The new Mercedes-Benz CL63 with AMG 5.5-liter biturbo engine combines performance, innovation and efficiency. Mercedes-AMG is systematically following the trend towards increasing efficiency: with a displacement of 5461 cc it is precisely 747 cc below the 6208 cc of the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
2011 Mazda Verisa
2011 Mazda Verisa goes on sale in Japan from today. The tall subcompact hatch, which is pretty much the Japanese equivalent of Europe’s Ford Fiesta (previous generation) -based Fusion.
Consumer Reports: Best used SUVs: Affordable utility
SUVs continue to be a popular vehicle choice for many drivers due to their higher driving position, versatile cargo-carrying capabilities, towing capacity, and available all-wheel drive. Plus, full-sized models can seat up to eight and offer even greater towing capacities. New SUVs range in price from around $17,000 to luxury models costing over $60,000. Used models can save you significantly as long as you choose wisely.
The first major purchase consideration is deciding what size you need: small, medium, or large. For most drivers, a small or medium-sized car-based SUV (aka crossover), such as a Toyota Highlander or Nissan Murano, can provide a good balance of features, fuel economy and function.
Be honest with how you intend to use your SUV. For example, if you almost never go off road or tow a trailer, it doesn’t really make much sense to buy a heavy truck-based model (such as a Toyota 4Runner or Ford Explorer), and have the vehicle carry around all that extra weight and hardware that you’ll never use. Plus, truck-based models tend to be thirstier at the pumps than car-based vehicles.
As with all cars, safety is a key concern with SUVs. Due to their inherent higher center of gravity, SUVs are more prone to rollovers. When shopping for a used model, check to make sure that it’s equipped with electronic stability control and curtain air bags—two features we strongly recommend. Most 2005-present midsized and large SUVs have these important safety features.
To help you narrow the field, we have compiled a list of Consumer Reports recommended used SUVs. These vehicles have performed well in our road tests, have average or better reliability, and have performed adequately if included in crash tests.
If you are in the market for a used SUV, keep these buying tips in mind:
-Determine your needs. Narrow down your choices between car-based and truck-based models.
-Car-based SUVs have better handling, comfort, and fuel economy. Truck-based SUVs generally have a rougher ride, but have true four-wheel drive, which is useful for towing and serious off-roading.
-Evaluate engine and power. SUVs have a variety of engine sizes, from four-cylinders to V8s.
-You will also need to determine whether you want two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. AWD is especially useful if you drive on snow or ice.
-Compare fuel economy. The mileage can vary significantly--and made worse with roof carriers, brush guards, oversized tires, and towing.
-Check safety features. Many later model-year SUVs have standard stability control and side air bags. A backup camera may also be useful, since the blind spots of SUVs make it difficult to see when backing up.
-Take it for a test drive. While many people enjoy the higher seating position of SUVs, some may find it difficult to get in and out and find a proper seating position. Try before you buy to make sure it’s a good fit. Uplevel trims and luxury SUVs typically have seat-height adjustments that may improve comfort.
-Look at private sellers for the best price, but make sure you have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy.
-Check your insurance. An SUV can be more expensive to insure than a conventional car, so find out the rates before you feel that you absolutely have to have one.
-For Ratings and recommendations on convertible models, see our SUVs buying guide. Also, check out our used car buying guide.
Source;
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/07/best-used-suvs-affordable-utility.html
The first major purchase consideration is deciding what size you need: small, medium, or large. For most drivers, a small or medium-sized car-based SUV (aka crossover), such as a Toyota Highlander or Nissan Murano, can provide a good balance of features, fuel economy and function.
Be honest with how you intend to use your SUV. For example, if you almost never go off road or tow a trailer, it doesn’t really make much sense to buy a heavy truck-based model (such as a Toyota 4Runner or Ford Explorer), and have the vehicle carry around all that extra weight and hardware that you’ll never use. Plus, truck-based models tend to be thirstier at the pumps than car-based vehicles.
As with all cars, safety is a key concern with SUVs. Due to their inherent higher center of gravity, SUVs are more prone to rollovers. When shopping for a used model, check to make sure that it’s equipped with electronic stability control and curtain air bags—two features we strongly recommend. Most 2005-present midsized and large SUVs have these important safety features.
To help you narrow the field, we have compiled a list of Consumer Reports recommended used SUVs. These vehicles have performed well in our road tests, have average or better reliability, and have performed adequately if included in crash tests.
If you are in the market for a used SUV, keep these buying tips in mind:-Determine your needs. Narrow down your choices between car-based and truck-based models.
-Car-based SUVs have better handling, comfort, and fuel economy. Truck-based SUVs generally have a rougher ride, but have true four-wheel drive, which is useful for towing and serious off-roading.
-Evaluate engine and power. SUVs have a variety of engine sizes, from four-cylinders to V8s.
-You will also need to determine whether you want two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. AWD is especially useful if you drive on snow or ice.
-Compare fuel economy. The mileage can vary significantly--and made worse with roof carriers, brush guards, oversized tires, and towing.
-Check safety features. Many later model-year SUVs have standard stability control and side air bags. A backup camera may also be useful, since the blind spots of SUVs make it difficult to see when backing up.
-Take it for a test drive. While many people enjoy the higher seating position of SUVs, some may find it difficult to get in and out and find a proper seating position. Try before you buy to make sure it’s a good fit. Uplevel trims and luxury SUVs typically have seat-height adjustments that may improve comfort.
-Look at private sellers for the best price, but make sure you have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy.
-Check your insurance. An SUV can be more expensive to insure than a conventional car, so find out the rates before you feel that you absolutely have to have one.
-For Ratings and recommendations on convertible models, see our SUVs buying guide. Also, check out our used car buying guide.
Source;
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/07/best-used-suvs-affordable-utility.html
News Scoop – FT-86 is on time
I can't wait to see this car! C'mon Honda, bring back the Prelude!!!!!
Good news FT-86 fans. I was invited as one of the only foreign journalists to attend a press day on Wednesday where the JDM only Noah and Voxy Minivans were being showcased by G’s, the sports vehicle oriented arm of Toyota Japan. The FT-86 though, didn’t take long to come up in the conversation…
Most importantly, Toyota held the strictly invite only event not only to show off the G’s upgrades to their people movers but also to offer access to some of Toyota’s innermost engineers and sports department managers.
This presented an ideal opportunity to discuss Toyota’s involvement in the current market and inevitably, questions regarding the FT86 surfaced quickly.
A private 20 minute question and answer session I had with Dr. Shigeyuki Hori, Project General Manager for the Sports Vehicle Management division and Kazuo Okino, Group manager for the same division uncovered a number of promising pieces of news.
I can confirm that the cars development is on schedule and that the reports for the cars release in 2013 are erroneous. Toyota reiterated its intent to release the car by the previously appointed date, in November 2011. I can also confirm that the car is approximately 50% complete with the target price remaining steady for the mid level spec FT-86 at approximately 2.5 million yen ( approx. $29,000 USD ). One can only speculate at the moment what the base grade spec and price will be and no mention was made of the price for the top spec model but one can be led to guess this will involve a turbocharged motor.
While on the subject of turbocharging, Hori san and Okino san both confirmed that discussions were still being held and nothing had been decided yet. Both were hesitant to provide any confirmation on the radical Gazoo Racing model that wowed the world at last years Tokyo Auto Salon. It needs to be remembered that G’s is ostensibly a street car oriented arm of Toyota and as such the cars will be basically stock power wise with most of the modifications coming in the way of aesthetic changes and suspension, chassis and brake upgrades.
But take heart – the Voxy and Noah concepts at Wednesdays conference appeared in almost exactly the same configuration as the cars that were displayed at the TAS last year. This bodes well for the FT-86.
Another interesting fact about the cars development is that it will remain virtually unchanged, design wise. Okino san was clear in his remarks when he said that the FT86 will only be modified in regards to its aesthetic parts, namely items relating to the body but the overall shape will not change.
One last piece of news that is sure to bring some relief, was the comment made that a hybrid version was not being considered for the FT86. Hybrid technology is indeed being considered for the sport car segment but in another form of car. This car is most likely to be the new Toyota Hybrid sports concept.
Later in the day, the Chief Officer for Toyota’s Motor Sports Division, Tadashi Yamashina, held an exclusive round table conference for the assembled journalists of which 7tune was privy to.
One of the journalists at the conference reminded Yamashina san that there is a very high level of anxiety amongst the public over the FT-86, to which Mr Yamashina replied categorically that the cars development was on schedule and that because of Toyota’s connection with Subaru, there was no way that the car wasn’t going to be great. Read from that what you will but it is clear that Toyota is holding this hand very very close to its chest and is intent on releasing news and coverage on the car when it feels the time is right.
Who can blame them really? This is one of the most anticipated cars to come from Japan in over a decade, so Toyota and its members are quite within their right to be guarded with information.
I was very encouraged by the positive signals coming from within the organization and the general tone appears to be one of positivity in the changes taking place.
I would like to personally extend my thanks to the Corporate Communications Department personnel, and Toyota as a whole, for offering 7tune the opportunity to be a part of this important conference.
Source;
http://www.7tune.com/news-scoop-the-ft-86-is-on-time-and-unchanged/
Good news FT-86 fans. I was invited as one of the only foreign journalists to attend a press day on Wednesday where the JDM only Noah and Voxy Minivans were being showcased by G’s, the sports vehicle oriented arm of Toyota Japan. The FT-86 though, didn’t take long to come up in the conversation…Most importantly, Toyota held the strictly invite only event not only to show off the G’s upgrades to their people movers but also to offer access to some of Toyota’s innermost engineers and sports department managers.
This presented an ideal opportunity to discuss Toyota’s involvement in the current market and inevitably, questions regarding the FT86 surfaced quickly.
A private 20 minute question and answer session I had with Dr. Shigeyuki Hori, Project General Manager for the Sports Vehicle Management division and Kazuo Okino, Group manager for the same division uncovered a number of promising pieces of news.
I can confirm that the cars development is on schedule and that the reports for the cars release in 2013 are erroneous. Toyota reiterated its intent to release the car by the previously appointed date, in November 2011. I can also confirm that the car is approximately 50% complete with the target price remaining steady for the mid level spec FT-86 at approximately 2.5 million yen ( approx. $29,000 USD ). One can only speculate at the moment what the base grade spec and price will be and no mention was made of the price for the top spec model but one can be led to guess this will involve a turbocharged motor.
While on the subject of turbocharging, Hori san and Okino san both confirmed that discussions were still being held and nothing had been decided yet. Both were hesitant to provide any confirmation on the radical Gazoo Racing model that wowed the world at last years Tokyo Auto Salon. It needs to be remembered that G’s is ostensibly a street car oriented arm of Toyota and as such the cars will be basically stock power wise with most of the modifications coming in the way of aesthetic changes and suspension, chassis and brake upgrades.
But take heart – the Voxy and Noah concepts at Wednesdays conference appeared in almost exactly the same configuration as the cars that were displayed at the TAS last year. This bodes well for the FT-86.
Another interesting fact about the cars development is that it will remain virtually unchanged, design wise. Okino san was clear in his remarks when he said that the FT86 will only be modified in regards to its aesthetic parts, namely items relating to the body but the overall shape will not change.
One last piece of news that is sure to bring some relief, was the comment made that a hybrid version was not being considered for the FT86. Hybrid technology is indeed being considered for the sport car segment but in another form of car. This car is most likely to be the new Toyota Hybrid sports concept.
Later in the day, the Chief Officer for Toyota’s Motor Sports Division, Tadashi Yamashina, held an exclusive round table conference for the assembled journalists of which 7tune was privy to.
One of the journalists at the conference reminded Yamashina san that there is a very high level of anxiety amongst the public over the FT-86, to which Mr Yamashina replied categorically that the cars development was on schedule and that because of Toyota’s connection with Subaru, there was no way that the car wasn’t going to be great. Read from that what you will but it is clear that Toyota is holding this hand very very close to its chest and is intent on releasing news and coverage on the car when it feels the time is right.
Who can blame them really? This is one of the most anticipated cars to come from Japan in over a decade, so Toyota and its members are quite within their right to be guarded with information.
I was very encouraged by the positive signals coming from within the organization and the general tone appears to be one of positivity in the changes taking place.
I would like to personally extend my thanks to the Corporate Communications Department personnel, and Toyota as a whole, for offering 7tune the opportunity to be a part of this important conference.
Source;
http://www.7tune.com/news-scoop-the-ft-86-is-on-time-and-unchanged/
F-Concept Daihatsu: Daihatsu Car Cheap | Smart Car
After a long-awaited end of a concept car that is M-Concept Daihatsu finally appeared in 2010.F-Concept appearances at prestigious automotive show this is the first appearance of the F-Concept in the world or the world primary.
Monday, July 26, 2010
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