Spied: 2015 BMW 4-Series Cabriolet

These first spy pictures of the new BMW 4-series cabriolet in testing reveal that the retractable hard-top roof of the current 3-series cabrio will be retained.

There had been pressure from the US importer for the 4-series cabriolet to switch to a soft-top for greater visual differentiation over the coupe model, but BMW has instead decided to stick with the current hard-top.

Like its coupe sibling, the new 4-series cabriolet, codenamed F33 and due on sale in mid-2014, will ditch the 3-series badge to allow more distinct styling and more exclusive feel over the staple 3-series saloon and estate models.

There’s also likely to be a price hike, too, with engines coming from the higher-end of the new 3-series’ range and an increased level of equipment being offered.

There will also be an M version of the 4-series cabriolet, codenamed F33M. Like the 4-series coupe, this is likely to be badged M4 to create further distance between the M3 saloon and the M4 coupe and cabriolets. The adoption of the M4 badge for the coupe and cabriolet will also allow BMW to get the new M3 saloon to market earlier, with the two-doors not due until late 2014 at the earliest, at least a year after the M3.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Jaguar’s upcoming estate version of the XF (dubbed Jaguar XF Sportbrake) has been scooped in testing for the first time ahead of its 2012 launch. The load-lugging XF will carry the Sportbrake name for production and is set to be revealed at the Geneva motor show in March.

These spy pictures, taken outside Jaguar’s Whitley engineering centre, reveal a gently sloping roofline, sharply raked tailgate and subtle rear spoiler for the Sportbrake to help maintain the sporty profile of the XF saloon. The Sportbrake also looks to be the same length as the 4961mm-long saloon, as the rear overhang has not been increased.

Jaguar engineers are understood to have provided the XF Sportbrake with a load capacity similar to that of the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5-series Touring, which have figures of 565-litres and 560-litres respectively. The desire to provide the Sportbrake with a sporty profile means it won’t be able to match the class-leading Mercedes E-class estate’s load capacity figure of 695-litres.

The XF Sportbrake is identical to its saloon sibling from the B-pillars forwards. The heavy disguise over the rear lights indicate that Jaguar may be tempted to offer a different styling direction for the XF Sportbrake to give it greater visual distinction over the saloon. Some sources have suggested it may even borrow the rear light design and blacked-out rear pillar treatment from the XJ to bridge the gap between the XF and XJ saloons.

The engine range of the XF Sportbrake is likely to mirror the saloon’s, with the exception of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 from the XFR. That means 2.2-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 diesels will be offered alongside the normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol.

The XF Sportbrake is only the second estate in Jaguar’s history, after the X-Type wagon. The model was not part of the original XF’s product plan, as the word ‘estate’ was off-limits at Jaguar after the X-Type. But the popularity of premium estate cars in Europe, in particular the UK, has convinced bosses that an estate version of the XF is a necessity.

Another imminent development to the XF range is the addition of all-wheel-drive. Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark said all-wheel drive XFs, along with all-wheel drive XJs, were “critical”, in particular to the company’s growth in the US market.

“In the snowbelt of America it accounts for 70 per cent of sales, and overall it accounts for 30 per cent of sales, so we are working on it and in the final stages of a decision. It is core to our future offering,” he said.

Thanks to: Autocar

Czech auto maker Skoda Launched Rapid Sedan, priced @ Rs 6.75-9.19 Lac - Skoda Rapid Photos, Images

 

Czech car maker Skoda launches sedan version of Fabia, "Skoda Rapid" in India on the VW Vento platform. Skoda Rapid launched in both the petrol and diesel variant. Diesel TDI putting down 250Nm between 1500-2500rpm and the petrol making 153Nm @ 3800rpm.

Just like Vento new Rapid will factor in both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Skoda Rapid Prices in India (Ex Showroom Delhi):

Active 1.6 MPI MT - Rs 6.75 Lakhs
Ambition 1.6 MPI MT - Rs 7.09 Lakhs
Elegance: 1.6 MPI MT - Rs 7.99 Lakhs
Ambition 1.6 MPI AT - Rs 8.09 Lakhs
Elegance 1.6 MPI AT - Rs 8.99 Lakhs
Active 1.6 TDI CR - Rs 7.95 Lakhs
Ambition 1.6 TDI CR - Rs 8.29 Lakhs
Elegance 1.6 TDI CR - Rs 9.19 Lakhs

Skoda Rapid Exterior Photos:

 

Skoda Rapid Interior Photos:

Withdrawal of luxury car, Rolls-Royce Ghosts and Jeep Wrangler

Detroit - Chrysler has sent warning letters to owners of cars involved in the recall to visit the dealership who then performed the inspection and replacement clockspring.

Withdrawal of a car could happen to anyone. Not only Japanese manufacturers like Toyota or Honda, the manufacturer of luxury cars can feel it.

The manufacturer Rolls-Royce pulled one of its luxury car line up the output of Ghost 2010. This super luxury car on fire because it is feared prone circuit board problem.
Withdrawal of luxury car, Rolls-Royce Ghosts and Jeep Wrangler

Apparently, as reported by autoevolution, Ghost withdrawals associated with withdrawal made ​​by BMW (Rolls-Royce's parent). BMW pulled the previous 5 Series, 7 Series, X5 and X6.

Rolls-Royce Ghosts drawn is a car produced between September 2009 until September 2010.

While automobile manufacturers from the United States must attract as many as 5334 Jeep Wrangler 2008-2012 units of the right wheel were damaged in the airbag system.

Chrysler Group LLC investigation team to explain the safety recall should be done because of damage to the airbag clockspring. As disclosed CG LCC investigation team, such a device could send a signal light airbag, indicating that the airbag may not work if an accident occurs.

a-workx modify BMW M3 with improved perfomance

Wessling, - a significant surge was due to the V8 engine, 4.0 liters given noken-as the latest competition for the M3-made a-workx, including the Akrapovic Evolution exhaust made ​​of titanium into their products, then filters the air, water and carbon fiber box. To ensure all components are working continuously and optimally, it's programmed ECU reset as needed.

One of the modifier from Germany who often work on race cars, a-workx, released the 'toys' new BMW M3. From the results of change that touched the innards of the machine and add supporting accessories, making the engine power jumped from 414 PS to 460 PS and able to compete with the BMW M3 GTS.

The result, spontaneous acceleration to 100 km / h reached in 4.1 seconds. Mixing machine cost 8710 Euros, or approximately USD 104.5 million. But for the speed enthusiast, an increase in power is still not meet the desires of their speeding. To satisfy them, a-workx also provides a package capable of blowing the engine power to 600 PS with a supercharger installation options.

Claimed two sectors changes could shift the best lap achieved in M3 GTS Short Hockenheim circuit with a time of 0.6 seconds faster, 1:11,9 seconds.

Besides the engine, modification's also done by a-workx in the legs. They ordered a custom suspension from KW with setting the adjusted position of the car and rim height of 19 inches diameter Superlights ATS. From the inside rim looks a device made ​​of ceramic brake MOV 'IT CER double disc design with monoblock calipers. Package of modified legs are worth 4202 Euros.

New Car: 2012 Chang'an Eado

Chinese manufacturers have made a big song and dance about entering the price points that joint venture manufacturers traditionally occupy in the 100,000rmb and rising segment. Traditionally cars priced less than 100,000rmb was the realm of the Chinese, 100,000 and up was foreign territory, territorial lines became blurred over the past 24 months when companies such as Geely, Chery and BYD launched their own mid to high end brands with vastly improved vehicles. Chang’an have arrived late to this party, but if you come late to a party then you have to bring something good with you, in this case Chang’an has not let us down with the Eado. The Eado has had its first airing in China but this is the second time that it has been shown, it was of course shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show earlier.

The Eado was benchmarked against the Hyundai Elantra, one of China’s best selling cars, on the inside Buick type quality was set as a benchmark for the Eado. Western sales are unlikely to begin soon, but Chinese sales are going to begin later this year or in early 2012. Power trains are a real mix, 1.6L, 1.8L and 2.0L, transmissions are the same – 4sp auto, 5sp manual, 6sp auto and 6sp manual, it almost seems that Chang’an are quite desperate to sell this vehicle and make a success out of it, although you cannot blame them as their previous sedan models such as the Zhi Xiang came and went within the blink of an eye.

When it hits the market the Eado will likely be priced high, we can guess that prices will be in the 110,000rmb at the low end although even this seems too low for a car of this quality. The Eado really is a benchmark for which the rest of the Chinese manufacturers can place themselves on in terms of materials and design. It seems Chang’an will be going places.

Thanks to: China Car Times

New Car: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Audi’s third-generation A6 Allroad Quattro has yet to make its public launch, but its cousin – the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack – will make its official debut at next week’s 2011 Tokyo auto show.

Based off the new Passat wagon, the Passat Alltrack employs much of the same formula Audi established with its Allroad series. All-wheel-drive? Check. Raised stance? Check. Macho dress-up kit? Check.

Though it does without the adaptive air suspension deployed on the A6 Allroad, the Passat’s ride height has been raised. As a result, ground clearance is increased from 5.3 inches to 6.5 inches, while approach and departure angles have increased to 13.6 and 12.8 degrees, respectively.

VW says the stainless-look front and rear skidplates serve as protective armor for underpinnings, but they – along with flared rocker sills trimmed in a similar finish – will likely serve as little more than cosmetic flair. Other exterior revisions, including flared wheel arches, large “snowflake” wheels, pronounced roof rails, and chunky lower bumper trim, attempt to lend the Alltrack wagon more visual heft.

Predictably, the Alltrack employs Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. In most situations, 90 percent of the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels, but a Haldex clutch pack can send all of that power to the rear axle. A new off-road mode not only triggers a brake-based hill descent control, but modifies the ABS programming for off-road use and adjusts the threshold of the electronic differential locks.

Whether owners will actively use the car off-road remains to be seen. Less uncertain are the Alltrack’s chances of heading stateside. Seeing as we only get the U.S.-produced Passat sedan here in North America, it seems unlikely that the Alltrack will reach our shores.

Thanks to: Motor Trend