2013 Acura RDX pricing

Acura has released pricing details for the new 2013 RDX compact crossover, which will debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The new RDX is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine with 33-hp more than its predecessor for a new grand total of 273-hp. The engine will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive available as an option for $1,400.

The 2013 RDX comes with a more fuel-efficient and powerful V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower (33 hp more than the outgoing 2012 model's four-cylinder motor) and should achieve an estimated 20/28/23 mpg city/highway/combined or 19/27/22 mpg when equipped with all-wheel drive.

The RDX gets a refreshed interior with extra noise insulation. Leather seats are standard, as is a premium audio system and a power moonroof. The 2013 model also gets Pandora Internet radio, keyless access and a rearview camera standard.

An additional Technology package for $3,700 adds a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a hard-disk drive with storage capacity, real-time weather, automatic climate control, premium surround sound, a power tailgate and high-intensity headlights.

The 2013 Acura RDX is set to hit dealerships in early Spring and ahead of the launch we can report pricing will start at $35,205 (MSRP).




Press Release

The all-new 2013 RDX crossover SUV will go on-sale at Acura dealerships in early Spring with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $34,320 Acura announced today.

"The right-sized 2013 RDX adds increased comfort, utility and power, along with class-leading fuel economy," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales."Based on changing consumer preference, small is becoming big in the eyes of today's consumers."

The 2013 RDX significantly ups the game with its all new looks, increased comfort and new technology. In addition the RDX features a new 3.5L V-6 engine with 33 more horsepower than the outgoing model, a new 6-speed automatic transmission and a new all-wheel-drive system (available as a $1,400 option). The RDX exterior incorporates a sleek (more aerodynamically efficient) body and chassis updates abound in the form of a longer wheelbase with increased track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system.

Inside the 2013 RDX, occupants will appreciate a new interior design with increased utility, rich interior materials and generous use of noise insulation. Standard features on RDX include leather seating surfaces, heated power front seats, a power moonroof and a 360watt audio system. New technologies such as Pandora® internet radio interface, an SMS text messaging function, a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start, an Active Noise Control system and a rear view camera system with three unique viewing angles are also standard on all RDX models.

Available for $3,700, a Technology Package brings the RDX owner even more high tech appointments including items such as the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic ReroutingTM, AcuraLink Real-Time WeatherTM, a GPS-linked solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system, Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System, a power actuated rear tailgate, projector beam headlights with Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs and front fog lights.

The 2013 RDX will be produced (using U.S. and globally sourced parts) exclusively by the company's East Liberty, Ohio plant- home to one of four Honda plants ranked among the top five-rated assembly lines in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

Citroen DS4 Racing Concept

Citroen has releases photos and details for the DS4 Racing Concept ,which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in next month.

The concept car is based on the current DS4 five-door with a long list of modifications that showcases the brand’s success and expertise as a World Rally Championship competitor.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. In the regular DS4 this engine is tuned to develop as much as 200 horsepower but in DS4 Racing guise it now spits out a total 256 horsepower.

The engine was developed jointly by PSA Peugeot-Citroen and BMW, and it is widely used in each brand’s lineup. It powers the MINI Cooper, the Peugeot RCZ, and even the Citroen DS3 Racing, just to name a few.

The suspension has been substantially uprated to deal with the power hike - a 35mm drop all-round - and a wider front and rear track. These changes complement the 19-inch wheels that are fitted to the concept, housing the huge 380mm brake discs and four-pot callipers.

The DS4 may seem to be an unlikely basis for a hot hatch, being simply a more luxurious take on the rather bland C4 compact. It’s a five-door which tries to look like a three-door crossover, with hidden rear door handles and fixed rear side windows. It also is jacked up to sit higher than the C4.




Press Release

Citroën has sold more than 180,000 DS line models worldwide since launch. The adventure continues at the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of the DS4 Racing Concept. As with the DS3 Racing, the engineers at Citroën Racing and the styling team have firmly stamped the DS4 with the image of the Brand's racing department.

Making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the DS4 Racing Concept features "100% Racing" attributes. The chassis is 35 mm lower than the regular model and track is 55 mm wider at the front and 75 mm wider at the back. The concept car also sports an air diffuser, a front bumper panel, a lower-body belt line and wing extensions. Citroën Racing has tweaked the 1.6-litre turbo engine to develop 256 bhp, or 160 bhp per litre - a record for a series-production car. This spectacular performance comes hand in hand with controlled CO2 emissions of 155 g/km.

Citroën Racing engineers have also redeveloped the running gear with the utmost precision. The concept car is equipped with four-pot, fixed calliper brakes at the front, with special discs widened to 380 mm in diameter, and shod with larger, 19-inch wheels (235/40).

Another stand-out feature of the Citroën DS4 Racing Concept is its matte grey, textured-effect paint - a first in the automotive sector. The grain of the paint catches the light differently and further enhances the body styling, while the colour is sober, modern and robust and ideally suited to a sports car. To refine the exterior aesthetic, the concept car gets a two-tone roof and specially-designed, two-tone wheel rims.

MINI Clubvan Concept

MINI has releases the Clubvan Concept ,which will debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show at next month.

Based on the Mini Clubman, the Clubvan features only two seats in the front, a stainless steel honeycomb separator behind the cockpit, a flat load floor in the back and opaque polycarbonate panels in place of the rear wide windows.

The MINI Clubvan Concept is finished in British Racing Green paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps.

A MINI source said the Clubvan was extremely 
likely to make production. And when it does, VAT-registered buyers will be 
able to claim back the VAT 
in full thanks to its status 
as a commercial vehicle.




Press Release

MORE SPACE FOR STYLE: THE MINI CLUBVAN CONCEPT.

• Compact lifestyle van for business and leisure

• First concept of its kind in the premium segment

• World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - February 18, 2012 - Stand-out-from-the-crowd style can also be amazingly practical - and practicality can be surprisingly attractive. The MINI Clubvan Concept paves the way for an innovative vehicle concept without parallel in the premium small car segment. The MINI Clubman-based concept car, scheduled for its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012, combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability. The MINI experience will therefore find its way into new areas of life, the brand's distinctive character gaining new popularity among target groups not previously on the MINI radar.

The closed-off load area behind the front seats and the opaque rear side windows of the new concept set it apart most strikingly from the MINI Clubman, the platform used as its base. The MINI Clubvan Concept uses its broader skill-set to open up new usage possibilities - both business and leisure. Where a business's customers, product range or operating environment demand a particular style for its vehicles, this premium model can make the perfect delivery solution.

For example, a car in the mould of the MINI Clubvan Concept would fit excellently into the fleet of a fashion designer, art gallery owner or catering service. And its abilities as an all-rounder also tick the right boxes for a photographer with a stack of camera, tripod and lighting equipment to ferry around during the week - and bulky sports and leisure gear to pile on board at the weekend. The MINI Clubvan Concept pulls off the trick of blending enhanced practicality and a well-judged lifestyle focus with natural ease. This ability is based on the impressive adaptability that goes to the heart of the MINI brand's heritage.

Calls for maximizing the load capacity of the classic Mini began as early as 1960, just a year after the car's birth; and they were soon heeded. With its 10-centimeter-longer wheelbase (3.94 inches), separate load compartment and split rear doors, the Morris Mini Van was perfectly equipped for commercial use. It also provided the basis for the fully glazed, four-seat Morris Mini Traveller, one of the precursors of today's successful MINI Clubman. And so, more than 50 years on, the MINI Clubvan Concept sees history repeating itself - albeit in a slightly different order.

Two seats, five doors, endless usage potential.

Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity its owners will need on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customization potential. The load compartment of the MINI Clubvan Concept embodies the car's fresh and rigorous interpretation of the principle used in the classic Mini - of providing the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint. The load area reaches from the split rear doors right up to the partition grille behind the two seats. The totally level floor makes full use of the interior's depth, and that allows the concept car's load capacity to exceed the maximum achieved by the MINI Clubman.

Six attachment loops recessed into the load compartment floor use elasticized straps to hold items of varying lengths, heights and widths in place - without the risk of them sliding around. The partition grille, which is fixed securely to the car body, ensures that items stowed in the load compartment are kept safely away from the front seats. The lower section of the partition is made from solid aluminum, while the upper section consists of a silver-colored stainless steel honeycomb grating. The side walls and floor of the load compartment are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-colored cloth. The anthracite roof liner, meanwhile, extends along the full length of the interior. This uniform color scheme emphasizes the pure-bred, practicality-oriented character of the MINI Clubvan Concept.

Like the MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged doors at the rear and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side create comfortable access to the interior. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading or unloading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.

The generous levels of space on board the concept car can be exploited in a variety of ways. Commercial users will be particularly pleased to discover the scope for configuring the load compartment to personal requirements. For example, tools and goods can be stored neatly and securely in made-to-measure drawers or shelving units. 12-volt plug sockets in the rear area of the load compartment provide additional practicality.

Exterior design: shields from prying eyes, cuts a distinctive figure.

Impressive practicality and the brand's time-honored style lend the MINI Clubvan Concept its unmistakable character. Sharing the exterior dimensions of the MINI Clubman and boasting cleverly increased storage capacity, the concept car is the first premium model in the small-car-based van segment. The exterior appearance of the MINI Clubvan Concept marks it out immediately as a MINI - and therefore as a premium product. The function-led design modifications have no impact on the car's proportions and hallmark MINI design language, but they do give customers the opportunity to combine the demands of commercial use with an appreciation of individual style. The MINI Clubvan Concept comes with British Racing Green exterior paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps. As is usual for vehicles charged with transportation tasks, the rear side windows of the MINI Clubvan Concept are opaque. Polycarbonate sections - their outer surfaces painted in the car's body color - and heavily tinted glass for the rear doors make it difficult to see into the load compartment.

The unbroken paintwork along the car's flanks offers extensive scope for individualization, which the MINI Clubvan Concept highlights to eye-catching effect. The sealed side windows bear the logo of a sign design company based in the MINI's native Great Britain. The hand-applied graphics lend the vehicle a personal look. Indeed, the ultra-versatile MINI carries both its cargo and the company's promotional message with a uniquely stylish verve. The MINI Clubvan Concept presented in Geneva lends this form of customization a piquant authenticity - on two fronts. The British company that has literally left its stamp on the MINI Clubvan Concept creates similar vehicle graphics for its customers. And the MINI Clubvan Concept showcases how these might look when applied to a MINI van.

2013 Ferrari California

Ferrari has released the first details for the 2013 California, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The full package will also include a range of colors and three-layer paint from the Ferrari Styling Centre, with two-tone finishes and modern takes on classic color schemes.

The 4.3 liter V8 direct-injection engine gains a new exhaust manifold and ECU mapping – that bumps power from 460-hp and 358 lb-ft of torque to 490-hp with a peak torque of 373 lb-ft. Ferrari engineers also cut 66 pounds of the 2013 California’s chassis without affecting the rigidity or performance.

With the drop in weight and increase in power comes an acceleration time now at 0-to-62 mph of just 3.8 seconds. Not shabby. The "Handling Speciale" package adds the Magnetorheologicalicious dampers found on the 458 Italia, stiffer springs, and a 10% quicker steering ratio.




Press Release

Geneva debut for lighter, more powerful Ferrari California with new "handling speciale" package

Maranello, 15 February - The Geneva Motor Show will see the official debut of the new version of the Ferrari California, production of which has already commenced, with a reduction of weight of 30 kg and an increase in power output of 30 CV.

The Ferrari California's GDI V8 now delivers 490 hp with maximum torque of 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping. The torque curve has also been modified and is higher across the engine's generous rev range.

Cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the manufacture of the Ferrari California's chassis, have led to an overall reduction of 30 kg in the car's weight without impinging in any way on its structural rigidity and performance.

These enhancements have improved the Ferrari's California's performance, reducing its 0-100 km/acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. This heightens its sporty feel without detracting from the mission and character of a car that has won universal acclaim for its performance and exceptional versatility resulting from its retractable hard top and 2+ seating. To meet the needs of clients desiring a more dynamic, yet not overly extreme, driving experience, an optional Handling Speciale package has been developed which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up that minimise body roll and make the car even more responsive to driver inputs.

The Handling Speciale package includes Magnetorheological dampers controlled by an even faster ECU (-50% response time) running patented Ferrari software. The package also features stiffer springs for more precise body control combined with a comfortable ride. Lastly, the California benefits from faster turn-in with smaller steering wheel angles thanks to a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.

All these new features combine to underscore the California's sporty prowess without affecting its high-performance grand touring vocation - an achievement very much in line with Ferrari's DNA.

The technical features are matched by a new, even more extensive choice of colours developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, including two-tone finishes, three-layer paint technology and modern re-interpretations of classic colour schemes which increase the exclusive personalisation possibilities even further. In addition, the Ferrari California benefits from the free seven-year standard maintenance programme.

The availability of the lighter and more powerful vehicle, along with the optional Handling Speciale package, varies according to each market with first deliveries scheduled for Europe.

Opel Corsa Kaleidoscope

Opel has released a new special edition for the Corsa, ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The model can be booked in 3 and 5 door models, cool metallic paint colors of the body “pepperdust and technical gray”. Coupled with glossy black roof, black glossy exterior mirror housing and a shiny black frame grille.

Powered by a number of engine line, including the 1.2-litre ecoFLEX gasoline engine producing output 70 PS, delivery 5.1 liter/100 km of fuel consumption and 1.6-litre Turbo gasoline engine with 150 PS and 1.3-litre CDTi diesel engine which generates 75 PS, returning the fuel consumption of 4.0 litres/100 km.

At Interior, Opel includes air vent rings and door inserts finished in curry or matt chrome and the door panels are trimmed in denim fabric. while the leather steering wheel and various seat fabrics that use aztek gold or silver stitching.

Prices for the Corsa Kaleidoskop start at EUR 15,425 (in Germany).




Press Release

Opel Corsa "Kaleidoscope" Now Even More Individual

• More choice for drivers who are seeking striking, unique looks

• Sporty elegance: Black gloss roof, black mirror housings and new black grille bracket

• Stylish interior: Kaleidoscope patterned seat fabric, matching color air vents and accents in doors

Rüsselsheim. Opel continues to enhance the looks of its Corsa family with the new sporty and elegant Kaleidoscope edition. Customers who want their three or five-door Corsa to have a striking and individual appearance can choose from two upmarket metallic exterior colors: pepperdust and technical grey. These are combined on the exterior with a glossy black roof, black mirror housings and a black grille bracket that is now available for the first time.

On the inside, the Corsa's seats have been given a youthful and dynamic twist with a pattern reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, hence the name of the new model. The fabric shows a touch of luxury with either silver or aztek gold stitching, perfectly aligned with the car's appearance. The seats also benefit from Top Tec material coating which makes them easy to clean and maintain.

Strikingly colored air vent rings with matching door inserts in either curry or matt chrome give bold accents to the interior as well as a new stealth-black colored center console and denim fabric inside the door panels. For enhanced versatility, the backs of the rear seats can be folded down 1/3 to 2/3, ensuring variable loading possibilities.

Much of the Kaleidoscope kit is inspired by the popular Color Edition. It includes the following standard equipment that brings more premium qualities and sportiness to the Corsa:

• Aluminum accelerator pedal

• 17" alloy wheels

• Solar Protect tinted heat protection glazing

• Leather steering wheel

• Chrome exhaust pipes

• Stereo-CD-Radio with aux input and steering wheel remote control

Prices for the Corsa Kaleidoskop start at 15,425 euro (rrp. incl. VAT in Germany).

For those who wish to go even further upmarket, there is a broad spectrum of innovative extras not offered by competitors such as the unique Flex-Fix integrated bicycle carrier and the Advanced Forward Lighting system (AFL). Other options include a Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a park assistant.

Broad range of efficient powertrains

The Corsa Kaleidoscope is available with a broad spectrum of powertrain combinations. Gasoline units range from an economical 1.2 liter 51 kW/70 hp ecoFLEX gasoline engine (5.1 l/100 km with Start/Stop, 119g/km CO2) to the powerful 1.6 liter turbocharged 110 kW/ 150 hp unit with 210 Nm. The diesel spectrum includes the very efficient 1.3 l CDTI with 70 kW/75 hp ecoFLEX with Start/Stop (4.0 l /100 km, 105 g/km CO2) and the 1.7 CDTI 96kW/130 hp engine. Transmissions include a five and six gear manual version, a five gear easytronic as well as an automatic.

2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe Price

BMW 6 Series Gran coupe will make its world debut at the Geneva International Auto Show in March and its North American premiere at the New York International Auto Show in early April.

The BMW 640i Gran Coupe pricing will start at $76,895 in the US market including the $895 destination charge.

The BMW 640i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 315-hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. That allows 0 to 62 mph to come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives early this summer.

Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Pricing for the V-8 powered models will be announced closer to the time of launch.




Press Release

BMW of North America today announced pricing for the all-new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe. The $76,895 (including $895 Destination and Handling Charge) TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model of the range, and arrives early this summer. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Pricing for the V-8 powered models will be announced closer to the time of launch.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury.

The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran coupe will make its world debut at the Geneva International Auto Show in March and its North American premiere at the New York International Auto Show in early April. The 640i Gran Coupe will also be previewed at the Amelia Island 2012 Concours d'Elegance in Amelia Island, Florida from March 9-11.