Nissan GT-R by Jotech Motorsports

Jotech Motorsports has unveiled new Nissan GT-R modified car that was finished for a Brazilian customer. The engine once larger injectors, iridium spark plugs, dual fuel pumps, new aluminum air intake filter with the K & N and the stainless steel exhaust HKS.

The GT-R features their stage 2 package that develops 604awhp, but with the AWD system of the GT-R there is an 18 precent powertrain loss in power, 604awhp is calculated to about 735hp at the crank. The Stage 2 package will utilize the map switching capabilities of the Cobb AccessPort and their custom tune for both pump gas and E85.

The model is also equipped with a Cobb Access Port that comes preloaded with special engine mapping software which enables the GT-R to run on petrol or E85. Thanks to these modifications, the model produces 550-570 WHP on 93 octane and 580-600 WHP on E85.

entire conversion kit costs $ 10.250 (€ 7.750), and this includes the cost of installation.

Mercedes Citan by KTW Tuning

The new Mercedes Citan, a model based on the Renault Kangoo, receives a tuning package from KTW Tuning. The model has been fitted with red brake calipers, with 10 mm wheel spacers, with lowering springs to improve the driving dynamics and with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 92Y tires.

A sports suspension with shorter springs that lower the van's ride height to improve both handling and its stance, along with new red-colored brake calipers on all four wheels, round out KTW Tuning's program that is priced at €1,999 (US$2,650), including VAT (tax) and installation.

Chevrolet Cruze WTCC Edition for China

General Motors has launched Chevrolet Cruze WTCC edition in China. The car is based on the regular Cruze sedan, the special version is distinguished by some race graphics and a modest body kit that includes revised side skirts, a new rear bumper and a trunk-mounted spoiler.

Engine options carryover, so choices include a 1.6-liter petrol that develops 115 bhp (86 kW) and 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque as well as a 1.8-liter petrol that cranks out 145 bhp (108 kW) and 177 Nm (130 lb-ft) of torque.

Priced from 123.900 yuan to 157.200 yuan.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 for China

Jeep has recently announced its plans to launch the Grand Cherokee SRT8 Hyun Black Edition in China.

The SUV will retain the Brilliant Black paint finish to go with plenty of chrome accents, tinted bi-xenon headlights, a gloss black painted grille, black badging that we, presume will be the only difference in the Hyun Black Edition from the Vapor Edition, and a new set of 20" aluminum wheels.

The Black Edition is powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that develops 461 bhp (344 kW) and 624 Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque. It should enable the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).

The model is currently available for order in China with a price of 1.19 million yuan.

Leaks: Porsche 918 Spyder patent

According to leaked photos, Porsche has applied for a patent on the 918 Spyder in China, as usual the pictures leaked out so here we have a very first look at the final production version of the 918 Spyder.

As no surprise, the production version looks pretty similar to the concept versions, but it has finally received its door handles, mirrors, indicator lights, seat belts, a slightly different front bumper and redesigned air intakes in the front bumper. Also, the exhaust pipes are now placed in the right position and not on the car’s side as in the concept versions.

Power comes from a 570hp 4.6 liter V8 mated to a 200hp electric motor, the engine will be backed up by two electric motors which are rumored to have a combined output of 245 hp (183 kW). This could enable the model to develop approximately 795 hp (593 kW) and 575 lb-ft (780 Nm) of torque.

The production version of the Porsche 918 is expected to debut around September next year, priced at some 1 million USD.

Ford Transit Connect Sleigh

Ford has recently unveiled the Transit Connect sleigh. Ford is planning to help Santa Claus this year and in order to highlight Christmas.

The Ford Transit Connect Wagon sleigh is a design concept for Santa and is powered by an EcoBoost engine that delivers more than 30 mpg.

The sleigh is powered by Ford’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, that makes around 178 hp. The brand claims that it will be more powerful than the previous sleigh, which used 9-reindeer power, making about 36 hoofpower. Ford also claims the Transit Connect Wagon Sleigh gets an industry-leading presents per gallon rating.





Press Release

Santa to Swap Outdated Ride for 30-MPG-Plus Ford Transit Connect Wagon Sleigh with Leading Cargo Rating

• Santa Claus joins vehicle buyers who rate fuel economy their No. 1 purchase reason by selecting the all-new 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon for his next sleigh
• Powered by EcoBoost® with a projected 30 mpg-plus, the Transit Connect Wagon sleigh will offer the industry’s leading presents per gallon (ppg) cargo rating
• Ford today revealed the new sleigh concept, designed to maximize Claus’s fuel efficiency when he travels millions of miles around the globe delivering presents
• Claus’s future upgrade to a Transit Connect Wagon sleigh comes as a record number of children earn spots on the “nice” list, increasing the payload weight of his bag of presents beyond the normal tow rating of his nine-reindeer team

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2012 – Ford is helping Santa Claus save future Christmases with an all-new 2014 Transit Connect Wagon sleigh. Due to larger-than-ever numbers of children on his “nice” list, Claus needed a new sleigh with maximum fuel economy and cargo space to efficiently deliver all his presents around the world.

Ford designed a concept sleigh for Claus based on its Transit Connect Wagon, powered by EcoBoost®, that offers 30 mpg-plus and an industry-leading presents per gallon (ppg) cargo rating. As an added benefit, the EcoBoost engine – which is finely tuned for high-speed performance – would offer speeds much faster than Claus ever traveled in his former 36-hoofpowered sleigh.

Claus says changing his mode of transportation will not compromise his ability to remain true to his mission.

“My goal is and always has been giving presents to good girls and boys, and a new sleigh will make that process more effective,” he says. “Let’s face it, every year there are more children who earn presents. Things are simply getting out of control, and my old sleigh just isn’t going to be able to hack it much longer. With the new sleigh, I will be able to travel faster and carry more toys.”

Ford engineers developed the Transit Connect Wagon sleigh concept weeks after hearing of Santa’s dilemma during cold-weather testing in the North Pole.

“This is a winning situation for all,” says Darren Goddard, chief engineer for Ford Transit Connect Wagon. “The increased efficiency means added time for Santa to enjoy milk and cookies at stops. His new ride will offer 100 cubic feet of cargo space and versatility to haul up to 2,000 pounds, which Santa will need.”

Reindeer spokesperson Dasher says the nine reindeer look forward to some time off. Every year, the flying animals travel 124,421,726 miles and they’d like some time to rest, he says, explaining there are still splinters embedded in his hoofs from a particular wooden roof in southern Indiana.

“You really can’t beat this new sleigh,” says Goddard. “It offers outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing power. It even offers an electric windshield defroster, making short work of icy windshields in wintry conditions. So, if there’s a foggy Christmas Eve, we won’t need a red-nosed reindeer to guide Santa around the world.”

Other reasons Claus chose a sleigh based on the all-new 2014 Transit Connect Wagon:

• Anticipated to be the gas mileage leader among seven-passenger vehicles, Transit Connect Wagon is projected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and 2 mpg better in the city than a Toyota Sienna minivan
• SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offers a touch screen display with navigation so Claus can easily find all the good children, even in more remote areas
• The child observation mirror would allow him to keep a close eye on his gifts in the second and third row
• From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, Transit Connect Wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of elves and presents
• MyKey® programmable ignition key restricts maximum speed should a mischievous elf get behind the wheel while Claus is down a chimney leaving gifts
• With eight cupholders, Claus and his elves would have plenty of space to take along a few glasses of milk as they continue through their busy night
• Rain-sensing wipers would keep Claus on the move as there’s always a chance he’ll encounter nasty weather
• “As always, we are busy making toys and checking long lists,” says Claus. “That said, Merry Christmas to all!”

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Here are the first photos of the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, ahead of its reveal at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2013

The convertible is powered by the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine pulled straight out of its hard-top twin, it develops 625-horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. It will be connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system which will enable the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of roughly 322 km/h (200 mph).

Cosmetically it’s more of the same GT Speed goodness as the coupe, with dark tinted matrix grills at the front, a rifled finish for the tailpipes, GT Speed alloys, the Mulliner Driving Pack with quilted leather and a smattering of ‘GT Speed’ Logos.

the Bentley GTC Speed retains the aggressive stance of the GT Speed sans the roof. While it’s fun to drive with open-top freedom, it does add some extra weight and hampers the stability of the vehicle, though none of these problems are of concern if you’re intent on torturing it at a track.

The GT Speed Convertible will get a permanent all-wheel drive and a Torsen differential as standard. It gets a new, close-ratio, ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with intelligent adaptive control software for smoother changes and a twelve percent increase in economy and CO2 emissions. The steering and suspension systems have been upgraded together with a lowered ride height. Complementing the new set up is a unique set of 21 inch Speed wheels with two finishes and 275/35 R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tyres.

Hyundai Connectivity Concept

Hyundai has releases the i30 Connectivity concept in Germany. Hyundai is utilizing capabilities of smartphones to create a new Connectivity Concept, designed to test new clever technologies to be used in their production models as soon as 2015.

The system, allows the driver to lock and unlock the car with an NFC-enabled smartphone and then, once inside, dock the device to activate the car’s telematic systems and to upload the driver’s personal profile — such as seat position, favourite radio stations, satellite navigation history and climate control settings.

Inside, the driver can place the phone over to a point where it is charging wirelessly with the system to see direct data smartphone (contacts, music, navigation data, etc.) and to raise the 7 “screen, without having to connect either wirelessly or with a cable.




Press Release

HYUNDAI PREVIEWS CONNECTIVITY CONCEPT

Technology study showcasing future mobile phone and car integration
Car entry and locking via user’s smartphone
Connectivity Concept mirrors smartphone content wirelessly to i30’s central touchscreen
Technology expected to reach production in 2015
Hyundai is harnessing the versatility of today’s smartphones to create the first prototype of its own Connectivity Concept. The technology, previewed near the manufacturer’s European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, showcases Hyundai’s expertise in creating clever new technology for its range of cars and expected as soon as 2015.

Shown on Hyundai’s award-winning New Generation i30, the Connectivity Concept allows the user to lock and unlock the car by placing their smartphone over an NFC-tag (Near Field Communication), negating the need for a traditional key fob.

Once inside, the device is placed in the centre console, which then activates the user’s profile by streaming content to the i30’s seven-inch touchscreen. All user content such as music, phone contacts, radio station preferences and individual profile settings are displayed. In addition the device’s battery is recharged wirelessly while in use.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “Hyundai’s Connectivity Concept showcases the brand’s philosophy of making tomorrow’s technology accessible to a wide range of customers. With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrating it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion. As the technology continually develops there will be capabilities to store driver’s seating positions and exterior mirror settings, providing customers with a comfortable and individual driving environment.”

Multiple users can be synced with car, meaning set-up is quick and easy as the Connectivity Concept in the i30 tailors in-car settings according to each driver’s smartphone.

Furthermore, the Connectivity Concept utilises MirrorLink to wirelessly access and control personal content through the touchscreen including navigation, internet-based applications and multimedia.

Hyundai has already announced a joint development agreement with Broadcom Corporation, which will power the next generation of connected cars. With this technology, functions such as infotainment, telematics and other driver assistance systems like reverse parking cameras and lane departure warning will be integrated into Hyundai’s cars.

Toyota "advanced active safety research vehicle"

Toyota will reveal an advanced active safety research vehicle. at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. On Monday, Jan. 7

Toyota added that Templin will discuss Toyota’s Intelligent Transport Systems research and development efforts, which focuses on vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technology.

Templin also plans to discuss Lexus’ new Intelligent Transport system. The technology from the Japanese luxury brand features vehicle to vehicle communication as well as vehicle to infrastructure communication in an attempt to create a smarter vehicle.


Press Release

Toyota Motor Corp and Lexus Will Show and Tell About Autonomous Technologies at 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 20, 2012 – At a press conference the day before the opening of the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev., Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will reveal an advanced active safety research vehicle.

During the press conference at Mandalay Bay on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 at 11 a.m. PST, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Mark Templin will discuss the North American based program, designed to explore the use of autonomous technologies and high-level driver assistance systems related to TMC’s Integrated Safety Management Concept.

Templin will also discuss the current state of TMC's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) research and development, which includes vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technology.

Also highlighted will be the new 2013 Lexus LS, equipped with the world’s most advanced pre-collision safety system.

The active safety research vehicle, ITS system and 2013 LS will be shown at the Lexus display at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 8–11.

2013 Volkswagen Golf Plus LIFE

2013 Volkswagen Golf Plus Life launched by VW. Prices start from €21,200 for the 1.4-litre petrol-engine version (59 kW / 80 PS). Compared to a standard range model with comparable specification the price advantage is at most €3.400.

Exterior distinguishing features the Life are unique 16-inch rims and extra bits of chrome trim on the grille. Also, the side windows and rear window are tinted, and the car also gains LED daytime running lights integrated into the lower part of the headlights.

The extra features that set the LIFE apart from other models include Climatronic automatic climate control, a winter pack (including heated front seats and windscreen washer jets), the RCD 310 radio, ParkPilot, the Light and Sight pack and the multifunction Plus display.

other standard features include high-comfort seats in the ‘Matrixline’ seat fabric and a central armrest. There is also added a multi-function leather steering wheel. When it is combined with the leather gearlever knob and handbrake handle, it gives the interior a high-class ambience.





Press Release

New special model: the Golf Plus LIFE

Five-door all-rounder with comprehensive specification and big price advantage

Wolfsburg, 21 December 2012 - Volkswagen is launching a highly attractive special model of the Golf Plus: the Golf Plus LIFE. This latest model comes with a comprehensive set of features and is thus perfectly tailored to customers’ wishes. Prices start from €21,200 for the 1.4-litre petrol-engine version (59 kW / 80 PS). Compared to a standard range model with comparable specification the price advantage is at most €3.400.

With over 850,000 units sold, the Golf Plus has established itself as a successful member of the Golf family. Vehicle body height, flexibility and functionality are defining features of this five-door car. The Golf Plus is particularly popular with customers who appreciate the model’s level of comfort. An example: the raised seat position, from which driver and front-seat passenger benefit when getting in and out and which also provides a much clearer overview in traffic.

Flexibility is also a major feature: the rear bench seat, for example, which can be asymmetrically split and folded and slid lengthways by up to 16 centimetres, creates room to transport awkward items. In combination with the front-seat passenger’s seatback, which can be folded right down, the interior cargo space can be extended to 2.3 metres in length. Depending on the position of the rear seats, the boot space capacity is adjustable between a minimum of 395 litres and a maximum of 505 litres. If the rear seatbacks are folded right down, up to 1,450 litres of cargo space is available. A payload of up to 637 kilograms is also possible.

With the launch of the special Golf Plus LIFE Volkswagen is now offering a very high specification model that leaves nothing to be desired and simultaneously impresses with its attractive price. Features include Climatronic automatic climate control, a winter pack (including heated front seats and windscreen washer jets), the RCD 310 radio, ParkPilot, the Light and Sight pack and the multifunction Plus display.

Further standard features include high-comfort seats in the ‘Matrixline’ seat fabric (with storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, height adjustment, lumbar supports and drawers under the front seats) and a central armrest. The multi-function leather steering wheel scores through its ease of use and - together with the leather gearlever knob and handbrake handle - gives the interior a high-class ambience.

Externally this special model can be identified by the 16-inch ‘Spokane’ alloy wheels and the wording ‘LIFE’ on the wings. Chrome rims on the air inlet grilles, an LED registration plate light, fog lights and tinted rear and side windows are further attributes of the Golf Plus LIFE.

The Golf Plus LIFE is being offered with seven petrol and six diesel engines. The petrol engines deliver between 59 kW / 80 PS and 90 kW / 122 PS, while the diesels cover a performance range from 77 kW / 105 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS. Also available as an alternative for the Golf Plus LIFE is BlueMotion Technology and the 6 or 7-speed DSG developed by Volkswagen.

As an add-on for the Golf Plus LIFE Volkswagen is also offering the LIFE Plus pack. This enhances the specification with extra features including an electric slide-and-tilt panoramic glass sunroof and the choice of either ‘Orlando’ or ‘Seattle’ 17-inch alloy wheels. The price advantage for the Plus pack is €950.

The Golf Plus LIFE provides an extremely high level of comfort and safety: in addition to six airbags and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) a range of driver assistance systems is available as options, such as the XDS electronic differential lock, the ‘Park Assist’ parking assistant and the ‘Rear Assist’ reversing camera.