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Mercedes-Benz rolling out the MLC at the Beijing Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz will debut a new concept SUV coupe at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show later this month. The concept, which will rival against the BMW X6, is a coupe version of the ML SUV and is set to go on sale as a production vehicle next year – dubbed the MLC. 

Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Mercedes’ parent, Daimler, said “we see a great deal of potential for Mercedes-Benz in the combination of a coupe and SUV.”

Daimler is revealing the concept in China, a huge target market for Zetsche and Mercedes to pass both BMW and Audi in worldwide deliveries by the end of the decade. China is the automakers second largest market after the U.S., and the MLC is likely to be built at the factory in Vance, Alabama. 

The MLC will offer a choice of two engines the first will be a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 good for about 335 horsepower. As well as a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 that can push out 518 horsepower, and when equipped with the AMG package it will push out 550 horsepower. 

The MLC will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show and is expected to roll into dealerships in the summer of 2014. Prices have not been announced but prices should be around $6,000 more than an equivalent ML.

 

Lexus to reveal new NX compact crossover in Beijing

Lexus will unveil a new compact crossover concept at the Beijing Motor Show. The automaker tried to keep all the details sealed until it officially debuts, but a batch of leaked images were published in the May issue of France’s Automobile Magazine.

The NX concept is similar to the LF-NX that was presented late last year in Frankfurt and Tokyo, however, it’s toned-down. The images reveal that the production version of the crossover will be more conservative and that shows in the trademark spindle grille. 

When the NX goes on sale, it will be offered with a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain consisting of a small electric motor and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine good for 220 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas-burning engine will also be available. Power will be either sent to the front two wheels or all four wheels through an automatic transmission.

The Japanese automaker will have its first turbocharged engine with the crossover. The new engine will most likely replace the existing 2.5-litre V6 and appear in a variety of upcoming Lexus models.

After the official debut in Beijing, the NX will go on sale in the U.S. and Europe next summer as a 2015 model.

 

Kia to unveil an all-new Sedona MPV in New York

There has been talk of an all-new Sedona being released and all of those rumours can be put to rest after Kia’s announcement today. Kia sent out a brief, but general statement that an all-new midsize multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) will be unveiled at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

Each new Kia has adopted a modernized look thanks to CEO and Chief Designer Peter Schreyer and the Sedona expects to be no different. From the one picture released by Kia, we notice Schreyer’s touches with the standout large signature grille, LED headlights and raked windscreen.

Kia wants its Sedona to attract “adventure seekers” and will be able to haul eight passengers along with their luggage. 

More details will be released when this all-new MPV gets unveiled on the second press day, April 17th at 12:55pm

 

The Acura TLX is coming to New York

The Acura TLX might have been shown off as a prototype at the Detroit Auto Show, but it’s stripping itself of the prototype name and making its first appearance at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

Back in January, it was reported that the TLX would eventually replace both the TSX and TL slotting itself in-between the entry-level ILX and Acura’s flagship, the RLX. The TLX is geared to be the new midsize luxury option from Acura with a sporty touch.

When the TLX goes on sale, customers can choose between two high-performance and direct-injected engines. The first is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that’s mated to an all-new eight-speed dual clutch transmission. The second choice is a more powerful 3.5-litre V6 mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Customers will also have the option of choosing front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Acura’s Precision All-Wheel Steer, otherwise called P-AWS will come with the standard front-wheel drive option; while Acura’s new SH-AWD that’s 25% lighter and uses a new torque-vectoring system will be exclusive to the 3.5-litre all-wheel drive option.  

The TLX is expected to showcase an athletic appearance complemented by a refined interior. Acura is hoping that the TLX will be the right ticket to boost their sedan sales that aren’t at equal level with the sales of their impressive SUVs. 

Acura has informed us to expect a “vault-like quietness” under all driving conditions, as well as major enhancements towards noise reduction with assistance from its electronic Active Noise Control system. 

An array of safety technology will be available for the TLX that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator. However, we are unsure which features are to be standard or optional.

The New York International Auto Show press event starts on April 16th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and Acura is expected to unveil the all-new TLX during their scheduled press conference at 1:50pm ET. 

 

BMW X4 makes online reveal ahead of New York Auto Show

BMW has unveiled their all-new X4 online instead of the Geneva Motor Show – where it was originally supposed to be revealed but now will debut at the New York Auto Show. BMW is calling it a Sports Activity Coupe, and like the X5 and X6, the X4 will be a sportier model. 

 

 

It will be offered in two trims for the North American market – the X4 xDrive28i and the X4 xDrive35i. The powertrain options will be the same as the X3. The first option, the xDrive28i model will have a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Whereas the other model, the xDrive35i will push 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Both engines will send the power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission using BMW’s own xDrive.

 

The X4 is 0.6 inches longer than the X3 and 1.5 inches lower to the ground that resembles the X6 model. Drivers will have an option of either 19 or 20-inch wheels. Inside, the X4 has from 17.7 to 49.4 cubic feet of cargo space. BMW says that even though the roof slopes down towards the rear, the X4 can still accommodate three passengers in the back. The X4 will also have a standard power-operated liftgate and with BMW’s optional Smart Opener system it can be opened simply by the movement of your foot.

 

 

BMW has not yet announced Canadian pricing for the X4, but pricing in the United States for the xDrive28i will be $45,625, and the xDrive35i will start at $48,925. The X4 is set to hit dealers this spring.

A new renegade Jeep rolls out for Geneva

The Jeep Renegade was officially unveiled earlier at the Geneva Motor Show. The Renegade, which will be replacing the Patriot and Compass is set to be sold in over 100 countries. 

 

 

The new Jeep rides on the same small-wide platform as the Fiat 500L and has compact dimensions and affordable pricing to go with it. It features a 101.2-inch wheelbase, which is the same as the Kia Soul, but the Renegade is 3.6-inches longer and 3.5-inches taller. Inside, there is approximately 118.6 cubic feet of interior volume, which is more than its competitors. When the second row seats are down it can expand to 30.7 cubic feet of storage. If more space is needed, Jeep says a five-foot ladder can be accommodated because of a fold-forward front seat.

 

Front-wheel drive is standard, but two four-wheel drive systems are offered as well. Jeep Active Drive is a full-time 4x4 system with a fuel-savings rear axle disconnect. The Jeep Active Drive Low has a 20:1 crawl ratio. 

 

 

There will be up to 16 powertrain combinations in other markets, but North America may only have a choice between two engines and transmissions. The Renegade entry-level model is equipped with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine good for 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is exclusive to that model. Another option is the ‘Tigershark’ which is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. That model can push about 184 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive can be had with either engine.

 

Inside, Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system is available with either 5.0 or 6.5-inch touchscreens. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross path detection, a backup camera and heated seats and steering wheel will also be added options for the Renegade. 

 

 

True to Jeep style, The Renegade can be ordered with a two-piece removable roof. My Sky, consists of fiberglass-polyurethane panels that can be removed and stored in the trunk. 

 

The newest addition to the Jeep family will be arriving into European dealerships this summer before coming to North America in the winter.

 

Ferrari Califronia T looking turbolicious in Geneva

Ferrari just got a lot sexier after they unveiled their new California T at the Geneva Motor Show. The bodywork, which is allegedly inspired by the Testa Rossa, isn’t the only good thing about this new beauty. The California T has a twin turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine under the hood, which is good for 552 horsepower and a whopping 523 pound-feet of torque. Aside from the power and looks, the car is 15 per cent more fuel-efficient. 

 

The carbon-ceramic brakes can stop this bad boy from a 100 kilometres per hour velocity in 34 metres. But from a stop, the car can jump to 100 kilometres per hour in just a mere 3.6 seconds. The California T has an updated chassis design that allows for a new steering box and suspension setup. Because of the retractable hardtop, the coupe is able to transform into a convertible in only 14 seconds. For the interior, the Ferrari will have a new infotainment system and push-button transmission controls. 

 

Koenigsegg to show off world’s first megacar

Celebrating their 20th birthday this year, Koenigsegg is taking their hypercar to the next level with the Agera One:1. The Swedish specialists claim that the car is the world’s first megacar, as it’s the first production car with 1,341 horsepower and a one-to-one ratio of power-to-weight. Those stats mean it should get status beyond a super or hyper car.

 

 

The Agera One:1 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V8 pushing 1,341 horsepower and 1,011 pound-feet of torque. The car is also equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. When Koenigsegg designed the car, top speed was not a factor but it has a simulated top speed of around 440 kilometres per hour making it the world’s fastest production car. Unfortunately, the One:1 will never be able to hold a Guinness record, because only six cars will be built – and all of them are sold. 

 

The One:1 is meant to be a track focused car. It has 2 Gs of cornering capabilities with road-legal tires and up to 1,345 pounds of downforce at 260 kilometres per hour from an active rear wing, and active left and right flaps. The chassis is able to predict the road ahead using a GPS and drivers can even calculate telemetry after with a 3G connection sending the data from the car to an iPhone app.

 

Koenigsegg had a pretty good idea for a 20th birthday present – and will have the One:1 at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Aston Martin to put on a big show in Geneva

 

Aston Martin will be revealing two new special edition cars at the Geneva Motor Show. The V8 Vantage N430 will be available in both a coupe and roadster body style. It will push out the same 430 horsepower of the 4.7-litre V8 Vantage S. The car will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission as standard or an optional seven-speed sequential gearbox. From a stop, the car should be able to hit 96 kilometres per hour in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 305 km/h.

 

Aside from the speed, the car will have a carbon fibre body trim and 10-spoke alloy wheels. On the inside, it will be equipped with Kevlar seats, magnesium paddle shifts and some carbon fibre trim pieces. Buyers will also have an option of a 1,000-watt Bang and Olufsen sound system.

 

 

Aston Martin will also have Carbon Black and Carbon White editions of the DB9 that are equipped with additional carbon-fibre trim to compliment or contrast the exterior paint. Auto enthusiasts will have to travel to Europe to see the new Vantage V8 or DB9 carbon editions because both will not be coming to North America.

Volkswagen GTE to be introduced in Geneva

 

Volkswagen has revealed a new plug-in hybrid version of the performance Golf that will sit beside the GTI and the GTD. The GTE is set to debut in a little over a week from now at the Geneva Motor Show, but VW has started to announce details ahead of that date. 

 

The GTE will push 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. And when in all-electric mode, the car can get up to around 50 kilometres in range. When the car is in ‘theoretical’ mode, the driving range is supposed to be about 940 kilometres. 

 

 

The GTE will be holding a 1.4-litre turbocharged, direct-injected engine assisted by an electric motor via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. When the car is running on just electricity, the car will top out around 130 kilometres per hour, but if the gasoline engine is running, the car is capable of reaching 217 kilometres per hour. From a stop, the VW will reach 100 kilometres per hour in roughly 7.6 seconds. 

 

In terms of re-charging the GTE, VW is similar to most other plug-in vehicles taking roughly 3.5 hours to be fully charged from a wall outlet. If owners use a specific home charging station or a public station, they can expect the time to be cut by an hour. Volkswagen’s new GTE will be making its official debut in early March when doors open for the auto show in Geneva.

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