Car News
Nissan Leaf NISMO Racing Competition
At this year’s 2011 New Work International Auto Show, Nissan will introduce the Nissan Leaf NISMO Racing Competition (RC), a car which is obviously based on the new 100 percent electric LEAF and which will bring a new meaning to the term ‘Racing Gren’.
The Nissan Leaf NISMO Racing Competition racer will appear at various motorsport events in 2011, and through this car the Japanese company is exploring the development of the first zero emission competition spec series in the upcoming years.
2012 Mazda CX5 SUV
The Japanese automaker has published the first photo with what looks like the production version 2012 Mazda CX5, a compact SUV which features the latest KODO (Soul of Motion) design language and which also makes use of the company’s new SKYACTIV technologies.
Scheduled to go on sale next year, the 2012 Mazda CX5 looks almost similar to the MINAGI Concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last month. The production version will be seen in the flesh at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show in September, so we should receive more and more information about what is under the skin as the debut day approaches.
Citroen DS5 unveiled
A new model unveiled ahead of the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show is the Citroen DS5, a car which is based on the C-SportLounge concept and which combines style with ‘rewarding driving dynamics’, refinement and innovative engineering.
With propulsion provided by the automaker’s HYbrid4 diesel technology, the new Citroen DS5 which by the way is a five-door hatch, delivers 200 bhp, and has a best in class emission level of 99 grammes per Km. The car has four-wheel drive capability and can travel on just electric power for short distances.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle unveiled
The German automaker has just unveiled the third generation Beetle, a car which will be on display at this year’s Shanghai and New York Auto Shows and which will go on sale across the US in 2011 (2012 for the rest of the world’s markets).
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle lost some of its round shapes, mainly due to the restyled bumpers, and besides the overall retro look, the new version also features LED headlamps and tail lights, a lower roof line, restyled alloys and a completely new interior.
Peugeot SXC Concept
We’ve seen a leaked photo with Peugeot’s latest crossover concept, which we now know it is called the SXC, as the French manufacturer has unveiled the first set of official details before this SUV will premiere at the Shanghai Motor Show.
The Peugeot SXC Concept is in line with the automaker’s new design language, featuring many of the styling cues seen of other recent concepts like the SR1, BB1, EX1 and HR1 with this latest creation measuring 4,87 m in length, 1,61 m in height and 2,035 m in width.
Scion Concept announced for 2011 New York Auto Show
Toyota announced its plans of unveiling a new Concept that will wear the Scion badge at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The Japanese automaker has already set up a dedicated website for this event on which they tease the Scion Concept through a few scenes that show the car sitting in the dark.
Even though it is to early to tell, we managed to get a screenshot that points to the fact that this upcoming concept is somehow related to the Toyota FT 86 II. Could it be that Toyota will preview the production version of the FT 86 through another concept, but this time a Scion?
Maserati 8CTF Bike from Montane
Montane Cicli has created an exclusive limited edition bike for Maserati called the 8CTF. This bike celebrates the 70th Anniversary of Wilbur Shaw’s victory of the 500 miles of Indianapolis achieved at the wheel of a Maserati 8CTF.
The 8CTF bike will be sold in just 200 exemplars and is a single speed bicycle designed to fit the rider perfectly, embellished wtih unique and distinctive details like the silver Trident on a grey background on the hubs, the Maserati logo on the frame, and various other touches that remind of features seen on the Italian automaker’s creations.
Rolls Royce Creates Goodwood Inspired MINI
For this year’s Auto Shanghai, Rolls Royce has created a special MINI ‘inspired by Goodwood’ through which the automaker wants to address the steadily growing number of Chinese customers interested in the the world’s first premium small car.
As you can imagine the Goodwood inspired MINI comes with a series of top-grade materials and the highest levels of workmanship, with some of the materials including Goodwood and Walnut Burr wood across the dashboard, center console, and door handles, black nappa leather on the dashboard, Tipped Leather Cornsilk door lining plus various piano black surfaces.
2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT3
Aston Martin’s Racing division has released a single photo with the new Vantage GT3, a car based on the V12 Vantange which will compete in the 2012 motorsport season.
This new version replaces the DBRS9 launched back in 2006, and joins the automaker’s current race car range, which includes the Vantage GT2, GT4, DBR9 GT1 and the AMR-One LMP1. The 2012 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 has been designed in compliance with the FIA regulations, and will feature an aluminium VH architecture, a lightweight dry-sumped 6.0 litre V12 engine, a race semi-automatic paddle shift Xtrac gearbox and the newest race-developed ABS and traction control systems.
2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition
GM is launching a second special edition model which celebrates Chevrolet’s 45th anniversary. This time it is based on the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro and it includes a series of mechanical and aesthetic changes which should make the American muscle-car more appealing.
The mechanical changes include a new cylinder head design featuring and integrated exhaust manifold for the 3.6-litre direct injection V6 from under the bonnet (rated at 323 HP/241 kW) plus a new fuel pump, optimised-flow injectors, stronger and lighter weight connection rods as well as a new camshaft cap and throttle body design.