Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept

The Germans at Volkswagen introduced the C Coupe GTE concept at the Shanghai Auto Show, a plug-in hybrid prototype that will very likely transform into a production model anytime soon. Speaking of the powertrain, the VW C Coupe GTE concept has a four-cylinder petrol engine as well as an electric motor.
It promises an average fuel economy of 2,3 liters/100 km with pretty decent performance figures, namely 245 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.

Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept

An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8,6 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h. The exterior styling has some futuristic touches but there aren’t too many things that can’t be put on a production model.

Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept

If you are concerned about the electric range, the VW C Coupe GTE concept can run for 50 kilometers with zero emissions. Measuring 5 meters long and 1,9 meters wide, the German concept is well suited for markets like China. It remains to be seen if and when Volkswagen will decide to reveal the production variant of this concept.

Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept

Stay tuned for more coverage from this year’s edition of the Shanghai Auto Show.

Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept

Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition

Infiniti is playing hard at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show already launching three models, the Q60 Concept, the Q80 Inspiration as well as the long-expected Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition. The later one is the one that really caught my eye.
The Infiniti Q70L is based of course on the already famous and luxurious model Q70, looking here at a stretched wheelbase, especially designed for the Chinese market. And stretched means a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase, to make room for children or other stuff that Chinese passengers love to through in.

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition

Apart from the longer wheelbase, the Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition is also set to be as luxurious as its famous sibling the Q70, coming inside with the “cossetting space” and quilted white leather cabin. The four individual seats are highly previewed as coming with “three-dimensional textures.”

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition

The Chinese luxury auto market is fast growing and the appetite for long, stretched and meticulously built cars and cabins is reaching ridiculous levels, in my opinion. I mean, why would you have a luxurious cabin fully tweaked with high-end materials and so on, when you have to pick up your kids from school after six hours of playing in the courtyard, performing different activities and going home with their socks and snickers full of dirt!? More details soon! Until then watch the video highlighting the interior of the Q70L Bespoke Edition!

Audi reveals the Prologue Allroad concept

We all know what Allroad means to Audi. We talk about a more rugged appearance, a higher ride and other minor tweaks to make the car better on other surfaces than normal roads. At the concept’s heart sits a 4.0-liter TFSI engine as well as an electric motor.

Audi Prologue Allroad concept

With a massive total output of 734 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque, the German prototype sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3,5 seconds.

Audi Prologue Allroad concept

Even so, thanks to the hybrid powertrain, it returns no more than 98 mpg US or 2,4 liters/100 km. All this power goes to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox while the 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery offers a zero-emission driving range of 54 kilometers. It remains to be seen how and when this concept will transform into a production model.

Audi Prologue Allroad concept

At this point, we assume that the Audi Prologue Allroad concept previews the upcoming Audi A6 allroad model.

Audi Prologue Allroad concept

Audi Prologue Allroad concept

2016 Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro Launched

Audi has unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of 2016 Audi Q7, the 2016 Audi Q7 e-tron, at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, the model coming with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. This would be a second plug-in hybrid version revealed, after the carmaker has unveiled a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 unit, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
This would be launched as a 2016 year model and would be first available in China, Japan as well as Singapore, and later on in the United States. The 2016 Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro is backed by an electric motor, mounted between the eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine. The plug-in hybrid SUV will also have a four-wheel drive layout.

2016 Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro

The overall power stands at 367 horsepower and impressive 700 Nm of torque, just enough to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, at a topping of 225 km/h. But other than the power and good performance, the 2016 Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro is also fuel-efficient, coming with 94.1 mpge on conventional power, while in the electric mode, the SUV comes with a 53 km range mile.

The range mile is obtainable thanks to the 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged on the go, thanks to the brake energy regeneration or the engine itself. But how does it work? Well, the electric motor acts like a generator, slowing down the SUV and charging the battery at the same time. No pricing details yet revealed, but we should expect fresh news soon!

2016 Ford Taurus

It seems that Ford decided to shorten the wait and unveil the new Taurus sedan. The American model will debut in world premiere at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, but we get the opportunity to see it closer today.
Designed for the Asian markets, the new Ford Taurus is a premium sedan that comes with stylish LED headlights and taillights, a hexagonal front grille, chrome inserts and 19-inch alloy wheels.

2016 Ford Taurus

A panoramic sunroof offers a nice view while high quality materials and finishes are available inside. The new Ford Taurus will be built at the company’s Changan Ford Hangzhou Plant, a facility which can output 250,000 units per year.

2016 Ford Taurus

With local production, Ford should save enough resources so the new model has all the ingredients to be a success. In terms of power, the American company will opt for a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine.

2016 Ford Taurus

The power output of the V6 unit is currently unknown but the company claims that it will offer plenty of power. That’s something to be expected from a premium sedan which most likely will come with a premium price tag too. Keep an eye on our blog for more details on the 2016 Ford Taurus, as the company will reveal them.

2016 Ford Taurus

Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition

Porsche decided to unveil a special edition of the 911 Targa 4S at the AutoRAI show. The automotive event takes places in Amsterdam but the special model will be available in the whole Europe.
Starting at €223,230 and built in a limited run of 15 units, the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition comes with several styling and performance tweaks. There’s also a manual model that is €6,000 more expensive than the PDK version mentioned above.

Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition

On the styling front, Porsche offers new 20-inch Fuchs alloy wheels, smoked headlights, special Gulf Blue exterior finish, LED taillights and glossy black inserts. Power tweaks include a new kit that adds 30 hp for a total output of 430 hp as well as ceramic composite brakes.

Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition

The new set of brakes will improve safety even though the power bump is not that big. Enter the cabin and you will find sport seats with black leather, a revised center console and a premium Burmester surround audio system. Last but not least, new illuminated door sills will greet you when entering the car.

Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition

In conclusion, if you like this special model and got a quarter of a million euros to spend, be quick and book one of the 15 units.

Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition

Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Edition

2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI

The recently launched 2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI, has already reached to shores of Australia, where the cheapest version is available for customers from 27,490 AUD. I am talking here about the 6-speed version, while the 7-speed DSG will cost more, around 29,990 AUD.
As expected, the 2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI will come with a lot of important performance features under the hood, being fitted witl a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit, capable of developing 141 kW and 320 Nm of torque, hooked to the 6-speed manual transmission.

2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI

On the other hand, in the 7-speed DSG, the model is producing 141 kW and 250 Nm of torque. With the both transmissions, the 2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. But the later one is more fuel efficient, with 5.7 liters/100 km, as opposed to the 6-manual transmission, with 6.1 liters/100 km.

2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI

Apart from the good performance figures, the 2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI is also fully tweaked inside, especially with a lot of safety systems, like the hill start assist, alarm system, the multi collision brake, Bluetooth connectivity, the Composition Media infotainment with the 6.5-inch color touch, black headliner and a few more.

2016 Audi RS3 Sportback

After seeing the recently unveiled 2015 Audi RS3 Sportback for some snowy tests this winter, the high-end model from the German premium carmaker is ending up in our news again, this time through a new series of phots, which showcase the model in its plenitude.The photos were taken in Ingolstadt and are highlighting the RS3`s important characteristics and performance features.
As a reminder, the 2016 Audi RS3 is the top of the line version of the RS3 lineup, coming in the Sportback five-door body style and being officially unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. And from my point of view, the model is considered one of the hottest hatch in the world, if we consider the motorization under the hood.

2016 Audi RS3 Sportback

First off, the 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback is equipped with a five-cylinder petrol configuration, attached to the tuned up 2.5-liter engine, enough to produce an impressive 367 horspower and good 465 Nm of torque. You might think that the power isn’t much, but consider the segment, this is quite impressive.

2016 Audi RS3 Sportback

The 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback is also impressive when sprinting at full throttle, as it takes just 4.3 seconds to reach the 0 to 100 km/h mile range, thanks to the 7-speed S tronic transmission, while the topping is electronically limited at 250 km/h, with the possibility of raising it to 280 km/h.

2016 Audi RS3 Sportback

But the performance is also given by the car`s aerodynamics, the RS3 now coming with a specially designed body kit, consisting of a deeper front bumper with large air dams, the radiator grille now compressing mesh inserts, revised side skirts as well as a more dynamic air diffuser, found in the rear bumper. The larger 19-inch alloy wheels add more grip to the sports car.

2015 Audi A6 L e-tron

The 2015 Audi A6 e-tron, the gorgeous plug-in hybrid version from the company, was first foreseen at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show as a concept form, and now the version is ready to be officially unveiled in Shanghai. As the name suggests, we are looking here at hybrid powertrain.

2015 Audi A6 L e-tron

This means that aside the conventional 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, this particular version will also underpin a disc-shaped electric motor, hooked to the car`s eight-speed automatic transmission. This means that the 2015 Audi A6 L e-tron will output a total of 245 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels. Impressive power for an impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km in 8.4 seconds, carried out at a topping of a limited 200 km/h.

2015 Audi A6 L e-tron

But the real deal about the 2015 Audi A6 L e-tron is its reduced fuel consumption, the plug-in hybrid version managing a mixed 107 mpge. The performance is also achieved by the 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery, which provides the model an additional of 31 mile range. No prices have been yet revealed.

Dacia Duster Commercial

The Renault subsidiary in Romania, Dacia, has recently launched the Dacia Duster Commercial in the United Kingdom. Mind that we are not talking about a promo, we are talking about the Commercial version of the already famous Duster in Europe. And now the model is getting its UK market share, where it will become available from the base 9,595 GBP.
The aforementioned price concerns the 4×2 base version of the Dacia Duster Commercial, while the 4×4 comes with a higher 1,700 GBP price. The difference is not important, and if I lived in the UK, I would definitely go for the 4×4 version. It is more versatile and keeps you out of troubles in the rainy days when venturing on the muddy countryside roads.

Dacia Duster Commercial

Surely, the Dacia Duster Commercial comes with a couple of motorizations, but the one worth mentioning is the topping dCi 110 diesel engine, with the four-wheel drive configuration, which is very fuel efficient. This one runs 56.5 mpg per liters, with the CO2 emissions also low, at just 130 g/km. What can I say, cheap model with worthy performance. This made the Duster model really successful outside Romania.

Dacia Duster Commercial

Apart from the performance characteristics, even if not plenty described here, the Dacia Duster Commercial truly remarks itself due to its load capacity of 1,150 liters and a payload of 550 kg, enough to keep up with the high demand from the United Kingdom market. Once again, well-done Dacia!

Volkswagen T6

Volkswagen decided to unveil the all-new T6 van, a model that gets a series of styling tweaks as well as new engines. At the exterior, you will notice the revised front grille, tweaked wheel arches, new optical blocks and larger air intakes.
If the exterior changes are just enough to refresh the car’s appearance, the new 2.0-liter diesel engines are certainly more of a big upgrade. Volkswagen offers plenty of choices for the frugal 2.0-liter TDIs.

2015 Volkswagen T6

Outputs range from 84 hp to 102 hp, 150hp and even 204 hp. Petrol choices include a single 2.0-liter engine that delivers either 150 hp or 204 hp.

2015 Volkswagen T6

Inside, buyers will get a new infotainment system, revised materials, new metallic accents and even proximity sensors. The latter helps the driver to interact better with the display.

2015 Volkswagen T6

If you want a better-equipped car, you can take advantage of the Generation SIX special edition of the T6. It is available now and offers several tweaks such as 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, LED headlights and a red/white color scheme. All in all, the new Volkswagen T6 is expected to go on sale this month with prices starting at €23,035 in Europe.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed Blue Train special edition

Bentley has officially introduced the Speed Blue Train edition for the Mulsanne. As a reminder, the British company won the “Blue Train” race in 1930. Behind the wheel was Captain Woolf Barnato.
In order to celebrate 85 years since the victory, Bentley unveiled this very special model. The luxury sedan stands out thanks to the exterior that received a special front grille.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed Blue Train edition

New black alloy wheels are also available and complete the exterior changes. Step inside the cabin and you will find a fluting pattern for the door panels, new tread plates with “Blue Train 85 Years”. Everyting at the interior was made with a simple and direct purpose: to be as similar as possible with the Bentley Speed Six model.

If what you already heard is not impressive, you have to know that Bentley will produce only four units and these cars will be available exclusively in Europe.
Pricing details were not released yet but you can expect some big figures, mainly considering that the car will be produced in such a limited run. Being an anniversary edition for such an iconic model is also something that will greatly bump up the price.

Mercedes announces new affordable C160 model

The Germans at Mercedes announced the introduction of the C160, a new model for the C-Class range which has a more affordable price tag. Starting at 31,683 for the sedan and 33,349 for the wagon, the new Mercedes C160 packs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit producing 129 horsepower.
Power goes to the wheels via a standard six-speed manual gearbox, the only one available for this model. There’s also a seven-speed automatic one but you can get it only on higher-grade models.

2015 Mercedes C-Class

Guess this is one of the downsides of opting for the entry-level model.

For now, this base C160 model is available only for the sedan and wagon, with coupe and convertible variants likely to be introduced towards the end of this year. As you know, Mercedes is not offering the coupe and convertible body styles at all.
According to the company, the new models will be available in dealerships starting June. However, the orders book will open this Tuesday, so you can be sure to book yours early. Stay tuned for more details as we will provide them as soon as they are released.

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe

BMW officially unveiled the ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe at the New York Auto Show. As you know, ALPINA offers comprehensive performance and styling tweaks for BMW models, this one being no exception.
We start at the exterior where the company offers LED Adaptive Headlights with High Beam Assistant as standard, new alloy wheels, revised front and rear spoilers and a tweaked grille.

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe

You will also notice the blue brake calipers that match the exterior finish as well as the more sculpted hood. Get into the performance specs and you will get more excited as this model packs a tweaked 4.4-liter V8 producing 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft (799 Nm) of torque.

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe

Compared to the stock model, the 2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe has extra 60 hp and 50 lb-ft (67 Nm) of torque and a special eight-speed automatic transmission. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 3,6 seconds witha top speed limited at 321 km/h.

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe

Needless to say that the xDrive all-wheel drive system also helps with the performance figures. Pricing details were not released yet but we do know that the BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will go on sale in the States in June.

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe

Peugeot Foodtruck Concept

Peugeot hasn’t announced any important models at the 2015 New York Auto Show, instead it had the opportunity of launching online the odd yet interesting Peugeot Foodtruck Concept, a model which is destined for mobile food delivery, being generically named a “mobile bistro”.
The Peugeot Foodtruck Concept popping up on the web ahead its official debut at an event in Paris, was build and designed by Peugeot Design Lab, which is set to be displayed at the 2015 Milan Design Week, starting April 14th.

Peugeot Foodtruck Concept

Representatives from Peugeot have already started offering some details with the launching of Peugeot Foodtruck Concept, stating that the model “will take up residence at the Peugeot stand during the 2015 Milan Design Week, before travelling the few miles across town to set up outside the French Pavilion for the 6 months of the 2015 World’s Fair Expo Milano. It is sure to be one of the Pavilion’s stars.”

Peugeot Foodtruck Concept

Little it is known about the Peugeot Foodtruck Concept at this very moment concerning performance or pricing, but officials also stated that the model has been created based on the Boxer model, which can serve for different turistic destinations in different French cities, and provide food for around 30 people. The food is preserved in a 400-liter refrigerated compartment, while the drinks will be restored and kept fresh in a 350-liter refrigerator. The foodtruck also contain a deep fryer, two grills and four induction burners.
  

2016 Lexus RX

I have had the great pleasure of seeing a lot of interesting and wonderful vehicles being displayed and officially launched at the present 2015 New York Auto Show and one of the models that I really set my eyes on is the gorgeous 2016 Lexus RX mid-size SUV. It is absolutely fantastic, from every angle.
I was first stroke by its unique body language, the one that Lexus has always accustomed us with, starting with the L-shaped taillights now enhancing LED technology, along with the daytime running lights, the fog lights, or the personalized dual-exhaust system. Of course, the body features don’t stop here.

2016 Lexus RX

Second, the cabin is also fully covered in different high-end materials, which would make this model extremely classy and luxurious, while the high-tech gizmos continue to amaze me: active stabilizer system, the instrument cluster fitted with the TFT Multi Information Display, the AVS-enhanced Sport + model, with the Eco, Normal and Sport features.

2016 Lexus RX

Under the hood, this new 2016 Lexus RX will be fitted with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, developing a good 300 horsepower in th 350h version, while the RX 450h will tweak a higher 3.6-liter V6, hooked by an electric motor, which outputs an overall of 300 horsepower. No performance details have been yet announced.

Range Rover SV

The 2015 New York Auto Show was the perfect opportunity for Land Rover to officially unveil the long-expected Range Rover SVAutobiography, which will come with a spicy price of $199,495 once it will be launched in the US, this fall.
As you can depict from the photos, this would be perhaps the top of the line model from the entire Range Rover fleet, as it was manufactured and equipped with different exclusive features, thanks to JLR SVO (Special Vehicle Operations).

Range Rover SVAutobiography

The marks of JLR SVO can be first identified at the SVAutobiography`s body, as this wears the Graphite Atlas paintjob which comes in contrast with the polished chrome grille, the fresh lettering found on the hood, as well as the four-tailpipe exhaust system found at the rear end.

Range Rover SVAutobiography

Inside, the Range Rover SVAutobiography comes with a lot of high-end materials, like the Windsor leather on the seats, wood flooring and a lot of safety systems.

Range Rover SVAutobiography

Under the hood, the gorgeous model is taking pride with a 5.0-liter V8 supercharged unit, which develops 550 horsepower and 680 Nm of torque, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, at a topping of 225 km/h. A plug-in hybrid version will also emerge, along with other diesel burners.