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News 28 Aug, 2013

Peugeot 3008 crossover gets a mid-life facelift ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt show

News 28 Aug, 2013

Peugeot 3008 crossover gets a mid-life facelift ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt show

Ford of Europe chief Stephen Odell says he expects the European car market could take five to six years to recover, a German newspaper reported.

Ford of Europe chief Stephen Odell says he expects the European car market could take five to six years to recover, a German newspaper reported.

Ford of Europe chief Stephen Odell says he expects the European car market could take five to six years to recover, a German newspaper reported.

Ford of Europe chief Stephen Odell says he expects the European car market could take five to six years to recover, a German newspaper reported.

Ford plans to introduce its MyFord Touch infotainment system to its vehicle lineup in Europe starting next year.

Toyota decided not to market its brake-override system as "safe stop" to avoid promising more than the mechanism could deliver for driver safety, the company's top U.S. executive told a California jury.

Ford plans to introduce its MyFord Touch infotainment system to its vehicle lineup in Europe starting next year.

Ford plans to introduce its MyFord Touch infotainment system to its vehicle lineup in Europe starting next year.

Ford plans to introduce its MyFord Touch infotainment system to its vehicle lineup in Europe starting next year.

Ford will showcase its latest global design language with the introduction of the S-Max Concept at the Frankfurt auto show.

Ford will showcase its latest global design language with the introduction of the S-Max Concept at the Frankfurt auto show.

Ford will showcase its latest global design language with the introduction of the S-Max Concept at the Frankfurt auto show.

Ford will showcase its latest global design language with the introduction of the S-Max Concept at the Frankfurt auto show.

Ford will showcase its latest global design language with the introduction of the S-Max Concept at the Frankfurt auto show next month.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla is set to hit Canadian showrooms next week, at a starting price of $ 15,995. The long list of improvements includes LED headlights, wheel-mounted controls, electric windows and door locks as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2014 Corolla is available in four models:

• CE: from $15,995 with choice of 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission;
• LE: starts at $19,500 ,CVTi-S transmission;
• S: MSRP of $19,215, choice of 6-speed manual or CVTi-S transmission;
• LE ECO: from $20,250, new model, equipped with ecological drive mode indicator.

Photo: Toyota

Every Lamborghini enjoys the status of “rolling legend” the moment they launch. As the first cars roll off the assembly line, critics and enthusiasts cannot wait to see the latest from Sant'Agata.

The now-replaced Murciélago's output escalated from 580 horsepower to 670. For the Aventador, Lamborghini wasted no time nor expenses in the power department as its 6.5L V12 produces no less than 700 horsepower and 507 lb-ft of torque.


Managing all that pavement-rippling muscle is the ISR gearbox or Independent Shifting Rod. The 7-speed tranny features rods operated by hydraulic actuators, which accomplish virtually parallel gear changes. According to Lamborghini, the overlapping allows shifts to occur 50% more quickly than in a double-clutch sequential.

In addition, the driver can choose between three operating modes: comfort-oriented Strada, dynamic Sport and track-calibrated Corsa, the latter including a launch mode for nosebleed blastoffs. You can use the wheel-mounted paddle shifters or leave the ISR to swap its own gears.

Speaking of blastoffs, the all-wheel drive Aventador crushes the 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. The car also has a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

The Aventador rides on a slightly longer wheelbase than the Murciélago and is barely longer, but loses an inch in width, while height is unchanged. Front and rear tires are sized at 255/35ZR19 and 335/30ZR20, respectively.

The Lambo flagship also benefits from carbon-ceramic brakes, dual front, side and knee airbags, traction and electronic stability control, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, front and rear park sensors as well as electronically controlled rear spoiler and side air intakes.

Inside, you'll find a leather-trimmed cockpit with navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port with iPod integration, an onboard computer, power and heated seats with four upholstery options including bicolour leather or Alcantara, climate control, and keyless entry and start. The steering wheel can be wrapped in suede or perforated leather, your choice.

Photo: Lamborghini

The Aventador sports a sleek, wedge-shaped body that takes styling cues from the very rare and expensive Reventón, including the extrusive air intake ducts beneath the headlights and symmetrical creases all around as well as over the roofline. The engine is neatly exposed under a transparent hood, while a variety of paint colours and finishes (solid, metallic, pearl effect, and matte) are available. The scissor doors remain as a throwback to the Countach.

An even sleeker Roadster version is also available. The weight penalty for the Roadster over the regular fixed roof Aventador is only 50 kg or 110 lbs. The roof panels -- two of them -- each weighing 6 kg are easily stowed under the front bonnet. Acceleration times are only mildly affected, however, the top speed remains unaffected.

Pricing of the Lamborghini Aventador starts at $400,000.

Pros and Cons
Pros
It's always better when there are more -- passengers, that is. This is especially true onboard an Aston Martin. The immediately recognizable four-seat Rapide is the successor to the Lagonda that was first introduced in the mid-‘70s.

The operative word is exclusivity. With no more than 2,000 built in one year, and the possibility that these number will drop well below 1,000 units, the odds of crossing another Rapide on your daily commute is very remote. As well, its styling will never go out of style and no one will ever question your choice.

Cons
The Brits, like the Italians, are known for creating beautiful “things” but not reliable “things” that don't always do what they're supposed to, like start. For that, consider a German like a Porsche.


Price
Is that of the average Canadian house. The 2013 Aston Martin Rapide and Rapide S are truly fully customizable cars.

Fuel Economy
The tank holds 90.5 litres of fuel. Fuel consumption is rated a 21.4L city/10.1L highway per 100 km.

Improvements and changes
In total, eight body panels were redesigned, including the bonnet. The new engine sits 19 mm lower in the chassis, and as such, required some surrounding physical adjustments. Another new feature is the rear integrated spoiler which flips up and smooths exterior airflow.

Exterior styling
The 2013 Aston Martin Rapide hit showroom floors as a 2010 car, and for the 2013 model year has received a tasteful facelift that, in part, was necessary because of the arrival of the all-new AM11 V12 engine.
Regardless of the angle, the Rapide strikes a chord with those who love and appreciate beautiful things.

Inside
The cabin is slathered in the finest Bridge of Weir hides, real glass and carbon fiber. It is wonderful, well-crafted, and assembled with precision.

Powertrain
The Aston Martin Rapide S is driven by a powerful 6.0L V12. This all-new AM11 engine provides this Aston Martin with 550 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission is a rear mid-mounted “Touchtronic 2” 6-speed automatic transaxle with a limited slip differential.

This all-alloy quad overhead cam, 48-valve, front mid-mounted engine uses CNC-machined combustion chambers and hollow camshafts; techie bits lifted directly from their GT race car program. Its power is sufficient to catapult the near 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) car to 100 km/h in as little as 4.9 seconds.

Safety
All manners of airbags and electronic nannies are standard on the 2013 Aston Martin Rapide.

Comparables
Porsche Panamera, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Audi S8, Jaguar XJ, Maserati Quattroporte

Photo: Aston Martin

Pros and Cons
Pros
The 2013 Maserati Quattroporte is fresh off a complete makeover that has brought the car's styling into the modern age. The trident that adorns the car's impressive grille is a sign of sophistication and excellent taste. This Italian luxury flagship is a symbol of worldly elegance and is now available with AWD, a sign that it is now ripe for the world market at large.

Cons
Reliability issues are a given with these high-priced exotic Italian cars.


Price
Base price for the 2013 Maserati Quattroporte starts in the vicinity of $130,000.

Exterior styling
The new longer Maserati Quattroporte is an evolved and modernized car over the previous model. From the famous, recognizable and now larger front grille, the car's muscular curves, sitting atop standard 19” wheels, now promise power to go along with Italian elegance.

The distinctive headlights are literally part of the front fenders that are also adorned by the famous three air vents located between the front door and wheel.

The rear end features LED taillights that are immediately noticeable as are the brushed steel trapezoidal tailpipes. The integrated rear spoiler adds a touch of aerodynamics to what is decidedly a beautiful car.

Inside
The cabin is slathered in the finest leathers. The lounge atmosphere that reigns inside the car is amplified by extreme luxury and soft surfaces. The interior is highly customizable through a number of different colour combinations.

As an exotic, the Quattroporte features every desirable option and piece of technology. The car's ergonomics are graceful and functional. The dashboard is highlighted by the Maserati Touch Control 8.4” display. The seats are supremely comfortable and rearseat legroom is limo-like.

Cargo capacity
The 2013 Maserati Quattroporte boot has a useable volume of 530 litres.

Powertrain
The Maserati Quattroporte S is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0L V6. It produces 410hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The S Q4, with AWD, shaves 0.2 seconds off that mark.

The Maserati Quattroporte GTS is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8L V8. This engine provides the car with 530hp and 524 lb-ft (710 Nm) of torque in overboost. The tonne is reached in 4.7 seconds.

Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Safety
All manners of airbags and electronic nannies are standard on the 2013 Maserati Quattroporte.

Comparables
Porsche Panamera, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Aston Martin Rapide

2013 Maserati Quattroporte (photo: Maserati)