2013 Porsche Macan - First Look

Plans are released for Porsche’s new small SUV.

Porsche has confirmed it intends to produce the Macan, a small sport-utility based on the Audi Q5 platform that will be positioned beneath the larger Cayenne SUV. The Stuttgart-based automaker has provided a few details, including a production date of late-2013, and has released a concept drawing.

 

2013 Porsche Macan  

 

The image shows a sleek and compact 4-door sport-ute, with a low greenhouse, a front fascia similar to the one found on the current Cayenne, and modestly pronounced rear fenders. Exaggerated wheels are common to these drawings, and that holds true with the Macan. Don’t count on the production model wearing anything like the mega wheels sketched into this drawing.

 

 Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell. 

 

Eye of the Macan

While early speculation about the vehicle referred to it as the Cajun, the name was only a temporary tag, an eye-roll-inducing amalgamation of Cayenne and Junior. Porsche tells us the Macan name is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger. After similar odd-named German sport-utes like the VW Tiguan and Touareg, we can’t wait to hear how the Macan name is pronounced in various parts of the U.S. and during upcoming auto shows.

 An early illustration of the Porsche Cajun.

Caught Testing

Our spy photographers have caught the Porsche Macan undergoing winter testing. Wearing a crafty Audi body-shell, and parked between a pair of Cayennes, these prototypes offer a few tantalizing details. The two test cars appear to sit lower than the Q5, and seem to have a slightly wider stance than the Audi.

A close-up photo of the front grille shows two pipes running to either side of the engine bay. That hints at a possible twin-turbo arrangement – a powertrain definitely not offered in the Q5.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

While it’s been expected for some time that the smaller Porsche will be based on the architecture of its corporate sibling, there have been few indications about specific drivetrains.

Like the Cayenne, which shares a platform and certain engines with the VW Touareg, some mechanical overlap appears likely (at least with base models).

Four and Six-Cylinders

Expect the Macan to be offered with a version of the Q5’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and the direct-injection 3.2-liter V-6, both upgraded from their current horsepower of 211 and 270 respectively. Judging from the plumbing fitted to these test mules, we wouldn’t be surprised by a range-topping turbocharged V-6 with somewhere in the region of 350-400 bhp.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

A hybrid version seems likely, as does a diesel variant – though the latter might only be offered in European markets. Audi’s highly regarded Quattro system with typical Porsche tweaks – such as a bias towards sending more power to the rear wheels – is likely to be standard across the range. An 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle-shifters mounted on the steering wheel is also probable. In a promotional video released by Porsche, the driver can be seen changing gears via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

Investment and Competition

The Macan promises to be a hugely important addition to the Porsche lineup. Introduced approximately 10 years ago, the Cayenne SUV has become the brand’s best-selling vehicle. Porsche will be investing $655 million to upgrade the Leipzig factory that now builds Cayennes and Panameras to include the Macan. This is the same factory in which the Carrera GT supercar was assembled.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

Production will begin in 2013, though U.S. sales of the Macan might not start until early 2014. Speculation suggests Porsche might offer a 2-door version, similar to the 2 and 4-door format offered in the Range Rover Evoque. Pricing has not been revealed, though the Macan will likely be a considerable step up from the $36,000 to $44,000 price range of the current Audi Q5.

2012 Ferrari F2012 Formula 1 Race Car

 

 2012 Ferrari F2012 Formula 1

A few days after McLaren F1 presented their 2012 Formula One race car, the MP4-27, the Prancing Horse from Maranello has decided to unveil their 2012 F1 race car. Called the F2012, the race car is the fifty eighth F1 car Ferrari has ever built, and is arguably the most advanced race car it has ever developed.

 

 2012 Ferrari F2012 Formula 1

As far as all the changes that have been done to the car to accommodate for new regulations, the F2012 was fundamentally and meticulously revised, most specifically the height of the front section of the chassis, the position of the exhaust pipes, and the re-tweaking of the car’s electronic engine management system.

 

 2012 Ferrari F2012 Formula 1

According to the folks over at Ferrari, the F2012 comes with a revised suspension lay-out with both the front and rear ends featuring pull-rods that were designed to improve the car’s overall aerodynamic performance. The F2012 also comes with a stepped nose that was designed to follow new requirements set out to lower the front end of the car, while the front wing was developed from the one that was used in the 150º Italia - last year’s F1 race car.

 

 2012 Ferrari F2012 Formula 1

Other important modifications include a redesigned side that improves the car’s side impact structures. Similarly, the radiators on the race were also repositioned while the lower part of the rear of the car was designed to be narrower and more tapered, allowing for improved aerodynamics and mechanical enhancements. Last, the rear wing is also similar to the one used in the 150 Italia and is still fitted with a drag reduction system.

 

 2012 Ferrari F2012 Formula 1

As far as the engine on the car is concerned, the F2012 will carry a revised version of the 150 Italia’s 2.4-liter V8 engine to accommodate new technical regulations that are being enforced for the 2012 season. Ferrari will also be using the KERS system, which maintains its low location in the car while also cutting down on its weight and improving its overall efficiency.

2012 Detroit auto show: Acura NSX concept wins popular vote in foot traffic

 

2012 Acura NSX

With the swarm of media around the new NSX Concept, you’d think the car was destined to be next year’s bestseller. But no, it's just that the NSX lounges on the show floor like a supermodel - one enthusiasts have coveted since before the first production NSX was ever built. It has launched countless automotive love affairs, and sonnets (no, not the Saab) have even been written about the NSX. (OK, I wrote it, but I threw it away.)

 

 2012 Acura NSX

Why do we love this car? Among all the cars I’ve driven over the last 20+ years in automotive journalism, none has had the precise and satisfying steering of the NSX. It never overwhelmed you with its V6 power, but the engineers clearly knew what they were doing when they set out to build a car that could compete with the very best - yet cost a lot less. Even though the same basic car was sold for 15 years, it still felt as capable and contemporary in its last model year (2005) as when it was first introduced (1991).

 

 2012 Acura NSX

I’m not alone in my lust for the NSX around here. In 2007, my colleague Tom Mutlchler wrote how disappointed he was that the concept the company showed a few years ago reminded him more of a Dodge Stealth than the hot mid-engine Acura.

 

 2012 Acura NSX

Tom also wrote about how he’d like to own one some day.

The NSX has been featured as a CR “Personal Pick” for favorite 1990’s sports cars as well as what sports car we’d actually buy.

 

 2012 Acura NSX

So it seems we’re not alone, either. The buzz and anticipation around today’s unveiling was palpable. Let’s not go so far as to say the air was electric, because then you’d think that we were talking about an electric car. But can the new NSX possibly live up to its past?

Acura says that the new NSX will be built, in Ohio, in three years. The next generation V-TEC V6 with direct injection will drive all four wheels through Honda's torque vectoring SH-AWD system.
Sounds great.

 

 2012 Acura NSX

But will Honda be able to recreate some of the magic of the original? The company spent years building its reputation on cars that appealed to people who loved to drive and valued excellent handling over brute horsepower. Then it seemed Honda just pulled the plug on these cars and didn’t replace them with anything that came close: the CRX; Prelude; S2000; and, yes, the Civic Si. (I realize that the Si is still made, but in CR’s evaluations, it took several steps backward with steering that lacks feedback and an engine that no longer sings.)

My guess is that legions of car guys and gals hope Honda gets this one right.

McLaren unveils new MP4-27

 

McLaren has taken the wraps of its new F1 challenger, the MP4-27 at its Woking, England base. 

The car did not feature a platypus-type nose as seen on the new Caterham chassis unveiled last week. Rather than conform to a consensus view that many of the new 2012-spec F1 cars will look uglier than their predecessors, the new McLaren was described as "beautiful" by Jenson Button and "very refined" by Lewis Hamilton.

Director of engineering Tim Goss said: "I think the most obvious change is the loss of the U-shaped sidepods which we pioneered on last year's car. We reverted to a more conventional shape because the U-shape was less suited to the new exhaust geometry restrictions.

 

"For 2012 the exhaust tailpipes now have to exit along the U-channel, so that particular feature was no longer really viable. As a result we decided to adopt a different approach to the way we feed the rear of the car. We have cleaned up the roll-hoop area and now we have much tighter rear bodywork.

 

"In previous years the exhausts exited directly into the rear corner of the floor; we can't do that anymore so, as you'd expect, that changes the flow characteristics at the rear. The knock-on effect is that all the aero devices at the rear of the car have had to be redesigned."

 

Technical director Paddy Lowe added: "One of the more satisfying challenges was being able to develop and expand our knowledge of the Pirelli tyres because 2011 was very much a learning year. We have used our experience from the past 12 months to design the car's layout, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics around improved tyre utilisation."

 

McLaren had a traumatic 2011 pre-season test programme, afflicted by exhaust unreliability, and is hoping to make a strong starter to 2012. The on-track action kicks off next Tuesday, February 7, at Jerez, where both Button and Hamilton will put the new MP4-27 through its paces.

 

Jenson Button said, "With the regulations remaining relatively stable, we've really been able to focus on the detail with this year's car. I still think we had a very fast package last year - it was very strong in certain areas - and our race pace was almost always fantastic, but we're hoping for a further step forwards in 2012. With Mercedes-Benz, I think we also had the best overall engine and KERS Hybrid package in the pitlane."

 

"We were also able to continuously develop throughout the year to match Red Bull - and that shows that we have the knowledge, effort and resources to sustain our efforts across the course of a whole season, which can be crucial."

 

"I know that the whole team is extremely proud of the MP4-27. It may look like a direct evolution of last year's car, but we've analysed every area of performance over the winter and the whole car has benefited from lots of fresh thinking and new ideas in every area. I'm really looking forward to getting behind the wheel in Spain next week."

 

"I know that everyone will be watching us very closely to see what progress we make during the pre-season tests, but I genuinely believe we have every reason to feel optimistic about the progress we've made and our competitiveness this year."

 

Lewis hamilton said, "The winter has been a great opportunity to recharge - I got away into the mountains, spent a lot of time hiking and running, improving my fitness and starting to prepare for the new year."

 

"It's always great to get away from everything; change the scenery. And what's great about Formula 1 is that you start each season with the baseline completely reset - everybody starts again from zero - and that always makes me so hungry."

 

"I've been keenly following the development of MP4-27 over the winter and I've been really encouraged by the results and the data that the engineers have been showing me. I think we already had a very strong base to build upon: Jenson and I won six races with MP4-26 last year and I think we've been able to retain all the strengths and the reliability of that design while also incorporating lots of improvements and new ideas into the new car."

 

"Of course, the biggest changes for 2012 are the modifications to the exhaust regulations - that will reduce the downforce and grip that we had last year, but it just puts the emphasis on the designers to try and claw some of that back in other areas."

"I get the feeling the MP4-27 is going to feel very new and exciting when we get to drive it for the first time."

Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said, "The 2012 season will be an important one for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes: having finished second in the constructors' championship for the past two seasons, we're determined to mount a sustained, hard challenge for both world titles."

 

"Our engineering team continues to develop and grow: while the key names who head the department are well known - Tim Goss, Paddy Lowe and Neil Oatley - it's the strength in depth within the department that continually impresses. I'm extremely proud of our efforts to invest in and recruit young graduate engineers and to develop and school them in the ways of Formula 1."

"We have a fantastically committed team of individuals, and MP4-27 is the fruit of their labours - it's a beautiful car, and one we feel is the perfect platform from which to launch our assault on the world championship. While there are clear visual changes to this year's car, there's greater change beneath the skin, with lots of fresh thinking applied to every major system. The car is pleasingly complete."

"I don't think we want for anything from our drivers, either: in Jenson and Lewis, I believe we have the very best line-up in Formula 1 - the perfect blend of experience, speed and aggression. They complement each other perfectly."

"For 2012, we are well aware that Red Bull remains a very powerful and capable operation, and that both Ferrari and Mercedes AMG are ramping up their operational capacity. We have no room to be complacent - what you see today only scratches the surface of what we're planning to deliver to the track both from an engineering and operational point of view throughout 2012."

"I'm pleased and confident that we've left no stone unturned in our quest for performance. Now, our focus invariably turns to the track as we evaluate MP4-27 ahead of the start of the 2012 season in Melbourne on March 18. These will be a fascinating three weeks."

Bajaj RE-60: 35 Kmpl Tata Nano Competitor Launched Before The Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Bajaj RE 60 Front View

Bajaj has did it! The Indian two-wheeler giant has finally forayed into the 4-wheel segment with the launch of Bajaj RE-60 three days before the Delhi Auto Expo 2012. What’s interesting is that the RE-60 promises mileage of whooping 35 kilometers per liter of petrol! We bet every visitor is is going to drool over the new car and praise Bajaj Auto. It’s clear that the battleground is ready for the war of cars between Tata nano & Bajaj RE-60. We wrote about the possible launch of the Bajaj car at DAE 2012 and now we have the photos.

 

Bajaj RE 60 Interior View

 

Bajaj RE 60 Exterior View

Bajaj officials say that the car has been in development since last 4 years. The RE-60 delivers top speed of 70 kmph and has been designed considering the city driving conditions. The car has a rear mounted, 200 cc petrol engine. Bajaj plans to sell the car overseas. Bajaj’s MD, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj informed the reporters that the target customer for this car is those who use 3-wheelers. The company manufactures over 520,000 three-wheelers a year and exports over 300,000 of them. The company is eyeing Sri-Lanka to export the new RE-60 cars.

Baja RE-60 Car Side View

Baja RE-60 Front Bumper View

The mileage Bajaj is promising is definitely impressive! We aren’t big fans of the economy cars and we’d refrain from commenting on the looks of  Bajaj’s RE-60; but it seems to be inspired by the auto-rickshaw Bajaj manufactures. The mileage crazy Indian customers would definitely want to own this car, and Bajaj’s already established servicing centers would be an added advantage. However ever rising petrol prices could hold potential customers from buying this car right away. The price of the car is expected to be around INR. 125000 – 160000. We do not have information about the versions of this car Bajaj plans to launch and the price point. As always, we promise to keep you updated about the new RE-60. In the mean time, we want to know what do you think about the Bajaj RE-60? Do you want to own it?

 

 Baja RE-60 Car Logo View

 

 Baja RE-60 Headlights View

 

 Baja RE-60 Taillight View

 

 Bajaj RE 60 Back View

Alfa Romeo Brera S

Few sports cars are developed specifically for Britain's roads. Those that have been tend to become true 'driver's cars'. Alfa Romeo is planning for the new, limited edition Alfa Romeo Brera S to join those ranks.

After a year of intensive suspension and chassis development at Prodrive, the world-leading motorsport specialist, the result is a sports coupe that subtly enhances all that is good about the original Alfa Romeo Brera, while bestowing it with outstanding driver feedback and handling.

Distinctly different from the rest of the line-up, this unique addition to Alfa Romeo's UK range includes refined styling changes, inside and out. And to ensure ultimate exclusivity, production of the Alfa Romeo Brera S will be limited to just 500 individually numbered models.

Power comes from a choice of two existing direct injection petrol engines - the 185 bhp 2.2 JTS and the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 JTS.

Marketing director at Alfa Romeo UK, Nicholas Bernard, says: "Significantly, the Alfa Romeo Brera S isn't simply about brute force, it's about how the available power is transferred to the road and how the road surface is communicated back to the driver to bring new levels of sports handling and driver-focused confidence and involvement."

Briefed to make the Alfa Romeo Brera S less of a long-distance tourer and more sporty on UK roads, the engineering team at Prodrive developed a unique suspension set-up. Prodrive engineers meticulously experimented with spring rates and ride heights to match the reduced weights of the 2008 model year Alfa Breras. Then followed an extensive damper tuning exercise to achieve the desired ride/handling balance and steering response required by driving enthusiasts in the UK.

According to Prodrive Project Leader, Peter Cambridge, the result is "a car that 'shrinks' around the driver and delivers all the fun and engagement of a sports car driving experience on A and B-roads. Yet, on motorways, offers a compliant and composed ride."

The sports car driving experience is achieved by reducing roll and pitch, flattening the cornering attitude, and subsequently instilling confidence-inspiring steering.

Peter Cambridge comments: "Our painstaking work with the spring set-up controls exactly how much the car pitches and rolls with every lump, bump, camber and pothole on our roads. Then we developed the dampers to control the rate at which the springs respond. Once we were satisfied with that, we set about really affecting the feel and response of the steering to inspire confidence."

To reduce roll and pitch and achieve an even flatter cornering attitude, Prodrive commissioned bespoke Eibach coil springs and Bilstein dampers.

Spring rates are increased by over 50 per cent compared to the standard Alfa Brera, giving the car a more nimble and agile feel, while the specially tuned gas-filled mono-tube dampers give tighter body control. A careful balance has been created to maintain good compliance over ridges and bumps in the road.

At the same time, the suspension static geometry has also been revised to optimise steering and handling.

These changes, together with new 19" alloy wheels and Pirelli PZero Nero tyres, have created a more responsive turn-in to corners, with increased driver feedback, allowing the driver to explore the dynamic limits of the car.

To further enhance suspension geometry, the cars have been lowered by 10 mm front and rear. This lower centre of gravity helps reduce roll and improve cornering and braking performance. In addition, the lowered suspension gives the Alfa Romeo Brera S a more purposeful stance.

At each corner of the Alfa Romeo Brera S, unique Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione-inspired, lightweight 19" alloy wheels have been fitted. Although the wheels are eye-catching, the all-new design was commissioned by Prodrive primarily for performance, rather than just cosmetic appeal. The reason is unsprung weight - the weight carried by the car on the 'road side' of the spring and shock absorber. This plays a significant role in the way the car steers, handles and transmits feedback to the driver.

The lighter the wheel, the better it tracks undulations in the road surface without requiring heavy damping to control it. The unsprung weight has been further reduced by the adoption of hollow anti-roll bars and aluminium suspension components from the Factory.

As a result, the weight of both Alfa Romeo Brera S models is lower than the rest of the range. The front-wheel drive 3.2 V6 JTS is almost 100 kg lighter than the Q4 version and the 2.2 JTS version weighs 35 kg less.

The Alfa Romeo Brera S also sounds different from the standard range. The original characteristic growl of the V6 has been enhanced by careful redesign of the rear silencers. Thanks to a Holmholtz resonator connected in tandem with each silencer, the 2.2 JTS model now emits a sportier yet refined burble.

The exhaust has been altered to mirror the shape of the rear lights. Finished with chrome embellishers, they feature a Prodrive logo on the tailpipe exterior. This is just one of several subtle exterior enhancements to the award-winning Alfa Romeo Brera, including Prodrive branded front stone deflectors, and a bespoke red 'S' or 'SV6' on the C-pillar.

Inside the 3.2 V6 JTS Alfa Romeo Brera S, changes are more obvious. Not only are the supportive sports seats upholstered in soft black Frau® leather with red stitching, so are the dashboard fascia, door panels, steering wheel and gearlever. The centre console and instruments are faced in a dark finish. This interior can also be specified on the 2.2 JTS version.

Foot pedals are fashioned from drilled aluminium and the headrest recess houses a limited edition Brera S aluminium plate, featuring the flags of Italy and Britain.

For the record, the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 JTS Alfa Romeo Brera S can reach 62 mph from rest in 8.6 and 7.0 seconds respectively, on the way to maximum speeds of 139 and 155 mph.

The transition from Alfa Brera to Brera S takes place at Alfa Romeo UK's dedicated import centre, near Bristol, and is overseen by Prodrive.

Nicholas Bernard says: "The standard Brera is well loved and delivers a great all-round driving experience.
But the Alfa Romeo Brera S is deliberately honed, tuned and fettled for British roads and aimed directly at a dedicated audience of driving enthusiasts."

Force One SUV Price in India & Specifications

Force Motors is a special name in list of top commercial vehicle manufacturers in India. This automobile company is now set to produce SUV & other small passenger vehicles for the Indian & Global automobile market after producing commercial & heavy vehicles. Just now Force Motors announced to launch Force One SUV in India as a D segment vehicle. This new vehicle will have powerful front located 2200 cc CRDi Diesel engine of Daimler licensed from the Mercedes Benz Company. Seven person or passenger seat arranged super luxury vehicle model is Force One SUV. UK based Lotus Engineering Firm has accustomed the chassis of this SUV.

Force One Technical Specifications

• Sports Utility Vehicle
• D Segment Model
• 7 Passenger Seat Available
• 2200 cc (2.2L) Engine Displacement
• Diesel Fuel Efficient
• CRDi Technology
• Max. Power of 140 BHP @ 3800 RPM
• Max. Torque of 310 Nm @ 1750 RPM
• 5-Speed Gearbox
• Manual Transmission
• Power Steering
• Control Buttons on Steering
• Adjustable Steering
• Manual Driver Seat Adjustment
• AC for Interior Comfort
• Airbags
• AC Ventilator at Rear
• 16 inch Alloy Wheels
• Disc Brake @ Front Wheel
• Drum Brake @ Rear Wheel
• 215 m Ground Clearance
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Anti-lock Braking System
• Parking Sensors
• MP3 Music System with Speakers
• Digital Tripmeter
• Techometer & Fuel Level Indicator
• Electric Door Mirrors at Both Side
• Halogen Head Lamp
• Fog Lamp
• Rear Defogger
• Folding Rear Seats
• Size of 5010 mm/1780 mm/1900 mm (L/W/H)
• 1570 kg Weight (Kerb)
• Central Remote Locking
• Power windows
• Tinted Glass
• Head Rests
• Arm Rests

 

Force Motors attached a number of technical developments into the feature list of Force One SUV. It will have a front placed powerful 2200 cc or 2.2L diesel engine. This engine equipped with CRDi (Common Rail Direct Injection) Fuel Injection system with lot more extra configuration tools. This will be a powerful SUV with maximum Power output of 140 BHP with five speed manual gearbox.

Force One is a super designed sports vehicle with young styling dashboard. Multi color combined metallic furnished body color appearance with same color bumper & tinted glass design will be more to define its look. The specious interior with large leg-room & comfort features like AC, airbags, folding rear seats, head & arm rests are assigned to create a luxury inside it.

Force One Price in India – The Force One SUV will be priced at Rs 13 lakh (Expected) in India.