2012 Chevy Sonic Z-Spec Accessories: 2011 New York Auto Show Preview

So, yeah, the 2012 Chevy Sonic isn't exactly a tuner's main course. More like an hors d'ouevre. The Z-Spec accessories previewed here and on display at the 2011New York Auto Show hope to change that.

Odds are they won't, however, with the first two things touted in the announcement being "Color Out" accent packages and 40-mpg highway ratings. Not exactly thrilling performance upgrades, even when you equip the optional 138-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbo to the standard Sonic. The Z-Spec package wasfirst shown as a concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

Still, it could well prove a fun little hatch, if not quite hot, and with an upgraded look outside and interior improvements like aluminum sport pedals and sill plates, younger first-time car buyers will have an outlet for their self-expression while staying on a realistic budget.

The Z-Spec parts will be available for purchase individually through dealers, and can even be financed if installed through the dealership. Look for more details and live photos of the Z-Spec line from the show next week.-motorauthority.com

Accidentally Revealed: General Motors Releases Full Image of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Thanks to a slipup on General Motors’s media site, we have an official look at the 2013 ChevroletMalibu several days ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. This images shows the 2013 Malibu fully undisguised — and has since been removed from GM’s site.

What the image reveals is a smart, smoother nose than on the current Malibu, with lines and curves inspired by new Chevrolet vehicles like the Cruze and Equinox. The car wears chrome accent trim, large wheels, and a hood bearing muscular strake lines. Previous teaser photosshowed that the car’s trunk will don square, Camaro-esque taillights; the interior will sport a redesigned center stack and a flip-out touchscreen infotainment system. Overall, the design is sharper than the current car.

Chevy says it will sell the car in 100 different countries with minimal changes, and the powertrain options are headlined by four-cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions. Although originally slated to launch in mid-2012, it’s now believed the Malibu will enter production in January 2012and hit dealerships that March.-wot.motortrend.com

Lotus Cars Limited Signs a Syndicated Financing Facility With Six Financial Institutions

The six financial institutions acting as lenders are CIMB Bank, Malayan Banking Berhad, Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad, Affin Bank Berhad and EON Bank Berhad.

The agreement was signed by Group Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar on behalf of Lotus Cars Limited at a signing ceremony held at the Proton Centre of Excellence Complex in Shah Alam.

Dato’ Sri Nazir Tun Razak, Group Chief Executive of CIMB Group, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maybank, Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Jailani Syed Kechik, Chief Executive Officer and Director of OCBC; Encik Adissadikin Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EXIM Bank, Dato’ Zulkiflee Abbas Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of Affin Bank and Mr Peter TC Chow, Head of Group Business & Investment Banking and Principal Officer of EON Bank - signed on behalf of their respective banks.


The loan syndication forms part of the funding required to execute the five year business plan. With the closing of the syndication exercise, the external portion of the funding is now in place and, together with other financial resources, this step means that Lotus has successfully raised the required funding to realise the future plans.

Group Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar said: “On behalf of Group Lotus, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to CIMB Group, Malayan Banking Berhad, Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad, Affin Bank Berhad and EON Bank Berhad for their support and, above all, confidence in our future plans.”

“With the help of this external financing, we look forward to introducing our exciting new models to the world which will complement our current product range. I am confident that the execution of our business plan will mark the return of the iconic Lotus brand into the elite ranks of the world's premium sportscar manufacturers and generate greater profitability and long-term financial sustainability for the company and its stakeholders”

“I would like to thank our shareholders PROTON for the unwavering support and confidence in Lotus. I believe Lotus has a lot to offer to PROTON moving forward. As the future plans bear fruit, I am confident that PROTON will benefit in terms of branding, product development, and sales and marketing."-proton.com

Proton raises $440 mn for Lotus turnaround

Proton Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the loan will be provided by six banks led by Malaysia's CIMB Bank.

"The �270 million will primarily be used for product development," he told reporters, adding that "part of the loan will be used to upgrade the Lotus facilities in Norfolk" in England.

Under the five-year plant Group Lotus -- which Proton took control of in 1996 -- aims to almost boost production to 8,000 cars a year after 2013 by launching five new models.

The other lenders are top bank Maybank, Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation, Export-Import Bank of Malaysia, Affin Bank and EON Bank.

Proton in June unveiled the five-year transformation blueprint for Lotus, including a new management team and plans to launch new models and boost production.

Group Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar said with the new financing, the sports car maker will be able to introduce much needed new models to bolster sales.

The firm unveiled five new models in September -- Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise and Eterne.

Bahar said the new Esprit was expected to be rolled out in March 2013 and hopes it will help Lotus break even in 2014.

He added that Lotus currently sells at least 3,000 units a year with two models.

Proton bought a controlling stake in the British sports and racing car maker in October 1996, but it has remained debt-ridden since then, although the Malaysian firm last year said it was committed to turning it around by 2015.

In a previous bid to restructure Lotus in 2007, Proton waived debts of up to �16.5 million (racked by up the British subsidiary under a recapitalisation exercise.-news.malaysia.msn.com

Spyshot : Honda Civic in Germany

The prototype snapped here came in with a similar wheelbase but slightly wider track compared to the current car, so we reckon overall dimensions won’t differ much from today’s model. The first test car was completely disguised up to the car’s waistline and made the photographer talk about a “design-free” car, but these shots give us a better impression of the new Civic’s front grille, the handles of the rear side doors and the entire roof line as well as the greenhouse.Hybrid
Power will continue to come from four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units delivering between 80 and 140 hp. The current 1.3-litre, 115-hp hybrid motor will be carried over for the new model as well. We expect the new model to arrive in late 2011 or spring 2012.-secretnewcars.com

Citroen DS5 Teased For Shanghai Debut

Citroen released the first teaser shot of the new DS5, confirming its world debut at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.

The event will be broadcast live on 18 April at 10.30 am Paris time on Citroen’s Facebook page, so if you can’t make it to Shanghai you still have a chance to see the birth of a new insanely awesome Citroen.

In line with other DS series, the DS5 will offer bold and crazy styling with a certain charm that you just don’t get anywhere else. Describing its features Citroen says: “DS5 perfectly expresses the DS spirit, namely bold choices on styling, architecture, sensations and refinement, while implementing the best in Citroen technology.” We can’t wait to catch the first glimpse of the car and we sure can’t wait for the DS6!-motorward.com

Peugeot SXC Concept

The Peugeot SXC Concept is a vehicle with a strong, asserted character, its style expressing strength and power, without ostentation, through lines both simple and refined, elegant and fluid, which subtly emphasise the athletic, even muscular, character of the vehicle. Each detail is precisely sculpted on a body of impressive size (with a length of 4.870 m, a height of 1.610 m and a width of 2.035 m).

At the front, the Peugeot SXC Concept bears the 'stylistic codes' of Peugeot. The theme of the unique "floating" grille, which appears to be independent from the bodywork, fits harmoniously with its stature. The feline headlamps, precisely chiselled, give it a piercing gaze echoing the Marque's emblem, the lion, proudly affixed on the front of the bonnet. This gaze is emphasised by a luminous LED signature, recognisable both by day and night. This visual signature returns with the rear lamps, the boomerang shape of which accompanies the movement of the rear, which has been designed with particular care.

Other "High Tech" details have been studied with great attention, in the same way as the tapered mirrors housing rear view cameras.

The roof bars, of very original design, the border of the side glazed surface,… numerous components are made of brushed aluminium, a light material, dignified and upmarket, which subtly enhances the exclusive nature of the vehicle.

Its wheel rims, of generous dimensions (22"), the design of which suggests refinement and strength, also contribute to the general balance of the vehicle.

Finally, the very protective style of the vehicle, its generous volumes, it two-part panoramic roof, its accessibility through reverse-hinged doors, … promise a particularly vast passenger compartment in which each of its 4 passengers will benefit from all the attention they desire.

Driving sensations

One of Peugeot's priorities is to continue its environmental leadership in the years to come. This concept car incorporates the HYbrid4 technology: with an internal combustion engine at the front (which drives the front wheels) and an electric motor at the rear (driving the rear wheels), this technology permits all 4 wheels to be driving wheels when the engine and motor are operating at the same time, benefiting safety and grip in extreme conditions. It also permits driving, at low speeds, in "zero emissions" mode with the electric motor only.

Under the bonnet, the internal combustion engine is a 1.6 l THP delivering 160 kW (218 bhp): continuing its downsizing strategy, the PSA Group uses the most advanced technology to manufacture small capacity engines combining a high level of performance and environmental efficiency.

Coupled with an electric motor of 70 kW (95 bhp), the combined potential is 230 kW (313 bhp) with a combined fuel consumption of only 5.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 143 g/km.

The efficiency of this drive train, coupled with the acknowledged expertise of the Marque in terms of road holding, allows the Peugeot SXC Concept to combine the emotion of real driving pleasure with the pursuit of excellence for a high level of environmental efficiency… promising its driver a unique driving experience.-netcarshow.com

TECHNICAL DATA

• DIMENSIONS
  • Overall length: 4870 mm
  • Overall body width: 2035 mm
  • Overall height - full tanks: 1610 mm
  • Wheelbase: 3000 mm
  • Front / Rear overhang: 955 / 915 mm
  • Front / Rear track: 1780 / 1820 mm
• TYRES
  • Type: Michelin
  • Dimensions: 255/40 R22
• ENGINES
  • 1.6 litre THP (front)
    • Capacity: 1598 cm3
    • Maximum power: 160 kW (218 bhp)
    • Maximum torque: 280 Nm; 300 Nm with overboost
  • Electric Motor (rear)
    • Type: Synchronous with permanent magnets
    • Continuous power: 40 kW (54 bhp)
    • Max boost: 70 kW (95 bhp)
    • Continuous torque: 102 Nm
    • Max torque boost: 178 Nm
  • THP + electric motor
    • Maximum power: 230 kW (313 bhp)
• GEARBOX
  • 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox
• FUEL CONSUMPTION
  • Combined consumption: 5,8 l/100 km
  • CO2: 143 g/km
  • ZEV (zero Emission Vehicle)
    • Fuel consumption: 0 l/100 km
    • CO2: 0 g/km
    • Max range at constant speed: 12.5 km

2013 Chevrolet Malibu gets China debut, then U.S.

You might think of Chevrolet as the quintessential American brand -- Hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet and all that -- but China is perhaps more important to Chevy's parent company General Motors.

So, GM will unveil the 2013 Chevy Malibu mid-size sedan Monday at the Shanghai auto show. A couple days later, it'll be feted at the New York show. While the U.S. and China will be key markets, Chevy expects to sell Malibu in 100 countries. It goes on sale in the U.S. early next year as Chevy's warrior against Honda Accord,

The New York unveiling is Wednesday, and we'll post what happens there as fast as our fingers can fly, so keep watch on Drive On.-content.usatoday.com

Scion Teases FT-86 II Concept RWD Coupe Prior to NY Show Debut

Toyota has been teasing us with its upcoming compact rear-wheel drive sports car since the original FT-86 concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, which was followed up by the FT-86 G Sports study a year later at the same show, and more recently, by the almost production-readyFT-86 II concept in Geneva. Now it’s time to get our first glimpse of the North American version of the FT-86 that will be marketed under the Scion brand.

Even though the Japanese firm’s North American subsidiary only makes word of a new Scion Concept to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show on April 20, 2011, without giving any further details, the car shadowed in the teaser video below leaves few doubts that the model in question is the FT-86.

The actual production version of the rear-wheel drive sports coupe that will be powered by a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter boxer engine linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, is expected to go on sale in late 2012.-carscoop.blogspot.com

Imran Othman's Proton 2020: A beauty bound to make jaws drop

What looks like a tiger and has all the swiftness and wildness intact like the royal animal? It’s a car named Proton 2020 that has been designed by Imran Othman in an interesting manner. The design of this car derives heavy inspiration from the Lotus Design. Proton 2020 is a sports car, which is about to challenge all coupes in this category.

The car’s silhouette will make you drool and drop like a dead rock. Its sexy features and curvy shape will robotically pull you towards it. Such styling is characteristic of Lotus designs but it now belongs to Proton. The oh-so-appealing design of Lotus and aerodynamic of a car have been skilfully kept intact.

The car has been fashioned to look like a tiger, which is Proton’s symbol, without touching the unique Lotus styling. The futuristic vehicle will be LPG powered and will be a tiger on wheels once it hits the road. The facade is chic, sleek and wicked.

Just like the exterior even the interiors don’t fail to leave an impression. They have been styled in a sexy yet elegant manner. The inside comes swathed with luxury and comfort hence, making sure you taste extravagance. Proton 2020 has all, that will make anyone who owns it feel nothing less than royal.-automotto.com

Audi Q3 made Officially Official ahead of Shanghai Motor Show

Audi is apparently done teasing us with rendering after rendering of its new Q3 crossover. Instead, the German automaker has gone ahead and let the cat completely out of the bag ahead of the cute 'ute's official unveiling at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show.

As you're likely already aware, the Q3 is Audi's take on how to make a Volkswagen Tiguan into an entry-level luxury model. Naturally, that means entirely new sheetmetal with Audi's well-known gaping grille along with LED lighting all around and a steeply sloping rear hatch. Add it all up and Audi says you get an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.32.

That shapely rear hatch means there are a few concessions inside. There's 16.24 cubic feet of storage capacity with the rear seats in place, and 48.2 with them folded down. The Tiguan, by way of comparison, offers 18.6 and 56.1, respectively, and even that is about 25 percent smaller than a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Judging by the shape of the hind quarters, large and bulky items may be a bit tough to fit inside as well.

You won't be asked to skimp on options, though. Adaptive light technology that points the way forward, electronic parking assistance and Audi's hard drive-based MMI infotainment and navigation system will all be available at launch, and an option to turn the Q3 into a wireless hotspot will come in the near future.

Two gasoline and one diesel engine, all with direct injection, will be offered at launch, offering between 140 and 211 horsepower. The two most powerful engines will be mated to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. A 170-horsepower gasoline engine will also be offered with front-wheel drive. We'll have to play a game of wait-and-see to find out which of these powertrains make their way Stateside.

Base price in Germany for the 2012 Audi Q3 will be 29,900 euros when it goes on sale in June. For those keeping track, that's about $43,000 at the current exchange rate, though we wouldn't go by that figure when estimating its cost when it eventually hits the U.S. Want to know more? Find all the details in the exhaustive press blast after the break.-autoblog.com

Early reveal of LF-Gh previews Lexus' future

Illustrating the future of Lexus' design language, the LF-Gh concept debuts a week before its scheduled unveiling at the 2011 New York auto show.

(Credit: Lexus)

Lexus gave us a peak at the headlights and taillamps of its upcoming LF-Gh concept last week. The automaker must not have been satisfied with the underwhelmed response from the public and automotive press, because this week it has released more photos showing off the rest of the concept hybrid sedan.

Out back, we can see how the wrap-around taillamps work out on the tail end. Up front the changes from Lexus' current design language are more drastic. The headlamps now appear to be LED-based and feature L-shaped LED daytime running lamps--we expect at least the latter to make it to production vehicles within the next product cycle. Below the headlamps are vertically stacked LED fog lights recessed deeply into aggressively sculpted air inlets. In the center of all of this lighting sits the LF-Gh's spindle-shaped grille, which aggressively juts forward and outward, almost as thoeviews.cnet.comugh the car's metallic skin is being peeled backward. It's a bit odd-looking from certain angles, but overall it's an interesting take on the gaping maw look that sport sedan manufacturers have been gravitating toward for some time now.Between the A and C pillars, the LF-Gh isn't packing any surprises for anyone who's familiar with Lexus' current LS and GS offerings. However, at the front and rear ends things start to get interesting.

No drivetrain or cabin tech details have been revealed yet--aside from the fact that the car is a hybrid. It would seem that this is mostly a styling exercise, but we're hoping to learn more next week when the LF-Gh concept debuts in the sheet metal at the 2011 New York auto show.-reviews.cnet.com

BMW to show first U.S. bound 4-cylinder turbo model at NY Auto Show

BMW 2.0L 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo

At the 2011 New York Auto Show next week, BMW’s Joe Wierda, Product Manager, will debut and provide a in-depth look at the company’s new TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine.

Wierda will discuss the technical highlights which enables this all new engine to combine the performance of a normally-aspirated 6 cylinder with the efficiency of a 4-cylinder.

BMW will present the new engine along with the first BMW model to receive the engine in the United States this fall.

The new TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder has already made its debut in Europe in the 2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i. The 2.0L 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo with high-pressure direct-injection and BMW’s VALVETRONIC intake control produces 240-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than BMW’s naturally aspirated 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine.-egmcartech.com

Audi S5 facelift spied

It's lights, camera, action for the new S5! These are the first spy shots of the facelifted coupe, undergoing high-speed testing at the Nurburgring.

The only visual changes have been applied at the rear, where the lamp clusters have been replaces with units similar to the A7 Sportback. The front end, with its deep front spoiler and chrome-rimmed fog lights remains unchaged. The same upgrades will be applied to the standard car, Cabriolet and Sportback models too.

Although it's impossible to tell from these pictures, our sources have revealed that the refreshed S5 will join the S5 Cabriolet by swapping its 349bhp 4.2-litre V8 for a 328bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6. Although it's a drop in horsepower, the V6 matches the V8 with 440Nm of torque, so should deliver similar performance.-autoexpress.co.uk

Rolls Royce prepping MINI based Roller for Shanghai Auto Show

Aston Martin are preparing their Cygnet for a Chinese launch later this year, rumor has it that the Cygnet will be priced from 200,000rmb to 300,000rmb when launched in China making it a highly affordable Aston Martin indeed, but Rolls Royce have come back with their own mini car based on BMW’s MINI. On the outside it appears that the MINI has remained a MINI but the inside is most certainly seen the work of Rolls Royce’s interior decorators.

The Rolls-Bini will be having its premier at the Shanghai Auto Show next week, its seems that Rolls-Royce are aiming to leverage the ‘Royce name in Asia on smaller less expensive models in a bid to boost sales in rapidly expanding economies.-chinacartimes.com

Garmin Forerunner GPS watch gets a touchscreen (video)

Garmin has just announced the launch of a new GPS watch – the Forerunner 610, and it sports a touchscreen. Since it’s meant to be taken outdoors for serious running it won’t be just any touchscreen but a waterproof one. It is also responsive enough so that it can be operated with running gloves on. With features such as a pace, distance and time meter, a heart rate monitor, and the ability to race with friends who aren’t even in the same country, the Forerunner 610 is designed for the serious runner. It even packs a vibration motor to keep you updated about your heart rate, pace and distance – especially useful when you’re running in a noisy area or you have your own music playing through earphones. No word about when we’ll see it in stores or how much it costs but there’s a video demo after the break.-ubergizmo.com

Richard Branson jadi pramugari AirAsia 1 Mei

Bayangkan seorang lelaki yang terkenal dalam dunia korporat antarabangsa menjadi pramugari ekoran kalah dalam pertaruhan.

Lebih menarik lagi, lelaki itu, pemilik syarikat penerbangan Virgin, Richard Branson akan menjadi pramugari untuk syarikat penerbangan tambang murah tempatan, AirAsia selama lebih kurang 13 jam.

Branson bersetuju memakai pakaian seragam pramugari, skirt dan blazer merah melayani kerenah penumpang dalam penerbangan khas dari Lapangan Terbang Stansted di London ke Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah di Sepang pada 1 Mei depan.

Beliau terpaksa berbuat demikian ekoran kekalahannya dalam pertaruhan dengan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AirAsia Bhd., Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes dalam perlumbaan Formula 1 (F1) musim lalu.

Dalam pertaruhan tersebut, beliau yang juga pemilik pasukan Virgin dan Fernandes selaku Prinsipal Team Lotus bersedia untuk menjadi pramugari jika pasukan mereka tewas dalam perlumbaan tersebut.

Selepas perlumbaan F1 2010 menutup tirai penghujung tahun lalu, Team Lotus berjaya mengatasi pasukan Virgin.

Orang ramai yang berminat untuk merasai pengalaman istimewa dilayan oleh tokoh penerbangan terkenal tersebut boleh membuat tempahan tiket sekarang.

Penerbangan tersebut dijadualkan berlepas pada pukul petang 4 petang dari lapangan terbang di London itu dan dijangka tiba di Kuala Lumpur pada pukul 12 tengahari keesokan hari.

Kesemua wang yang diraih hasil penjualan tiket penerbangan khas tersebut akan digunakan untuk tujuan amal.-utusan.com.my

Audi prepares topless R8 GT

With production of the high-performance R8 GT getting underway, Audi is preparing a convertible version of the car.

The German automaker released sketches of the R8 GT Spyder on Monday. A full debut is likely at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The R8 GT Spyder will likely use the same all-wheel-drive powertrain as its coupe counterpart--a 5.2-liter V10 rated at 560 hp.

Production of the R8 GT is being limited to 333 copies and Audi will likely do the same with the Spyder. The coupe has a sticker price of $198,050 in the United States.-autoweek.com

Chevy Volt will text you when it needs a recharge

"Hello Gillian, this is your car calling. You forgot to plug me in."

It's General Motors' answer for those of us who can't even remember to plug in our cellphones: An electric car that texts or emails a gentle reminder if you walk away and forget to plug it in.

On display at the Vancouver Auto Show this week, the Chevy Volt — an electric/gas hybrid that can run up to 80 km on its electric charge before the gas engine kicks in — was the subject of a demo of GM's mobile app Onstar MyLink.

(For the record, the car didn't actually write to me; that would have cost $41,000 US before a $7,500 rebate and then only if I bought the car in the U.S. since the Volt doesn't get to Canada until the third quarter of this year.)

While the application, which works on Apple's iPhone and iPads, as well as Android smartphones and tablet computers, keeps track of the electric components of the Volt, it also works on GM's more conventional cars.

Sitting at the breakfast table reading your newspaper on your iPad, you can flick over to your car's app to get it warmed up.

You can check your gas, check battery levels and other diagnostic information and my personal favourite — check that you locked the doors when you left the car. No more standing in line wondering.

Just pull out your smartphone or tablet and it will tell you. If you've forgotten, tap the touch screen and your doors are locked by remote control.

The MyLink app launched in the United States last fall and it's now available in Canada on many 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles. The app is free.

Pricing for the Volt, according to Matt Crossley, GM Canada's director of Canadian programs, will be released sometime this summer, just before the car goes on sale.

While the Volt typically could take about a dollar's worth of electricity to charge overnight, you could buy a lot of gas for the roughly $20,000 difference between a regular gas compact car and its $41,000 US electric counterpart.

"Is it worth it?' I asked Crossley.

Sitting in the car with an instrument screen that's a cross between a power plant and an entertainment centre, he said, "the whole idea behind the Volt is it's an extended-range electric vehicle" that will run up to 80 kilometres on electricity only.

"So unlike a hybrid where the gas engine is going to kick in, this won't happen until the battery is depleted.

"If you're in Vancouver you could typically do most of your daily driving electric only, then let's say you want to go to Whistler every couple of weekends," said Crossley.

"No problem you'll do the first 65 kilometres on electricity, then the gas engine will kick in to provide enough electricity to keep you going and you'll be up and back."-ottawacitizen.com