2015 Opel Agila spied testing in Germany

2015 Opel Agila spy photo / S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Will share platform with next-gen Spark

A prototype of the next generation Opel Agila was spied conducting testing on public roads in Germany.

Opel is cooking up a new entry-level model to slot below the Adam and chances are it will receive the Agila moniker once it goes on sale sometime in 2015. Seen here is a heavily camouflaged prototype equipped with conventional rear door handles as opposed to the next-gen Chevrolet Spark which will have the rear door handles installed near the C-pillar.

Little else is known about the Agila but it will likely share the platform with its American cousin and will probably be equipped with Adam's three-cylinder, 1.0-liter aluminum-made turbocharged gasoline engine available with 90 PS (66 kW) and 115 PS (85 kW). Regardless of the horsepower output, the motor generates a peak torque of 122 lb-ft (166 Nm) from 1,800 rpm.

Chances are the all-new Opel Agila will be unveiled in March 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in the second half of the year.

WCF reader films Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 towed after getting stuck on a Kuwait beach

Appears to have a flat front left tire

A WCF reader has sent us footage with a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 while being towed on a beach somewhere in Kuwait.

Well, this is unexpected. A Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 which is considered to be one of the best off-road cars in the world got stuck on a Kuwait beach and had to be towed. Details are not available at this point but judging by the attached footage the front left tire appears to be deflated which means the tire was punctured beyond repair taking into account the vehicle is equipped with a self-inflating & deflating tire system.

There seems to be a lot of debris on the beach which probably caused the flat tire although even with only five working tires we wouldn't have expected to see the G63 AMG 6x6 in such an embarrassing situation.

Skoda Snowman speculative renderings hit the web

Skoda Snowman rendering / DesignRM

To feature Rapid and Octavia styling

Renderings of Skoda’s future SUV, a Hyundai ix35, Kia Sorento and VW Tiguan competitor, surfaced online. They come from DesignRM and show us a possible look for the 4x4 MQB-based vehicle with Octavia and Rapid styling.

Recently it was reported the Czech company will start production of the crossover towards the end of next year at the Kvasiny factory in its home country. It’s still unconfirmed, but the model in question will allegedly receive the Snowman moniker.

Hamilton tells Vettel to 'show leadership'

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) and Sebastian Vettel (GER), 19.04.2014, Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai / XPB

Lewis Hamilton thinks the time is right for Sebastian Vettel to "show his leadership" at world champion team Red Bull.

The Milton Keynes based team has been pushing to emerge from its pre-season crisis involving troubled engine supplier Renault.

But at the same time, German Vettel - the reigning quadruple-consecutive drivers' world champion - has been struggling simply to keep up with his fresh-faced new teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, following the sport's V6 rules switch.

Further up the grid, Hamilton and his Mercedes have been dominating, but in an interview with Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper, the 2008 world champion commented on Vettel and Red Bull's plight.

"As a four time world champion, Sebastian needs to show his leadership inside the team now," Hamilton is quoted as saying.

"When it comes to the crunch, you are able to show that leadership to your team," he added.

Indeed, Hamilton expects Vettel and Red Bull - formerly a near-unbeatable combination in F1 - to eventually get back to winning.

"Regardless of the power unit, it's still a strong car," said the Briton, referring to the Adrian Newey-penned RB10. "So I don't believe that the current situation will stay the same."

Hamilton also commented on his ever-intensifying rivalry with Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, in the wake of their forceful wheel-to-wheel battle in Bahrain.

"We both know what we are doing," he said, amid reports the Brackley based team is at odds over whether to rein in their battle with some form of 'team orders'.

"Nico is fair and aggressive, but not wildly aggressive," Hamilton said. "Just the right amount. The real problem is that he is faster than ever before."

MASERATI CAR MODELS

The Next Audi S3 creates great competition to BMW M135i

BMW's latest M135i hatchback is about to get some hot competition with the upcoming release of the Audi S3.

Audi's newest edition to the S models is reported to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 5-cylinder engine, and is rumored to produce 276-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This will the replacement for the last S3's ten-year old 'EA113' motor, and will be the first model to be powered by the updated 'EA888' engine. It will feature a freshly engineered turbo, Audi Valve Lift system to improve low-end response, and an estimated improvement of 15 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the added power, the S3 will get larger by 22mm in length, 201 mm in width and 21mm in height. Still, the car will weigh roughly 176 lbs. less than its predecessor's weight with the use of aluminum for select parts.

Reports suggest that the 2.0l-liter five-cylinder will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox, with a seven-speed transmission dubbed DQ500 as an option.

Audi is anticipating a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds, which shaves 0.2 seconds off the previous generation's time. Top speeds will be governed at 155mph.

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Hyundai Genesis - Driven

Under the shadow of BMW's Spartanburg manufacturing plant nestled in the rolling hills of South Carolina, I found myself ripping through corners of back county highways in the new 2015 Hyundai Genesis. And though the plant only produces BMW's popular SUVs and crossovers,, the Genesis' intent to conquer giants became blatantly obvious the farther I traveled through the sweeping hills.

The roads along my path were littered with hairpin turns and switchbacks followed by long straights with varying pavement conditions. Besides the few locals traversing the trail and that one tractor creeping along behind a blind curve, the road was nearly mine. The Genesis' new, more ridged chassis and upgraded suspension system with a driver-selectable Sport Mode rode tight with a very balanced feel that inspired confidence.

The steering in my RWD tester felt light yet properly weighted while its variable ratio kept my inputs in check. With the car weighing in at 4,138 pounds, I was amazed at how well the Hankook tires griped the road without howling complaints. Only under mid-corner power was I able to induce noticeable understeer. I'm no Mario Andretti, but I was giving it the beans. The Genesis just tracked like it was on rails with almost no body roll.

Click past the jump for the full report on the new 2015 Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai Genesis - Driven originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 25 April 2014 18:00 EST.

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Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pacific Design Package

Introduced at last year's SEMA Show, the 2014 Corvette Stingray Pacific Concept was Chevrolet's idea of customizing the C7 Corvette to look like a race car, without applying any powertrain modifications or taking its road-legal status away. Finished in a flashy, "look at me!" Torch Red exterior with a pair of Satin Black racing stripes across its nose, hood and rear end, the Corvette Pacific Concept took center stage in Las Vegas and, apparently, all that attention prompted Chevrolet to roll out a similar package for the 2015 Corvette Stingray Coupe.

Unlike the Atlantic Design Package that adds a few exterior updates and almost no cabin upgrades, the Pacific Design Package is more extensive and aimed at customers that either like to take their Corvette at the track or enjoy the racing-oriented appearance.

Before we jump to the details, we'd like to point out that the Pacific Design Package is exclusive to Z51-equipped coupes in either 2LT and 3LT trim. And like any 2015 Corvette Stingray, it can be ordered with the all-new eight-speed automatic tranny with paddle shifters and the Performance Data Recorder.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pacific Design Package.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pacific Design Package originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 25 April 2014 20:00 EST.

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The New 2013 Honda Accord Sedan

While many think the Honda Accord has lost its way since the 1990s, the car continues to sell very well, finding a sweet spot of style, performance, and function for many drivers. The 2013 model looks to update the car with a fresher, more dramatic take on the Accord's proportions and theme.

Previewed by the Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the new car looks rather similar to the current Accord, but at the same time, blends its elements more harmoniously, presenting a more refined, modern look.

The spy shots show a car that's still heavily clad in camouflage, however, keeping the changes from the Accord Coupe Concept to the production sedan from our view. Given Honda's affinity for showing barely-disguised production models as concepts, however, we have every reason to think that what's under the covers will closely resemble the Detroit concept.

Information on what sort of interior design changes, technology upgrades, or powertrain improvements might be in order remains closely held, however.

The 2013 Honda Accord is expected to arrive in dealer lots later this year, with the sedan preceding the coupe by several months to a year.

More Pictures of 2013 Honda Accord Sedan

The Vencer Sarthe Holland new Supercar

Following in the trail blazed by the likes of the Savage Rivale GTS and the Spyker C12 Zagato comes another super car bearing the proud colors of the Oranje.

This new piece of four-wheeled exoticness goes by the name of Vencer Sarthe, a hand-built model by the fine folks of Vencer, who apparently want to break into the growing super car market of the European country.

Despite looking a little bland for a super car - the rear end looks like a boring mess of blah - the Sarthe boasts of the finest materials that are "supercar worthy." For example, the entire body is made out of carbon fiber - always a good thing - while also carrying a space frame chassis that's been built of steel and chrome-moly tubing. It rides on a new set of either 19 or 20 alloy wheels. Again, that's cool to know.

More than that, the Sarthe's calling card - as with any other exotic for that matter - is its power train. Packing a mid-mounted V8 engine, the Dutch super car is capable of producing 503 horsepower and 480 lb/ft of torque while mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Those figures translate to a 0-62 mph time of just 3.8 seconds with an impressive top speed of 202 mph.

As with most niche super car models, don't expect a mass produced Sarthe anytime soon. Vencer has already said that production will be very limited and we're not about to start questioning that decision.

After all, for a company that's still looking to break into an extremely competitive industry, testing out the waters sounds like a pretty good idea.

More Pictures of Vencer Sarthe

2013 Chevrolet Traverse Debut

Chevrolet carmaker has announced new car with called 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has a new, athletic exterior design, complemented by a more expressive front end that introduces a new face for Chevrolet crossover utilities.Space is the hallmark of the Chevy Traverse interior. With its class-leading spaciousness, comfortable and flexible seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment, the 2013 Chevy Traverse builds on these established attributes by offering an interior environment with new features and refined appointments.

The front features a new shape supported by a powerdome hood, a three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, new lamps, chrome accents around the grille and fog lamps, and sculpted front corners similar to the Malibu sedan. The new design captures the overall character of Chevy's new car lineup, for a consistent family resemblance.Chevrolet Traverse's second-row seat comes with a pair of captain's chairs or a three-passenger bench. Each incorporates Chevrolet Traverse's child-friendly, second-row SmartSlide feature that enables unobstructed access to the third-row bench seat with one hand - and is easy for children to operate.
The third-row seat can comfortably accommodate three adult passengers. Chevrolet Traverse's 24.4 cu. ft. (691 liters) of cargo room behind its third row is larger than many full-size utility vehicles. 2013 Chevrolet Traverse also has easy-to-operate safety belts, up to 12 cup holders and an available rear-seat entertainment system.

For 2013, Chevrolet Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT packages: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. It is built in Lansing, Mich.

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2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring with SKYACTIV engine

Five weeks ago, we gave you our first impressions based on a very short (fewer than 100 miles) time behind the wheel of the Mazda 3 Skyactiv. Bottom line for the link-averse, it was all good things we expect from Mazda in general and the Mazda 3 in particular, with some promising gas mileage figures (we averaged 29.5 miles per gallon, the EPA estimates are 28 city, 40 highway).

The first car was a bare-bones stock model...zero options, with a price tag of $19,300 plus delivery charges.

This time around, things were different. Mazda USA's press folks sent an i Grand Touring model with Skyactiv. Base price $4,000 higher at $22,300...and there were options.

The tester added the Technology Package...blind spot monitoring system, Sirius satellite radio, perimeter alarm, rain-sensing front wipers, bi-xenon headlights with auto-leveling, pivoting adaptive front lighting system and auto on/off headlights. Price tag for that package? $1,400. So, with the $795 for delivery, the bottom line on this Mazda 3 Skyactiv wound up at $24,495. And although that's very nearly 5 grand or 20 percent more than the one we reviewed in early January, it's exactly how we'd order one if we were buying.

Stepping up to the i Grand Touring from the i Touring model gets you the same basic underpinnings (2.0 liter, 155 horsepower 4, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes) but brings a moonroof, center armrest, heated front seats, compact nav system with color display and color multi-information display to the party, along with an upgrade to a 265-watt Bose Centerpoint audio system. And, if you check "Dune" instead of "Black" on the interior color option box, the result is a pleasing two-tone that lightens and brightens the mood inside the car.

Skyactiv, as we described before, is Mazda's solution to better gas mileage without the complexity of a hybrid system and with the payoff of improved performance thanks to lower weight, and a more efficient engine/transmission combo.

This time, we put a near-TireKicker record 840 miles on the Mazda 3 in our week at the wheel...and unlike our usual 60/40 mix of city streets and urban freeways, it was more like 80/20...and the 20 was in the worst stop-and-go freeway driving you're likely to encounter this side of Manhattan.

Our average? 33 miles per gallon. That's impressive when you figure that the EPA estimate is 28 city, 40 highway. Even our freeway miles weren't at highway speeds...or not many of them and not for long. So our entire 840 miles was the equivalent of what the EPA considers city....and we beat the estimate by 5 MPG...and equalled the EPA's combined fuel economy estimate.

More Pictures of 2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring with SKYACTIV engine

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debut

VW first unveiled the VW Beetle Fender Edition as a concept car last year at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but now the production version has debuted at the Leipzig International Auto Show. As the name states, the VW Beetle Fender Edition packs a 9-speaker, 400-watt Fender sound system and a few other interior and exterior styling tweaks.

On the outside all Beetle Fender Edition models comes painted in Deep Black Metallic with brushed chrome exterior mirrors, 18-inch "Disc" aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, and the Fender logo. Inside the painted dashboard features the quintessential sunburst color of Fender guitars, and the vehicle's interior is accented with color-contrasting seams that complement the dash's colors. Beetle Fender Edition vehicles equipped with the 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will receive seats with exclusive fabric inserts.

The VW Beetle Fender Edition will first go on sale in Europe and will be available in America in the fall of 2012. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

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2014 Lexus GS Coupe to Arrive Next Year?

Lexus is said to be working on a new sports touring coupe to fill the spot that was left by the old SC 430. Dubbed the 2014 Lexus GS 350 coupe, the new model is expected to hit the showrooms some time next year.According to a recent report by Inside Line in the US, Lexus has all but confirmed that such a model will exist. The publication says that various sources have indicated that Lexus needs a new sports coupe.

Karl Schlicht, head of global product planning for Lexus, said in an Automotive News report earlier this year that Lexus needs a sporty coupe to sit beside the range of new sedans and crossovers that have recently been launched.

Introducing a GS coupe would certainly fit into the market well. At the moment Lexus doesn't offer a direct rival for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, Audi A5, and BMW 6 Series, however, the GS sedan platform is firmly targeted at the sedan versions of these cars.

As for the power, being a performance-oriented sedan, the current 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 in the GS 350 (review here) and GS 450h is expected to be swapped for a more serious unit, possibly coinciding with an introduction of a 'GS-F' badge. Maybe the IS-F's 5.0-litre V8?

Either way, the new model isn't expected to show up until at least 2013, possibly debuting in concept form at a major international motor show.

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2014 Ford Mustang GT Photo 1007

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130704/carreviews/130709943. 2014 Ford Mustang GT Specification Launched Price Deals Cheap

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2014 Ford Mustang GT Photo 1008

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1086008_u-s-air-force-thunderbirds-edition-mustang-sells-for-398k. 2014 Ford Mustang GT Specification Launched Price Deals Cheap

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2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan

Now in its third model year, the Suzuki Kizashi is the Japanese manufacturer's most expensive vehicle. The midsize sedan has only a few minor changes in 2012 from last year's offering, with the uniquely named car still hoping to find a larger niche in the near-luxury category.

Kizashi (pronounced KEY-ZAH-SHEE) means "something great is coming."

Suzuki promoted the Kizashi with industry buzz in mind. And it attracted attention for a while when the car debuted in 2009 as a less expensive alternative to an Audi 4. But the Kizashi is still largely unheralded and under publicized.

The Kizashi S includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

The SE includes all of S model's features, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an eight-way power driver seat with memory settings and power lumbar adjustment.

When equipped with its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the SE gains cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a seven-speaker stereo with USB port/iPod interface.

I drove the SE trim (185 horsepower) on an extended weekly test, about 1,000 miles from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles and then home to Sacramento.

Just like with the debut edition, several passersby momentarily thought the car might be Audi A4. But then they noticed the insignia Suzuki "S" and tried to pronounce the car's name. Even when the phonetic pronunciation is said slowly, the name isn't easy to pronounce and it likely won't be easy to remember.

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Mazda MX 5 Senshu Special Edition

The new MX-5 Senshu Edition wasn't the only Miatato debut at Mazda's stand at the 2012 Auto Mobil International Show (AMI) in Leipzig, Germany, on Friday.
Mazda surprised show-goers with a far more intriguing proposal in the form of the MX-5 Yusho prototype, named after the Japanese word for "Victory".

The matte white paint together with the 17-inch anthracite gray alloy wheels wrapped around in semi-click Toyo Proxes R888 tires size 215/45 R17, lowered suspension, boot lid spoiler and the carbon-fiber rear diffuser housing the centrally mounted twin tailpipes tell only part of the story.

The real magic occurs under the bonnet with the heavily fettled 2.0-liter MZR four cylinder petrol engine gaining a supercharger system, an intercooler, special Cosworth pistons and connecting rods, a custom exhaust system and reprogrammed software.

Other upgrades include the new fuel injectors and metal sport catalysts along with a beefed up transmission with a sports clutch.

All these modifications bump the four-banger's output from 158hp (160PS) at 6,700rpm to 237hp (241PS) at 6,800 rpm and peak torque from 188Nm (138 lb-ft) at 5,000rpm to 274Nm (202 lb-ft) 5,400rpm.

Mazda did not provide any information on the car's weight or 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration time but did say that the MX-5 Yusho can reach a top speed of 240km/h (149mph).

There are more changes to be found under the body including the uprated suspension with Bilstein absorbers, larger stabilizer bars and lowering springs from Eibach.

Inside, the MX-5 Yusho study is enhanced with a suede-trimmed steering wheel and Recaro sport seats in leather and Alcantara.

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The 2013 Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave is making a comeback in 2013 with a revamped model of the previous 2008 version of it. The Enclave had first appeared in the market back in May 2008, and 2013 will witness a better and much more advanced version of the same Buick Enclave, just as the Traverse is going to debut in 2013 with a new model. The 2013 Enclave has a lot more to offer than the 2008 version. From the technical aspects to the appearance, this edition is surely going to have the critics working hard.

The mechanical and technical details are not very different from the earlier model. It is the appearance that has been hugely updated and is expected to set hearts soaring. The vehicle still features a 3.6 liters, 288hp and V-6 engine. There has been a slight modification with the six speed automatic transmission. The suspensions have also been modified with front and rear dampers. EPA fuel economy has been retained at 16/22 mpg and 17/24 mpg for all-wheel and front-wheel vehicles respectively. Hence, the overall mechanical aspects are similar to the outgoing version of the Buick Enclave 2008.

However, as far as looks are concerned, there have been a whole lot of additions and modifications to give it a fuller and better appearance. With the addition of HID headlamps and LED running lights, the car is a winner when it comes to illumination. The headlights are now accentuated with blue accent rings and available swivel action. Modifications have also been made to the grilles, hoods, fascia and wheels, but those are pretty minimal and not noteworthy by any chance. Under the hood, there have been a whole lot of modifications as well, with the restyled dashboard center stack and the greatest addition being the huge 7 inches full touch infotainment system. Supported by Buick's Intellilink interface, the infotainment system is really striking, with smartphone integration, Pandora Stitcher apps control and a backup camera as well. The ambient blue lighting inside also adds to the appeal of the car in the dark. Addition of airbags has also increased the level of safety.

If you are looking for a great vehicle which can provide you with nothing but sheer luxury and grandeur, the Buick Enclave is not the perfect car for you. It is more about comfort and performance, beautification and style. Compared to the 2008 version of Enclave, this one is brilliant in terms of appearance only, while the performance is almost the same for both the versions.

More Pictures of The 2013 Buick Enclave

Honda preparing a new Civic Type-R for 2013

The regular Civic hatch went on sale in 2011, and the company has built go-faster Type-R hot hatch versions for the past two generations.

This is the first evidence that a new one is in the pipeline. CAR's sources suggest we'll see the new Civic Type-R in 2013.

No, we wouldn't expect to see a whopping great big rear spoiler on the back of the Type-R either. It's likely that the engineers are playing with the aero package ahead of deciding on the roadgoing car's design.

Although Honda has shied away from performance derivatives in recent years, company top brass has pledged to return Honda to its sporting roots.

Hence the NSX concept car shown at the 2012 Detroit auto show. And we hear more Type-R sports derivatives are coming to add some zing to a brand whose allure has become slightly dulled in recent years.

Honda is busy rolling out a new family of engines, one of which will likely power the 2013 Civic Type-R. Under the catch-all banner of Earth Dreams Technology (how Honda is that?), the company has pledged to lower CO2 emissions by 30% by 2020.

That'll be achieved through a mix of engine tech, downsizing, hybrids and pure electric vehicles. We expect, however, that the new Civic Type-R will stick with a more conventional VTEC engine, rather than use an NSX-alike hybrid solution.

What with the new Focus ST, VW Golf GTI and Vauxhall Astra VXR looming, it seems that we may be about to repeat the 1980s all over again - with a batch of fun hot hatches to add interest to humdrum mainstream cars.

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