Audi RS4 Avant Caught on Track
While there is some rumors that the next generation of Audi RS4 will be demise, now the car is appears to be on the track in the real meaning. This news is coming after there is some pics of the vehicles at Nurburgring, Germany. The final design of the next RS4 will be more aggressive, which you can see when it is testing with Avant body style. It has a more pronounced frotn fascia with a lower air intakes like the one on RS5 Coupe.
You can also see the larger wheels, bigger brakes, and a bit wider track. For the powertrain, you can expect the 4.2 liter V8 engine that will produce about 450 horsepower. Other rumors said that it will be 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 engine, but from some stuffs around, the first guess is more likely to be used.
The main competitors of this Audi RS4 Avant such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. So, Audi might want to use that 450 hp ability as their way too keep their units to be as competitive as possible. This Audi RS4 Avant will surely be no slouch, and I think the car will be worth to wait, and people will love to see and drive the result.
Audi RS4 Avant Caught on Track is a post from: Automotive News and Review
Toyota Yaris Will be Shuttered for a Month
Following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami, three weeks later, the production issues continue in Japan. Some automakers have pushed back their start up times. Toyota is also planning their reboot date for between April 11 to April 14. That is even still the best scenario. They said that it is all about the supply. Depending on the vehicle type, there might be some impact to Toyota’s production capabilities.
A report from Automotive News said that the longest wait might be happened to the Miyagi assembly plant where Toyota Yaris is created. The sources tell that the plant won’t be operating for at least a month as the gas lines in the plant were heavily damaged. It is said that they are looking for another option beside repairing the facility. This will affects the supply of Yaris models which is only created on this plant.
In the other hand, Toyota has managed to revitalized the plant that is responsible for creating Prius, Lexus CT 200h, and Lexus HS250h. But the source was informed AN that the plant is currently running at only half capacity. IHS Global Insight said that if the auto plants in Japan remain closed for another six weeks, 30 percent of global auto production will be lost.
Toyota Yaris Will be Shuttered for a Month is a post from: Automotive News and Review
Jaguar Unveiling 2.2 Liter Diesel Engine With 2012 XF Prototype
The new 2.2 liter diesel engine from Jaguar has finally announced. That engine is able to bring 187 horsepower with 332 pound feet of torque and has 52.3 miles per gallon with the combination of the European cycle as mated to the prototype of the 2012 XF sedan. This engine will also have a little problem to meet the European CO2 regulations as they claims that the car will release 149 g of CO2 per kilometer.
For the technology, this diesel engine has 16 valve with a water cooled turbocharger, fresh crankshaft , new injectors, and low friction pistons. The engineers from Jaguar also bring the new oil pan and the new electronic systems for an intelligent Stop-Start system which will be more efficient. This efficient pack will work with the new eight speed ZF transmission. Jaguar said that the engine can bring the car to 50 mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 140 mph.
The picture above is the bonus from Jaguar’s team. Although the camouflage is good enough, we can still see some alterations at the lower air dams. We can also guess the taillamps, headlamps and grille will be given once cover. The car is estimated to be introduced at New York Auto Show next month.
Jaguar Unveiling 2.2 Liter Diesel Engine With 2012 XF Prototype is a post from: Automotive News and Review
GM Preparing Buick Ampera
A new report has coming from Bloomberg, saying that General Motors is currently working on the Buick badged version of the new Opel Ampera hybrid plug in car. This car will be the twin of the Chevrolet Volt in European mechanical. However, the car hasn’t received its final approval from GM now because GM still unsure if the customers might be attracted to the premium over for $ 41,000 pre-incentive Volt.
In order to make the Buick version to be more friendly for the market, General Motors may tried to expand the all electric car range such as by bringing a lighter material as the main composition, but that will surely took a higher level of investment than what GM might planned previously.
It is said that the Ampera models with a waterfall grille might require a few more creature comforts in the future including a better interior materials to adapt with Buick’s typically higher pricepoint. If General Motors finally can find a way to create and sell the Buick Volt or so called Ampera, you can expect the car to come in as 2013 or 2014 model with the similar range and performance with Chevrolet Volt.
GM Preparing Buick Ampera is a post from: Automotive News and Review
Hyundai Veloster Rally Car on Racing Debut
Just a little bit more than a month after the car was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, the Hyundai Veloster Rally Car is finally made its competition debut when it is appearing at the Global Rally Championship this week.
At that race, the car is running with Rhys Millen Racing banner and is working with Hyundai for Formula Drift and for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The Veloster rally cars duo is managed to make it through the entire weekend without any problem, even a more established teams might able to do more. Actually, Hyundai’s team has found some teething problems with their gear ratio selection and the tire compounds. But they plan to rectify the issues for the next round of RallyCross in Snoqualmie, WA next month.
The picture above is the close picture of the Millen’s Veloster which is appearing in the event. For your information, that cool car above has 500 horsepower to move this 2,600 pound racing car in an all wheel drive model. The body itself is created from carbon fiber.
Hyundai Veloster Rally Car on Racing Debut is a post from: Automotive News and Review