Best : 2014 Buick LaCrosse

Buick on Monday revealed its refreshed 2014 LaCrosse sedan featuring new front and rear fascia, a larger and more striking grille, new LED wraparound tail lights and a new interior with more comfortable seats.

General Motors Co. Tuesday in New York City will show the full-size sedan, which has a more modern look and comes with more technology than today's LaCrosse. That's just ahead of press days at the New York International Auto Show.

2014 Buick Lacrosse

2014 Buick Lacrosse

2014 Buick Lacrosse

2014 Buick Lacrosse

2014 Buick Lacrosse

"We evolved the interior and exterior design, increased luxury amenities and materials and enhanced the safety and personal technologies to give customers more reasons than ever to rediscover Buick," Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick marketing, said in a statement.

It's the first exterior and interior refresh for the LaCrosse, which was all-new in 2009.

Inside the cabin, consumers will find more luxurious materials, the next generation IntelliLink infotainment system with natural voice recognition and swiping capability, 10 fewer center stack radio controls and more storage.

New for the 2014 LaCrosse, Buick is offering an Ultra Luxury Interior Package that features sangria-colored seats with ebony accents, suede headliner and pillars, real wood trim and high-end leather.

"The warm color combinations, premium interior materials and advanced technology in the 2014 LaCrosse provide the interior environment our discerning luxury customers are seeking," Ven Lai, creative designer for color and trim at Buick, said in a statement.

The large sedan will hit dealer showrooms this summer. The new version will be sold in China later this year.

U.S. LaCrosse sales have been on the slide, dropping 2.4 percent last year from 2011 and are down 21.9 percent through February compared to the first two months of 2012.

"The large car segment that the Lacrosse is in is a tough one," said Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst for the car shopping website Edmunds.com. "We don't see a lot of growth in that segment."

In February, the large car segment captured just 3.9 percent of the U.S. new car sales market. That compares with an 18 percent market share for the midsize segment last month, according to Edmunds.com.

Globally, GM has sold more than half a million LaCrosse vehicles since its 2009 debut.

There are no powertrain changes for the 2014 LaCrosse. Customers can buy a LaCrosse with a standard, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine featuring eAssist technology or a 3.6-liter V-6. Buick says about 25 percent of LaCrosse sales feature eAssist, which uses a small electric motor and lithium-ion battery to boost fuel economy.

The new LaCrosse is available with loads of technology, such as a lane change alert technology, which detects fast-moving vehicles in the next lane that are up to 230 feet behind the vehicle. The LaCrosse is the first GM vehicle to offer that technology, said Buick spokesman Nick Richards.

Buick also is offering several LaCrosse first safety features such as forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking that can apply emergency brakes for the driver.

Pricing for the 2014 LaCrosse has not been released. A 2013 front-wheel drive LaCrosse starts at $32,555 and a 2013 all-wheel drive at $36,930.

Articles Source : detroitnews

Best : 2014 Jaguar XJR

Jaguar has revealed a teaser pic of the 2014 Jaguar XJR for debut at the 2013 New York Motor Show further augmenting its �R� series of performance sedans.

2014 Jaguar Logo

2014 Jaguar XJR

2014 Jaguar XJR

2014 Jaguar XJR

Andy Goss, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America said �Jaguar is growing its product lineup to meet a far wider spectrum of customer demands ranging from sedans with 2.0 liter and 3.0 liter engines and All Wheel Drive to the exciting new F-TYPE sports car. It is clear that performance will continue to lie at the heart and soul of the brand. To that end, the growing R performance lineup offers our customers the truly elevated dynamics and design, but in a Jaguar luxury package. The Jaguar XJR is a British performance machine that delivers emotionally and dynamically on the road and on the track.�

The first visual differentiation on the new aggressive looking Jag is the dark grille with an �R� badge which generally is chromed in the Jaguar lineup. A revised bumper, spoiler, vented hood, new set of wheels and racy red calipers. The steering, suspension and braking dynamics have been tested at the manufacturer�s N�rburgring test facility.

The 550 bhp supercharged V8 has been retained from the Jaguar XFR-S that was showcased last year at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Shifting duties will be taken care of by an 8 speed paddle shifted ZF auto transmission. Though official performance figures haven�t been announced yet, but expect the big leaping cat to clock 0-100 kph just over 4 seconds with top speed to be likely in the region of 300 kph.

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

Since its arrival in 1991, the Dodger Viper has been a stateside supercar that just doesn�t get its due. From the RT/10 all the way to the 2014 SRT Viper, the Dodge beast, much like the serpent from which it takes its name, has been a quiet killer.

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

While the 2014 SRT Viper TA is likely slated for the same underrated reception amidst the Italian, French, and German supercars of the moment, at least its retina-searing colorway is damn loud.

About the car itself: Back in the �70s and �80s �TA� stood for Trans/Am, but as a sign of the times, it now stands for the very-videogame-y term �Time Attack�.

Only 33 of these Time Attackers (?) will be produced, all in that crazy tangerine paintjob. While Dodge once hoped the Viper could fight Ferrari or Porsche in the luxurious sports car division, but the TA says �f**k� that noise, scratching leather seats and an audio system in exchange for the ability to hit 60mph in just 3.3 seconds.

It�s an 8.4-liter V10 and 640 horsepower that�ll get the TA to that speed, and oversized brakes will help slow it down once it does.  Carbon fiber detailing, and stickers (instead of badges) help to slim the Viper down for the track. Of course, it sports the oversized side exhausts � they�ve become almost as recognizable a trademark as its pouncing snake logo.

Considering its relatively accessible $97,000 USD base price, it�s a real shame there are only 33 to be had.

First Alfa Romeo 4C Promo Touts Brand's Return to the U.S., Configurator Launches in June

There's a lot to like about the production Alfa Romeo 4C, from its ultra-lightweight construction that uses carbon fiber components to keep the dry weight at a surprisingly low 895kg or 1,973 pounds, to its nicely crafted body, and one thing to hate: those spider eye-style headlamps that look like a bad afterthought.

Of course, it could be just us and a bunch of other gearheads we talked to and who said the same thing, so if you disagree, don't be shy to share your feelings in the comments.

Now, the reason why we're coming back to the 236HP (240PS) Alfa 4C that was unwrapped earlier today at the Geneva Auto Show isn't to talk about its lights, but to tell you that the Italian brand has released the first promotion videos of the mid-engine sports car, and launched a primitive online configurator.

Alfa tells us in one of the videos that the full-spec configurator will be available in June. The one that's online now, only gives the chance to choose from two colors for the body and interior trim.

At Alfa Romeo's Geneva motor show press conference, the Italian company's CEO Harald Wester confirmed the 4C's North American premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with first deliveries before the end of the year.

While Alfa won't reveal pricing for the United States until the LA show, Wester did say that the 4C Launch Edition shown in Geneva will be priced at �60,000 (US$78,000) in Europe where it goes on sale in September.

Articles Source : Carscoop

 Video Source : Youtube

Opel Brings Adam Rocks and R2 Rallye Concepts to the Geneva Motor Show

As it turns out, ItalDesign's pair of Parcour concepts aren't the only studies making their debut at the Geneva Motor Show that are inspired by parkour athletes, as Opel claims the same about its new Adam Rocks, though, we'll take the former any time of the day and night if anybody is offering keys, thank you very much.

If you want the short story �and we're guessing you probably do, the Adam Rocks is a concept that gives Opel's premium a little more character by blending styling elements from crossovers with a large retractable fabric top.

The Adam-based model features a 15mm higher and 40mm wider stance, along with new body cladding, redesigned bumpers and a fresh set of wheels, and yes, Opel is likely considering a production model for the near future.

The second Opel Adam concept is the R2 Rallye that follows the "CUP" version launched in November of 2012. It is based on FIA R2 regulations R2 and is powered by a 1.6-liter ECOTEC gasoline engine generating 182hp (185PS / 136kW) and peak torque of 190Nm.

Following its homologation, the ADAM R2 will be eligible for every national championship in Europe. "All 40 vehicles that Opel planned to race in Germany and France have already been sold and are in the hands of their proud owners,� said new Opel CEO, Karl-Thomas Neumann.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Mitsubishi's Bootylicious GR-HEV Concept is an L200 Pickup from the Future

One of the two previously-teased Mitsubishi concepts featuring some kind of electric power, is the GR-HEV. What it does is to grant us a glimpse into the brand's future design direction, and most likely (very loosely) previews the next generation L200 pickup.

It is quite handsome, for the type of vehicle it is, and if they don't tone it down too much in its transition from concept to production, then it may even attract some style-conscious buyers, who will be more attracted by its rugged good looks, and the idea behind it, not the necessity of having five seats and a big flatbed on the back.

Rugged good looks aside, the GR-HEV is also interesting from a powertrain point of view, as it offers a diesel-electric hybrid along with the firm's Super All Wheel Control system, or S-AWC. No real technical details are available, other than its very low CO2 emissions figure of 149 g/km � an impressive feat for a vehicle of this bulk.

The concept will made its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Toyota Conceptualizes New RAV4 and Auris Touring Sports Models in Geneva

Joining the three-wheel i-Road and FT-86 Open concepts at Toyota's Geneva motor show booth, are three new design studies based on the Japanese brand's new Auris Touring Sports and RAV4 models. According to Toyota, each one was created to individualize and amplify certain aspects of the car's character.

 

We'll begin our tour with the RAV4 Adventure designed to emphasize the SUV's off-road capabilities. Painted in a dark red finish, the Adventure study features extended wheel arches that accommodate larger 20-inch alloy wheels shod in off-road tires, and redesigned front and rear bumpers finished in matt paint and fitted with reworked skid plates.

Rounding out the changes are the machined roof rails, a different front grille, chunkier side sills and quad exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper.

As you can tell by its name, the RAV4 Premium is all about luxury and a more sophisticated look, starting with the exterior that is painted in a bespoke 'Deep Bronze' color, while also gaining chrome trims and roof rails, 20-inch alloy wheels and newly designed bumpers. Inside, the cabin is dressed in two-tone leather with two-tone double stitching used in several areas.

The third and final study is the Auris Touring Sports Black that stands out thanks to its 'Night Sky' black metallic paint finish, which contrasts with the red and black 19-inch alloy wheels, and the red inserts on the front and rear end, while there's also a new central exhaust pipe design.

The same color scheme can be found inside, with black leather surfaces and double red stitching featured on the sport seats, steering wheel, door panels, dashboard, gear shift lever and handbrake. Furthermore, Alcantara is used to cover the interior pillars and for the roof lining, while red is the feature color for the instrument panel illumination and the finish on the air vents and cup holders.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Italdesign Presents Lamborghini V10-Powered Parcour Concepts

Even Italdesign can't stray away from the SUV-mindset that has taken over the Volkswagen Group lately. At the Geneva Motor Show, the Italian design house, which passed into the ownership of the VW Group in 2010, will debut two new concept models for a high-performance crossover running on Lamborghini power.

Named  after the modern sport of Parcour (or Parkour) that's focused on moving around urban obstacles with speed, Italdesign developed both a coupe and a roadster version of the concept, which combines elements of crossovers and sports cars, wrapped in an outfit that could easily pass for a Lamborghini model.

Both cars offer space for two people and are fitted with a 542hp (550PS) 5.2-liter V10 engine sourced from the Lamborghini Gallardo mounted behind the passenger compartment. A 7-speed double-clutch automatic automatic transmission drives all four wheels (on 22-inch rims).

The concepts measure 4,530mm long, 2,070mm wide and 1,335mm high, and tip the scales at 1,550kg or about 3,417 pounds.

Italdesign quotes a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 320km/h (199mph).

Articles Source : Carscoop

Hamann's New BMW M5 Mi5Sion Begs the Question

We're guessing Hamann Motorsports has no time for games when it comes to its new BMW M5 styling kit named Mi5Sion, which offers the high-performance sedan the most�serious face we've ever seen on an F10.

And if you're not convinced by its facial expression, the Mi5Sion also brutes up the rest of the car with elongated front and rear fender extensions, matching side skirts, a new vented rear bumper with quad exhaust pipes, plus boot and roof spoilers, and new set of black alloy wheels.

If the Mi5Sion is too much too swallow �don't be shy to admit it, Haman has prepared a more subtle cosmetic package that leaves the headlamps alone, concentrating on the bumpers, wheel arches, skirts and the rear bumper. It also gets a pair of wings at the back and different rims.

Regardless of the exterior components, Hamann customizes the interior of the M5 with bespoke trims on the dash, door panels and center stack, a new flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Updated Hyundai i20 WRC Looking Good for the Geneva Motor Show

While Kia has chosen to build and sell actual sporty versions (the Cee'd and Pro_Cee'd GT) of their regular road-going cars, in order to boost the sporting credentials of their brand, sister-brand Hyundai has chosen a slightly different approach in order to achieve the same basic goal � participation in the World Rally Championship.

Their i20 WRC is being worked on and incrementally-improved in preparation for the car's official debut onto the world rally stage, which is set to take place next year.

First revealed at the Paris Motor Show, last year, the i20 WRC has since received several upgrades, and while it's not really finished, it really looks the part with the latest body upgrades and a revised livery, which combines Hyundai's trademark light-blue color with traditional Korean script.

Aside from the cosmetic and aerodynamic alterations, the car has also had its suspension setup retuned, under the supervision Michel Nandan � a WRC veteran. He now heads the newly-created Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, which operates out of Alenzau, Germany and has developed the car along with Hyundai's own research and development team, based in Namyan, Korea.

No technical specifications have been released, but it will most likely be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, with just under 300 hp, powering all four wheels. Private test sessions will be arranged at various locations around Europe later in the year and more details will be provided along the way.

Articles Source : Carscoop