Range Rover Evoque by Startech (special cars)

Range Rover Evoque by Startech

Making its European debut at this week's Essen Motor Show is the Startech tuning program for the new Range Rover Evoque. Startech, which is a sub-division of the Brabus brand, first revealed its take on the British crossover model at the Dubai International Motor Show earlier this month.

The product lineup includes a new front apron, a roof wing and a rear apron that houses a diffuser and the reshaped quad tail pipes. The crossover model's sportier stance is further enhanced with suspension kit that lowers the ride height by up to 30mm (1.2-inches) and custom-tailored alloy wheels offered in various color combos and 20- or 22-inch diameters.

There's a lot going on inside as Startech's comprehensive program comprises of a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter, leather upholstery for the seats and door panels, Alcantara trim for the headliner and wood or carbon-fiber trim sets.
Startech said that a performance kit for the 2.0-liter SI4 gasoline engine that normally produces 240-horses is in the final stages of development, while the tuner will introduce a power kit for the diesel engine as well.

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Porsche Cayman R1 by Delavilla (Special Cars)

Porsche Cayman R1 by Delavilla

Delavilla was established in 2007 and focuses exclusively on Porsche models currently offering complete programs for the Cayman and the 911 coupes. The company says that it is also working on tunes for the Speedster, the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera saloon, with more details to be released at a later date.

Back to the Cayman-based R1, the coupe model was revealed at the 2011 Lyon International Motor Show last month and it proposes a comprehensive exterior makeover along with a choice of power upgrades.
The obvious exterior changes start with a wide bodykit that includes front and rear bumpers and fenders along with side panels, which add 120mm (4.7-inches) to the Cayman's overall width up front and 180mm (7.1-inches) on the rear.

The car also gets a bespoke set of quad tail pipes, LED daytime running lights and larger multispoke alloy wheels in the same color as the body.
Delavilla notes that it offers a great number of options ranging from scissor-style doors with a fingerprint recognition system to a transparent engine cover.
Inside, the French tuning house adds a pair of bucket seats along with Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and gear lever.
Buyers can choose from three different power kits that lift output to 340HP, 385HP and 420HP, though the most powerful option is only for those than plan to use the car on the track for racing.

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Autonomo - designed for the year 2030 (future cars)

Charles Rattray's vision of what the automotive industry will be capable of by the year 2030 is far more feasible that it may seem at first glance.

Autonomo 2030 Concept by Charles Rattray (Image: Charles Rattray)

Autonomous transport is central to the whole idea. Drawing heavily on the principles of swarm robotics, the self-driving autonomos travel in tight clusters that shift their configurations to maintain an uninterrupted flow of traffic while allowing particular vehicles to reach their respective destinations. This so called "platoon mode" allows to vastly reduce energy consumption through reducing the aerodynamic impact on the vehicles further back down the platoon. Thanks to microwave sensors, the spaces between vehicles are reduced to mere 20cm (7.8 inches), as keeping a safe distance from cars ahead is no longer required. Another type of microwave detectors scan the road surface ahead to prime the suspension accordingly and provide a smoother ride.

Needless to say, the whole operation is run by computers. Each drive-by-wire autonomo has an onboard computer that crunches the data received from an array of sensors (e.g. radar, microwave, lidar, optical and infrared sensors) as well as from external feedback systems. This enables monitoring the road 200m (656 feet) in front and behind the vehicle, or a whole platoon of vehicles, regardless of weather conditions. The cars understand their surroundings well enough to anticipate any changes in the road environment and react to them much quicker that even the most experienced humans. Even the acute senses of the homo sapiens are no match to a set of hi-definition cameras coupled with object recognition technologies capable of interpreting human gestures and predicting the path of other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians or any other potentially hazardous objects.

This local level of awareness is augmented by data streamed from a constantly updated centralized database responsible for the real-time balancing of mobility demands across the entire network. Such a database would be controlled by intelligent algorithms that learn from the information that is fed to them. Historical data and the data collected in real time would be used to efficiently match the infrastructure real estate with the changing demands of ever fluctuating traffic.

All this would be achieved without overhauling the existing road infrastructure. Instead of making roads wider to accommodate new lanes, Rattray chose to make his concept car a 1.15m (3.77 feet) wide two-seater. This doubles the throughput of our roads, with two autonomos fitting abreast in a single lane. Maneuverability is additionally improved by a tilting design and by wheels that allow movement in all directions

The aerodynamic body shares the length and the the wheelbase of a 2009 Mini Cooper, but - unlike the Mini - it is covered with two transparent photovoltaic layers that harvest electric energy to be stored in ultra-efficient lightweight batteries and passed on to the in-wheel motors. Since the passengers are not busy driving, they can enjoy the views through opaque, one-way vision windows or amuse themselves by playing around with the on-board augmented reality screen. Charging the vehicle through electrodynamic induction or energy transfer lasers is done wirelessly and can be performed on the go, via charging pads embedded in the road surface. Energy can also be shared within a platoon.

(via Gizmag)

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2012 Audi R8 / Review

2012 Audi R8

Audi first unveiled the R8 -- its first ever mid-engine sports cars -- for the 2008 model year, and the model has continued largely unchanged in base trim since.
The base 4.2 R8 has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and starts at $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.
The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. LEDs are also used in the engine bay to make the impressive V8 visible even at night.
Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered. Claimed zero to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative.

Interior

The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.
With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customization options for the interior.

The drivetrain

At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-meters from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides ample thrust in most driving situation.
The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick gear-shift on the center console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. 'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.
The car is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.

The chassis
The chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.
Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.
Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.
Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.
The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tires at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low center of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.

Equipment and trim

Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to maneuver into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format color monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.
A total of eight exterior colors are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.
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Specs:
Curb Weight (lbs)     3605
City (MPG)     11
Hwy (MPG)     20
Horsepower     430@7900
Torque (lb-ft)     316@4500
Wheelbase     104.3
Length (in.)     174.5
Width (in.)     79.9
Height (in.)     49.3

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Caterham-Lola SP/300.R (Special Cars)

Caterham SP/300.R

With a rich history of racing excellence, British automakers Caterham are transplanting their racing pedigree from the track to the streets with the Caterham SP/300.R.

Specialist lightweight sports car manufacturer Caterham is bringing their Caterham SP/300.R stateside.
With a racing pedigree spanning over four decades, the latest from the British automaker would most certainly look more at home on the track than off it, but looks aren’t all the Caterham is packing into the 1,300 pound frame. Powering car will be 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine tweaked to churn out 300 horsepower with estimated 0-60 sprint speeds taking a paltry 2.5 seconds to achieve. The engine will be mounted longitudinally and paired with a Hewland sequential transmission, but if that doesn’t satisfy your need for speed, the chassis has been designed to accommodate a range of powertrains at the buyers request.

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Mazda Develops i-ELOOP Capacitor-Based Regenerative System on Takeri Concept

Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.
Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).
According to Mazda, a capacitor is superior to batteries because it does away with the need for an electric motor and can be charged and discharged rapidly while it also doesn't deteriorate after prolonged use.

The i-ELOOP system comprises a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. It captures energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat the moment the driver lifts his foot of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle starts to decelerate.
At that time, the alternator starts generating electricity up to 25V before sending it to the capacitor where it is stored in mere seconds. The DC/DC subsequently converts the electricity from 25V to 12V before powering the vehicle’s climate control and audio systems, various other electric systems and can even charge the battery if necessary.

Mazda Takeri concept

Mazda claims that the i-ELOOP, which will be combined with the firm's i-stop auto stop-start system, reduces fuel consumption by approximately 10% and will be available in production vehicles in 2012.
The i-ELOOP will make its public debut at next week’s Tokyo Motor Show in the Takeri concept car, which previews Mazda’s replacement for the mid-sized Mazda6 family saloon.

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Nissan's 480HP Juke-R details Finally Fully Revealed

Nissan's 480HP Juke-R

It's been far too long in the making –let alone the endless teasing- but here it is in the flesh: Nissan's outrageous Juke-R project car that blends the eccentrically styled body of its small crossover with the proven mechanical hardware of the almighty GT-R sports car.

The result is a vehicle that defies logic and proves once again that Nissan has the guts and the will to experiment with crazy ideas. And judging by the Murano Convertible, we wouldn't be one bit surprised if someone at Nissan gave the green light for a limited production version down the road.

However, for the time being, Nissan Europe and its technical partner RML, are saying that the Juke-R is a special, road legal concept car, of which only two examples will be built, one in left-hand-drive and the other in right-hand-drive.

The new images and videos give us our first detailed look at the Juke R. On the outside, Nissan's designers applied a matte black finish to the small crossover before adding a host of aero components, the styling of which was inspired of course by the GT-R.

The car's bad-boy looks with the flared wheel arches that cover the GT-R-sourced 20-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels, widened front bumper with large air vents, sculpted side skirts, prominent rear bumper with a diffuser and the split rear wing, leave little doubt that this ain't your ordinary Juke.

Same goes for the interior where Nissan's engineers ditched the rear seat bench and added a race-spec roll cage. The crossover also gained a pair of race seats up front along with GT-R-sourced steering wheel, pedals, dials and 7-inch touch-screen display.

But the most amazing changes take place under the skin where the Juke adopts the GT-R's 3.8-liter bi-turbocharged V6 engine with 480-horses as well as its all-wheel drive system, gearbox and suspension, all of which were modified appropriately. Nissan has not yet announced performance figures.

The company said that the project cars will enter testing in late November before "they are unleashed on the world to take on the urban playground".

Until then, hop over the jump to check out the pictures and watch the three videos on the Juke-R.

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2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

Basic Specs
City (MPG) : 21/Hwy (MPG) :29  Horsepower : 211@4300-6000  Torque (lb-ft) : 258@1500-4200

Audi took the wraps off its redesigned A4 Avant station wagon for the latest model year. Based directly on the new A4 Sedan, the Avant model is larger and more advanced than its predecessor.
Compared to the old model, the proportions have been adjusted noticeably. The front overhang has been shortened, and the hood and the wheelbase have gained considerably in length. The newly developed five-link front axle has been shifted farther forward. This ensures that the axle loads are better distributed, thereby improving handling.
The new A4 Avant measures 15.42 feet in length, 4.72 inches longer than the previous model. The body structure is considerably more rigid and stronger, yet is around 10 percent lighter at the same time.
Visually, the Avant is very similar to the new Sedan. The flat D-pillars create a more dynamic silhouette than those of past A4 wagons. The new A4 Avant will roll off the production line on 16 inch and 17 inch alloy wheels.
As with the sedan, the interior is all-new, featuring more legroom, improved materials, and more comfort overall. The driver-oriented cockpit borrows many features from the larger A8, Audi says. Thanks to the new electro-mechanical parking brake, the manual parking brake was no longer necessary, creating more space in the center console area.
Audi claims a maximum storage space of 50.50 cubic feet is the largest luggage capacity in the wagon's competitive field. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats also come with the option of a load-through hatch with separate ski and snowboard bag.

2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon interior

Engine
While Europe will get the Avant with a choice of three diesel engine and two gasoline ones, Audi says the sole engine for North America will be a new turbocharged four-cylinder.
Gone are the multiple engine offerings, and in place of six and four-cylinder offerings is a single, 2.0-liter TFSI engine. This turbocharged four-cylinder engine is good for an impressive 211 horsepower from 4,300 to 6,000 rpm, and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.
For the A4 Avant, the only transmission choice is the Tiptronic eight-speed transmission, rated at 21 city, 29 highway miles per gallon. This model is only available with quattro all-wheel drive.

Safety
Collision safety is improved by a combination of adaptive airbags, belt tensioners with variable belt force limiters and seat position sensors on the front seats to best protect occupants. In case of a rear-end collision, the backs of the front seats and the head rests support the upper body.
An electronic stabilization program (ESP) is standard, and can be partially switched off when driving under 44 mph. A new variable steering ratio system adjusts by nearly 100 percent depending on the speed driven.

High-tech features
Optional high-tech systems include the Audi parking system (a parking aid; standard for the A4 Avant Ambiente), Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist (which warns of hazards when changing lane). Adaptive cruise control maintains the distance to the vehicle in front.
The Audi Music Interface (AMI) allows iPods and similar devices to be connected. The navigation systems with MMI Basic plus or with DVD including MMI are also further upgrade options. They permit the integration of cell phones as Bluetooth car phones and are combined with the MMI operating system. A high-performance Bang & Olufsen audio system is available with a 505 watt, ten-channel amplifier that controls 14 speakers.

Packages
The new Audi A4 Avant will roll off the production line in the Attraction, Ambition, and Ambiente equipment lines. The dynamic S line offers the options of an exterior package and a sports package. The range of options includes luxury-class features such as air-conditioned comfort seats, the triple-zone climate control system, the advanced key which allows keyless access to the vehicle and vehicle start-up at the press of a button, and the dynamic cornering light system known as adaptive light. The large panoramic glass sunroof lights up the interior.

WATCH VIDEO

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New Details of 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL released

Earlier this week, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport published a set of what appear to be official pictures of the next SL's body-in-white, along with some very interesting details.

The images suggest that the all-new luxury roadster will retain the familiar SL silhouette while adopting styling cues from other Mercedes models such as the boxy nose that is becoming the brand’s new “face” and the SLK’s “Magic Sky Control” retractable rigid roof.

According to AMS, the new SL roadster will be much lighter than the current model, despite being slightly larger in all dimensions. This has been achieved through the use of an almost all-aluminum chassis that weighs just 254 kg (560 pounds) reducing the car’s overall weight, by as much as 140 kg (309 lbs) with obvious benefits both in handling, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The new SL will be powered by a new generation of engines that feature direct injection and an auto stop-start system. The line-up will consist of a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with an output of 435HP, as well as V6 and possibly V12 units.

AMG will develop the range-topping versions, with the SL 63 AMG being powered by the new 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 that will reportedly pump out 571HP.

The interior will follow the latest Mercedes design direction with highlights including the round vents surrounded by chrome rings and a large screen at the center console. Expect all the usual comfort and passive and active safety systems from Mercedes’ huge arsenal.

In addition, the 2013 SL will introduce two novel features. The first one is “Magic Vision Control”, a windshield wiper that encompasses the washer fluid system and which is said to be much more effective than a conventional unit . The second is a new audio system that uses the empty space in the aluminum-structured footwell as a resonance chamber to deliver more bass.

Source : AMS

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Porsche Cayster GT670 designed by Hofele/ A Look

Porsche Cayster GT670

Next up on our motor show calendar is the largest tuning event in Europe, the 2011 Essen show in Germany, where Hofele-Design will introduce its own bespoke take on the Porsche Cayenne called the Cayster GT 670.

The package bundles a new aero body kit that includes wheel arch extensions, a rear apron with a diffuser, a front apron with a skid plate, side skirts, a roof spoiler and real carbon fiber trim bits for the body.
An electronic lowering module can drop the Cayenne's air suspension 40mm (~1.6-inches) but only at speeds of up to 80km/h (50mph), while Hofele-Design also offers a selection of alloy wheels, in diameters from 20 to 22 inches.
On the engine front, there are two available performance kits, one for the Cayenne Diesel that boosts the 3.0 TDI V6's output from 245PS and 550Nm to 315PS and 650Nm (479.4 lb-ft), and the other for the Cayenne S Hybrid that increases power from 380-horses to 481-horses and peak torque from 580 Nm to 737 Nm (543.6 lb-ft).
For the interior of the Cayenne, Hofele-Design offers bespoke leather upholstery and a set of carbon panels for the centre console, dashboard and door panels.
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New Ford Ranger is the First Pickup Ever to be Awarded 5 Stars in Euro NCAP Crash Tests

Ford Ranger

Ford’s new Ranger is the first pickup tested by the Euro NCAP safety organization to achieve a five-star top rating. The Ranger’s overall score was 89%, which is not only the best ever recorded by a pickup, but one of the highest regardless of class.

Surprisingly, given that it is a pickup, it also managed to receive the best rating ever for pedestrian protection among the cars tested by the Euro NCAP since it was established in 1997, with an 81% score.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen, said: “With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pickup trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”
Ford’s chief engineer for Asia Pacific and Africa, Adam Frost, commented on the Ranger’s results: “On the all-new Ranger we did more crash simulations than any of our prior programs to ensure that all parts of the vehicle’s safety were optimized.”

In particular, Ford engineers started with simulating more than 9,000 virtual crashes to optimize the Ranger’s structure and safety system before moving on to testing the pickup. There, they completed 110 actual crash tests and 410 system sled tests with actual prototypes.
The pedestrian protection result was achieved thanks to a front bumper with energy-absorbing materials and a new, “hexageneous” under-bonnet structure that reduces the chances of a pedestrian head injury.

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Range Rover Evoque to Debut at Dubai Motor Show

Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque is not only Range Rover’s newest and smallest model but also a uniquely designed crossover that heralds a new philosophy for the British brand.
Startech, a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus, has developed an on-road oriented tuning package for both the three- and five-door versions the Evoque, which will make its debut at this week's 2011 Dubai International Motor Show.

Range Rover Evoque/back view

The package includes newly shaped front and rear bumpers, front grille, spoiler and air inlets that are said to have been fine-tuned in the wind tunnel to reduce lift on the front axle at high speeds.
The Startech-tuned Evoque also features an integrated rear diffuser and new tailpipes that can be fitted to the standard exhausts or Startech’s own stainless steel muffler
The ride height has been lowered by 35 mm (1.4 inches) and the standard wheels have been replaced by 21-inch Monostar R five-spoke forged alloys fitted with high-performance 265/40 tires. Customers may also opt for 20- or 22-inch wheels.

Changes in the interior include custom upholstery made of leather and Alcantara not only in the demonstration car’s black and white livery, but also in any color and design the customer prefers. Wood or carbon fiber trim finish off the Startech treatment.
A performance kit for the SI4 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which has a standard output of 240HP, is in the final stages of development, with details to be released at a late date.
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2011 Acura MDX/Review

2011 Acura MDX

Pricing  MSRP :$42,930 to $52,555/Invoice Price :$39,411 to $48,139
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): City:16 /Highway: 21

The seven-passenger 2011 Acura MDX is equipped with a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.  With Acura’s standard Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, the 2011 Acura MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is impressive for a midsize SUV.  Fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway are decent and stack up against competing luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350.

2011 Acura MDX front and back view

Last year, the Acura MDX received changes to the grille, gauges, steering wheel, taillights and tailpipes, and added the Advance Package.  Auto-leveling xenon headlights, power tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels come standard, while 19-inch alloy wheels are optional.

Inside, the luxurious 2011 Acura MDX is adorned in leather and features eight-way power heated/cooled front seats and three-zone automatic climate control.  With six different cargo configurations, the spacious 2011 Acura MDX offers an above-average total cargo volume of 83.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.  Upgraded technologies include an optional rear DVD entertainment system, heated second-row seats, voice-recognition navigation system with real-time traffic updates, and a sport-styled steering wheel.  Other options include a sunroof, 10-speaker surround sound system, and USB/iPod integration.

2011 Acura MDX side views

Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative has helped the MDX earn top ratings in government crash tests with such standard active and passive safety technologies as dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all three rows of seats, vehicle stability assist with all-disc antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and an electronic stability system with traction control.  Options include a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control with a collision mitigation feature, which helps reduce the chances of a collision by alerting you to potential collision situations and automatically activates the brakes if the system determines a collision is unavoidable.

 2011 acura MDX interiors

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2013 Volkswagen CC to first launch in Germany in February 2012

Set to make its world debut at the upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat packs some select visual scrub ups to bring it up to date with the German brand's more recent offerings.

2013 Volkswagen CC

You can spot the new model by the redesigned front that gets a new chrome-trimmed grille, reshaped headlamps that incorporate a ring of LEDs and a reworked bumper.

Similar changes can be found at the back with the new LED tail lamp, bumper and boot lid designs. A fresh choice of colors and alloy wheel options round off the exterior updates.
Inside, VW's designers tinkered around with the air-conditioning controls and trim options while the company says it has improved the standard features across the range with the addition of a fatigue detection system, new audio, stainless steel door sills and safety head restraints with additional longitudinal adjustment for the front seats.

2013 Volkswagen CC back view

For the 2013 model year, there is also a new batch of available assistance systems such as the Side Assist Plus with integrated Lane Assist that warns of vehicles in blind spots and assists driver in avoiding an accident by steering intervention, Dynamic Light Assist and a camera-based traffic sign detection system.
In the USA, the CC will launch with the same engine lineup as before, including a 200HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol and a 280HP 3.6-liter V FSI petrols (FSI).
There are no changes to the European lineup either, with the CC being offered with several TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines ranging in output from 140HP to 300HP. The most fuel-efficient version is powered by the 140HP 2.0 TDI that delivers a combined fuel consumption of 4.7lt/100km (equal to 50mpg US).
The refreshed Volkswagen CC will first launch in Germany in February 2012, then gradually across Europe, America, Russia, China (local version starting in 2013) and other sales regions

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