As the Paris Motor Show is fast approaching, the large French carmakers are getting ready to showcase their new models.
Among them is the upcoming Citroen DS4 crossover, which will take the French brand further into the upmarket segment it entered with the DS3 compact hatchback.
We’ve already seen the DS High Rider crossover coupe concept, but now the first leaked shots of the production Citroen DS4 have made their way onto the web.
As you can see, the model isn’t actually a coupe crossover, like the recent Range Rover Evoque, instead having 5 doors, with the rear handles being hidden in the C pillar. The design is extremely aggressive, but still maintains the look of the refreshed 2011 C4, also set to be premiered in Paris.
No other details were revealed, except the possible engine lineup. There will most likely be three petrol units, a 120 HP 1.6-liter VTi, a 155 HP 1.6 THP and a 200 HP 1.6 THP. Two diesels will also be available, with e-HDi technology, capable of 110 and 160 HP, respectively.
Expect more details in the following weeks about the Citroen DS4 before its debut this October in Paris.
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Post tags: Tags: Citroen, citroen ds high rider, citroen ds4, crossover, leaked-photos, paris motor show
Welcome to a new edition of Motorsport Weekend, our own feature where we talk about the most exciting motorsport events from the last three days.
This weekend was filled with all sorts of races. We had the Formula 1 Belgian GP at the lovely Spa Francorchamps circuit, the MotoGP Indianapolis GP, as well as the IRC Barum Czech Rally Zlin.
Curious to see how Lewis Hamilton, Dani Pedrosa or Freddy Loix faired in their own races? Then hit the jump and find out.
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Post tags: Tags: formula-1, irc, moto gp, motogp, Motorsport, motorsport weekend, rally, results
BMW has started slowly hyping up the upcoming 1 Series M Coupe performance model.
This time though, we aren’t treated with camouflaged prototypes or other such things, but with a slow, striptease-like reveal, which will showcase different parts of the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe over a period of time.
The first parts of the powerful model have already seen the light of day. As you can see above, the impressive sports wheels and the revised fender do make an appearance. We’re also treated with the twin, dual-pipe exhaust system in the rear, as well as with a ducktail spoiler making its presence felt under the black wrap.
Hopefully the stripping of the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe won’t be slower than a snail, and we’ll get to see the full car as soon as possible. Check out a video of the reveal after the jump.
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Post tags: Tags: BMW, bmw 1 series m coupe, bmw m division, bmw-1-series, teaser, Video
Up until now, rumors about the upcoming revival of the Lotus Esprit were pretty dry, limiting to saying that the new Esprit will be more upmarket, in order to rival models from Ferrari or Aston Martin.
Now, courtesy of InsideLine, things have gotten a lot more interesting. It seems that Lotus will be using two very special Lexus engines for the new Esprit. How special? Rumors say that the Lexus LFA‘s massive 552 HP V10 will be available for the top spec, while the Lexus IS-F’s 416 HP V8 will be powering a cheaper version of the new Elise.
Rumors about Lotus using these performance engines from Toyota have been floating around for some time, but it seems that this time it might just come true. Lotus is under a new leadership, set to take the sportscar company to profit, and in order to do so, more upmarket models are needed.
We’ll know more as the Paris Motor Show gets underway, so stay tuned for more Lotus details.
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Post tags: Tags: Lexus, lexus lfa, Lotus, lotus esprit, paris motor show
Back when the new Audi A1 compact was first announced, officials revealed that it will be sold just in Europe, given the territory’s fondness of premium city cars.
Now, things have changed. According to Audi’s sales boss, Peter Schwarzenbauer, the global interest in the A1 has gone past all expectations, and as such, we will get to see the A1 reach other continents in the future.
Production is already being increased, given the already high popularity of the A1, and Audi is set to focus on the Asian markets in the next few years. China will be the main focus, but the German company wants to seriously ramp up production before it will launch the A1 there. This means that Chinese customers will be able to get their hands on the attractive compact around 2012.
The US market, on the other hand, will still be deprived of the A1, seeing as how customers are still reluctant to pay a premium for a city car. The model will eventually appear on North American shores, but probably with the second generation model.
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Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi a1, china, city-car, europe, usa
Get ready for more Top Gear goodness, as a new batch of rumors has been revealed about the upcoming Top Gear video game spinoff.
According to some voices, the title is set to be launched at the end of the year, right before the new series of Top Gear will start airing in the UK.
It is set to attack almost all platforms imaginable, including the PC, consoles like the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, as well as mobile devices like the iPhone or the iPad.
As of yet though, details about the actual gameplay have yet to be revealed. Maybe we will get to do hot laps on the Top Gear circuit, maybe we will get to invent witty Stig anecdotes, maybe we will yell ‘POWERRRR’ into microphones, it’s still a mystery.
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Post tags: Tags: console, gaming, ipad, iphone, mobile, pc, playstation 3, Top Gear, video game, Video Games, xbox 360
The 2011 Volvo S60 has definitely made an impression on fans of the Swedish company, combining the already top notch safety of Volvo cars with a very attractive design and pretty potent engine options.
There’s always room for improvement though, and traditional Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv has just revealed its new accessories and upgrade package for the 2011 S60.
First off, you’ll be getting a revised front fascia, complete with Heico branding. A front lip is also present, as is a rear diffuser that incorporates two dual tailpipes. Special wheels are also available for an improved stance.
S60 owners should also be excited about the performance upgrades Heico Sportiv offers. The 2.0T version is now able to output 297 HP with 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 is able to achieve 330 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque.
Want to see just how many improvements Heico Sportiv did to the 2011 Volvo S60? Then hit the jump and watch a video of the tuned Swedish sedan in action.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 volvo s60, heico sportiv, Tuning, Video, Volvo, volvo s60
The new Renault Latitude was announced a few months ago by the French carmaker, but it has been formally unveiled last week at the Moscow Motor Show.
The new flagship sedan is set to lead the Renault range forward, and will use some of the best components the Renault Nissan group currently has available. Drivers will be able to get massage seats, three-zone climate control, premium audio systems from the likes of Bose or Arkamys, as well as a TomTom navigation system.
The new Latitude can be equipped with either a 139 HP 2.0-liter engine, mated to a CVT gearbox, or a 177 HP 2.5-liter V6, coupled with a six-speed automatic.
The launch schedule is a bit tangled up. The 2011 Renault Latitude will begin appearing in September, in Morocco and Algeria. Afterwards it will be launched in Russia, Ukraine and the rest of Africa. The formal European launch date will be announced at the Paris Motor Show.
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Post tags: Tags: moscow motor show, paris motor show, Renault, renault latitude
After a pretty long investigation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ford have announced that a recall has been issued, affecting 1998-2003 Ford Windstar minivans.
Around 575,000 models are affected, predominantly those located in the US’ Salt Belt, meaning states where salt is used to melt snow during winter months. This can lead to extra corrosion on the rear axle beams, eventually resulting in the beams snapping under stress.
Ford will be notifying owners in September. The Windstar is still under investigation by the NHTSA over front subframe corrosion issues, also stemming from the use of road salt. The results of that investigation have yet to be revealed.
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Post tags: Tags: corrosion, Ford, ford windstar, minivan, Recalls
Lotus accidentally let it slip a few days ago that it will launch a special performance Evora S and an Evora automatic at the Paris Motor Show.
Now, the British sportcar manufacturer decided to officially detail these new models, the supercharged Evora S and the automatic-equipped Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift).
First off, the Evora S uses a supercharger to squeeze more power out of the Toyota 3.5-liter V6. Output is now rated at 345 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. This translates in a 0 to 62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 172 mph. More importantly, however, is that there’s a new Sport button in the Evora S. When pushed, it sharpens up the throttle response, opens an exhaust valve bypass as well as increase the rev limiter and change stability control settings. Simply put, Sport does what it says.
Next up, for those not looking for extreme performance, Lotus will offer the Evora IPS. Basically it is just a regular Evora with the new six-speed automatic transmission fitted. More importantly is that this hasn’t impacted the weight of the car, and it has both an automatic and a manual mode, which is enabled through the paddle shifters behind the wheel.
Expect more details when the Paris Motor Show will open its doors at the end of September.
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Post tags: Tags: Lotus, Lotus Evora, lotus evora ips, lotus evora s, paris motor show
The Moscow Motor Show is in full swing these days, and it’s also the place where the 2011 Toyota Highlander has made its worldwide debut.
As you can see the large ‘crossover’ sports a facelifted appearance, with refreshed front and rear fascias. Everything in the front has been tweaked, while you can expect a few new accessories to decorate the rear of the new Highlander.
Russian customers will be stuck with just one engine option, a 3.5-liter V6, capable of sending 273 HP through a five-speed automatic. Even though it has yet to be confirmed for US shores, the 2011 Highlander will no doubt keep the same engine options. This means a 270 HP 3.5-liter V6, a 187 HP 2.4-liter and a hybrid option.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 toyota highlander, crossover, moscow motor show, north america, suv, Toyota, toyota highlander, usa
Last year, General Motors was seriously tight for cash, and applied a series of cost-cutting measures to focus on mainstream models. One of those decisions was putting the performance division on stand by, eliminating the possibility of future powerful cars anytime soon.
Now, as things are looking up for the US carmaker, the company’s vice president of performance and motorsports division, Jim Campbell, has revealed that GM will focus more on compact performance models, which should appeal to those that can’t really afford a Cadillac CTS-V, for example.
Voices are already pointing out the new Chevrolet Cruze, but also the upcoming 2012 Chevrolet Aveo models, which both promise to open up the compact segment to GM. Performance SS versions might seriously help this endeavor, especially as how the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept (pictured above) was positively received when it made its debut in Detroit.
While this may not exactly confirm that performance versions of the Chevrolet Cruze or an Aveo are coming, it’s nice to hear that GM is once again turning its head to performance models.
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Post tags: Tags: chevrolet cruze, chevrolet-aveo, General Motors, gm, performance
Drifting is usually reserver for hot Japanese models like the Nissan Silvia, Toyota Corolla AE86 or powerful American ones like the Ford Mustang.
One guy decided to showcase that something much different can also go sideways in a spectacular manor. What car are we talking about specifically? An old Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon W123 diesel, with a Scania turbocharger bolted on for extra performance.
We honestly couldn’t be making this up. Check it out in a video after the jump in a professional drifting challenge against older E30 BMW 3 Series or Nissan Silvia models, it’s totally worth it.
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Post tags: Tags: drift, drifting, mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, mercedes-benz e class wagon, mercedes-benz w123, Video
New 2011 Ford Mustang GT owners definitely have a lot of choices if they want to squeeze more power out of the already capable 5.0-liter V8 engine.
We’ve already seen Ford Racing offer up its own supercharger treatment, capable of taking the Mustang’s output to an impressive 624 HP, and now traditional Ford tuner Roush Performance has also presented its own offer.
The ROUSHcharger system for the Mustang 5.0 V8 boasts a TVS2300 supercharger, as well special equipment to make it get along with the powerful engine. An output of up to 550 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque can be achieved.
Roush currently offers 90-days warranty for the parts in the system, which costs $5,999. A full Roush Performance supercharger program will follow later this fall with complete warranty.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 ford mustang, Ford, ford-mustang, roush, roush performance, supercharger
Brabus not only knows how to tune Mercedes-Benz models like the SLS AMG supercar, but it also takes pride in incorporating the latest technology into their tuning projects.
The latest one is the Brabus iBusiness, based on a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. While you’ll no doubt be amazed by the twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter V12 engine, capable of 750 and 811 lb-ft of torque, which can push the limousine from 0 to 62 mph in 4 seconds and up to 211 mph, the real luxury treatment is on the inside.
Brabus has fitted everything it could find in their local Apple store inside the tuned S Class. You’ll be able to enjoy not one but two iPads, a 64GB iPod Touch, two LCD screens incorporated into the front seats and also a 15.2-inch display in the headliner, connected to a Mac Mini located in the boot of the car.
What’s even more interesting is that you can control the Mercedes-Benz Command infotainment system with either of the two iPads, including functions like the radio, telephone or navigation.
The price? That hasn’t been revealed, but people like Apple CEO Steve Jobs might be able to afford one.
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Post tags: Tags: apple, brabus, brabus ibusiness, mercedes, mercedes benz s class, Mercedes-Benz, technology, Tuning
