New Car: 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition

Want to order a manual transmission on a new Acura TSX? For 2012, to do so requires springing for the 2012 TSX Special Edition model shown here.

Allegedly inspired by “fun-to-drive four-cylinder Acuras of the past,” the new 2012 Special Edition includes a few cosmetic touches that set it apart from the remainder of the TSX lineup. Outside, Special Edition models receive a new front spoiler, a bespoke rear bumper fascia, new side sill trim, and unique badging. The twisted-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels used are similar to those available on other TSX trims, but SE cars receive gray painted accents. Inside, Special Edition cars boast unique seating surfaces, which incorporate perforated suede inserts paired with bright red backing. A matching red hue is used for contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, and for footwell, gauge, and mood lighting.

Given the inspiration for the Special Edition, we’re not shocked to hear the model is offered only with the TSX’s 201-hp, 2.4-liter DOHC I-4. We are, however, a little surprised to hear that availability of the 6-speed manual transmission – previously a no-cost option on all four-cylinder TSX sedans – will be restricted to the SE. That said, Acura officials don’t anticipate relegating the stick to the sport-inspired Special Edition will impact volumes of the manual-equipped TSX. For those who don’t enjoy rowing their own gears, a 5-speed automatic remains available on all 2012 TSX models, including the Special Edition.

Acura isn’t releasing specifics on pricing just yet, but we’re told the entire package should start just under $31,000. Buyers interested in adding navigation to the mix should note Acura’s Technology Package — which includes navigation — is not available on the Special Edition. Presently, there’s no word on if the Special Edition package – or the manual transmission option itself – will carry on beyond the 2012 model year. If you’re interested in picking one up while you can, head to your dealer shortly; cars should be arriving in showrooms by the end of September.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

First Sketch Up Date: Audi Urban Concept

With the Frankfurt Motor Show only mere weeks away, Audi is getting ready to show off its Urban Concept Sportback and Spyder concepts in the metal. Until then, we will have to make do with the slew of photos the automaker has released of the two electric concepts.

As we’ve already reported, the Urban Concept will come in two almost-identical Sportback and Spyder flavors – the primary difference being the missing roof on the Spyder variant. Both of the concepts wear aggressive, wedge-shaped bodywork and thin LED lights. Audi’s corporate grille dominates the front end of both cars, and an R8-eque red sideblade and center crease grace the profile. Both cars end with a boat-tail rear end that includes a thinstrip of LEDs for taillights.

Audi has, however, released a few technical specifications for the cars. Weight is kept below 1100 pounds, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and a minimalist interior. Power will come from a variant of Audi’s e-tronsystem, with two electric motors drawing juice from a lithium-ion battery pack. Audi says that both cars will “accelerate powerfully,” with a 0-38 mph time of 6.5 seconds, a top speed of 62 mph, and a range of 30-40 miles.

Expect full details to emerge as we draw closer to the Urban Concept Sportback and Syder’s premieres next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied Up Date: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

It hasn’t even been two weeks since we spied the nip-tucked 2013 Genesis Coupe, and while it remained shy and kept its more important parts covered-up for our spy photographer, a Gen Coupe forum member got up-close and personal with what could be the future model.

Spotted in the buff in what seems to be a Korean parking garage, the facelifted coupe looks to be all smiles, and we can’t understand why. It seems to have lost a bit of its identity, and taken on characteristics similar to Hyundai’s down-market models.

While the Genesis coupe is supposed to be part of Hyundai’s upscale and more unique models, it seems as though it was styled to look more like the Elantra and Accent compacts. The grille is considerably wider than the current Genesis coupe, and like we predicted in our spy shots, the LED light pipes from the refreshed 2012 Genesis sedan underline the headlights. It also seems to have taken on a more bubbly shape in the front, and its taller hood sports air vents, which we hope will allow for a beefier engine, such as the direct-injected 5.0-liter V-8 out of the Genesis R-Spec sedan, to breathe.

But that might idea may just be wishful thinking. The turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 is expected to carryover, possibly with direct-injection, with the 3.8-liter V-6 getting the same GDI treatment as on the new Genesis sedan, raising output from 306 hp to 333 hp.

The biggest change to the rear appears to be the taillights, in which the LEDs form a different shape compared to the current model’s lights. Most other details appear to be carryover from the current model.

Whether or not this is the 2013 Genesis Coupe, it is expected to officially bare all when it makes its debut at the 2012 Detroit show in January.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Aero Package

Mercedes-Benz already spilled most of the details regarding its C63 AMG Coupe Black Series last month. The German automaker mentioned an available Aerodynamics package for the Black Series in the car’s initial press release, but these shots from our spy photographer are the first we’ve seen of those additional aero bits. Making the car look even more track-capable than the already racy Black Series C-coupe, this package looks like it shifts the C63’s gentle balance between street car and DTM racer.

In the front, we can see the aero package places canards along the sides of the front valance. Mercedes says these canards, or “winglets,” as the manufacturer calls them, help to increase downforce and aerodynamic balance. Whether functional or not, this addition, combined with the existing front splitter, really completes the DTM look of the front end. In back, the deck lid receives a fixed rear wing, which Mercedes says features an adjustable aerofoil. If the Black Series didn’t look boy-racerish before, the new rear spoiler certainly does the trick. Not that we’re complaining.

Beneath the rear bumper, the diffuser remains unaltered from the standard Black Series. However, this car could also be testing AMG’s Track package, meaning there could be a cooling system for the rear differential hiding underneath all that delicious carbon fiber. Even if it’s mostly for show, the new package has gotten us all hot and bothered for the upcoming muscle Benz.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 Isuzu D-Max LE III

Isuzu Ute Australia is marking three years of local sales with the release of a limited edition version of its 4x4 one tonne ute.

Available in two colours only: Starry Black mica or pearlescent Silky white, the Isuzu D-MAX LE III

follows the earlier release of D-MAX Pearler and D-MAX LE II limited edition models, which marked one and two year milestones respectively for the specialist ute distributor.

The LE III is based on Isuzu’s top-spec LS-U 4x4 crew ute; the most popular variant in the Thai-built, 10-model range available locally, which also includes single and space cab as well as 4x2 variants.

Giving it a sporty look from the front is a new, chrome-look, egg-crate grille and matching bonnet protector strip, together with silver and chrome front bumper over-rider and fog lights with frosted chrome bezels.

There’s also ‘Limited Edition III” decals and custom striping along the body, slim-line side steps with brushed alloy step inserts, and 16 x 7 inch alloy wheels with machine-faced spokes and rim and gunmetal inner detail, shod with all-terrain tyres.

At the rear the LE III is distinguished by a stylish single-hoop chrome sports bar with integrated brake light, black tub liner with accessible tie-down hooks, taillights with chrome ‘guards’ and a rear camera.

Unique touches inside include a six-speaker Kenwood touchscreen multimedia unit with sat nav, reversing camera view, DVD, as well as USB, iPod, iPhone and Bluetooth connectivity.

The standard seats are trimmed in charcoal leather with ‘DMAX’ embossing on the front backrests, and there’s custom carpet mats.

As with other 4x4 D-MAX LS-U crew cab variants, the LE III comes equipped with air-con, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, power windows and side mirrors, cruise control, remote entry, chrome rear step bumper, and alloy spare wheel.

Available with manual or automatic transmission, the special edition ute also comes standard with rear LSD, three tonne towing capacity, 225mm ground clearance, and push buttons controls for 2WD/4WD/low range selection.

The D-MAX LS-U crew cab ute normally starts at $42,500 (manual), so the LE III model priced at $45,500 and fitted “with around $8000 retail fitted value worth of unique features and accessories” represents a saving of up to $5000.

“With its sporty flair and cool kit, LE III will extend D-MAX’s appeal beyond its established popularity among tradies, farmers, caravanners and fleets to a younger, more urbane set of drivers,” Isuzu Ute Australia’s general manager of sales, Paul Vuko, said.

Thanks to: Car Point

Force Motors launches SUV Force One Priced at Rs. 10.65 Lakhs - Force One Photos, Images

Force Motors - manufacturer of Temp Traveler, Trax and many other low profile vehicle, stepped into passenger vehicle with the launch of their first SUV "Force One" at a very competitive price of Rs. 10.65 Lakhs on 19th August 2011 by Band Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan.



Force One comes with 2.2 Common Rail Daimler Diesel engine putting out 141 PS at 3800 rpm, and a massive 321 Nm at 1600 rpm and suspension kit from Lotus.



Force One is currently available in 4x2 version as 4x4 will launch later this year and give tough fight to Toyota Innova, Tata Aria, Mahindra Scorpio and Xylo.



Force One SUV Exterior Photos:















Force One SUV Interior Photos:

Honda Launches Facelift Jazz at a reduced Price of Rs. 5.5 Lakh - New Honda Jazz Photos, Images

Honda Siel launched its good looking but only flopped product in India, "Jazz" with some changes and now reduced price by Rs. 1.6 Lakhs, starting from Rs. 5.5 Lakhs. Honda Jazz launched as a most expensive hatchback few years back but didn't get +ve response.



The facelift Honda Jazz gets new front grille, new front and rear bumpers, new headlamps, 15-inch alloys, electrically retractable ORVM, beige and black interiors, rear reclining seats and ipod connectivity.



New Honda Jazz is available in three trim levels – S, Select and X, and in a new colour shade called as urban titanium. Now with reduced price New Honda Jazz will give tough fight to newly launched Maruti Swift, hot selling Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia, VW Polo and Ford Figo.



New Honda Jazz Prices in India: (Ex-Showroom Delhi)



Jazz S - Rs. 5.5 Lakhs

Jazz Select - Rs. 5.75 Lakhs

Jazz X - Rs. 5.5 Lakhs



New Honda Jazz Exterior Photos:











New Honda Jazz Interior Photos: