013 versions offer even more durability, as well as a sleeker design, and some efficient engine modes that use Toyota’s Integrated Dynamic Drive system.

As a sports utility vehicle, the RAV4 is one of the leading competitors to the Mazda CX-5 for value, and is set to be spun off into an all electric model later this year. At present, the RAV4 is one of the most comprehensively packaged sports utilities on the market, and should be considered by families and drivers that want long term durability.

Drivers have a choice of several trims for the RAV4 – these include the entry level Active, the mid range Icon, and the premium Invincible. All these trims have a variation on the RAV4’s standard and all wheel driving system, as well as an automatic petrol option alongside diesel engines.

The 2.0 litre petrol engine is the most powerful in terms of speed, while the 2.0 and 2.2 litre diesel engines deliver better economy at 57.6 mpg for the 2.0 diesel, and 176 g/km of CO2 emissions for the 2.2 diesel. The diesel engines are best if you want to get a low mileage, and if you’re not particularly invested in having a sports utility vehicle that can rapidly accelerate.

Exterior upgrades to the 2013 RAV4 from the earlier model include swept back lights, less of a scallop line, and a curvier, sleeker appeal. The driving position in the RAV4 has also been adjusted for a higher vantage point, while you get plenty of space within the rear. Handling for the RAV4 is flexible, if not going to deliver significant speed on the road – the larger diesel engines are slightly noisier, but still capable of cruising on the motorway.

The 1600kg weight RAV4 is stabilised against rolling, although you probably won’t want to push the RAV4 too fast on tight corners.

For interiors, the RAV4 comes with Bluetooth, air conditioning, a CD Player, and a home lighting system as standard, and extras for higher trims that include Dual Zone Air Conditioning, rear view cameras, leather steering wheels, roof rails, and leather seats. The Invincible trim version of the RAV4 also has a keyless push button start installed.

The five seater RAV4 also gives you plenty of space. When combined with optional extras for roof racks, the RAV4 is ideal for large families, and is tough enough to stand up to extended periods of driving overseas.

So, what do get out of the RAV4? Primarily, you get a competitive economy and Toyota’s reputation for durability; the RAV4 is in a low tax band, and has a five year warranty, putting it ahead of the three year warranties usually given with sports utility vehicles.

Safety features also include a hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat fixings, and aftercare maintenance that pushes the RAV4 in front of its rivals for durability. Toyota are also set to release an all electric version of the RAV4 by the end of 2013, which will further increase its economy.


Guest posts offered by Lisa Jane

Audi A3 Sedan



The 2014 Audi A3 appears to be a cool and classy-looking luxury ride. But if you’re hankering for a hatchback, you’d better not wait for the new model. The next A3 is coming to the U.S. only in sedan format, whereas the 5-door hatchback continues to be offered in Europe. Rubbing some salt in the wound is the fact that the A3 sedan is arriving only after the hatchback goes on sale in other markets.

On top of these, Audi has confirmed that its A3 Sportback e-tron Plug-In Hybrid, revealed just last month at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, will also be offered in the U.S. This model will offer a peak output of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, an electric-only range of about 30 miles and fuel economy approaching 100 mpg-equivalent.

The base 2015 Audi A3 will offer the 1.8-liter TFSI engine, which rates at 170 horsepower and sends drive to the front wheels only. Next in line is the 2.0-liter TDI, which rates at a lower 150 horsepower but should have a healthy torque rating.

The A3 e-tron Plug-In Hybrid features a 1.4-liter TFSI engine paired with an electric motor and delivers the aforementioned 204-horsepower peak rating.

At the top of the ladder is the 2.0-liter TFSI, which will be offered in the A3 quattro and sporty S3 all-wheel-drive models. Audi hasn’t released figures for this engine, but overseas it outputs as much as 300 horsepower.

Aston Martin Rapide S – Technical Overview



Creating the world’s most beautiful four-door sports car was a technical challenge relished by the industry-leading Aston Martin engineering team.

The Aston Martin Rapide S is a four-door ultra-luxury sedan that borrows styling elements and mechanical components from the brand’s elegant sports cars. Though many of its rivals serve up more space for the rear passengers, the Rapide S does offer enough room for four adults to go along with its exotic looks and impressive performance.

Filmed at the Rapide S global media launch Aston Martin Director of Product Development Ian Minards gives an overview of the many innovative technical and engineering features, including the assertive new front grille.

MINI Paceman, an international urban artist



Based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, this system optimises both the engine’s responses and its efficiency. Under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper S Paceman, this system joins forces with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection to generate maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm. Plus, peak torque of 240 Newton metres (177 lb-ft) is on tap between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. An overboost function is at the driver’s disposal to provide particularly powerful bursts of acceleration, increasing torque to as much as 260 Newton metres (192 lb-ft) for a short time between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm.

All of which enables the MINI Cooper S Paceman to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.8 seconds) on the way to a top speed of 217 km/h / 135 mph (212 km/h / 132 mph). Despite this smile-inducing acceleration, average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at an impressive 6.1 (7.1) litres per 100 kilometres / 46.3 (39.8) mpg imp and CO2 emissions are just 143 (166) grams per kilometre.

Developing maximum output of 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm and with peak torque of 160 Newton metres (118 lb-ft) available from 4,250 rpm, the engine powering the MINI Cooper Paceman also has what it takes to fuel plenty of sporty driving fun. The 0-100 km/h / 62 mph dash is all over in 10.4 seconds (automatic: 11.5 seconds) and top speed stands at 192 km/h / 119 mph (184 km/h / 114 mph). Average fuel consumption for the MINI Cooper Paceman in the EU test cycle is 6.0 (7.2) litres per 100 kilometres / 47.1 (39.2) mpg imp, while CO2 emissions come in at 140 (168) grams per kilometre.

A turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct injection allows the diesel powerplants driving the MINI Cooper SD Paceman and MINI Cooper D Paceman to offer both instantaneous pulling power and exceptionally low fuel consumption. What’s more, the engines’ aluminium construction allows weight to be kept impressively low and smoothness to take a front seat. The engine fitted in the MINI Cooper SD Paceman produces maximum output of 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm from its 2.0-litre displacement. Maximum torque of 305 Newton metres (225 lb-ft) can be accessed between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm. The resultant power delivery allows the MINI Cooper SD Paceman to sprint from rest to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 9.2 seconds (automatic: 9.4 seconds) and hands it a top speed of 200 (197) km/h / 124 (122) mph. The impressive efficiency of the more powerful of the two diesel engines is reflected in average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.6 (5.7) litres per 100 kilometres / 61.4 (49.6) mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 122 (150) grams per kilometre.

The MINI Cooper D Paceman also stands out with its superb balance of brawn and economy. Its diesel powerplant has 1.6-litre displacement, rising to 2.0 litres if the optional automatic gearbox is specified. Maximum output stands at 82 kW/112 hp and is available from 4,000 rpm, while peak torque of 270 Newton metres (199 lb-ft) is served up between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. The MINI Cooper D Paceman accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 10.8 seconds (automatic: 11.2 seconds) on the way to a top speed of 187 (182) km/h / 116 (113) mph. The exemplary efficiency of this variant is headlined by average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.4 (5.6) litres per 100 kilometres / 64.2 (50.4) mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 115 (149) grams per kilometre.

Six-speed automatic gearbox and ALL4 all-wheel drive on the options list.

MINI Paceman – Explosion – MINI Canada tasked an international urban artist to help them create an explosive piece that helps highlight the design, style and bite of the new MINI Paceman.

Source.

MKC Concept New Opportunity for Lincoln



Lincoln MKC Concept debuts at 2013 North American International Auto Show – Lincoln’s first-ever small vehicle. Lincoln today introduces the MKC Concept, a vision of how Lincoln will enter the industry’s fastest-growing small luxury utility segment.

With nearly 60 percent growth in 2012 and more than 200 percent in the last four years, the small luxury utility segment has far eclipsed all other luxury segments. The opportunity is a key next step in Lincoln’s strategy to grow with four all-new vehicles targeted at the highest-growth segments over the next four years.

We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients something different,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The just-introduced MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the luxury market.”

This segment growth is being driven at both ends of the demographic spectrum. Many new buyers are coming into affluence and purchasing their first luxury vehicle. Others are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones to simplify their lives.

This growth includes China, where Lincoln will begin selling in the second half of 2014 through independent dealers.

Lincoln is being reinvented in every way – from a complete new lineup of stunningly designed vehicles to how dealerships provide surprising personal client services and how drivers engage with their vehicles. The goal is to appeal to a new type of luxury clients considered cultural progressives, who are open to new ideas and experiences.

In current and future vehicles, these “Lincoln Experiences” will include a variety of distinctive features, such as push-button transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence.

Lincoln, Lincoln MKC Concept

Lincoln, Lincoln MKC Concept

MKC Concept New Opportunity for Lincoln | Source – by General Motors Company.

‘VA VA VOOM Button’ By Renault



You’ll never forget the first time you saw the New Renault Clio.

Watch as two unsuspecting guys take the new Renault Clio out for a test drive with extra VA VA VOOM! One thing is for sure, they’ll never forget the first time they saw the New Renault Clio.

They were both released onto youtube at the same time.

Model shown: New Clio Dynamique Medianav dCi 90 Stop & Start with optional 17″ Desire alloy wheels.

Interesting to note the one with sexy girls in it has nearly 1.9 million views and the one with sexy guys has only 450,000 views 😉

Renault ZOE Electric Vehicle Test Drive



Renault ZOE Electric Vehicle Test Drive

Renault ZOE Preview provides a realistic glimpse of the forthcoming mass-market Renault electric car of the same name. This Clio-sized car features Renault’s new brand identity, including the new front-end signature.

The vehicle on display at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is a near-definitive representation (90 per cent) of the vehicle that will be manufactured at Renault’s Flins plant, France. Its launch is scheduled for 2012.

ZOE Preview is evidence that “zero-emission” cars can combine sensuous, reassuring, sculpted styling with the promise of real driving enjoyment.The forward position of its windscreen and the teardrop form of its rear end emphasise the impression of fluidity, while its specific electric-car architecture permit a blunt bonnet and an intake-free front-end which contribute to its compact footprint and efficient aerodynamics.

It stands at just 4.10 metres in length and is powered by a 60kW (80hp) motor with torque of 222Nm that enables it to zip silently through city traffic. ZOE Preview is also ideal for out-of-town journeys thanks to its 19-inch wheels and reassuring, profiled flanks.

Renault ZOE Preview’s battery can be charged in one of three ways: standard charge (between 6 and 8 hours depending on the available electric power), quick charge (37 miles range in less than 10 minutes or 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes) or “quickdrop” (a 3-minute battery exchange).

Renault.

Renault & Ross Lovegrove will unveil a concept-car at the Triennale of Milano



Renault Lovegrove Concept Car

Renault and Ross Lovegrove will unveil a concept-car at the Triennale of Milano April 8th at 12. A new creation that underline Renault‘s Design strategy.

Renault and Lovegrove Studio collaboration to explore new design languages.
By examining nature, its systems and energy transactions this project intends to bring awareness and understanding of those phenomena and their current impact. Working with contemporary computational design, Ross Lovegrove and his studios intension is to reveal natures underlying blueprints and transfer them into a new design language.

The concept-car will be on exhibition at the Triennale of Milan from April 9th to 14th.

Audi A6/S6 and A7/S7 selected as ‘2013 10Best’ winners



2013 Audi A6 and A7

The award-winning 2013 Audi A6 and A7 combine thrilling performance, stunning design, and intelligent technology. Both boast an all-aluminum 3.0 TFSI® supercharged V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Aside from spectacular performance, the Audi A6 and A7 are also two of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date. Intelligent features include head-up display and the MMI® touch that recognizes handwriting. Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet (for up to 8 passenger devices), enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic news and live fuel prices, and MMI navigation with 3D Google Earth™ images.

2013 Audi S6 and S7
The all-new 2013 Audi S6 and S7 models bring exhilarating performance, intelligent efficiency technologies and exclusive “S” design cues. Building upon the industry-leading innovation of the Audi A6 and A7, the Audi S models set new standards for performance and prestige.

The new 2013 Audi S6 and S7 are both equipped with an all-new twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI engine that delivers 420 horsepower and an impressive 406 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 to 5,300 rpm and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Audi 4.0 TFSI V8 engine brings progressive performance to the luxury sedan segment with the combination of smaller displacement and higher output. Compared to the previous S6 model, it offers greater performance while reducing fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent.

Standard features that differentiate the S models from the A models include, Audi cylinder on demand™ with active engine mounts and active noise cancellation for better fuel efficiency, a rear sport differential, air suspension, and a 7-speed S tronic® transmission.

Both A and S models feature Audi connect™ with factory-installed Wi-Fi and navigation with 3D Google Earth. From the groundbreaking MMI touch and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi S6 and S7 are the perfect marriage of progressive design and sophisticated engineering.

Nominees for the 31st annual ‘10Best’ list consist of all new cars, 2012 10Best winners, cars that were not available for the 2012 competition and those with significant updates. All cars must fall under the base-price cap of $80,000 and be on sale by January 2013.

2013 A6/S6 and A7/S7 selected for superior technology, design and performance

The 2013 Audi A6/S6 and 2013 Audi A7/S7 vehicles have been named by Car and Driver, a leading automotive enthusiast publication, to the 31st annual “10Best” list. Car and Driver’s ‘10Best’ recognizes the best new cars on the market under $80,000. This, in the addition to including the new S6 and S7 sport models to the roster of winners, is the second consecutive year for the Audi A6 and A7 to be selected as Car and Driver’s ‘10Best’ winners.

“The A6 and A7, along with the S6 and S7 models which deliver more performance, design and technology, are a few of Audi’s greatest success stories,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Audi is proud to be recognized again by Car and Driver’s ‘10Best’ for the A6/S6 and A7/S7. This proves that Audi continues to lead with a winning combination of innovative technology, progressive design and unmatched performance.”

“The A6/A7 and S6/S7 constitute a remarkable range of cars; they’ve won every Car and Driver comparison test in which they’ve competed,” said Eddie Alterman, Editor-in-Chief, Car and Driver. ”This is an extraordinary achievement, especially considering the competition.”

Source

Mercedes G 63 AMG 6×6 Truck



In a new frontier for the ultimate luxury SUV, Mercedes-Benz will build up to 30 copies of a six-wheeled military transport converted into a swank civilian ride, now known as the G63 AMG 6×6

Under the hood is the same 5.5-liter V8 as the stock G63 AMG, with 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. It’s hooked up to Mercedes’ 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.

The G63 AMG 6×6 also has plenty of off-road hardware, including low-range gearing and five differential locks that can keep all six wheels turning at the same speed with the push of a button. There’s also a tire pressure control system for the huge 37-inch wheels.

The most insane aspect of this behemoth, though, is the fact that it’s not a custom one-off. Mercedes really does plan to put the G63 AMG 6×6 into production alongside four-wheeled G-Classes at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz Austria.

It will be topped only by the SLS AMG Electric Drive, which has a new official price of $457,000.




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