Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is the most capable of all Toyotas when the pavement gives way to gravel, sand and rocks. That’s saying something, given the capabilities of the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Tacoma. All of these Toyotas are among the best in their respective classes for travel over rugged terrain. 

The FJ Cruiser seats five. The front doors are front-hinged. Rear-hinged rear side doors provide access to the back seat. Main access to the cargo area is through a door hinged on the driver’s side of the vehicle instead of a typical roof-hinged hatch-style closure. Having the hinge on the driver’s seat makes curbside loading and unloading easier. 

Retro styling gives the FJ Cruiser presence. Designed in California, the FJ Cruiser recalls the Toyota FJ 40, known in North America as the original Land Cruiser. The FJ Cruiser will not be mistaken for anything else. Short overhangs aid capability for traversing ditches and other terrain that challenges ground clearance. 

The rugged, minimalist interior is easy to clean. No leather here, rugged fabric is designed to resist dirt and water. 

An Off-Road package further enhances the FJ’s capabilities with BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires, trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, and a rear differential lock that works in conjunction with Toyota’s A-TRAC off-road traction control system. With this setup, the FJ Cruiser can hang with the Jeep Wrangler crowd. 

Toyota’s 4.0-liter V6 engine makes 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It has dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which means variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust. We found the FJ Cruiser superb in rugged terrain yet comfortable on the road. Its V6 engine delivers more than ample power and torque for any foreseeable situation. 

Fuel economy for the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is an EPA-estimated 17/21 mpg City/Highway for a 4WD automatic, 15/19 mpg for a 4WD with 6-speed manual gearbox, and 17/22 mpg for a 2WD automatic. 

The full-time 4×4 with the manual transmission offers the best capability in rugged terrain. 

Changes for 2013 are minimal: Power outside mirrors with marker lights are standard on all 2013 FJ Cruisers, and a sharp orange hue called Magma has been added to the paint palette. The 2013 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition comes in Cement Gray. We don’t expect any significant changes to the FJ Cruiser anytime soon. 

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Volvo X 60 car of 2013 Attractiveness at his best !!

The 2013 Volvo XC60 is offered with three different drivetrain options: The base model ($34,350) comes with a 3.2-liter inline six cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels and mated to a six-speed automatic; all-wheel-drive can be optioned, however, for $2,000, which will certainly serve cold-climate and mountain-going buyers better. Next in line – and the review model we received – is the T6 ($40,650). Adding some much needed gusto to Volvo’s enigmatic crossover, the T6 cranks out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque courtesy of a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six. All-wheel drive is standard, and features the same six-speed transmission found in the base model. 

Of course if it’s Swedish speed you desire, Volvo offers a go-fast version with its T6 R-Design ($44,850). Here horsepower is ratcheted-up to 325 while lb-ft of torque jumps to 354. While we haven’t driven the T6 R-Design yet, the standard T6 provided more than enough pickup for everyday driving. So whatever motoring thrills await the plucky pilot in an R-Design will undoubtedly be even more memorable and satisfying .

Highlights:

• Zippy turbocharged engine with excellent acceleration
• Interior layout is functional and comfortable
• Stylish exterior without being too eccentric

 Low lights:

• Fuel economy is a little disappointing
• Safety tech features are hidden away in options and packages
• Interior is unexciting

Much like the exterior, the inside of this XC60 R-Design is the same as it was before anyone began talking about Polestar. That’s far from a bad thing, though, as we’ve long been fans of the XC60’s unique, elegant and (for the most part) functional interior design. Those who’ve never experienced a Volvo interior will find the design refreshingly simple and the brand’s trademark floating center stack a unique touch. R-Design models are set apart with the addition of blue-ringed gauges; aluminum inserts in the doors, steering wheel and dash, and an attractive two-tone leather seating package with “R-Design” embossed in the seat backs. While we wouldn’t call the cabin warm and cozy, the modern design is attractive and communicates a sense of premium quality.

Not all is perfect inside the XC60, though. While the controls are as logically laid out as Einstein’s sock drawer, the navigation system is a difficult thing to operate. Lacking a touchscreen, inputs must be made via a single knob on the center console. As if that bottlenecked user interface weren’t enough, the knob that controls the nav system is placed on the far side of the center console (and at a glance looks nearly identical to the center console’s other three knobs), so any operation requires a reach from the driver. The system is still better than the old one that accepted inputs only from a remote control or hidden steering wheel nub, but as infotainment systems begin to weigh more in the decision to buy one vehicle over another, Volvo will find itself out of the running more often if it doesn’t begin offering the latest tech paired with a user-friendly interface.

Volvo is carrying forward the XC60’s current 240-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine (the sportier T6 models have a 325-horse 3.0-liter turbo six), and the crossover will get Volvo’s Corner Traction Control standard for the 2014 model year. The torque-vectoring system combats understeer by applying braking to the inner wheels while applying power to the outside wheels when accelerating out of a corner. Given our respect for the XC60—it acquitted itself well in a comparo conducted just after its launch, and we enjoyed a stint in the 2012 R-Design model—we won’t complain too loudly that the chassis was largely untouched. We would have loved to see Volvo tweak the steering for more feel, however.

Credits:

caranddriver.com, autoblog.com, digitaltrends.com.

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Lexus LFA successor based on LF-LC concept planned

Lexus LFA engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi hinted a new halo model is already in the works.

 

It was back in March when Lexus’ Vice President of Marketing Brian Smith said a production version of the LF-LC will be launched. Now, we heard from LFA engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi a new halo model to sit above the recently unveiled RC but more affordable than the LFA makes sense and he expects a LF-LC production model will come out.

 

Lexus’ international chief Mark Templin confirmed a halo sports car is planned, as well as several F-badged versions of current models. He expressed his intentions to launch “a whole level of real F products with a car like the LFA at the top of it.”

 

We remind you the red LF-LC was exhibited in January 2012 at NAIAS and several months later it showed up at AIMS with an Opal Blue scheme. Both concepts were powered by an Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system containing an Atkinson-cycle combustion engine and a high-energy battery pack which granted the 2+2 coupes a combined output of 500 bhp (372 kW).

 

Source : Wheels Dealers

New or used Car?

 Many car purchases start with one decision: New or used? It’s hard to remember a better time to buy either. There are plenty of good vehicles out there either way.

In the end, the decision to buy new or used boils down to what you can afford and what will give you peace of mind.

If you’re on a tight budget, then buying a used car gets you the most vehicle for the money. You can count on one hand the number of new cars that list for less than $12,000. For less than half the price of the average new car, you can buy a 3- or 4-year-old used vehicle that is larger and loaded with more features than a small, bare-bones new one. But buying a used vehicle has its own risks, which could cost you over the life of the vehicle. The fact is, you are buying a vehicle that someone else has owned and driven. You don’t know how it’s been driven or how well it’s been cared for. A used vehicle will almost certainly require maintenance and possibly expensive repairs sooner than a new one, and those repairs probably won’t be covered by a warranty.

The Case for Buying New

For some people, buying used isn’t an option; they want a brand-spanking-new car. They want to select the color and the features in it. There’s definitely a pride of ownership and peace of mind in being a vehicle’s first owner. Some other advantages include:

• Reduced maintenance expense: A new vehicle won’t need maintenance for the first several thousand miles, and then only an oil change and tuneup will be required. More manufacturers are covering the cost of those routine maintenance items. The new vehicle likely won’t need new tires, a battery, exhaust system or brakes during its first few years of ownership, or even longer.
• Warranty coverage: The manufacturer covers its new vehicles under warranty for at least three years, and some warranties last much longer. Under a manufacturer’s warranty, if something goes wrong with the car, it’s the responsibility of the dealer and manufacturer to fix it. Typically, these bumper-to-bumper warranties last from three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first — an important detail to note) to five years and 60,000 miles. In addition to comprehensive warranties, many automakers provide warranty coverage for powertrains. These often extend past the bumper-to-bumper warranties and are often valid for years longer. Some extend up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. It’s good to be aware of these powertrain warranties; if you buy a used car, what’s left of the warranty may (or may not) be fully transferable.
• Peace of mind: If you encounter problems with your new car, you have legal recourse through state lemon laws. If you can prove that your new car is a lemon (definitions differ), you could receive a replacement vehicle or get your money back. Lemon laws apply only to new cars. You also can find out if your vehicle was returned to the used-car market as a lemon by looking at the vehicle’s title or checking out a vehicle history report.
• Roadside assistance: In addition to a comprehensive warranty, virtually all mainstream new cars and light trucks come with some level of free roadside assistance while the vehicle remains under warranty. In addition, some automakers reimburse you or provide alternate transportation if you are stranded far from home.

The Case for Buying Used

If you’re not married to the idea of buying a new car, used vehicles have their own appeal:

• Improved reliability: Although used vehicles typically don’t carry the same warranties as new ones, the original factory warranty on a new car is often transferable to a second owner. Buyers of certified pre-owned cars from an authorized dealer can purchase a late-model used car and get the balance of the original warranty. Often, a manufacturer will offer a longer-term warranty for certified cars, or some buyers choose to add their own extended warranties. Of course, cars have been getting more reliable over the years, as consumers have demanded it.
• Just like new: Another trend that makes buying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz and has become a popular alternative for car buyers

Source: Wheels Dealers

Kizashi as a “very unlucky car”

Suzuki is describing the Kizashi as a “very unlucky car” which has slim chances of receiving a direct successor in the future.

 

The Japanese marque says Kizashi failed to be a success due to poor timing since the car was introduced to the market just before the global financial crisis which started affecting United States in 2009. At that moment there were a few debates about whether to launch the car or not and in the end they decided to start selling it since Suzuki “made a big investment to develop” the model.

If the model would have been a success, Suzuki’s plans were to release a V6-powered version along with a more practical wagon derivative. The company’s Australian managing director Masaaki Kato says a second generation model is unlikely to happen because it requires a lot of investments in exchange for what will probably be “too little return.”

One of Kizashi’s main problems is its extremely steep starting price (from 29,990 AUD in Australia) but that could be fixed sometime in the future by conducting a local restructure which could lower the mid-size sedan’s price tag, although Kato didn’t specify an exact figure. 

Source : Wheels Dealers

2014 Honda Civic hatchback WTCC

Honda has released on Facebook today a render of its 2014 Civic hatchback WTCC racer.

 

It was less than a week ago when Honda surprised us with the return of an estate car in WTCC with the Civic Tourer and now they are previewing its hatchback sibling set to compete in next year’s season. The vehicle will come with a few revisions to the wheel arch extensions and will have larger diameter wheels. In addition, the 2014 WTCC-spec Honda Civic hatchback will benefit from a more optimized aerodynamic kit which will include a larger rear spoiler.

Two works cars will compete within the JAS Motorsport team with Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro. There will also be private outfits such as Zengo Motorsport with Norbert Michelisz as driver and Proteam Racing with Mehdi Bennani behind the wheel.

 

Source:  Wheels Dealers

Toyota GT 86 Sedan rendered

It was only yesterday when rumors of a sedan GT 86 sedan emerged, and now we bring a render with the four-door version which is allegedly close to production series.

 

The artist behind these renders is Theophilus Chin who envisioned a red sedan GT 86 back in 2011 and now he updated his work with a black car which looks more appropriate for a production-ready model. If green-lighted for production, the four-door GT 86 will boast a 100mm extended wheelbase and could be shown in March next year at Geneva Motor Show.

 

 

The car will reportedly be offered as standard with the coupe’s 2.0-liter boxer engine but an optional hybrid arrangement derived from the Yaris Hybrid-R concept is also in the cards with up to 268 bhp (200 kW) and a KERS system similar to F1 cars.

 

A market launch is expected towards the end of 2015 while pricing should be in the same region as the coupe.

 

 

 

Source: Wheels Dealers

2014 Toyota Prius dips below 30,000 USD

Toyota has considerably reduced the price tag of the 2014 Prius, allowing the base model to cost less than 30,000 USD.

At the beginning of the year Nissan reduced Leaf’s price by 6,400 USD to 28,800 USD while in August Chevrolet announced a massive 5,000 USD price cut for the 2014 Volt which now starts at 34,995 USD. Toyota has decided to follow the trend and they have slashed 2,010 USD from the base Prius’ price tag which means the car can now be had from 29,990 USD.

For this money the 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In comes as standard with a long list of goodies such as heated cloth front seats, remote climate, unique ten-spoke alloys and three years of Roadside

Assistance through ToyotaCare.

The upper-spec Advanced version benefits from a more significant 4,620 USD price reduction so it can now be ordered from 34,905 USD. This version comes with additional goodies such as eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, head-up display, premium HDD navigation with Entune, SofTex heated front seats and Safety Connect.

The Prius Plug-In Advanced can be optionally configured with a Technology Package which comprises LED headlights and fog lights, pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control.

Production will commence this month, with the cars arriving in dealerships across United States as early as November. The car is eligible for a 2,500 USD federal tax credit and for an extra 1,500 USD rebate in California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

Source : Wheels Dealers

 

Nismo version due next year

Nissan GT-R’s new production chief Kinishi Tanuma told he wants to boost production rate of the super car.

 

He replaced Kazutoshi Mizuno (considered to be the “father of the GT-R”) who decided to step down as chief engineer of Godzilla. While rumors indicated the car would be axed, the truth is the exact opposite as Tanuma wants to produce more GT-Rs in the future.

 

 

However, it will be difficult since the engines are hand-built and it takes a significant amount of time to train an employee to be eligible for producing the V6 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine. Right now they have only four “master craftsmen” who know the “takumi” method, with another person being part of the training program.

Nissan managed to deliver 1,118 GT-Rs in the United States in 2012, while through September this year they sold 952 units. 2014 will be the year when Nissan will introduce the Nismo-tuned GT-R which will allegedly do 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in two seconds.

 

 

 

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Wheels Dealers