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Tuesday 26 February 2013

2014 Mini Paceman John Cooper Works


Its driving characteristics and design set the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works apart from the crowd in the premium compact segment. The seventh member of the John Cooper Works line-up takes to the stage as the stand-out sporting tool in a brand new category of car. The unmistakable style of the first Sports Activity Coupé in its class and numerous signature John Cooper Works features - among them the standard-fitted aerodynamic kit, lowered sports suspension and 18-inch light-alloy wheels - lend the 4,124- millimetre-long, 1,786-millimetre-wide and 1,527-millimetre-tall three-door car an imposing presence before it has so much as turned a wheel. Key to providing the inspirational performance to back up its looks is the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works's race-bred powertrain and chassis technology. And the standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, which optimises not only traction and driving stability on rough terrain but also agility through dynamically taken corners, plays its part in the car's extreme driving fun as well.

MINI Paceman John Cooper Works
MINI Paceman John Cooper Works

MINI Paceman John Cooper Works
MINI Paceman John Cooper Works

MINI Paceman John Cooper Works
MINI Paceman John Cooper Works


MINI Paceman John Cooper Works
MINI Paceman John Cooper Works

MINI Paceman John Cooper Works
MINI Paceman John Cooper Works

MINI Paceman John Cooper Works
MINI Paceman John Cooper Works

MINI Paceman John Cooper Works
MINI Paceman John Cooper Works

The result is a race-car feeling, served up in style to the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works's driver and three passengers. The individual seats of the rear compartment lend it a lounge-like ambience to go with the cockpit's typically John Cooper Works sports car surroundings. Sports seats for the driver and front passenger and a bespoke spread of colours and materials are central to the distinctive character of the interior, as is the extensive selection of standard equipment.

Muscular proportions, dynamic lines and an aerodynamic kit mould the unmistakable figure of an elite sportsman

The new model sees the compact Sports Activity Coupé concept re-emerge in an extra layer of muscular proportions and dynamically stretched lines. Long doors, the coupé-style roof swooping downwards from the windscreen and side windows tapering towards the rear shape the side view of the car. The upright front end exudes power and presence, while the broad-set rear - with its large tailgate - offers a hint of the car's surefooted roadholding. The performance-maxing character of the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works is further emphasised by an aerodynamic kit. The particularly muscular front and rear aprons and bespoke side skirts ensure the airflow around the car is even more efficient. The aerodynamic kit is part of standard specification for the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works, as is the sports exhaust system with polished stainless steel tailpipe embellishers and the 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished design with polished spoke fronts and black rim wells. Among the items on the options list are exclusive 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Cross-Spoke Crusher design. John Cooper Works logos on the radiator grille, tailgate, door sill strips and side indicator surrounds provide additional confirmation of the car's identity.

Customers can choose from nine exterior paint shades, including the Chili Red variant reserved for John Cooper Works models. White, Black and Chili Red can be ordered optionally as a contrast paint finish for the roof and exterior mirror caps, as well as for the Sport Stripes.

Irresistible combination: sports car ambience in the cockpit, lounge setting in the rear

Inside the car, the distinctive interior design combines with the customary sports car ambience of John Cooper Works models to particularly alluring effect. The two individual rear seats offer impressive shoulder and headroom, outstanding lateral support and unusually high levels of comfort. The armrests in the rear side panels further enhance the lounge-style character of the rear compartment. These are integrated into a circular rear trim element, which matches the colour and material of the seats. The individual seat layout is highlighted by two mouldings in the load compartment cover which extend out from immediately behind the head restraints into the rear. The rear seat backrests can be folded down separately, allowing the boot capacity of the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works to grow from 330 to as much as 1,080 litres.

A sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and John Cooper Works logo, dark-coloured dials for the 260 km/h (162 mph) speedometer and the rev counter, an anthracite-coloured roof liner, a gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering, red contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter, and floor mats with red stitching are all part of the standard equipment count for the extreme sports model, as are cloth sports seats in Diagonal Track John Cooper Works Carbon Black trim with red contrast stitching. Lounge Leather sports seats in Carbon Black Championship Red are available as an option. Standard Piano Black interior trim strips add the finishing touches to the racing-inspired aura inside the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works. Exclusive Chili Red trim - consisting of red elements for the cockpit and doors and a red stripe for the otherwise black trim strips on the centre console - can be ordered as an option.

The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works will be built alongside all the other variants of the brand's first Sports Activity Coupé and the MINI Countryman at the BMW Group's partner firm Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz, Austria. Production will take place on a separate assembly line set up and operated according to the exacting standards of the BMW Group. As with all the brand's models, the high-performance powerplant for this sharpest of all MINI Paceman models will be sourced from the Hams Hall engine plant, one corner of the MINI production triangle in England.

Racing expertise fuels peak performance - Engine and gearbox

Instantaneous power delivery and an unquenchable appetite for revs define the 1,598 cc four-cylinder engine powering the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works. The latest generation of the turbocharged John Cooper Works engine brings together technical details honed in race competition and cuttingedge innovations developed by the BMW Group's powertrain experts. Highlights include reinforced pistons, a weight-optimised crankshaft, an aluminium cylinder block and bearing mount, and further optimisation of the air supply and exhaust gas discharge system. Plus, the turbocharger is twinned with a generously sized intercooler. The four valves of each cylinder are operated by two overhead camshafts, low-friction rocker arms and hydraulic valve clearance compensation elements. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled to help provide the extra cooling required by a turbocharged engine.

The twin-scroll turbocharger joins forces with petrol direct injection and variable valve control based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology. This throttle-free load control system significantly improves both the engine's responsiveness and its efficiency.

Outstanding power and even greater torque thanks to the overboost function; six-speed automatic gearbox available as an option

The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works's powerplant develops its maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft) is on tap between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm, and can be increased to 300 Newton metres (221 lb-ft) for short periods between 2,100 and 4,500 rpm using the overboost function. This opens the door to gratifyingly vivacious acceleration to which the standard-fitted sports exhaust system provides a suitably striking soundtrack.

The front-mounted transverse engine of the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works teams up as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic is available as an option. Both variants have been revised and retuned to take into account the extra torque developed by the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works's engine, enabling outstanding performance combined with even greater efficiency. The automatic comes with the Steptronic function, which allows the driver to change gear manually using either the selector lever on the centre console or the shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The likewise standard Sport Button on the centre console can be used to tweak the engine's responses and soundtrack, as well as the power assistance provided by the steering. If the automatic gearbox is specified, pressing the Sport Button also quickens up shift times.

Smile-inducing acceleration, impressive efficiency

The choice of gearbox has no effect on the sprinting power of the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works. The new car dashes from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a trifling 6.9 seconds, regardless of whether the engine is sending its power through its manual or automatic conduit. Top speed stands at 226 km/h (140 mph) for the manual version or 224 km/h (139 mph) for the automatic.

The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works marries this impressive performance with eye-catching economy. The engine's inherent efficiency and extensive MINIMALISM technology - such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Shift Point Display and the Auto Start/Stop function (on manual cars) - are the trump cards here. Among the other components helping to give the Paceman John Cooper Works its efficiency edge are Electric Power Steering, whose electric motor only uses energy when power assistance is actually required, a mapcontrolled oil pump, an on-demand coolant pump, lightweight construction elements and optimised aerodynamic properties. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 7.4 litres (automatic: 7.9 litres) per 100 kilometres / 38.2 (35.8) mpg imp, and CO2 emissions come in at 172 (184) grams per kilometre.

Surging forward with irresistible force - Power transfer and chassis

The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works converts the power of its turbocharged engine into extreme driving fun with compelling responsiveness and unshakable poise and assurance. Pulling the strings behind the scenes are advanced chassis technology - optimised specially for the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works - and the standard-fitted ALL4 all-wheel-drive system; the engine, power transfer and chassis of the new car come together to make a finely-tuned team. The vast well of expertise built up by John Cooper Works over its many years in motor sport underpins the car's captivating, but always controllable, handling.

The bespoke John Cooper Works chassis ensures optimum roadholding and unbeatable agility with every change of direction. And ALL4 allows the inimitable sense of driving fun through enthusiastically taken corners to be enjoyed in even greater depth - off road as well as on.

ALL4 all-wheel-drive system maximises assurance and sporting ability

The ALL4 all-wheel-drive system teams up with the thrillingly potent engine under the bonnet of the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works to deliver a razorsharp interpretation of the brand's trademark go-kart feeling. The ALL4 allwheel- drive system developed for MINI uses an electromagnetic centre differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles. This means power is always sent to the wheels where it can be translated most effectively into forward propulsion. The system therefore not only provides a noticeable increase in traction and driving stability on loose ground and in adverse weather conditions, it also enhances agility in quickly taken corners.

In normal driving situations ALL4 diverts a maximum 50 per cent of the engine's power to the rear wheels, rising all the way to 100 per cent in extreme conditions. This provides - at all times - a traction-led expression of the handling talents for which MINI is famed. The control electronics of the MINI ALL4 system are integrated directly into the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) management unit, which gives ALL4 extremely short response times and allows it to carry out proactive adjustments in the distribution of drive. The system uses the data collected by DSC to tweak the power split pre-emptively and to impressive effect through dynamically taken corners, for example. And that means the driver enjoys outstanding agility combined with surefooted driving characteristics in customary MINI style.

Lowered sports suspension as standard

Another key player in giving the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works its skyhigh levels of driving fun is chassis technology optimised specially for the new model. A single-joint MacPherson spring-strut front axle and forged cross members, a central-arm rear axle, Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance and an extremely high-performance braking system with red callipers make for a potent combination. The front brake discs are 307 millimetres in diameter and 24 millimetres thick, the rears 296 x 10 millimetres. The standard sports suspension includes particularly firmly tuned springs and dampers, strengthened anti-roll bars and a 10-millimetre drop in ride height.

18-inch light-alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished design with polished spoke fronts and black rim wells are also part of standard specification, while tyres come in 225/45 R18 format. The options list includes 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Cross-Spoke Crusher design - again created exclusively for the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works.

The standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system also comprises DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode, which allows a degree of wheel spin to help the driver pull away on loose sand or snow, for example. In DSC Off mode, an electronic locking function for the front axle differential comes into play. In tight corners it brakes a spinning wheel as required to improve handling. Known as Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), this system enhances the car's traction without adversely affecting its steering properties.

The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman's assured road manners are complemented by a comprehensive array of safety equipment. The car's highstrength body structure teams up with standard safety features - including front and side airbags, side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, threepoint inertia-reel seat belts for all occupants, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats, and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear - to provide outstanding occupant protection all-round.

Individualist hits the ideal lines - Equipment and accessories

The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works identifies itself as an extreme sportsman and individualist without the need for a second glance. And neither does it require more than a single corner to demonstrate its stand-out character with stunning clarity. Playing a key role here alongside the extraordinarily powerful engine and model-specific chassis technology is the standard fitment of the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, an aerodynamic kit, 18- inch light-alloy wheels, a sports exhaust, a Sport Button and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). John Cooper Works logos on the front end, rear and flanks complete the exterior picture, while the bespoke design of the interior delivers a focused sports car ambience. The premium profile of the MINI Paceman John Cooper Works is further emphasised by the standard inclusion of front foglamps, air conditioning, a run-flat indicator, electric windows, remote control central locking, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, the Centre Rail storage and attachment system, and the MINI Boost CD radio. Customers can also order their cars with all the comfort, functionality and individuality-enhancing options available for the other MINI Paceman models, a full complement of MINI Connected features and John Cooper Works accessories.

Race feeling fed to four individual seats

The MINI Paceman John Cooper Works ensures that the inimitable feeling of race action can be a pleasure enjoyed by four. Both the sports seats for the driver and front passenger and the two individual rear seats are trimmed in Diagonal Track John Cooper Works Carbon Black cloth with red contrast stitching, although Lounge Leather sports seats in Carbon Black Championship Red are available as an option. The door sill strips come with special John Cooper Works lettering, while the interior trim strips of the cockpit, doors and centre console are in Piano Black as standard. Optional Chili Red trim - available exclusively for the John Cooper Works model - consists of red elements for the cockpit and doors and a red stripe for the otherwise black trim strips on the centre console. A sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and John Cooper Works logo, dark-coloured dials for the 260 km/h (162 mph) speedometer and the rev counter, an anthracite-coloured roof liner, a gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering, red contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter, and floor mats with red stitching are all part of the standard equipment count for the new extreme sports model.

Comfort, functionality and individuality on demand; exclusive and innovative functions from MINI Connected

The John Cooper Works model can also be ordered with virtually all the options offered for its MINI Paceman siblings. Highlights include xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and black headlight housing, Comfort Access, automatic climate control, heated seats, Park Distance Control with rearmounted sensors, multifunction buttons for the steering wheel (including cruise control), an electrically operated tilting/sliding glass sunroof, a rain sensor with automatic headlamp activation, and automatically dimming rearview mirror and exterior mirrors. Among the features available to further enhance the car's functionality are a storage package, a level load compartment floor with removable cover and a luggage compartment partition net. Plus, the ambient lighting system (part of the optional light package) enhances the unique ambience inside the car.

As alternatives to the standard MINI Boost CD radio, options such as the harman/kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, MINI Visual Boost radio and MINI navigation system are on hand to take care of entertainment and navigation requirements. The MINI Visual Boost radio and MINI navigation system link up with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution colour display in the Centre Speedo and Bluetooth hands-free functionality, complete with a USB audio interface. The maps for the MINI navigation system are stored on the car's built-in flash memory device. Also on the options list are a voice control system, a handsfree system/mobile phone preparation and a DAB tuner for receiving digital radio programmes.

The MINI Connected option also gives Paceman John Cooper Works owners access to a wide range of infotainment, communications and driving experience-related services, and allows full Apple iPhone integration. In addition, regularly updated MINI Connected apps provide an unmatched and constantly changing variety of functions, such as web radio, use of Facebook, Twitter and foursquare, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement, Mission Control and the MINIMALISM Analyser.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster


Automobili Lamborghini presented the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster: the most exciting series production Lamborghini ever built and the new benchmark in the world of open-top luxury super sports cars.

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

On the heels of the successful coupe introduced in Summer 2011, and with over 1,300 units already delivered to customers, the House of the Raging Bull is now offering the convertible version of the Aventador, a vehicle that perfectly balances the ultimate driving experience with the ultimate in sports car sophistication.

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster can immediately be recognized by the unique profile of its upper area, which extends along newly designed geometric lines from the removable roof to the engine hood.

The Roadster's design is the result of a careful study into the best way of combining performance, elegant style, ease of use and a driving experience that excites all five senses.

The two-piece roof is made entirely from carbon fiber using various technologies such as RTM and Forged Composite®. These technologies guarantee maximum aesthetic performance and stiffness although each component is extremely light, weighing less than 6 kg. These two parts are removable, easy to handle, and being lightweight and simple to attach, can be stored in the front luggage compartment. In just a few seconds the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster can be admired in all its luxurious beauty.

The rear pillar has been redesigned to offer total support for the removable roof, accommodate an automatic protection system for passengers, and provide the engine compartment with ample ventilation.

Right at first glance, it's noticeable that the engine hood on the Roadster differs from the hood on the coupé because of its central "spinal column" with two pairs of hexagonal windows connected at the sides as if they were hyper-tech armor plates. Their purpose is to cool the engine, drain off rain water properly and, of course, allow the beauty of the V12 power unit to be admired.

The driver of the Aventador Roadster and his passenger can decide for themselves how intensely they would like to enjoy the driving experience. The powered rear windshield not only influences the flow of air in the vehicle, but also controls the experience of the sound from the twelve-cylinder engine. The wind deflector, on the other hand, delivers almost complete calm inside the car, even at high speed. It rests on the front windshield frame and can likewise be stored in the luggage compartment when not in use.

The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is also equipped with door windows with chamfered edges, which always ensure a perfect fit into the hard-top seal, and underline the sharp side profile of the car.

The body of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster sports a two-tone finish, as the windshield pillar, the two roof sections and the rear window area up to the "fins" are painted in gloss black. The visual effect is that of a completely open vehicle with sleek lines combining perfectly balanced sportiness and elegance.

The range of colors available for the Roadster has been supplemented with a very light, metallic blue color, Azzuro Thetis, whose tone varies with the angle of the light. This color recalls the shade of the extraordinarily beautiful 1968 Miura Roadster, and both highlights and reinforces the lines of the vehicle by adding strength and dynamism.

Even the interior has a new look. The use of leather called Sabbia Nefertem highlights the superb hand-made craftsmanship of the upholstery from Sant' Agata Bolognese and is a perfect match for the exterior in Azzuro Thetis. Finally, the new Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster also features new Dione 20"/21" rims with a daring, aggressive look. Crafted in light forged aluminum, they lower the weight of the vehicle by 10 Kg as compared with the standard set of rims.

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster boasts record performance. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3 seconds flat and has a maximum speed of some 350 km/h.

These numbers, combined with a drive train featuring a centrally located, 6.5 liter aspirated V12 generating 700 hp, an ISR 7-speed gearbox and push-rod suspension make the new Aventador Roadster a unique super sports car with no direct competition.

Of course the Roadster's V12 also includes a cylinder deactivation system when the engine is working at partial capacity, while the innovative, instant Stop & Start system includes high-performance capacitors known as supercaps to awaken the engine. This is an absolute first in the super sports car segment.

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is a dream that can be realized and ordered at any Lamborghini dealer in the world for the price of 300,000 euro, excluding taxes.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

Land Rover to Debut New 9-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission in Geneva


Land Rover will be displaying a new 9-speed automatic transmission for use on its passenger cars and SUVs at next week's Geneva International Auto Show. The new ZF 9HP gearbox was developed by transmission specialist ZF with Land Rover being a lead partner in the project – or so the British company says.

Land Rover 9ZF HP

Land Rover 9ZF HP

Land Rover 9ZF HP

Land Rover 9ZF HP

Land Rover 9ZF HP

Specifically designed for transverse applications, the ZF unit is rather compact in dimensions, as despite sporting three more gears, it is only 6mm (0.23 inches) longer and actually weighs 7.5kg (16.5 pounds) less than the outgoing six-speed transmission it will replace.

According to the British carmaker, increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine provides significant improvement in fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions, while the smaller ratio steps help improve response during acceleration, shift quality, drive and refinement.

Furthermore, the lowest ratio in the new 9HP is far lower than the existing 6sp transmission, with the company stating that it is specifically designed for "off-road use, towing and more extreme on-road conditions like gradients and altitude, giving the driver a heightened sense of control".

Another special feature of the ZF 9HP is the adaptive shifting system that allows the software to learn from the driver's techniques "within seconds, sharpening up during brisk driving then slipping seamlessly into a more economical regime just as quickly when taking a more relaxed approach," according to Land Rover.

“We are extremely excited about the 9HP which has been tailored exactly to dovetail with the unique attributes of our vehicles,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director. “It will add another layer of performance, refinement and efficiency, further enhancing Land Rover’s world class abilities.”

Further details about the ZF 9HP's availability will be announced during Land Rover's Geneva Motor Show presentation.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 VW Golf GTI Revealed in Production Guise, Available in 220PS and 230PS Trims


Welcome to the new-old, or what Volkswagen prefers to call the seventh generation of the Golf GTI, which was unveiled today in final production trim following the release of a thinly disguised concept study at last year's Paris Motor Show.

2014 VW Golf GTI

2014 VW Golf GTI

2014 VW Golf GTI

2014 VW Golf GTI

2014 VW Golf GTI

2014 VW Golf GTI

As with the regular Golf MK7 hatchbacks, you'll be forgiven if you're having a hard time telling the new GTI apart from the current model, as VW has followed an extremely conservative evolutionary approach with the design.

The new sports hatch gets all the usual styling trinkets we've come to expect from GTI models, like the red accent line on the grille, which now extends into the headlamps, honeycomb grille inserts, smoked (LED) tail lamps, a rear spoiler, twin pipes, side sills, a diffuser and different set of 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 225/45 size tires.

The same applies for the interior with the classic tartan pattern fabric for the standard sport seats, a flat bottom steering wheel, black headliner, and red ambience lighting.

What's different about the latest Golf GTI is that it is based on VW's newest MQB platform that helps sheds 42kg (93 pounds) over the outgoing model for a base curb weight of 1,351kg (2,978 pounds)

It also gets a newer 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder unit that's offered in two power levels, 217hp (220PS) for the base model and 227hp (230PS) for the GTI Performance version, which also features a front axle differential lock.

Available transmission options include a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

VW quotes a 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) for the 230PS model with a manual gearbox, which compares to the current 210PS Golf GTI's 6.9 seconds and 240km/h (149mph).

In Germany, advance ordering for the new Golf GTI Mk7 will begin on March 5, the same day that the car will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, with prices starting at €28,350 or about US$37,000

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 Jeep Compass with New 6-Speed Auto Heads to Geneva for its European Premiere


We've already seen the 2014 Jeep Compass here in the States as it was unveiled at last month's Detroit auto show, and now it's time for European consumers to get a taste of the updated model as well at the Geneva Auto Salon that opens its gates for the press on March 5.

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

The most important upgrade is the introduction of a new 6-speed automatic transmission offered on the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter gasoline engines producing 156 and 170 horsepower respectively. The 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with 136hp and 163hp continues to be linked exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox.

You'll probably have a hard time noticing the cosmetic changes, which concern trim specific updates such as the Limited model's revised grille, chrome front fog lamp bezels, smoked tail lamps and new 18-inch wheels, while all models equipped with a ParkView rear backup camera gain a plated chrome insert on the tailgate trim applique.

Interior revisions include the optional Saddle Brown perforated leather seating with accent stitching, updated instrument cluster overlay graphics, satin chrome finish for the center bezel, shifter bezel and pull cups, and a vinyl wrap for the armrests and center console lid. The only new safety feature is the now standard front-seat-mounted side air bags.

In Europe, the Jeep Compass will be available in three trim grades named Sport, Limited and the all-new North edition, with front wheel drive or Jeep's Freedom Drive I full-time active 4x4 system with Lock mode.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Latest Nissan Altima Becomes the New Teana for China


Nissan and its Chinese partner Dongfeng Motors lifted the veils off their new local market Teana sedan during a press conference in China on Tuesday in front of more than 1,000 (!) journalists and dealers from all over the country.

2014 Nissan Teana China

2014 Nissan Teana China

If the mid-size sedan looks eerily familiar, it's because the Teana is the same car as the North American Altima with some barely noticeable changes such as the added chrome strips on the lower sections of the doors and rear bumper, and the front grilles, the white markers on the headlamps and the revised tail light graphics.

The Teana will be manufactured at Dongfeng Nissan’s plant in Xiangyang, Hubei province, and is set to go on sale in the country in late March. It will be offered with Nissan's latest 182hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine matched to an Xtronic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission).

According Nissan, the previous generations of the Teana achieved more than 700,000 sales in China since its introduction locally in 2004, a success the company believes will continue with the new model.

“It doesn’t get any more important than this. This is the flagship of the Nissan range in China. This represents everything that we are about,” said Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer, at the launch in Guangzhou.

“We are confident because the new generation Teana is a stronger product," said Dongfeng Nissan Vice President Ren Yong. "It contains even more of our efforts and we’ve done thorough preparations for it. We hope that with the launch the new Teana, it will bring momentum to dealers and for our sales. It will also allow customers to experience the benefits of the new Teana and return us to a position of strength.”

Articles Source : Carscoop

Cadillac Begins Producing XTS Sedans in China for the Local Market


This week, General Motors and its Shanghai-GM passenger vehicle joint venture with SAIC began manufacturing the new Cadillac XTS sedan at a plant in Shanghai, with all cars to be sold in China. A GM factory in Oshawa, Ontario, started production of the XTS last summer for sale in North America.

Cadillac XTS China

Cadillac XTS China

To better serve the needs of local customers, the China-market XTS will also be offered with a smaller displacement 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine, which is not available in the U.S..

The XTS will be marketed in five different configurations with prices ranging from 349,900 Yuan and 569,900 Yuan ($55,100 to-$91,400), which is significantly more than what Cadillac commands for the car in the States ($44,075 to $64,360).

Currently, Cadillac China’s dealer network numbers 150 shops, roughly doubling in the past year, while GM plans to open another 100 outlets by 2015. The luxury brand delivered 30,000 vehicles in China in 2012 and has set an annual target of more than 100,000 units by 2015.

“We are reaching the next level of Cadillac growth in China,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president Global Cadillac. “This expansion in localized assembly for our brand in China coincides with the strong momentum of our new product portfolio and significant growth in the dealer network.”

Articles Source : Carscoop