New Car: 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

Daihatsu has thrown its latest Kei car contender into the fray, with the introduction of the Mira e:S in Japan. The minicar, which reinterpretates the three-door e:S Concept of two years ago into a five-door form, is available in both two- and four-wheel drive guise domestically, with four level variants (G, X, L and D) for the former and two (Gf and Xf) for the latter.

All versions wear the same KF transverse three-cylinder twin-cam 658 cc mill, offering 52 PS at 6,800 rpm and 60 Nm at 5,200 rpm, mated to a CVT transmission. The company is touting the car’s fuel economy as its biggest selling point – claimed figures for the 2WD version on the new JC08 mode test cycle is a healthy 30km per litre (and on the older 10-15 mode, 32 km per litre), close to hybrid territory.

Features on the 730 kg vehicle (790 kg for the 4WD versions), which is 60 kg lighter than the old Mira, include a pre-stop idle reduction system, and all the models wear 14-inch wheels and 155/65 profile rubbers; there are optional Sporty and Premium interior/exterior dress-up packs available for the car, as well as what is tagged an “earth colour interior.”

Domestically, Daihatsu is ambitiously aiming at moving 10,000 units of the Mira e:S per month in the first year, according to reports, and says that it will apply the technology used for the e:S to other models and vehicles produced overseas, including that in Indonesia, which was where the Daihatsu A-Concept was introduced in July, at the IIMS.
Thanks to: Paultan

Spied: 2013 Hyundai i20

Hyundai’s i20 light car is in line for an update and these Carparazzi spy pix show the Korean company is on track to bring a freshened-up version to market in 2012.

The heavily-clad prototype caught here on test in southern Europe shows the little Hyundai will get an entirely new face that almost seems to turn back the clock with a new restraint evident in the design of the headlights, which are arranged more horizontally than the upswept teardrops of the current model.

It appears these will blend into the upper grille, which itself will be underwritten by an ovalised lower air intake incorporating horizontal slats, similar to the recently introduced Accent model that slots between the i20 and i30...

Likewise, the tail lights also appear to adopt a more restrained form contrasting with the curvy, wraparound lenses used in today’s model. The i20’s profile appears pretty unchanged, right down to the external rearview mirrors and the well defined upper and lower body creases.

As for the interior, the Carparazzi photographers weren’t able to sidle in for a closer, through-the-window look, but we would have to assume any changes there would be minimal and focussed only on small details.

The i20 was introduced locally earlier this year and in the month of August was sitting on second sales spot for Hyundai, behind the i30. The updated Hyundai i20 is expected to go on sale during 2012.

Thanks to: Car Point

Hot News: BMW to Produce X4

BMW will build a sporting version of the X3 to be known as the X4, company CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed.

Plans for the car were predicted by Autocar last year, but Reithofer gave the first official indication that the four-seater SUV will be built when he said, "Yes, we will position a BMW X4 above the X3".

The car, depicted here in Autocar’s exclusive computer-generated rendering, will extend BMW’s already strong presence within the toughly fought premium SUV market.

Smaller and more agile than the X3, the new four-seater is expected to be badged X4 when it goes on sale in 2014. And in keeping with the new four-wheel-drive’s sporting brief, BMW’s plans also call for a range-topping X4 M version, previewed in our rendering.

Thanks to: Autocar

Unofficial Picture: 2013 Honda CR-V

The design of the new Honda CR-V will remain faithful to the concept version shown off earlier this year, as these leaked patent images show.

The manufacturer released the first official picture of the Honda CR-V SUV in the summer, and these new drawings show that many of the styling changes – designed to give the car a more aggressive stance – have been retained from the concept.

The CR-V is based on an all-new platform. The most prominent changes are at the front, where the CR-V features a wraparound lower front bumper that is better integrated into the rest of the front fascia than on the current car.

The three-bar horizontal front grille is also much more dominant than the current CR-V’s, with slimmed-down headlights flanking it on either side. Honda claims the front-end styling changes result in much improved aerodynamics over the current car.

Sculpted bodywork features on the sides, which also get more pronounced side sills. The large alloy wheels featured on the concept have been exchanged for more practical-looking variants.

At the rear, the CR-V will retain the vertical light design of the current car. The Japanese firm is also claiming an all-new, more spacious interior with a lower floor for improved load-carrying ability.

The Honda CR-V is one of the stars at the Orange County International Auto Show in California, which is taking place this week. The CR-V is set to reach UK showrooms in autumn 2012.

Engine details are still scarce, although improved efficiency and fuel economy is promised. The outgoing CR-V is available with a 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel engine, both of which produce 148bhp.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2012 Perodua Myvi Wofrace Design Concept

Malaysian manufacturer Perodua has collaborated with wheel brand Wolfrace to produce this Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Concept.

Additional kit featured on the Perodua Myvi Wolfrace Design Concept includes a leather and Alcantara interior, a Wolfrace graphics pack, contrasting red tailgate spoiler and mirrors, privacy glass in the rear windows, twin chrome exhausts and an upgraded, bass-heavy audio system.

It rides on black polished 16-inch Wolfrace Shark Alutec five-spoke alloys, low-profile Falken tyres and has lowered suspension featuring Eibach springs.

Standard kit featured on the five-door supermini includes aircon, power steering, four electric windows, electric door mirrors and an integrated radio/CD player.

There are no performance tweaks – the model features the same 1.3-litre, 86bhp petrol engine as other Myvi variants.

The Myvi Wolfrace Design Concept will be shown off at various exhibitions before going into a limited production run next month. The price has not been revealed, although the top model in the current range is the Myvi Sport+, which carries an on-the-road price of £8899.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2013 Porsche Panamera

The Panamera is getting a facelift to bring it more in line with the recently unveiled Porsche 991.

Camouflage hides small changes to the front bumper and headlights but, before it makes production, changes to the rear lights are also expected to give them more of a resemblance to the slimline units found on the 991.

Interestingly this mule also looks to be sporting cameras fitted to the bumper suggesting future Panamera’s will be fitted with Porsche’s ACC InnoDrive system. This works with the sat-nav to read curves and elevation in the road and allows the driver to take their feet completely off the pedals. It reportedly brings fuel consumption improvements of around 10 per cent too.

The engine line-up will be carried over as it is so expect to see basic models powered by a 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 and S models powered by a 394bhp 4.8-litre V8. Diesel, hybrid and turbocharged models will also be offered.

Expect to see the new Panamera arriving late in 2012 with a starting price-tag of around £60,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2013 Renault Clio

Here’s a first chance to see the face of things to come from Renault. Although this prototype Clio looks like the third generation car from the rear, if you look closely at the front you’ll spot there are some dramatic differences.

That’s because this car has the fixtures and fittings of the new, fourth-generation Clio and is fitted with the same front bumper and bonnet arrangement that will appear on the production car when it goes on sale in 2012.

You can clearly see the large, V-shaped indentation into which designers are planning to insert a super sized Renault badge, as well as the outline of the boomerang shaped radiator grille.

The newcomer, which will make its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show is promising to be better to drive, more daring to look at and cheaper to run.

And while rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa continue to forge their way to become more sporty, and more upmarket, a Renault insider who spoke to Auto Express has promised the newcomer will not forget its supermini roots – focusing first on offering value for money.

We revealed last week that the new Clio will only be available in five-door trim, and our original scoop illustrations from August 2011 show what drivers can expect to see from the car.

Under the bonnet, the newcomer will offer a range of petrol and diesel engines carried over from the current mode, as well as a new 900cc three cylinder turbo engine from the original R-Space concept car.

With 109bhp and 160nm of torque it promises CO2 emissions of around 95g/km and fuel economy of 76mpg.

There’s still no official news on plans to replace the hugely popular RenaultSport Clio – though the French firm has not ruled out building a five door version of the car, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Concept Car: Honda CR-V

Honda’s CR-V isn’t quite ready for public consumption, but the CR-V concept — which previews the production model’s look — is: the automaker showed off the concept at the Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, California, ahead of a Los Angeles auto show production car release.

The CR-V concept is an evolution of the previous model, which is nearing the end of its five year model cycle. The look has been updated with a three-bar grille, vertically wrapped tail lamps, and pointed rear windows next to an angular D-pillar.

A supplier PDF by Automotive News says that the CR-V will now offer two engines: either the old 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 175 hp and 170 lb-ft, or a new 2.5-liter L-4 with 201 hp and 177 lb-ft. Both engines will be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that carries over from the last CR-V, as well as the same all-wheel drive system.

The CR-V will make its production car debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, at which point it will have already begun production: Honda claims production on the 4^th-generation CR-V starts this month in East Liberty, Ohio, and Honda will formally put the car on sale in December of this year. It expects to sell around 286,000 copies of the CR-V in 2012.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Audi RS3 by ABT Sportsline

German tuner Abt Sportsline has a new tuning package for the Audi RS3.

Power boosting on the 2.5 liter TFSI unit comes in two stages, with the first bump being a substantial 80 horsepower over the series 340 PS (250 kW / 335 bhp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque for a new output level of 420 PS (309 kW / 414 bhp).

Abt Sportsline goes even further with an output offering 470 PS (346 kW / 464 bhp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque.

Both editions also get their V-max limiter lifted to 285 km/h (177 mph).

The tuner offers various 19-inch light-alloy rims on the RS3, wrapped in tires sized 255/30R19 for the front wheels and 225/35R19 at the back.

Mercedes CL63 AMG by VÄTH

VÄTH has introduced a new tuning program for the facelifted Mercedes CL63 AMG (C216).

Under the hood, the Hösbach-based firm offers a V63S package which adds a revised ECU and a stainless steel sport exhaust system. Thanks to these tweaks, the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine produces 630 PS (463 kW / 621 hp) and 930 Nm (685 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 86 PS (63 kW / 85 hp) and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft). This enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

Elsewhere, the tuner installs a sport suspension module, a high-performance braking system and 20-inch alloy wheels. Customers can also order a carbon fiber styling package which adds the lightweight material to the mirrors, spoiler and rear diffuser.

Press release:

CL63 AMG - V8 BITURBO (FACELIFT)

Mercedes-Benz C 216 presents the current generation of CL class as the luxury two-door coupe and it is based - in spite of the yesterday's body size in length, width and height - from September 2006 on the slightly modified platform of the S-Class limousines (Series 221). Since the vehicle was originally equipped with a large number of technical features, the "renovation" may be primarily focused on power. Company VÄTH Automobiltechnik is based in the Bavarian city of Hesbahe (Hösbach) near the city of Aschaffenburg. This company was once again able, after quite purposeful actions, to put the sports car of the highest category on the wheels.

The increase in power, for example, by Tuning-Kit V63S turns on the individual precise adjustments of the electronic engine management system including an increase in the maximum speed is now represented by the following data: about 463 kW / 630 hp., 930 Nm maximum torque, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km \ h takes 4.3 sec. and - in case of wheels camber - the top speed is 300 km \ h. The emission level has been reduced by the device made of stainless steel and Sport-Kat.

In order to optimize the brakes, on the approval of the engineering supervision, the tubes of fuel inlet are made of curved steel in which the brake fluid Castrol SRF circulates. VÄTH also offers the adequate brakes air blow-off in an optimal way. The alloyed disks have three spokes on 9x20-inch at the front and 10,5 x20-inch at the rear with the 255/35ZR20 tires or 275/35ZR20 - the optimum connection between the vehicle and the road. Factory made ABC (Active-Body-Control)-chassis are located deeper and is more comfortable in the first and second gear of the damper and in the third they are tightly regulated as in all sport cars, so the agility is clearly improved.

The cap of the side mirrors is made of carbon fiber, the car also features carbon fiber radiator cover and the rear diffuser, as well as the trunk spoiler and if necessary it may be lined with carbon as well.
Naturally, VÄTH has taken care of the interior as well. Thus, the sports steering wheel, created by them, in the full sense of the word indicates the direction. Also, the leather interior gives the car a prestigious looks. By the way, the carbon or precious wood lining is available in accordance with your desire. The expected speed of 360 km / h suits this vehicle perfectly.

Lamborghini Murcielago SV body kit by DMC

German tuner DMC has a new kit for those who want to keep their Lamborghini Murcielago looking fresh.

Based on the Lamborghini Murcielago SV Edition, also called the LP-670, the SV body kit delivers new bumpers, an integrated rear diffuser and a large rear wing all made of carbon fiber, to the Murcielago. DMC also fits a stainless-steel sport rear silencer and offers an optional sport metallic catalytic converter.

An ECU remap also pushes power up to 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp) and 495 Nm (365 lb-ft).

Finally, on the inside, DMC provides a finish is carbon fiber and top-grade leather.

BMW 1-Series M Coupe by Manhart Racing

Manhart Racing has unveiled a new tuning package for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe.

On the design front, the model is outfitted with black graphics, a rear diffuser and 20-inch alloy wheels. Other highlights include a lowered sport suspension and BMW Performance seats with orange contrast stitching.

Power comes from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that has been equipped with a revised ECU and a sport exhaust system. Thanks to these tweaks, the engine produces 420 PS (309 kW / 414 hp) instead of the standard 340 PS (250 kW / 335 hp).

5 Things to Consider when it comes to Vehicle Storage

Self storage is an industry in which storage space is rented to tenants, usually on a monthly basis. A self storage business provides rooms, lockers, containers, and/or outdoor space in which tenants can store and access their goods. Self storage tenants include businesses and individuals. There are several things to consider when storing a vehicle. Below Are the top 5 we find most important.



1. The Space: Is it indoor or outdoor. If it is an indoor space, is there enough room to open the door or will you need to climb out the window causing you to leave the window rolled down the entire time you are storing your car. Is the space storage for cars



2. The Facility: Is this an automobile storage facility set up specifically for cars. Is it gated. Would it be easy for criminals to steal or gain access to. Is the Storage facility in a bad part of the area.



3. Location: Is the Storage facility close to where you live or on the way to and or from work.



4. Hours: What are the hours you can access your car. Can you get to your car whenever you need to.



5. Price: MONEY! Is the space provided adequate for the amount of money being charged.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta by Novitec

German tuner Novitec likes its Italian cars and is now offered a very comprehensive package for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Things get started under the hood where Novitec adds a little juice to the 1.4 TB 16V unit for an output of 141 PS (104 kW / 139 bhp), up from the series 120 PS (88 kW / 118 bhp).

The 1.4 MultiAir unit also gets dialed up from its standard 170 PS (125 kW / 168 bhp) to a healthier 195 PS (141 kW / 193 bhp).

For the range-topper, Novited uprates the 1.8 liter turbo engine to 261 PS (192 kW / 256 bhp) and 386 Nm of torque (285 lb-ft). With that newly configured unit the Giulietta does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 6.5 seconds and features a top speed of 251 km/h (156 mph).

Novitec also does all 3 diesel variants of Giulietta (details in the press release below).

The tuner then offers a range of wheels from 18-inch to 20-inches in size, sport springs that lower the suspension by 35 mm or a stainless-steel coil-over suspension with adjustable height and damper rates, as well as sport mufflers.

The aero kit consists of a three-piece (right, left, central) front fascia lip spoiler, side skirts, and rear bumper with integrated diffuser.

Hot News: 2015 Mitsubishi eK Wagon

The Mitsubishi eK is a Japanese kei car.Frist generation arrive in 2001 and second generation arrive in 2006.The 2nd generation is not the fully redesign but it’s carry most of component from the first car. Diffrent in at front and rear mask and new slide door While roof line include a and rear pillar is carry on from last generation.The platform and suspension is not new either.

So,The 3rd generation must be all new developed.Styling will be a lot different from current car.A more sharp and modern line is expect.Size will remain at 3395 mm long x 1475 wide and 1550 high. Engine will be 3 cylinder 660 CC.

It’s is the first time got the MiEV version which will share component from i-MiEV car .Self-developed by Mitsubishi featuring petrol engine combine with Plug-in Hybrid System addition to saving energy, high power output, high stability, low pollution.Front engine front wheel drive is expect.

Thanks to: Autoten

New Concept Car: Gordon Murray Teewave AR.1

Gordon Murray Design has taken the wraps of a new prototype rear-drive electric sports car.

GMD, headed by legendary McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, was commissioned by carbonfibre specialist Toray Industries Inc to build the new two-seat sports car, called Teewave AR.1.

The Teewave AR.1, codenamed T.32, uses a Toray-supplied carbonfibre monocoque chassis and the all-electric powertrain from the Mitsubishi iMiEV.

Its 63bhp, 133lb ft electric motor and 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack helps propel the lightweight 850kg machine from 0-62mph in 11.4sec and onto a top speed of 91mph. A “lively” 0-31mph time of 4.4sec is also quoted by GMD.

A full recharge of the battery pack takes six hours and the AR.1’s claimed range is 116 miles.

The concept features carbonfibre crash structures that performed well in simulators. And although the powertrain is borrowed from the iMiEV, GMD says the “unique electrical architecture and control units” are its own design.

The 3975mm long, 1765mm wide and 1154mm high AR.1 features a full-length undertray with ground-effect diffuser; and its double wishbone suspension front and rear, along with its low weight and low centre of gravity, is said to result in “an excellent ride and handling balance”.

GMD says the project took just nine months from “concept discussions to running vehicle”. GMD and Toray insist the car is a one-off running prototype designed to showcase both firms’ technologies, but almost all the various tech showcased in the car can be applied to more mainstream products, including the carbonfibre monocoque.

Murray said his latest creation’s ultra low kerb weight “proves that performance through light weight is the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to achieve power-to-weight targets”.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2013 Opel/Vauxhall Astra OPC/VXR

The Focus ST had its moment at the Frankfurt Motor Show but now Vauxhall is muscling in for its share of the hot-hatch limelight with a new 300bhp Astra VXR – and these pictures give our first look at the new model.

Based on the three-door GTC model – which gets dramatic C pillars and muscular arches – the VXR builds on the sporty look with a new bodykit, large alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

Power is expected to come from a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine with over 300bhp – a huge increase over the outgoing 237bhp Astra VXR. All the power will be delivered to the front wheels and a limited slip-diff is expected to be fitted as standard.

Acceleration from 0-62mph will take around six seconds and a the VXR will continue on to a top speed of 150mph.

The GTC model already rides on suspension lowered by 15mm over the five-door Astra and the VXR model will be lower still. The Insignia VXR’s HiPerStrut suspension will also feature to help cornering and also reduce torque steer.

The spy shots reveal a set of huge Brembo brakes complete with cross-drilled discs to provide the stopping power.

Expect prices to start at around £25,000 when the Astra VXR goes on sale towards the beginning of next year. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

First Sketch: 2015 Jensen Interceptor

A racy ‘R’ version of the Volkswagen Polo has been confirmed as many times as it has been denied over the past couple of years but our spies think they’ve finally caught their first glimpse of the hot Polo.

Concealed under this standard Polo GTI body is Polo R running gear, including an all-new 1.6-litre TSI engine and the possibility of four-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre TSI unit will produce around 210bhp and is likely to replace the 1.8-litre TSI engine in the VW line-up which is currently one of the oldest and most inefficient engines.

The new engine has been revealed in the Volkswagen Polo R WRC rally entry for 2013 where it produces 300bhp.

In production form, the Polo R should be capable of 0-62mph in around six seconds and a top speed of more than 150mph.

Expect to see the newcomer on sale late in 2012 with a price-tag of around £24,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Recall Up Date: 2011 BMW 3-Series xDrive

BMW is recalling 2011 BMW 328i and 335i xDrive models to fix a driveshaft issue.

The Problem: The front driveshaft attachment bolts that connect the driveshaft to the all-wheel drive transfer case may not have been properly tightened, and could loosen over time. The loose connection could cause noise and vibration from the front driveshaft and potentially lead to a loss of power to the front wheels, a vehicle breakdown, and increase the risk of a crash.

The Fix: BMW will notify owners and dealers starting next month (October 2011) and will replace the bolts free of charge.

Number of Vehicles Affected: BMW estimates 190 vehicles, all with xDrive all-wheel drive and built between February 8 and July 29, 2011, are potentially affected. But BMW expects less than 100 of the vehicles to have the defect.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2013 Acura RDX

Acura’s compact RDX crossover drives swell enough, but since its 2006 introduction, its look and interior have gotten a little long in the tooth (or beak, as the case may be). For the 2013 model year, Acura is prepping a replacement, a prototype of which is seen here accompanied by high-fashion models—or perhaps they’re engineers, it’s so hard to say—in nearly every picture.

If you were hoping that Acura might use the 2013 RDX as an opportunity to explore alternatives to the maligned “power plenum” grille, brace yourself for disappointment. A familiar shape is visible through the camo on the nose of this prototype, although we’re holding out hope that it is, like the grille of the recently refreshed TL, subdued a bit. The rest of the front-end styling appears cleaned up, with one of the two lower intakes disappearing and sleeker headlights looking like they came directly off the new TL. Out back, we can see that the opening for the rear hatch seems wider, an important improvement for those who actually haul things with their crossover.

We’re hoping there’s more significant change inside. If Acura wants the RDX to be competitive with the rest of the compact-lux-u-vee class, it needs to match the warm, inviting interiors of its competition. Expect the RDX to continue to offer a class-leading suite of standard and optional features.

Don’t expect much change under the hood, either. The turbocharged, 240-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in today’s RDX does a fair job hustling it to and fro, and while its 19-mpg city/24 highway EPA ratings aren’t particularly impressive, they better the economy of many of its competitors. The only powertrain upgrade is likely to be a six-speed automatic in place of the current five-cogger.

Look for a loosely disguised RDX “concept” to appear at an auto show this winter, either L.A. in November or Detroit in January, in advance of the production model hitting dealerships in late 2012. If you want a good idea of what it will look like before then, just keep your eyes peeled for a current model—preferably without a bunch of engineers crowded around it.

Thanks to: Car and Driver