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Archive for the ‘future cars’ Category
Mazda’s future rotary engine will reduce fuel consumption by almost 50%
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Recently Mazda has unveiled details on their new design language which are seen in the Kodo and a new concept by the name ofShinari. These two models will be the first to utilize the company’s future design, and as part of the remodeled future, Mazda is also currently working on a new rotary engine that will reduce fuel consumption by 50%. This new engine won’t be seen in the production version of the Shinari, but it will appear in the Japanese automakers future models.
Mazda hasn’t revealed any specific details of the new engine, but they have confirmed that it is being called Sky for the time being and its focus will be fuel savings: “Today we cannot name it this, but a Sky rotary engine is under development. We are not aiming for a small improvement. Fuel economy is our handicap, so we must drastically improve otherwise the next generation rotary cannot survive. But there is potentially a very large improvement available therefore it is important that we do this.” We are guessing it is the same engine that will also be out in the future CX-5. If this is the case, then we know that the SKY-G engine is a next-generation direct injection gasoline engine with greatly improved fuel economy and output due to enhanced thermal efficiency. The engine will work with i-stop, regenerative braking, and lighter vehicles to provide the owner with a 30-percent increase in fuel economy.
The current Mazda RX-8 is powered by a 13B twin rotor Renesis engine making 232 HP and has a fuel consumption of 12.9 liter/100km. If we do a little math, we get a fuel consumption of 7 liters/100 km for the next engine. Sounds tempting!
Mazda’s future rotary engine will reduce fuel consumption by almost 50% originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 22:00 EST.
Toyota works on new range of budget sports cars?
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Toyota’s FT-86 sports car turned out to be not such a successful car, as he company already announced plans to delay the official unveiling of the production version. But the Japanese company will try in a different direction: a new range of budget sports vehicles aimed for young drivers.
Toyota believes that they have lost their younger clients because the line-up is missing attractive cars that are fun to drive. As a result, for the future Toyota will promote a design-oriented development of new sports vehicles in pursuit of originality, while allowing its sports vehicle management division to take control over product planning. This new models will take them design language from the FT-86 concept, but Toyota will focus on keeping their prices as low as possible.
“We want to offer more cars that are fun to drive and make people think ’Toyota is interesting,’” said Toyota Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada during a press interview held on Sept. 3, adding, “Sales performance is not our primary concern.”
Toyota works on new range of budget sports cars? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 00:00 EST.
Audi RS1 rendered
September 6th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
We know Audi announced that there will no no RS1 in the line-up, but people can hope, no? And after the A1, and the future S1,wehope that the company will also unveil an RS1 version for its smallest hatchback in the line-up. And how the S1 will be unveiled in 2011, lets say the RS1 will be revealed in 2012 as a competitor for the MINI Cooper S JCW.
The future S1 will get a 1.4TFSI with 186 HP and S tronic, the future RS1 will be powered by a new 1.6 TFSI engine that will deliver no less than 245 HP. Now that’s a true city car! And if to this crazy amount of power you add a sportier body and lets say 19″ alloy wheels you will definitely get a car you’ll want to drive.
Everything we can do now is fingers crossed and lets just hope Audi will consider a model like this!
Audi RS1 rendered originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 6 September 2010 22:00 EST.
Ferrari works on four-door coupe?
September 6th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Remember a while ago Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa said in an interview: “As Enzo (Ferrari) would say, we will never do four doors. And we will keep this tradition.” But today rumors suggest that Ferrari has plans to expand its line-up with a new model that will take on models like Aston Martin Rapide and the future Lamborghini Estoque. Apparently Pininfarina has already imagined a future four-door coupe and Ferrari will make a final decision soon. Until then, the Italian company will unveil a surprise at the upcoming Paris Auto Show.
If built, the future four-door coupe will be based on the replacement of the 612 Scaglietti, scheduled for 2012. It seems that the 612 is offering enough interior room for a second row of doors. Same rumors suggest that the future model will be built in limited numbers and will offer wealthy customers an alternative for the other four-door coupe models on the market.
Ferrari works on four-door coupe? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 6 September 2010 19:00 EST.
Mercedes works on new B-class coupe, crossover, and sedan
September 5th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
“Everyone wants to be Mercedes-Benz,” said Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Either Mercedes is getting a little cocky or they are just that confident about their plans for the future. They have already announced plans to build a new generation B-Class for the 2012 model year and now they have confirmed that not only will the hatchback version come to the U.S. market, but so will a coupe, a crossover, and a sedan version. These will be the first FWD models Mercedes will sell on the US market.
The next B-class will also be seeing some changes under the hood. Mercedes has taken advantage of the Renault-Nissan partnership and has had them develop new three- and four-cylinder engines with turbos and gasoline direct injection. The four-cylinder engines will be the first to see U.S. soil in a Mercedes product since no other four-cylinder Mercedes has been offered in the States.
In a previous interview, Dr. Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz, commented on the upcoming A- and B-Class models, noting that, “In the next couple of years, we will launch additional cars where we don’t currently have predecessors. Our current A-Class and B-Class will be replaced by a new platform for four totally different cars defining new segments for Mercedes.” He added, “If you want young customers, you need to have a brand that is sexy and sporty. The reason we didn’t get this customer before was, in my opinion, not a brand issue, but a product issue.” We can only guess that they are just that confident in their future products.
Mercedes works on new B-class coupe, crossover, and sedan originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 5 September 2010 07:30 EST.
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Toyota works on FT-86 sedan?
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The Toyota/Subaru collaboration has all of us car enthusiasts talking, but with the Subaru FT-86 getting ready to blow Toyota’s version out of the water, the Japanese company is already thinking of a backup plan. According to some insiders at Toyota, a sedan version of the FT-86 has been given the green light and is considered a “plan B that will be introduced to cover the FT-86 investment in case the coupe doesn’t become a commercial success.” The new sedan will cost somewhere in the area of $30K.
The sedan version will be built on the same Subaru Liberty platform that the coupe version is built on with the same Subaru 204 HP boxer engine under the hood. This engine will be mated to a six speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). There are also rumors of a top version model that will use the Subaru 3.6-liter H6 powerplant delivering 256 HP.
So, if built, the sedan version will be the third model in the FT-86 sedan, next to the coupe and the “baby” version.
Toyota works on FT-86 sedan? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 18:00 EST.
New SUVs in Mercedes’ future line-up
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Who said SUVs are dead? Mercedes’ future line-up will include no less than four new models: a new generation GLK, a new G-Class, a new ML-Class and totally new model for the line-up, the BLK. Yeah, it’s a little extreme considering the onslaught of electric and hybrid vehicles scattering throughout the automotive world, but we know the SUV-loving Americans will just eat it up!
The next generation GLK will come with a more sportier and distinctive design and will be built on the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon platform with more room in the back. This new platform will also increase the interior comfort, will come with a larger trunk, and a longer wheelbase. Mercedes will also offer more engine options for the next GLK.
The new generation G-Class will be unveiled in 2012 with new V6 and V8 engines. The performance of the GL 350 CDI has been increased to 252 HP and the V8 diesel has been deleted. The 3.0 petrol engine in the GL 300 will deliver 252 HP, and the 3.5 engine will go up to 306 HP. The Gl500 will come with a 435 HP bi-turbo engine and the GL63 AMG will deliver 544 HP.
A new generation ML-Class will be revealed in 2013. The engine line-up will include an ML 250 Bluetec 4Matic with 204 HP, as well as a hybrid version, the ML400 Hybrid. This hybrid will combine a V6 with a 15KW electric motor.
And finally, the new model in the line-up: the BLK – a small crossover based on the future generation B-Class. It will be offered with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The engine line-up will include engines starting with a 1.2 turbo petrol engine with 109 HP, the 1.4 liter with 136 HP, and a 1.6 diesel with 122 HP. The AMG version will deliver a total of 272 HP. Mercedes has said that this is a model for every day use for people who need more interior space.
New SUVs in Mercedes’ future line-up originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 17:30 EST.
Future Aston Martin DB9 to be inspired by One-77 supercar
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
When Aston Martin unveiled the One-77 supercar, everyone was amazed. After all, it’s not every day you see a $1.4 million supercar with such a dynamic design come from the British company. The amazement wasn’t short-lived either as all 77 units of the supercar sold out as quickly as they were unveiled. With such a stupendous response, and such a quick sellout, Aston Martin has decided to apply the same treatment for the future DB9.
So, in 2013 we will see a new generation DB9 (probably carrying the DB10 nomenclature) with styling cues borrowed from the limited-edition One-77 coupe. We are expecting Aston to stick with the aluminum spaceframe for another generation before Aston jumps on the carbon fiber wagon.
The recently redesigned DB9 is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque and mated to a choice of six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmission. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in just 4.6 seconds and top speed goes up to 190 mph.
Future Aston Martin DB9 to be inspired by One-77 supercar originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 16:00 EST.
Aston Martin drops Lagonda SUV; plans sedan instead
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
An Aston Martin SUV? That seemed to be the plan back in 2009 when the company brought back the Lagonda brand with an SUV concept. In 2010, however, the company has decided that the Rapide is the only non-sports car version they will ever develop. It’s probably a good decision considering the Lagonda SUV wasn’t very well-received by the automotive industry when it debuted.
So, instead of wasting money on something no one will buy, Aston Martin is going to bring a Lagonda version of the Rapide sedan. It will grow in length in order to offer enough interior space for the rear passenger, and will most likely be more luxury oriented.
If we remember correctly, at the concept launch Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said that the future sedan would be “the luxury car of the future, a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.” Sounds promising, but we’ll have to wait about four years to see if they’re right since that is how long it will take Aston Martin to produce the Lagonda Rapide.
Aston Martin drops Lagonda SUV; plans sedan instead originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 12:00 EST.
Maserati Biturbo making a comeback in 2014
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The Maserati Biturbo was a two-door, four-seater sports car introduced by Maserati in 1981. However, it was listed in the 50 worst cars of all times. Now, Maserati has decided to give the flop another chance. The car is already known as the “baby Quattroporte” or “Maseratina”, but the production version will use a different name.
The “baby Quattroporte” will be positioned under the next generation Quattroporte which will be increasing its size prior to its debut in 2012. Not only will the mini sports car have its own place in the lineup, but it will also be designed as a replacement for the Alfa Romeo 166 in the Italian car representation.
The new Biturbo will be developed on the new Chrysler 300C platform and will be powered by a Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 twin turbo engine producing a total of 400 hp.
Expect the official debut to be at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with about 10,000 units set for production every year thereafter.
Maserati Biturbo making a comeback in 2014 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 21:00 EST.
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Ford works on 4×4 Fiesta
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The Ford Fiesta has been a “pretty big deal” lately, and everything about it – small size, low fuel consumption, and the funky face – has people jumping on the hatchback wagon. Everyone, except for maybe the 4X4 loving people in the USA. This group of people like a car that can drive through whatever the road may through at them, be it sand, mud, or snow. And a standard Fiesta just can’t do that, but Ford’s future 4×4 Fiesta will. The future 4X4 will set out to compete with the recently launched Nissan Juke and will fit nicely under the Ford Kuga.
Ford is already testing the first prototypes in secret locations in Europe. The prototypes feature a trapezoidal grille that has been restructured and moved upwards, larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance, and a larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork. There is also a wider track and four-wheel drive system. The exterior design will be inspired by its larger brother, Kuga. The future crossover will be offered with two- and four-wheel drive variants and EcoBoost engines.
Ford works on 4×4 Fiesta originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 19:30 EST.
Hyundai releases teaser sketch of new iX20 mini MPV
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Hyundai’s bringing a new vehicle to the Paris Motor Show, and they were nice enough to give us a sneak peek of what this vehicle should look like.
Sure, it’s only a teaser sketch of the ix20, Hyundai’s new mini-MPV, but with nothing else to compare it too, this teaser sketch is about as close as it gets before we see the real thing in Paris at the end of the month.
We also don’t know a whole lot about the car because Hyundai has done a good job keeping the details under wraps, but we do know that the car bears some similarities to the Tucson – or ix35 – in terms of their design language. As for the what’s underneath its hood, it looks like it could have something similar to what the Kia Venga has: 1.4-liter gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter diesel variant that produces between 75 horsepower to 115 horsepower.
All of this, of course, is still speculation. But the good news is, we won’t have to wait long to find out the real deal behind the ix20 because Hyundai is officially pulling off its covers on September 30 at the Paris Motor Show.
Hyundai releases teaser sketch of new iX20 mini MPV originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 11:30 EST.
Video: First images of Jeep’s crossover built on Fiat platform
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The recent Fiat-Chrysler partnership will bring about big changes in both of the companies’ line-up. And while Fiat is preparing to make a come back in the US market, Jeep is pretty busy preparing a new crossover that will be built on a Fiat platform. Of course, since no auto brand is ever that good at keeping a secret, we have the first sketch of the future car thanks to an internal mistake. The video is about a Jeep intern that learns a bit about the company’s design process, and while working diligently on a little bit of homework, the intern gives us an opportunity to take a look into the future.
Unfortunately, this image is the only thing we have at the moment. The glance into the future came with no name or launch date. We figure, that if this “mistake” leads to some interest for the new crossover, then all of that will change in the near future. So, let’s give them what they want. What does everyone think of the sketch? Is this something that should or shouldn’t see the light of day. You know what to do; hit us up in the comments section below.
Video: First images of Jeep’s crossover built on Fiat platform originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 09:30 EST.
Maybach will go on
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
It was back in March that rumors started circulating that the end of Maybach was near. In fact, they had even produced two new facelift models whose purpose was to bring in a huge sales increase to serve as a life preserver for the brand. Now, Daimler is seeing some new opportunities in China, North America, the Middle East, and Russia, so the brand may live on regardless of whether or not the two life preservers do their duty.
With these markets in mind, Daimler is preparing a big revival for Maybach. The new generation will be launched in 2012, on an entirely new platform. There will be five models, including a four-door coupe and a long-wheelbase convertible. For the sake of simplicity, all five models will be powered by the same engine: the faithful 6.0-liter V-12 used in Maybach’s current 62S and Zeppelin editions. This engine produces 545 HP for the base versions and 630 HP for the S ones. There is also a possibility for a more advanced hybrid engine.
Maybach will go on originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 02:00 EST.
Next Ferrari 612 Scaglietti confirmed; it will go hybrid
September 1st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Ferrari boss, Luca di Montezemolo, already informed us all of Ferrari’s intentions to go hybrid with the next Enzo, 599, and Scaglietti back in June during an interview with British magazine, Auto Express. And while, at the time, details were a little sketchy on what type of combination engine the Scaglietti would receive, things can be seen a lot clearer today.
The successor for the current 612 Scaglietti will be unveiled in March 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show and will come with a twelve-cylinder front engine that delivers a total of 550 HP with a 100-HP electric motor at the rear. The result will be a fuel consumption reduction of 35%.
On the exterior, the next 612 will be heavily inspired by the 458 Italia and the Vettura Laboratorio HY-KERS. The sports car will get a strong front, curved hood, and wider wheelbase. The Vettura Laboratorio concept combined a V12 engine with an 100 HP electric engine and a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission.
Sales will begin in the summer of 2011, and prices are expected to be in the 300,000 euro area.
Next Ferrari 612 Scaglietti confirmed; it will go hybrid originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 16:00 EST.
Saab 9-4X confirmed for L.A. Auto Show
August 31st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
In 2008, there was a little concept by the name of the Saab 9-4X BioPower that was introduced at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Two years later, Saab has finished polishing off the production version and will be revealing the second all-new model to be launched under the Spyker ownership at the Los Angeles Motor Show in mid-November.
The 9-4X will be built on an all new platform called the Theta Premium that mixes components from GM’s Theta and Epsilon 2 platforms. It will find itself with its own exterior and interior stylings, but will have a dashboard design that will be similar to the new 9-5. The 9-4X will be offered with a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 petrol engine as the sole engine, but Saab is working on a diesel option for the future. The concept was powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine that delivered 300 HP and strong torque of 295 lb.-ft. With this engine, Saab wanted to demonstrate its commitment to “rightsizing” – achieving sufficient levels of performance with a smaller, more efficient engine.
Sales in the USA will begin in late 2011.
Saab 9-4X confirmed for L.A. Auto Show originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 22:00 EST.
Rolls Royce will bring coupe and convertible Ghost
August 31st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Rolls Royce developed the Ghost in an effort to boost sales during the difficult times that were before all car makers worldwide. It was displayed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and did exactly what Rolls Royce hoped it would, leading the company to a 146% sales increase in 2010. Of course, when something does that well, car makers will always seize the opportunity and create a variety of versions to rake in as much profit as possible. That is exactly what Rolls Royce is doing by preparing a coupe and convertible version of the company’s ultra luxury car to further increase sales with the use of “cheaper” models.
Expect both versions to share the same design and powertrain as the sedan version. This will mean a 6.6 liter twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers 563bhp and 780 NM of torque (being the most powerful car that Rolls-Royce has ever produced). This power is enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and to hit a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The engine is mated to an eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox and has a fuel consumption of 20.8 mpg.
The sedan version is priced at $245,000 so expect to see a price of less than $300,000 for both future versions.
Rolls Royce will bring coupe and convertible Ghost originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 10:00 EST.
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Jaguar confirms three new models
August 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Tata Motors has confirmed that there will be three new models developed for Jaguar: a small sports car, an entry-level sedan, and a station wagon. They will be the first new vehicles to be fully developed under Tata since they purchased Jaguar from Ford a few years ago. The only problem is Tata won’t be getting these three ready for several years. Their plans are to focus on the XJ for now, and reveal the three new models plus restylings of a couple of current models between now and 2014.
The first new model to be released under Tata is a new generation X-Type. This will be a small sedan priced under $40k that will compete with models like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The platform and architecture will be shared with the next-generation XK coupe and convertible and a new small 2+2 sports car. It could go on sale in 2014.
After that we will see the long rumored small sports car. This model is supposed to be called the XE, and it will be taking on models like the Porsche Boxster.
Following the XE will be the XF, which will be redesigned in 2014. Not only will this car be offered in a standard sedan, but Jaguar will also be offering a long-wheelbase version for China and a station wagon for Europe. A coupe is possible in 2013 and is likely to be sold in the United States. The XK will also be restyled in 2013.
However, until then, Jaguar will be focusing on the new XJ, hoping to boost sales to 75,000 cars.
That’s the future, in a large nutshell.
Jaguar confirms three new models originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 30 August 2010 23:00 EST.
M5Board Talks With Managing Director Of New F10 M5
August 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The BMW M5 is a very normal car; a car for everyday use and one of the best performance sedans on the market. However, with a push of a button – the M button to be precise – the M5 turns into an animal. A finely tuned sports machine that can rival Corvettes and perhaps even some Ferrari models.
The largest community of M5 owners, M5Board, had a chance to talk with Dr. Kay Segler, the managing director of the new M5. In the interview, he confirmed that an M5 is on the way, but not for another one to one and a half years. We should get most of the information next year in Geneva.
The car will put out 25% less C02 than the current model and will feature a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that will put out around 555 horsepower. That will make it more powerful than the old version.
“It will be a brilliant car,” said Dr. Segler.
M5Board Talks With Managing Director Of New F10 M5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 30 August 2010 16:00 EST.
In Depth Look At The Zenvo ST1
August 27th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Who would have imagined that such a car would come from such a non-car place. Denmark might be a fantastic country to live in, with its low crime rates and very uncorrupt government, but nobody could have dreamed of them making a supercar, let alone a machine with 1104 horsepower.
That power number puts the new Zenvo ST1 in the same ranks as the Bugatti Veyron and the Koenigsegg CCXR. Amazingly, many have still not heard of this brilliant machine. The concept has been around for a decade and it finally got the green light for production in 2005. In those five years, not many news stories have been published around the ST1. Somebody needs to hire a new marketing team.
Creating that massive amount of power is a 7.0-liter supercharged V8 that will put out 103 more horsepower than the Veyron and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The top speed is limited to 233 miles per hour and it’ll hit 60mph in just three seconds. Only fifteen ST1 examples will be made for the wealthy people that can afford them.
Hit the jump to read on.
In Depth Look At The Zenvo ST1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 August 2010 19:00 EST.
