2013 Renault Espace

French carmaker Renault plans to extend the life of its fourth generation Espace MPV for at least a year or so with a minor update that brings its front-end styling in line with the rest of the brand while also improving the 7-seater model's environmental and fuel economy credentials.

New Renault Espace features Renault's new styling identity which reasserts the model's personality by ensuring an even more dynamic stance. As is the case with all the brand's new vehicles, the Renault logo is more prominent, more upright and stands out even more clearly against a broad black grille bar which is itself picked out by chrome strips.

Under the hood, two different engines are available. The 2.0-liter dCi has outputs of 130 PS (96 kW / 128 hp), 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) and 175 PS (129 kW / 173 hp). When connected to a manual transmission, the engine averages 5.7 L/100km (41.3 mpg US / 49.6 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 150 g/km. With the automatic gearbox, the figures drop to 6.4 L/100km (36.8 mpg US / 44.1 mpg UK) and 169 g/km.

Inside, the luxury Initiale Paris version has been updated with visible stitching for the dashboard and new leather and Alcantara upholstery for the rest of the cabin.





Press Release

New Renault Espace: continuing to define luxury...

Twenty-eight years after the launch of the original, New Renault Espace continues the model's success story which has seen sales exceed 1.2 million units.

New Renault Espace's front-end styling features Renault's new identity for even more dynamic and status-enhancing appeal.

More environmentally-respectful engines for significant fuel consumption and CO2 emissions savings, plus an appreciable reduction in the ‘eco-surtax' applicable in France.

The MPV's pioneer still stands out as the best travelling experience for seven occupants and the model continues to be perfected with the addition of even more technology, including a new reversing camera.
"It was important to restore Espace's appeal and CO2 credentials in what is a very competitive segment," says Laurent Bernard, the Espace Programme's Deputy Director. "The aim is to keep our customers loyal and prepare a smooth build-up to the introduction of the next-generation Espace."

A new styling identity which respects the Espace's inherent iconic appeal

New Renault Espace features Renault's new styling identity which reasserts the model's personality by ensuring an even more dynamic stance. As is the case with all the brand's new vehicles, the Renault logo is more prominent, more upright and stands out even more clearly against a broad black grille bar which is itself picked out by chrome strips.

Other details which accentuate New Espace's more dynamic, status-enhancing looks include new ‘Hurlingham' wheel trims and new ‘Monterey' and ‘Dark Eptius' alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the elegantly-appointed cabin of the Initiale Paris version has been embellished with visible stitching for the model's hallmark dashboard. The sensation of comfort and wellbeing for all occupants is further emphasised by the leather and Alcantara® upholsteries.

Even greater respect for the environment: CO2 emissions reduced by 20g/km (equivalent to a fuel consumption saving of 0.8 litres/100km) for the diesel version, and by 6g/km (0.3 litres/100km) in the case of the petrol version.

Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 130hp, 150hp and 175hp versions of the 2.0 dCi engine (M9R) emit just 150g of CO2/km* (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.7 litres/100km* (down 0.8 litres/100km). The state ‘eco-surtax' applicable in France has come down accordingly by €550.

Mated to automatic transmission, the same engines emit 169g of CO2/km* (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 6.4 litres/100km* (down 0.8 litres/100km). Here again, the ‘eco-surtax' applied by the French state has been reduced by €550.

The 175hp version with manual gearbox delivers the segment's lowest CO2 emissions for its power output.

With the 2.0 dCi engine under the bonnet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have come down by 1.7 litres/100km and 27g/km respectively over a period of six years since this powerplant became available for Espace in 2006.

In the case of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (F4Rt), CO2 emissions have fallen to 198g/km* (a saving of 6g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 8.5 litres/100km* (down 0.3 litres/100km).

These results were achieved by the engineers' work on:

- Evolutions to the diesel engines: introduction of ESM technology (braking and deceleration energy recovery), a variable displacement oil pump, advanced cooling management and cold loop EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).

- Chassis and running gear improvements: a three-percent improvement in CdA thanks to revised underbody shielding, plus new low rolling resistance tyres and electro-hydraulic power steering.

The MPV's pioneer continues to be perfected

All the strengths that have helped forge Renault Espace's success have been carried over to the latest version, including vast cabin space and a modular layout, as well as a level of comfort and visibility that all occupants will appreciate.

New Renault Espace continues to propose the large seven-seat MPV segment's most occupant-friendly cabin, including seven real seats and a brightly lit interior thanks to a large opening sunroof.

New Renault Espace's upholstery features an innovative textile which repels water- and oil-based liquids. Renault is the first carmaker to propose Teflon® Automotive High Protection textile which protects individual fibres without affecting their appearance, comfort or feel. This innovation is particularly ideal for family vehicles since it prevents stains from becoming incrusted and facilitates the cleaning of upholsteries to ensure they maintain their ‘new' feel durably.

To facilitate manoeuvring and parking, New Renault Espace is available with a reversing camera. The driver benefits from precise indications thanks to a graphic overlay of the vehicle's volumes on the colour image displayed on the screen of the navigation system's screen which is positioned centrally and high up on the dashboard.

Also available for Espace, irrespective of equipment level, is a DVD player complete with two seven-inch screens built into the back of the front head rests. This multimedia feature will delight children and is a factory-fitment in order to ensure an irreproachable quality finish and less risk of theft.

New Renault Espace's equipment list continues with a range of technologies designed to take the stress out of motoring and make life easier for occupants. Standard features for all versions include connected Carminat TomTom Live® navigation system, a hands-free card, an electronic parking brake and comprehensive connectivity (Bluetooth® audio streaming, AUX and USB sockets).

Last but not least, New Renault Espace's cabin layout is as modular as ever thanks to seat rails which enable the seats to be positioned exactly according to the needs of the moment. New Renault Espace's interior can be rearranged at will to guarantee the highest level of comfort for up to seven occupants.

New Renault Espace, which is manufactured at Renault's Sandouville factory (France), comes with the guarantee of Renault's design, build and dynamic quality, as well as carefully selected materials to maintain the model's status as a modern incarnation of French-made, high-end luxury.

2013 Ford F-150

Ford has releases photos and details for the 2013 Ford F-150. The new Limited model is the first trim to offer the option of either the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 or the 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

On the outside, the biggest changes are newly-optional and class-exclusive HID headlights, new grille designs, optional power towing mirrors, and three new color choices. Several trim levels get some new interior color choices, and there's even an all-new Limited trim level.

The cabin benefits from a refined center stack that ditches the short, wide strips of small buttons on the outgoing truck in favor of larger centrally-located controls. Ford’s SYNC system is now standard on XLT trim levels and above, and the setup is paired with a new 4.2-inch multifunction display that sits atop the center stack and also displays audio and climate-control information.

Visual changes include the availability 18- and 20-inch wheels, as well as L-shaped high-intensity-discharge projector headlamps. An optional navigation system is also offered.





Press Release


Ford Reveals 2013 F-150, Celebrating Rugged F-Series Pickups and 65-Year Future Farmers of America Relationship

• Today Ford celebrates introduction of the 2013 F-150, featuring updated design and all-new driver controls technology, with Future Farmers of America (FFA) members, alumni and educators

• Ford Motor Company, a continuous FFA sponsor since 1948, has provided $7.1 million in Built Ford Tough® scholarships to tomorrow's farmers since 1997

• For 2013, F-150 introduces new front-end styling and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® voice-activated driver controls and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps

BRUCEVILLE, Texas, June 4, 2012 - Ford Motor Company today celebrates introduction of the new 2013 Ford F-150 - part of the best-selling line of pickups in America - with the agricultural professionals and leaders of tomorrow.


"Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive."


For 2013, the Ford F-150 receives new front-end design and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® with voice-activated driver controls and available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.


"Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. "For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability. Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models."


America's pickup
For 2013, the most fuel-efficient and capable light-duty pickup on the market continues to push forward with updated design and advanced technologies. F-150 also adds even more breadth to its expansive lineup with a new Limited luxury model and availability of the groundbreaking EcoBoost® engine, powerful 6.2-liter V8, electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent ControlTM.


Outside, the F-150 lineup gets bold new grilles combining fresh designs with instantly recognizable F-Series cues highlighted on the XLT model revealed today.


New HID projector headlamps are available as a segment-first technology to deliver improved visibility and increase driver confidence.
HID technology provides exceptional lighting performance while contributing a distinctive look with stylish L-shaped lamps.


F-150 style also is enhanced with new 18- and 20-inch wheels offered in various trim packages.


Segment-exclusive power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-tow sideview mirrors add flexibility and convenience when operating in tight quarters, while enabling class-leading visibility.


F-150 pickups are available in three new hues including Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic.


Truck-focused technology
The 2013 Ford F-150 adds Ford's award-winning SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist® and Vehicle Health Report as standard equipment in XLT series and above. This enables hands-free, voice-activated control of enabled mobile devices.


Buyers may choose from an optional suite of SYNC Services, including Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to SYNC from Google Maps and MapQuest, News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes.


F-150 also introduces SYNC paired with a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen that provides enhanced displays of audio and climate-control functions. In addition, the instrument cluster contains a 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD productivity screen including menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications.


Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum and Limited series models are equipped with SYNC with MyFord Touch, adding voice control to more vehicle systems coupled with an all-new, large 8-inch LCD color touch screen mounted in the center stack. This package adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.


Ford's unique truck interface allows drivers to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs, such as wearing work gloves.


This premium system can be augmented with an available voice-activated Navigation System, SD map-card reader, point-of-interest storage and integrated SiriusXM Travel Link.


Interior design
The 2013 F-150 offers a range of interior updates. The new 4.2-inch multifunction display and MyFord Touch interfaces gave designers the opportunity to deliver a more modern center stack and control layout. Several new environment colors include a Steel Gray interior on Lariat and a Black interior for King Ranch. Both of these series receive upgraded wood grain appliqués to enhance premium style.


The aggressive FX Appearance Package now adds Alcantara seat inserts that amplify its sporty persona.


The Platinum series - synonymous with high-end trucks - offers new choices of Black or Pecan leather seating.


F-150 continues to offer a wide array of models and packages, allowing buyers to tailor their Ford pickup to their individual needs and preferences.


Fuel-efficient capability
From the powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engine to the mighty 6.2-liter V8, the most powerful eight-cylinder engine in the segment, F-150 offers an engine to meet the needs of every customer. Each engine across the F-150 lineup is mated to a fuel-saving electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, with tow packages and STX series and above adding SelectShift® capability.


F-150 engine choices include:


3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

• Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm

• Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors

• Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)

• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors

• 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)

• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm

• Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm

• 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)

• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost engine

• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel

• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors

• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm

• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

• Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

• Unsurpassed 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway vs. all competitors

"The 2013 Ford F-150 adds more style and technology that sets a benchmark for capability and efficiency in light-duty pickups," said F-150 Marketing Manager Raj Sarkar. "We continue to focus on the no-compromise solution for our customers, giving them all of the conveniences and technologies they want with the capability they need and the fuel efficiency to go further."


FFA and Ford - making a difference
Future Farmers of America is a dynamic youth leadership development organization that changes lives by empowering its 540,000 members to set a course for the future. FFA operates within the context of agricultural education to complement classroom and laboratory instruction with hands-on experiential learning, useful life skills and individual motivation.


The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their leadership potential, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.


Ford's FFA alliance gets a boost from supporting Ford dealerships serving agricultural markets.
For the 2011-12 academic year, the Built Ford Tough® Scholarship Program and 285 participating Ford dealers awarded a total of 540 individual $1,000 grants for post-secondary education.


Now in its 15th year, the Built Ford Tough Scholarship Program, the Ford Fund, and participating Ford dealers have awarded $7.1 million in grants. Built Ford Tough Trucks also sponsors the affiliated National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Lifetime Achievement Awards and an FFA chapter grant program. In 2011, six winning chapters were each awarded a $3,000 grant to support local initiatives.


Ford has sponsored FFA since 1948, the same year Ford F-Series pickups first went on sale.

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.

Chicago Auto Show: 2013 Nissan 370Z facelift【Video】

Nissan has unveiled the 2013 370Z, ahead of its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The biggest change to the updated Nissan 370Z takes place up front. Gone are the fangs that accented the lower air dam.

Exterior updates include a refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights, a red reflector added to the rear fascia, revised 19-inch aluminum alloys for the Sport Package, and newly restyled standard 18-inchers for the base model.

On the inside, the 370Z will get a new dark finish fuel gauge trim, and if you opt for the NISMO tuned 370Z, you will get a Bose sound system complete with sub-woofer and two additional speakers.

The 2013 370Z is powered by a 332 horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. For even more power, buyers can opt for the NISMO 370Z that is powered by a 350-hp 3.7L V6 and a standard close-ratio 6-speed manual.




Press Release

2013 NISSAN 370Z PREVIEWED AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW - NEW FRONT FASCIA AND NEW WHEELS LEAD ENHANCEMENTS

If it's February in Chicago, it's time for one thing - sports cars. Bringing a taste of hot performance to the Windy City winter, Nissan today debuted the revised 2013 Nissan 370Z on the floor of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The new Z®, which is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide next June, features a number of enhancements designed to keep the legendary sports car fresh and exciting. For 2013, the Nissan 370Z will once again be available in Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z configurations.

The updates for the new model year include:

• Refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights

• Red reflector added to rear fascia (replaces previous black center cover)

• Revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Package equipped models)

• New 18-inch wheels for 370Z Coupe

• Red-finished brake calipers (Sport Package equipped models)

• Dark-finish fuel gauge trim

• Euro-tuned shock absorbers (Sport Package equipped models)

• And two new exterior colors - Magma Red and Midnight Blue

The NISMO 370Z also adds a new Bose® Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers, premium gun metallic dark-finish 19-inch wheels, and Nissan GT-R style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid. The NISMO 370Z does not adopt the new front fascia/rear reflector, Euro-tuned shocks or Midnight Blue exterior color.

"Since the original 1970 Z® was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward. The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its dynamic appearance inside and out," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

As in 2012, the 2013 370Z Coupe and 370Z Coupe Touring will each be available with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 370Z Roadster and 370Z Roadster Touring will be offered with the same engine but with the 6-speed manual offered only with the Touring model (the 7-speed automatic transmission is available with both).

The Nissan NISMO 370Z, a tuner-Z® enthusiast's dream, will once again cap off the lineup - offering racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. Its 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine is matched with an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control - creating 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. Only one transmission is available, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match®, which allows rev-matched heel-toe-like downshifting.

Additional details on the 2013 Nissan 370Z will be available closer to the June on-sale date.