‏إظهار الرسائل ذات التسميات models. إظهار كافة الرسائل
‏إظهار الرسائل ذات التسميات models. إظهار كافة الرسائل

الأحد، 2 سبتمبر 2012

BMW replacing 'is' with M Performance models

BMW 135is

Since the end of the Detroit Auto Show this year we've been getting more details on the coming line of M Performance vehicles from BMW. Taking their spots between the standard line and the true M vehicles, examples like the 2012 BMW X6 M50d and M550d xDrive (neither of which will come here) get tweaks developed by the M division under the hood, in the cabin and around the exterior, mated to traditional items like torque converter automatic transmissions instead of dual-clutch gearboxes.

Their arrival here is planned for the 2014 Detroit Auto Show starting with the M235i coupe (the coupe and convertible versions of what we know now as the 135is, pictured), and when that happens a report in Car and Driver says M Performance models will replace the "is" trim as the next-generation BMWs are being introduced. That would mean cars like the 335is become the M335i sedan and M435i coupe and convertible. Initial M flavors right now are expected to include the Z4, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Series.

The original announcement from BMW claimed that the M Performance vehicles would receive "exclusive engines," but the C/D report suggests that might not be the case. The mag also says that we'll see the M335i or M435i as soon as next year.


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الأربعاء، 15 أغسطس 2012

2013 Toyota RAV4 EV Pre-production Models Shown to Press

2013 RAV4 EV

In brief: The 2013 RAV4 EV from Toyota, built in conjunction with Tesla using Model S parts, was shown to the press in California in pre-production form.

Make/Model: 2013 RAV4 EV
Manufacturer: Toyota

The RAV4 is a compact SUV and was given a battery electric platform through a partnership with Tesla Motors using drive train components from the recently-released Model S electric car. Less than 2,600 RAV4 EVs will be produced in order to comply with California's requirements for zero emissions vehicles.

The RAV4 EV is the same as the RAV4 in its V6 iteration, but without the internal combustion engine and its accoutrements. The fenders have been modified to give the EV a distinctive look, but not enough that most people will realize that you're not in a regular gasoline-powered vehicle.

Despite sharing powertrain components with the Model S, the RAV4 EV has been significantly downsized in terms of power in order to shrink the battery pack and range to make the car more affordable. The pack is larger and somewhat heavier, but not as advanced as the Model S pack - it's a cheaper alternative from Tesla's provider, Panasonic.

The RAV4EV will only be sold in California and a handful of other CARB-compliant states. Its MSRP will be $49,800 before incentives.

Another significant change? The RAV4 EV uses the standard J1772 charger plug rather than the proprietary Tesla plug.

Photo credits: Toyota

This site follows the emergence, application and development of transportation innovation. Reference to manufacturers, makes and models, and other automotive-related businesses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by FutureCars.com.


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الثلاثاء، 31 يوليو 2012

BMW M Performance models bound for U.S.

BMW's new M Performance models, enthusiast-tuned vehicles slotted below the hardcore M models but above the standard lineup, will start rolling into the States in early 2014. First in line will reportedly be the M235i coupe, set to debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, according to Autoweek.

As BMW is renaming the coupe and convertible models the 2 Series (the hatchback will retain its 1 Series nomenclature), the M235i coupe will be the official successor to the 1 Series M Coupe (shown above) which quickly sold out in our market last year after just 600 examples were offered for sale (worldwide, the production run was 6,000 units).

Autoweek is reporting that the M235i coupe will be fitted with BMW's N55 engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 316 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive may be offered in some markets. Eventually, the automaker is expected to add an M235i convertible with a cloth roof and the same powertrain and driveline as the coupe.


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الجمعة، 27 يوليو 2012

2013 Ford Fusion offers gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models

2013 Ford Fusion Energi

In brief: The 2013 Ford Fusion will be offered in a standard gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid option.

Make/Model: 2013 Fusion
Manufacturer: Ford

Ford calls it The Power of Choice as it rolls out standard models in alternative configurations to give consumers the ability to choose their own options for power trains. The Ford Focus Electric was a first of these and the 2013 Fusion will be the next.

Ford's idea is to build the same car on the same assembly line with the ability to easily swap power train options during assembly in order to have flexibility in production to meet market demands. In the case of the Fusion, for example, if the plug-in (PHEV) option is selling well and the gasoline option isn't, then the line could quickly be changed to compensate, swapping gasoline production for PHEV.

In theory, Ford could do this with every car in their lineup, offering gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid, electric, fuel cell, etc. options for every model. While still in its early stages, the concept is sound and may be a glimpse at the future of automotive manufacturing.

The 2013 Fusion will be the best-in-class fuel efficiency gasoline option with 26/37 city/highway miles per gallon.

The 2013 Fusion Hybrid takes that a step further to get 47/44 city/highway, bettering the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The 2013 Fusion Energi will be the plug-in hybrid option with an anticipated MPGe over 100 - beating the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Plug-in.

With advanced safety features, a choice of power trains, and a background as one of the best-selling cars in Ford's lineup, the new Power of Choice Fusion will be a spearhead for Ford's new plans.

Photo credits: Ford

This site follows the emergence, application and development of transportation innovation. Reference to manufacturers, makes and models, and other automotive-related businesses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by FutureCars.com.


View the original article here


This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2013 Ford Fusion offers gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models

2013 Ford Fusion Energi

In brief: The 2013 Ford Fusion will be offered in a standard gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid option.

Make/Model: 2013 Fusion
Manufacturer: Ford

Ford calls it The Power of Choice as it rolls out standard models in alternative configurations to give consumers the ability to choose their own options for power trains. The Ford Focus Electric was a first of these and the 2013 Fusion will be the next.

Ford's idea is to build the same car on the same assembly line with the ability to easily swap power train options during assembly in order to have flexibility in production to meet market demands. In the case of the Fusion, for example, if the plug-in (PHEV) option is selling well and the gasoline option isn't, then the line could quickly be changed to compensate, swapping gasoline production for PHEV.

In theory, Ford could do this with every car in their lineup, offering gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid, electric, fuel cell, etc. options for every model. While still in its early stages, the concept is sound and may be a glimpse at the future of automotive manufacturing.

The 2013 Fusion will be the best-in-class fuel efficiency gasoline option with 26/37 city/highway miles per gallon.

The 2013 Fusion Hybrid takes that a step further to get 47/44 city/highway, bettering the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The 2013 Fusion Energi will be the plug-in hybrid option with an anticipated MPGe over 100 - beating the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Plug-in.

With advanced safety features, a choice of power trains, and a background as one of the best-selling cars in Ford's lineup, the new Power of Choice Fusion will be a spearhead for Ford's new plans.

Photo credits: Ford

This site follows the emergence, application and development of transportation innovation. Reference to manufacturers, makes and models, and other automotive-related businesses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by FutureCars.com.


View the original article here


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