Car Nation

Right now we are at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) Cranfield, England, to see first-hand the Juke R . Car which we have already had occasion to speak a few days ago and of which we summarize briefly the technical data. 3.8 twin turbo V6 engine of the GT-R 485 hp version, making it the world’s most powerful crossover.

Bad, very bad, with that matte black that showcases all the curves of the body. Behind the two discharges are framed by the carbon finish that, along with the extractor, make the rear more sporty. The two alettoncini above the rear window to give that extra touch to the track-day car Juke-R, and help keep the rear on the ground even in the most demanding curves.

Audi , after announcing the presence of Google Earth on the next-generation A8 , which will be announced also integrated Google Street View function. In addition to the aerial view satellite maps, will be also possible to explore the ways in 3D via the Audi Connect.

According to a report in the official press release of the house, the system downloads the information when planning your destination, then obtaining, through the form of UMTS phone, the images of View Street. From Ingolstadt comes the news of the integration of Internet radio stations, through which will be selected more than 4,000 radio stations from around the world.

It looks like the German car maker still have not finished testing the new road Audi A3 : the hatchback from Ingolstadt is struggling with winter testing, in the icy landscapes of northern Sweden. Either that or they’re trying to spy shot their own car and leak the images to the press, in a great marketing move that we’re seeing more and more these days.

The camouflage is still thought of the forklift. However, the profile of the car reveals the proportions of the model currently on the market. What makes the difference will be elements such as the grille and headlights, all revealed by the A3 Concept . The latter also anticipated the sedan version of the A3, which will be added to the Sportback and the Cabrio . Scheduled to debut next year.

Nissan has just released details about their “Track Pack” for the GT-R 550-hp. This is a technical package dedicated to the day track of who often use their Skyline on track: the power of the engine remains unchanged, but the Track Pack ensures better cooling of the braking system (-100 Celsius degrees using medium on a path) through the cooling ducts more generous dimensions. The car also rests on alloy wheels, 6-spoke Rays lightened and stiffened suspension, they may be made electronically governed to a more comfortable mode of absorption for road use.

The interior has been stripped of the rear bench to save a few pounds. The booby cake icing are the Recaro seats with blue side panels and center console plate. The performance characteristics, with a 0-100 km / h consumed in less than 3 seconds. The model will be launched on the British market and the Japanese from March, with the price of the Track Pack set to the equivalent of approximately 11,700 euros. It is not currently expected to be commercially in countries with left-hand drive.

Morgan will present an updated version of the Plus 8 at the Geneva Motor Show 2012. The house has already contacted some customers to anticipate the news, already providing some details of updating its historic model. As reported by Autoevolution, the Plus 8 will use new alloy wheels derived from the Aero 8 and offer standard air conditioning, in addition to the optional automatic transmission.

No information has been revealed about the engine: The Term Plus 8 has always indicated models with V8 engines, and over the decades have passed through various versions of the V8 Buick / Rover used on many British sports on the Range Rover and the first series. Other models have also used the Morgan aspirated V8 BMW source, however, the Morgan Roadster is offered by a very short time with the 3.7 liter V8 Ford and do not be surprised to find an American on the new V8 flagship model. The Plus 8, available in 8 colors with a myriad of possible customizations should be made from about 70,000 pounds, equivalent to 80,000 euros at current exchange rates, in a limited number of specimens seen purely craft assembly.

Hyundai in Korea has announced the debut of two new engines: the new gasoline 1.6 T-GDI and the new R-2.0 diesel. The Euro 5 diesel range of the family, which cost over 40 million euros for development, uses a twin-scroll turbo, direct injection and variable valve timing and outputs 204 hp at 6000 rpm and 27 kgm of torque at 1750 rpm, but could also be made with different step by market power and applications. As for the the new R-2 .0 diesel, it’s a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that sports 150 hp and 39 lb-ft of torque. It’s “ready” for Euro 6 regulations and also susceptible to possible power-step.

Both engines could become the “workhorse” of many models, Hyundai and Kia as well as from the existing and the new i30 sports Veloster, and future periods with the new generation of Santa Fe. For the moment the data have not confirmed widespread and specifications for the European markets, so you will need to wait for an upcoming international trade fairs to gather information on the actual availability and confirmation.

The Kia GT Concept presented at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show may undergo significant changes to the mechanics in the transition from prototype stage to production stage. It is not obvious that the daring sedan-coupe of the Korean company can maintain the all-new 3.3 V6 turbo direct injection 395 hp which was presented at the festival on the banks of the Main.

The car was revealed by Peter Schreyer, number one in design at Kia , the man who is behind the image and the international perception of the brand (there’s this new range of products that look good). And that from the stylistic point of view have nothing to envy to the most celebrated creations of other brands. According to Schreyer, the GT will be a success in every case, even without an engine able to assure high performance.

“If done the right way would work the same, even with smaller engines or hybrid units. Would still be a powerful model, but with much lower power consumption, “said the creative German. Schreyer has also reiterated its belief in the emotional account the desirability of a model: “Every builder needs a car representative. Today, the coupe market is dominated by German companies, and produce a car like this is like putting a first foot in the club of those who count.”

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Isuzu Thailand has presented the new D-Max , model completely renovated and designed in collaboration with GM. It is no coincidence then that the new pick-up resulting from the same base east of the new Chevrolet Colorado , presented on the same occasion. Both vehicles will be sold in key markets worldwide, including Europe, with timing to be determined. Compared to Colorado, the D-Max offers a range of different engines, 2.5-liter diesel articulated on the 115 and 136 hp and a 3-liter 177 hp and matched or rear-wheel drive with manual or automatic transmissions based on fitting.

Mazda has just published official photos and a video of their new CX-5 mid-sized SUV that will clash with monsters of sales like Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai. The official debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show that will begin in a couple of weeks in Germany.

The car is a standard bearer of all those technologies dedicated to the architecture of the frame and the efficiency of the engines, which go under the name SKYACTIV.

Please note that the CX-5 will be marketed in the European market with the 2.0 petrol and 2.2 diesel engines, the latter available in Standard or High Power Power (175 HP). The three engines have a compression ratio of 14:1. This value is the basis of the strategy of the Japanese manufacturer such as to increase efficiency and decrease fuel consumption and emissions: the 2.2 diesel with front-wheel drive, manual transmission SKYACTIV-MT and Start / Stop button will emit less than 120 g / km of CO2.

During the Frankfurt Motor Show (15-25 September) Audi will be showing of the new Audi A2 Concept B-segment compact car with electric drive, five-door and equipped with lights and headlights. The Concept A2 measures 3.80 meters long, 1.69 wide and 1:49 in height, thus revealing more compact than the curiously similar to the old A1 and A2: height and width are almost identical, while the concept is lower by 6 cm. All the details are unknown about the technical side, although it gives Autobild for sure the use of MQB modular platform elements carbon, plastic and steel. The standard version has 75 electric motors and 110 hp and a plug-in hybrid.

The cockpit instrument panel is characterized by replicated by a translucent panel for the four individual seats and the cockpit made under the cushions. In transverse position can be charged a bicycle, however, lacks the front wheel. Also innovative materials, including polyurethane and neoprene seats and upholstery, aluminum and plastic for the dashboard for the shell of the seats. Concept The Audi A2, as anticipated, proudly presents the next generation clusters of varying intensity and intelligent operation, called “Matrix Beam” and composed of LEDs and microriflettori.

The rear lights, for example, regulate the light intensity as a function of visibility, while the rear fog replicate a triangle on the asphalt. Also new are daytime LEDs, more efficient and visible, while a band of “dynamic lighting” covers the entire silhouette of the car and replaces latrale turning the lights, change the intensity of a red light under braking (to warn of ‘intensity of the same) and recognizes the owner of the car to his approach. Also interesting is the glass roof revocromico-like, with the possibility that it can be obscured by pressing a button