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.

New 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

The new Corvette Stingray Convertible made its first public outing at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show today, and we must admit, it looks as good, if not better, in the flesh than what the renderings (?) and the official studio shots hinted at.

Chevrolet says the new Corvette Stingray was designed from the get-go to be offered as a convertible model, and as a result, the only structural changes compared to the coupe are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.

According to Chevrolet, since no structural reinforcements were required for the convertible, both Stingray models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios.

"With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. "As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design."

The Corvette Stingray Convertible is fitted with a fully automatic top that can be opened or closed remotely using the key fob from the outside, and at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31mph) when inside.

Like the coupe, the soft-top version is powered by GM's new LT1 6.2-liter V8 delivering an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of peak torque, paired to either a 7-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

Customers can also fit the convertible with the track-capable Z51 Performance Package, which includes the following items: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package to improve high-speed stability.

"We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the �Stingray� name,� said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. �Because it was designed from the beginning as an open top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience - no matter what configuration you choose.�

Both the Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible will arrive in global markets in late 2013. According to GM, changes for Corvettes destined for export "vary only in equipment required to accommodate the respective markets� regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers, and outside mirrors".

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 VW Golf Variant, TDI BlueMotion Rated at 71.3MPG!

After a slew of leaked photos over the weekend, Volkswagen has officially released the new Golf Variant, which will eventually be known as the next generation Golf Wagon, Golf Estate or Jetta SportWagen, depending on the market in which it will go on sale. 

Like the seventh-generation Golf hatchback upon which it is based, the Variant is considerably lighter than its predecessor - up to 232 pounds or 105 kilos, and this despite riding on a longer wheelbase of 2,636mm (103.8 inches) vs. 2,578mm (101.5 inches).

The Golf Variant is 307mm (12.1 inches) longer than the hatchback, at 4562mm (179.6 inches) overall. Its cargo area measures 1,054mm (41.5 inches) long, or 1,831mm (72.1 inches) with the rear seats down, and the load sill is 630mm (24.8 inches) high. It has an impressive  capacity of 605 liters with the rear seats up, and 1,620 liters when folded down.

Just like the new Golf Mk7 hatchback, the Variant is offered with two engine families, the EA211 gasoline units and the EA288 turbodiesels, all of which are fitted with a Stop/Start system that improves fuel economy by up to four percent, and a battery regeneration mode that is said to cut CO2 emissions by around three percent.

The EA211 turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engines are available in the following outputs: 85, 105, 90, 122 and 140 PS, while the EA288 TDI diesels, make 105, 110, and 150 PS.

The most fuel-efficient version is the Golf Variant TDI BlueMotion fitted with a 110PS (108HP) diesel, which when paired to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, returns 3.3lt/100km (equal to 71.3mpg US or 85.6mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of just 87 g/km.

The new Golf Variants are equipped with either a five- or six-speed gearbox, depending on the engine, with most versions to be offered with an optional DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission

VW will also debut the all-wheel-drive Golf Variant 4Motion in Geneva. It will be available as a TDI Clean Diesel model with 105- and 150-PS engines, while the German company said it has plans to offer a Golf Estate TGI BlueMotion with natural gas drive (CNG) at a later stage as well.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Renault Heats up New Clio GT by RenaultSport for the Geneva Motor Show

We knew Renault had plans to bridge the gap between the Clio RS 200 EDC and lesser Clio models, and here it is: the new Clio GT, which judging by the rear license plate, was developed by the brand's RenaultSport performance division.

We say this because we don't have an official statement from the French carmaker yet, only these four images.

Compared to the regular Clio Mk4s, the GT gains a new front bumper housing larger air vents and LED daytime running lights, a more aggressive front grille that looks like the one fitted on the 197hp (200PS) Clio RS, darkened headlamps, different door and mirror trims, larger alloy wheels and a rear diffuser with twin chrome pipes.

The big question is what's lurking under the hood. If we were to take a guess, we'd say there's a strong possibility the new GT features Renault's new 1.2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (TCe 120) with 118hp (120PS) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft), but we'll have to wait for the official release to be sure.

Articles Source : Carscoop

All-New 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Breaks Cover Ahead of the Geneva Auto Salon

What we have here is the first batch of official images of the all-new, 991-generation, Porsche 911 GT3, revealed in advance of the car's world premiere at 83rd Geneva International Auto Show in Switzerland this Tuesday.

We're still lacking official details, but from what we've heard, the new 911 GT3 will feature a high-revving normally aspirated flat six with a displacement of 3.8-liters producing around 450-horses (about 50hp more than the new 911 Carrera S) connected for the first time to Porsche's dual-clutch PDK transmission, instead of a manual gearbox (though, it could be offered as an option).

The most focused 991 model yet, sports a new exterior bodykit with a lowered front bumper featuring a lip spoiler that wraps up to the wheel arches, different mirrors and headlamps, side skirts, a bespoke rear bumper with a diffuser and central exhaust pipes, plus a rear wing and its own alloy wheels.

The interior of the GT3 is dressed in a combination of black leather and Alcantara surfaces accented with red stitching.

Stay tuned, as we'll update this post as soon as we get an official word from Porsche.

Articles Source : Carscoop

New VW Golf Variant or 2014 Jetta SportWagen

Just last night, we brought you a set of spy shots of a camouflage-free (well, sans the tail lamps) of the next iteration of the Volkswagen Golf Variant, which depending on the country you reside in, may also be called Golf Wagon, Golf Estate or Jetta SportWagen.

Regardless of the name, it's the same car and we now have pictures (likely digitally enhanced by VW) of the final production version.

The design is a cleaner and sharper evolution of the current model with a better-looking rear end. We don't have any images of the interior, but it's a given that it will be identical to the Golf Mk7 hatchback, with which it shares its (elongated) MQB platform architecture and engine range.

In Europe, for example, buyers should be able to order the Golf Variant with several petrol engines, such as a 1.2-liter TSI 104hp (105PS), a 1.4-liter TSI 120hp (122PS) and a 1.4-liter TSI 138hp (140PS) with Active Cylinder Technology, and at least two diesels, the 1.6-liter TDI 104hp (105PS) and a new 2.0-liter TDI 148hp (150PS unit).

For precise details, we will have to wait for a VW release.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 VW GTI Packs 227 Horsepower With the New Performance Pack

VW is bringing its all-new seventh-generation Golf to the 2012 Paris Motor Show this week. We've already seen the standard Golf model, but this week VW is unveiling the Golf BlueMotion and the iconic 2014 GTI.

The 2014 Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0L with 217 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The Golf GTI reaches 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds and has a top speed of 153 mph. For the first time ever, the GTI will be available with a new performance pack that bumps the GTI's power up to 227 horsepower and gives it a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. The perfomrance package also adds larger front brakes and a front axle differential lock which reduces power-related understeer.

Both GTI versions will be equipped with a standard Stop/Start system, and fulfil the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014. With a six-speed manual gearbox, the GTI is set to return 47.1* mpg (an 18 per cent improvement over the Mk VI). A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option for both power levels.

Both GTI models also get a standard from a variable ratio steering system which, in essence, allows the driver toturn the car through a desired radius with smaller movements of the steering wheel. While conventional steering systems work with a fixed ratio, the new Golf GTI operates with a variable steering ratio which reduces steering input. On twisting country roads, the driver experiences a benefit in dynamics due to the more direct layout.

The 2014 GTI is distinguished by its red brake calipers, honeycomb grille with double red stripe detail, smoked LED rear lights and LED license plate illumination and chrome 80 mm diameter tailpipes. Inside the GTI gets tartan sports seats, a flat bottomed steering wheel, GTI golf ball gear knob and GTI-specific red ambience lighting.

The new Golf GTI is set to go on sale in mainland Europe in early 2013 and the UK in summer 2013. It's expected to reach the U.S. by the end of 2013.

Articles Source : Thetorquereport.com

First Official Photos of 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

No more guessing what the 2014 Chevrolet Stingray series' Convertible version will look like as General Motors has just released the first official photos of the car, a few days before it makes its world premiere in Switzerland and the 83rd edition of the Geneva International Auto Salon.

Both images show the Corvette Stingray Convertible from a 3/4 profile angle, with or without its soft-top in the upright position.

General Motors hasn't shared any information about the car yet, but the rear spoiler and other details like the hood vents point to a Z51 package-equipped model, which also includes some performance upgrades such as an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, and integral brake, differential and transmission cooling.

Under the hood you'll find the same 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine rated for 450-horses and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of peak torque connected to either a 7-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission as the coupe.

We'll keep you updated on the Corvette Stingray Convertible as soon as GM comes out with more details.

Articles Source : Carscoop