New Car: 2011 Toyota Verso - S

At the upcoming Paris Motor Show in September, Toyota will present its latest offering in the competitive mini-minivan segment. The Verso-S, an MPV with a footprint barely larger than Toyota's current North American offerings, will segue Toyota back into the B-segment with an able, space-efficient competitor.

While Verso S details are still thin, the photos shown here indicate that Toyota has taken styling cues from some of the major European marques, such as Renault, in designing its MPV. The chunky exterior hides the fact that, at just four meters (about 157 inches) it's barely longer than a Yaris hatchback, and nearly two feet shorter than a Corolla sedan. The interior is a familiar Toyota design, with a high-mounted gearbox.

We're not sure if the Verso-S will eventually make it to North America (unlike Ford's definite plan for its next Focus C-Max MPV). The Verso name is familiar to Japanese and European buyers who have had their choice of a Corolla Verso or a Yaris Verso, over several generations, for a little less than a decade.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

2010 Chevrolet Orlando MPV from concept to Real

This is 2010 Chevrolet Orlando MPV from concept to Real.The Orlando uses General Motors' Delta platform, additionally apparent on the new Vauxhall Astra and Chevrolet’s new Cruze range. Its UK agent agency includes a 139bhp 1.8-litre petrol assemblage and a 2.0-litre agent with either 129bhp or 161bhp.Chevrolet has taken the wraps off its arresting new Orlando MPV advanced of its official admission at abutting month’s Paris motor show.The bunched seven-seat crossover MPV was aboriginal apparent as a abstraction in Paris two years ago and abundant of that car’s administration has fabricated it into the assembly adaptation that will ability UK showrooms in aboriginal 2011.
See the official pics of the new Chevrolet Orlando MPV Although some of the concept’s bluff curve at the advanced accept been angled off, abundant of the rear three-quarters of the abstraction charcoal unchanged, including its angled window band and attenuated glasshouse, while its arresting caster arches can abode alloys up to 18 inches in size.


See the spy pics of the Orlando in winter testing.No autogenous pictures accept been released, but Chevrolet claims its bifold cockpit is aggressive by the Corvette and appearance the firm’s new blue-backlit centre console.The amount breadth is declared as “generous”, while the rear two rows of seats are raised, in animosity of the low roofline, in a theatre-style adjustment to accord rear cartage a bigger advanced and ancillary view. As in the barometer in the class, there's a array of basement configurations to addition amount capacity.

Several accumulator compartments are offered, including the concept’s accumulator breadth hidden abaft the advanced fascia of the audio system; this is appear by flipping the face of the audio and is declared as a “usefully ample area”. The Orlando additionally offers USB, MP3 and iPod connectivity.

Suzuki 2010 New Review Specification

Those of you cat-and-mouse for the new Suzuki Swift to get Stateside will accept to adjournment a little bit longer. After the Kizashi didn't absolutely accomplish the burst that Suzuki had hoped for, and with Suzuki sales in America crumbling, it appears that the Japanese automaker and 20% stakeholder Volkswagen AG will sit bottomward to anatomy a new action plan.Suzuki 2010 New Review Specification

Part of that plan includes putting the Swift's US accession on authority until at atomic 2011 so that appraisement and action could be evaluated. Some of the acumen abaft the adjournment has to do with the ascent Japanese yen, which has additionally biconcave the company's US business division.

Having already cut announcement spending significantly, Suzuki says that they are afraid to accession prices or cut agreeable to annul the barter amount issue. The baby auto will be awash in Europe and Japan until US bazaar capacity are finalized.

2011 Lexus IS-F in Paris Preshow

European admirers of the Lexus IS-F rejoice; this is one sports car that won't be axed on the added ancillary of the pond due to the addition of the added acrimonious Euro 5 emissions standards. Unlike the accepted ancestors of the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R and Mazda RX-8 -just to acknowledgment a few, the IS-F will accomplish it to the 2011 archetypal year acknowledgment to its tweaked 5.0-liter V8 that is now absolutely adjustable with the upgraded Euro 5 norms.

The blueprint area says ability charcoal banausic at 423HP with the IS F actuality able of accelerating from 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 4.7 abnormal and on to an electronically absolute top acceleration of 270 km/h (168mph).

Similarly to the blow of the 2011MY IS range, the flagship IS-F allowances from some attenuate exoteric and autogenous revisions. On the outside, the sports alehouse assets revised headlamps with LED daytime active lights and a new alternative accomplishment called "Starlight Black GF".

On board, changes accommodate new aphotic sliver fibre inserts, revised advanced bench architecture for bigger disciplinarian support, dejected instead of white bond for the covering upholstery and aftermost but absolutely not least, a new apparatus console architecture that repositions the tachometer, speedometer and about-face indicator aural the binnacle. U.S. buyers should apprehend agnate administration upgrades for the 2011MY (or 2012MY) adaptation of the IS-F.

The 2011 IS-F will accept its apple premiere at the Paris motor appearance abutting ages with sales in Europe to chase anon after.

2011 Lexus IS-F in Paris Preshow

Hot News: Mercedes Confirmed A-Class EV

The A-Class has finally come of age! Mercedes has confirmed that it will show the production version of its all-electric A-Class concept at the Paris Motor Show, alongside the firm’s new CLS.

Called the E-Cell, 500 cars will be built at first and will go on trial in Europe next year. The trial will be used to build-up a bank of data about how drivers use electric cars, much like BMW is doing with its MINI E and forthcoming 1-Series-Coupe-based ActivE programmes. The firm confirmed that customers will be chosen and then leased the car for a period of four years.

As well as going on trial in Mercedes’ home city of Stuttgart, the E-Cell will join a fleet of alternatively powered cars and vans as part of Mercedes’ ‘e-mobility Baden-Württemberg’ project.

The original A-Class was penned by Brit Steve Mattin, who would later become head of design at Volvo, and was conceived with electrification in mind. The revolutionary sandwich floor, which remains in today’s car and sees mechanicals mounted under car’s passenger area, was intended to hold batteries rather than elements of the conventional petrol and diesel powertrains that the A-Class ended up with.

The E-Cell will be assembled at Mercedes’ Rastatt plant in Germany, using 40kW lithium-ion batteries and electronic controllers provided by US-based electric car firm Tesla. Few details have been released, but the A-Class should have a range of up to 124 miles and have 290Nm of torque, ensuring sprightly performance.

Mercedes’ parent company Daimler signed a battery supply agreement with Tesla last year. Tesla already provides batteries for the latest Smart ED, and the deal looks set to be strengthened with the announcement of the firm’s involvement in the A-Class E-Cell project. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied Up Date: 2012 Mercedes SLK

Gotcha! Here are the best pictures yet of Mercedes’ next SLK. Spied testing in Germany, these latest shots reveal almost every detail of the newcomer’s styling.

Penned by design boss Gorden Wagener, the SLK refines the successful two-door folding metal hardtop bodystyle that debuted way back in 1997. The all-new third generation car gets a prominent nose that’s clearly inspired by Mercedes’ range-topping SLS AMG supercar, while the swept-back headlights owe much to the latest CLS that will debut at the Paris Motor Show.

In profile, the SLK looks very similar to its predecessor, albeit with a new crease which runs from the front wing indicator back into the doors to add a little extra visual drama. Once again, the SLK features a two-piece retractable roof .

At the rear, the SLK features an angular bootlid, which is similar to that sported by the current E-Class Coupe, flanked by LED taillights. The newcomer also gets trapezoidal exhaust pipe tips.

On the inside, the design will be influenced by the SLS. A minimalist design and retro air vents are likely to feature, along with the firm’s clever AirScarf neck warmers built into the seats.

Under the bonnet, the SLK gets a new range of engines. The entry level SLK200 will get the 201bhp 1.8-litre CGI petrol, while the convertible gets diesel power for the first time, courtesy of the 201bhp 2.4-litre CDI unit from the E-Class. 

The 300 V6 model is discontinued, but the SLK350 gains the revised 302bhp direct injection V-Series 3.5-litre V6. A performance version is likely to be offered, which may be powered by AMG's hotly anticipated twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 which produces around 465bhp. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Concept Car: Mazda Shinari

Meet Mazda’s future. This is the Shinari concept, which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September. The stylish four-door coupe previews the look of the next generation of Mazdas and ushers in a new design language.

Called Kodo, which translates from Japanese as ‘soul of motion’, the new look has been created by Mazda’s new design chief Ikuo Maeda.

At the front, the Shinari concept features the familiar Mazda prominent wheelarches and angular front grille. But the newcomer also gets a dramatic bumper, Audi-style intricate headlights and Aston Martin-aping grille in the front wing.

A pair of creases add flair to the car’s side, which looks a lot like the current Jaguar XF, while at the rear, there are shades of BMW’s Concept CS.

On the inside, the concept features a driver-oriented cockpit made of a high-class mixture of materials, including leather and aluminium.

The car that the Shinari previews is likely to be the next Mazda6. However, the concept’s look will influence the entire next generation of Mazda cars.

The number of obvious high-class influences on the design show-off Mazda’s desire to become more of a premium brand, and much like a Japanese Alfa Romeo, offering great handling cars that look the part too.

The new design language replaces Mazda’s previous Nagare, or ‘flow’ look that dictated the design of the Mazda5, which has drawn criticism for its looks.

Nagare was created by Mazda’s former design chief Laurens van der Acker, who left the firm for Renault earlier this year. Van der Acker will show off the DeZir concept at Paris as his new vision for the French brand. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Citroen DS4

MEET the Citroen that’s riding high! These are the first pictures of the firm’s new DS4 hatch, which delivers on the style promised by the DS High Rider concept seen at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Following the DS3, which is based on the C3 supermini, the DS4 features a more extravagantly designed exterior than the C4 which underpins it. The newcomer measures 4.27 metres long, 1.81 metres wide and 1.53 metres high, making it shorter, wider and 10cm taller than the regular C4 and a little bigger than the MINI Countryman.

At the front, the hatchback wears the latest Citroen family face, that debuted on the C5. The extra chrome on the two-bar grille and the pair of boomerang-shaped daytime running lights add class, while at the side, generously flared wheelarches house 19-inch alloys, although smaller rims are available.

The coupé-like roof line and upswept shoulder line taper towards the rear, where the handle for each of the small back doors is hidden.

On the tail, the DS4 features a scalloped bumper with neatly integrated exhaust pipe exits.

The interior boasts higher-class materials than in the regular C4 hatch. Liberal use of chrome for the dials, leather on the dash and doors, plus aluminium for the pedals demonstrates the firm’s attention to getting the luxury details right. Buyers will be given the choice of five leather combinations. Top-specification cars feature hide trim designed to mimic expensive watch bracelets linked together. Meanwhile, every variant gets a panoramic windscreen which extends backwards into the roof line and helps bathe the cabin in light.

Also available is a high-end stereo system and front seats with a massage function. All cars come with a unique selection of four exotically named tones for the various warning sounds: Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy and Urban Rythmik.

Despite the DS4’s style and luxury, practicality is still high on the agenda. The passenger door pockets have been enlarged, and a cooled centre console storage bin is standard fit. At 370 litres, the boot is larger than that of a Volkswagen Golf, too. Safety kit includes blind-spot monitoring and a speed limiter, fitted in accordance with the Safety Assist section of Euro NCAP crash tests.

Under the bonnet, the DS4 features a line-up of five engines. Diesel buyers can choose from a 110bhp 1.6-litre unit with e-HDi stop/start tech and regenerative braking, and a 160bhp 2.0-litre. There are three petrol choices, too: a 120bhp 1.6 VTi, and a pair of turbocharged 1.6-litre units with 155bhp or, in the range-topping car, 200bhp.

The DS4 debuts at October’s Paris Motor Show, before going on sale in the UK in early 2011. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Trio Nissan to Make Their Debut at LA Show 2010

Nissan announced its 2010 L.A. Auto Show model introductions today, and by the looks of the vehicle list, they're sure to attract plenty of attention. Three of the four planned debuts are world premieres.

Headlining the display is the brand's all-new Ellure concept. The sedan is said to add strong innovation to the typically drab four-door sedan.

Next is the Quest minivan. Designers promise the spacious van blends modern styling with functional and fun-to-drive qualities.

Finishing up the trio of premieres is the Murano CrossCabriolet, which Nissan says is the world's first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible. This four-passenger soft-roader mixes convertible fun with crossover versatility. Both the Quest and Murano CrossCabriolet will hit dealers early next year.

Lastly, a production-spec Leaf will be shown for the first time. It's still on schedule for a limited-market December release.

Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, will bring its 2012 M35 Hybrid sedan to the show. Officials promise it gives "V-8 performance with four-cylinder fuel economy." The automaker's new entry-level, 218-horsepower G25 Sedan will make a showing as well.

Check back for more 2010 L.A. Show information as its November 18 opening day approaches.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Orca cars pictures

New rendered De Tomaso Ghepardo 4-door coupe

New De Tomaso Ghepardo 4-door coupe This purple-highlighted design study is Frederik Tjellesen's view of what a new vehicle for the on-again / off-again De Tomaso brand could look like if he were to be involved. Named the Ghepardo, it's a four-door coupe that draws from former DeTomaso vehicles like the Pantera and Mangusta, as well as the idea that fine Italian automobiles (burning to the ground or not), need to be custom-tailored much like a suit.

De Tomaso Ghepardo 4-door coupe

Power for the fantasy car, as with many former De Tomaso cars, comes from a Ford-sourced engine; in this case, it would be a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 cranked up to 465 horsepower or four 80+ kW wheel-mounted motors (also good for a theoretical 450+ horsepower) that are powered by methanol fuel cells in the trunk.

Somewhere, the car has something called "bottom windows" for the purpose of "[increasing] the rear passengers' perception of speed", while the rear doors are gullwing units that also function as the boot lids.

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F1 World Champion Jenson Button picks up Mercedes C63 DR 520

On that note, current F1 champion and McLaren driver Jenson Button recently picked up the keys to his brand-spanking new limited edition AMG C63 DR 520 Estate at Mercedes-Benz World. The DR 520 comes from the Specialist Products Division with a modified 520-horsepower V8, extra fixin's, and is one of 20 units made for the UK market.

Most people who make calls to special divisions
of manufacturers to purchase unique vehicles tend to prefer anonymity. Thankfully there are people out there like Mark Carson, who got involved with showing people the process of customizing his M6. The other side of that coin is when superstars pick up (or are given) unique cars, at which point companies need to smack you in the face with an announcement.

Mercedes Arrow Is A Lightweight Two-Seater Vehicle Gives You The Feeling Of Sliding With A Bobsleigh

Mercedes Arrow has been designed to draw a comparison with other recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, jetskis or personalized aircraft. This stunning vehicle gives its passengers the ride of their life. The bobsleigh shaped body, the lightweight materials and the sporty look enable it to shoot through heavy traffic like an arrow from a bow. This experience can only be enjoyed by two passengers, their seats are placed one in front of another. One of the stunning features this futuristic car has, is that it combines TANDEM with MAGLEV technology to take sharp corners. This innovative feature allows the body of the car to tilt left and right when the car is taking corners, thus minimizing the wheels tilt angle. There is an almost non-existing chance for the vehicle to slide out of control. Due to the slim body, the wheels cover the same space of tarmac, just as a contemporary car, eliminating the risk of the car flipping over. The designer, Felipe Palermo, found inspiration in the old Silver Arrows, the SLR McLaren and the 1954 Gull-Wing.

Designer : Felipe Nogueria Palermo

The whole design and idea put this concept automotive in a near future, where people won’t be using cars anymore. A future where the whole transport itself will be based on rail systems. Felipe’s Arrow vehicle is designed for fun in the weekends, a recreational vehicle. The air intake placed in the rear of the car, over the last passenger, reminds us that the whole vehicle is based on Mercedes’ racing history and its super-cars. The airintake is also a starting point for the side bars, which strengthens the body and hold between them a small wind shield in front of the driver. Mercedes Arrow will be equipped with the next generation tire technology. They will have the ability to never wear out, the driver will be able to re-inject them with rubber and take the car for a spin, again. Felipe Palermo has applied everything he has learned at the IED, where he graduated in Car Design in 2007. He also has a post degree in Transportation Design and Industrial Design at FAAP, and is currently working at Mercedes-Benz Design Studio in Brazil.

Peugeot Modif

Automobile industry has seen various changes in past few years. Trend for compact hybrid cars is at its peak now a days. Several new designs are shaped every day and there is lot more to come.

Peugeot Modif is a fabulous design for a hybrid car that will be very successful in small towns and tight places. It has a two tone color scheme and the center of this is the large rubber tube-like center shaft that allows the car to squeeze up to 88 centimeters and also provides the front of the car with flexibility to swivel from side to side 18.5 degrees for better drive.

I liked the design as it is different from traditional designs, it features white tires and large black chrome wheels with each tire having six special pads holding sensors to intimate the driver for adjustment of car according to road conditions. Inside each massive wheel is a powerful hydrogen hybrid engine. 80% of the material used to make is renewable, the a rubber element in the front part houses the oil, water and CPU.

The cockpit of the car is covered by a large bubble top one-piece window that provides the passenger and the driver with an unobstructed view up to 360 degrees. Rare view cameras on both sides constantly provide with the status of the road behind on a screen embedded on the dashboard. It also features a high-discharge red led emergency light on the top for you to cherish a V.I.P. feeling. The exhaust pipe is positioned in the center that only emits water.

Citroen Survolt Concept 2010

Citroen Survolt Concept 2010