2012 Toyota 86 GTS | Review, Price, Information

Toyota Australia has dramatically redefined the concept of an affordable sports car with the arrival of its eagerly awaited Toyota 86 coupe.

Designed to delight driving enthusiasts, the compact and aerodynamic four-seater sports car is priced from an amazingly low $29,990.

The 86 marks a return to Toyota's sporting roots with the world's only combination of a front-mounted, free-revving, horizontally opposed "boxer" petrol engine and rear-wheel drive.
This unique powertrain format, combined with a compact design, light weight and a low centre of gravity, produces the best possible power-to-weight ratio.

These attributes will reward 86 owners with maximum driving pleasure - lively, accessible performance and highly engaging dynamic abilities with minimal electronic intrusion.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said Toyota was determined to ensure the great handling and performance of the 86 would not come with a hefty price tag.

"The 86 is meant to be enjoyed by as many driving enthusiasts as possible, and our pricing will extend its appeal to people who never imagined they could afford such a fun car," Mr Callachor said.
"Toyota has created something that people have wanted, but didn't exist - a compact, light, basic sports car with balance and handling rated in the same league as some legendary sports cars," he said.

The Toyota GT-86 is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-four engine, the result of a joint development between Subaru and Toyota, combined with D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection). With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high compression ratio of 12.5:1, D-4S increases power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

In the Toyota model, this engine will only deliver 200 HP at 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6600 rpm, but Subaru has promised a total of 300 HP for their version. That being said, the base BRZ will come with the same 200 HP that the new GT-86 is sporting, bringing these two models closer than originally anticipated. Subaru’s promised 300 HP will be present in the STI version, leading us to believe that a G-Sports variant for the GT-86 will bring forth the same amount of power.

This engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual will offer quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission will feature sporty shifts controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifts. Power will be distributed effectively to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.

 The GT 86 is a genuinely lightweight machine that offers the intimacy and involvement of a car that can be driven as though an extension of the driver's body. In this way, it perfectly recaptures the exhilarating spirit of the last of the AE86. And, with numerous customisable parts, its shares its predecessor's aim to be an affordable car that will evolve with its owner.
source:netcarshow.com,topspeed.com,ultimatecarpage.com 

2013 Lexus LS 460 | Review, Price, Specification

With its dynamic handling, bold new design and superior craftsmanship, the 2013 LS flagship models hail the future of the Lexus brand as it embarks on its third decade in the premium luxury category. While retaining many of the qualities that have defined Lexus for more than 20 years, the LS reaches new heights with an exciting blend of beautiful design, modern refinement and advanced technology.
The 2013 Lexus LS line-up includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F Sport. LS 460 and LS 460L are available in RWD and AWD. The LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system.

The all-new Lexus LS 460 F Sport combines a more aggressive exterior with a unique sport interior featuring F Sport seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and genuine aluminum trim. With a sport tuned air suspension that has been lowered 0.4 inches, a Torsen® limited slip rear differential (RWD model), Brembo six-piston caliper brakes, and 19" forged wheels with summer or all-season tires, the LS F Sport promises to be the most engaging LS ever.

The entire 2013 Lexus LS lineup is refined with dynamic, fresh styling that reflects the bold new face of Lexus. The aggressive spindle grille gives the new LS a greater road presence and stronger brand identity while heralding a significant improvement in driving dynamics, responsiveness and handling.

The 2013 LS lineup will consist of the LS460, LS460L, LS600hL hybrid, and the LS460 F-Sport. Both the LS460 and LS460L will be available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LS600hL hybrid is available with a full-time all-wheel drive system.
As for the F-Sport model, we’ve already seen the more aggressive exterior, while the interior will feature F-Sport seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and genuine aluminum trim. The sport-tuned suspension lowers the vehicle 0.4 inches, while a Torsen limited-slip rear differential is installed in the rear-wheel drive model. Six-piston Brembo brakes peek behind the 19-inch wheels.

Plenty of new features are seen in the new 2013 Lexus LS models, including the Advanced Illumination System (AIS), which is an all-LED interior lighting system. Lexus Climate Concierge is also available, which is a customizable system that uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate the temperature inside the cabin. The system also works with the climate control seats and heated steering wheel.

Also, a massive 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multimedia display is seen in the dash, allowing wide viewing angles for driver and passengers.

The Lexus LS was already giving models like the Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class a run for their money, but with its new updates, the LS will provide an even bigger challenge.

The Mercedes S-Class is also preparing to enter a new generation, but if Mercedes doesn’t step up to the plate, the S-Class will continue to miss the mark on the elegance and refinement of a high-end luxury sedan. One good thing to come out of the S-Class is its vast engine choices, but willi t be enough to compete against the new LS?

On the other hand, we have the Audi A8, a model which recently entered its third generation. Unlike the S-Class, the A8 is a very elegant car, with a great exterior look and a highly refined interior. It comes with a 4.2 FSI V8 engine that delivers an impressive 372 HP and, unlike the LS, can go up to 155 mph.source:netcarshow.com,topspeed.com,autoguide.com

2013 Kia Cerato | Review, Specification, Price

 Unable to contain its enthusiasm for the next generation of its volume-selling small car, Kia has revealed the brand-new 2013 Cerato sedan just three days after dropping a handful of teaser images.

Technical details remain light, but it is known that the new Cerato is longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model, gaining an all-new bodyshell and a longer wheelbase - making it longer also than the new Hyundai i30.

Featuring futuristic and dynamic styling, the all-new Cerato features a sleeker profile, LED front and rear lamps and a chrome-finished beltline. All-new Cerato, to be called ‘K3′ in Kia’s home market of South Korea, will also boast improved quality, upgraded equipment, a more spacious cabin and a revised engine line-up that delivers class-leading fuel economy.

After going on sale in Korea later this year, the all-new Cerato sedan will appear at Kia dealerships in many overseas markets during the first quarter of 2013.
source:lincah.com,themotorreport.com.au

2012 Brabus and smart 10th Anniversary Edition

 Hard to believe, but BRABUS and Smart have been building cars together for 10 years now. Worldwide, more than 50,000 customized cars have been built by the team. To celebrate, the two are producing just 100 specially-equipped cars.

The 10th Anniversary model starts with a smart fortwo BRABUS with the 102hp turbocharged engine. The car is then slathered in liquid silver paint and given titanium-look headlamp surrounds and red BRABUS logos.

 The anniversary model, which is being produced in a limited edition of 100 vehicles, is based on the current smart fortwo BRABUS production model with 75 kW (102 hp) and maximum torque of 147 Nm. It has a top speed of 155 km/h, sprints to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and offers driving pleasure as a standard feature.

The tridion safety cell, bodypanels including front grille and the door mirrors of the “10th anniversary” edition are painted in liquid silver, as are the front spoiler and side skirts in the styling package. Further exterior features include titanium-coloured headlamps and red BRABUS logos at the front and rear.

The interior of the “10th anniversary” edition is characterised by a black leather interior with high-quality hand stitching. The trim parts are painted in an exclusive red and the contrast components and seat console come in black. Cruise control is regulated via the BRABUS sports steering wheel, and the starter button is integrated in the gear shift lever knob. A badge with the serial number (xx/100) draws attention to the fact that this is a limited edition.

The equipment of the “10th anniversary” edition is orientated to the smart fortwo BRABUS and standard features include the comfort and light package, heated seats, electric power steering, LED daytime driving lights, audio and navigation system and BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels in matt grey.source:lincah.com, autoblog.com

2013 Nissan Pathfinder Review & Specification

Nissan is using the 2012 Detroit auto show to display a version of its next-generation Pathfinder that the company refers to as a “concept”—but what you see here is largely what you’ll see when the production version arrives this fall as a 2013 model. As we noted when we ran spy shots last month, the first Pathfinder was a body-on-frame SUV, the second a unibody crossover, and the third once more a frame-totin’ SUV. The fourth Pathfinder will again ditch the frame, as it shares its D architecture with the Infiniti JX35.

Like the boxy, trucky, third-gen Pathfinder, the concept is able to seat seven passengers in three rows, but the similarities appear to end there. This new model, for one, appears as if it actually will be aerodynamic. That’s right: Goodbye, rugged boulder-basher. Hello, slippery soft-roader. We can’t say we mind much, since the flared fenders, angled front fascia, and overall contours are handsome if a touch conservative.

As expected, the new Pathfinder ditches the body-on-frame platform of the outgoing model for a unibody setup. Nissan says the switch increases structural rigidity and also contributes to a weight reduction of 500 pounds, with the FWD version now posting a 4149-pound curb weight.
With less mass to pull around, the new model deep-sixes the last-gen’s 4.0-liter V6 and optional 5.6-liter V8 for a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 260 horsepower and pairs with a CVT. Mileage now leads the segment across the board, with the FWD version managing 20 mpg in city and 26 mpg on the highway and the 4WD variant returning 19/25 mpg.

Towing capacity now stands at 5000 pounds, a decrease from the 7000 pounds managed by the V8-equipped 2012 model.

Inside, the Pathfinder benefits from a more upscale cabin with plenty of soft touch materials and a wide range optional features, including a 13-speaker Bose sound system, a three-zone entertainment system and a dual-panel moonroof.

The crossover’s people-carrying capacity is enhanced by a flexible seating system – the second-row provides 5.5 inches of seat travel and also flips forward to allow access to the third-row without removing a child seat in the the second row.

The 2013 Pathfinder will start from $29,025 (including destination) when it hits dealerships this fall, undercutting the MSRP of the old model by slightly less than $1,000.

With three rows, accommodations for seven passengers and what Nissan promises to be towing ability comparable to leaders in the segment of three-row crossovers, we wonder if the smaller V6 is up to the Pathfinder's daily duties. Then again, if those duties don't stray far from pulling a pair of water toys to the lake or carting the soccer team's starting midfield to practice and back, it should be plenty.

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will be available in September and goes up against an increasingly tough class that includes the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango and the redesigned Ford Explorer. The Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander are also formidable considerations for crossover buyers. Check back for more information, including buying advice, complete specs and driving impressions, as it becomes available. source:edmund.com,leftlanenews.com,caranddriver.com

2012 Land Rover Defender XTech Special Edition

 Among the many not-for-U.S.-sale vehicles we adore, there are few SUV's counted. In fact, there may be just one: The Land Rover Defender. Unavailable in the colonies since many of us were in short pants – or at least college – the Defender is the direct descendent of the original Landie and the last bastion of the traditionally butch British utility. Sure, the Defender is no longer quite as hardcore as it was in the Land Rover Series II and III days, but it's clearly no Range Rover.

Just take a look at this new XTech Special Edition model, in its military hues of Orkney Grey and Nara Bronze with Santorini Black trim. Sure, it has heated leather seats, but check out that dash: No nav and manual climate controls. And those black alloy 16-inch wheels, shod with 235/85 Goodyear Wranglers are the real deal for off-roading. The Defender XTech Special Edition is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel is mated to a six-speed manual.

Available in both Defender 90 and the longer wheelbase 110 models in two- and four-door body styles, the XTech Special Edition goes on sale in the UK this month, with a starting price of £27,995, or about $43,445.

 The transformation begins with Orkney Grey or model-exclusive Nara Bronze paint, which contrasts with Santorini Black on the roof, headlight surrounds, fenders, bumpers, and door sills. The SUV’s front end receives special gloss-black Land Rover lettering and a body-color grille, while the rear wears a unique Defender decal above the LED taillights. The 16-inch wheels also have been painted gloss black.

The interior gets a blend of Ebony and Almond leather with contrast stitching, as well as woven Land Rover logos in the floor mats, and embossed logos in the headrests. The center stack is painted to match the Defender’s exterior color.

The Defender XTech isn’t just an aesthetic package, though, as it comes standard with extra features like air conditioning, keyless entry, heated seats, a heated windshield, and a rear bumper with an integrated step. The model is powered by a turbodiesel 2.2-liter inline-four engine rated for 121 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission.

 Powered by the 2.2-litre diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, the Defender boasts 360Nm of torque for effortless towing and excellent driver refinement whether on or off-road.

With a choice of the 90 Hard Top, 90 Station Wagon, 110 Station Wagon and 110 Utility Wagon, a range of standard options and accessories are available to add even more capability and character to this iconic four-wheel drive vehicle.source:lincah.com,autoblog.com,wot.motortrend.com

2012 TopCar Porsche Cayenne Vantage 2 Lemon

Some people just have the weirdest tastes.

Russian tuner, Top Car, has made some of the fanciest tuning programs for Porsche vehicles, but their latest iteration of their vaunted Cayenne Vantage 2 seems to have taken a turn for the lemon.

Commissioned by one of its customers, Top Car was tasked to build a Cayenne Vantage 2, albeit with a colorful dress up along the way. So the Russian tuner acquiesced to the request and built the Cayenne Vantage 2 Lemon.

As the name suggests, the Porsche SUV has been dressed in a special, one-off color - Citreous Lemon - that’s been accented by a special Pearl Lime paint covering various areas of the exterior. Likewise, the interior of the Cayenne also gets black leather perforated seat centers with lime green piping.

The main part of the surface is painted in citreous color. The exterior details (side window frames, front bumper inserts, bonnet vents, side-skits, kicking plates inserts, exterior mirror housings, spoilers, diffuser inserts, brake calipers) colored with a special pearl paint “Lime”.

Due to this bright and rich coloring the project was called “LEMON”. The TOPCAR also added some minor changes into the interior. The lines and edges continue the external color idea. Moreover you can find new decorative panels with stripes of “Lime” color.
source:lincah.com,topspeed.com