Tag: official

Official: Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LF-NX

Compact luxury crossovers are becoming big business for upscale automakers. Mercedes is slotting the new GLA beneath the GLK, BMW has the X1 below the X3, Audi has downsized from the Q5 to the Q3, and Lexus is keen to get in on the game. And to that end, Toyota’s luxury division is coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show this year with the concept crossover you see here.

Previewed a couple of weeks ago with an enigmatic teaser, the LF-NX concept, in the company’s own words, “explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.” The latest adaptation of the “L-finesse” design language could be the sharpest and most stylistically Japanese we’ve seen yet, with the sharp creases of the signature spindle grille repeated all around for a razor-sharp look. Lexus only released one shot of the cabin, but it looks as sharp as the exterior and, while clearly stylized, looks essentially more production-ready than most show cars.

Lexus hasn’t revealed much about the powertrain, saying only that it incorporates “a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.” Whether it actually has an engine that Lexus will detail at the show remains to be seen, but you can delve into the press release below for more and scope out the five images released thus far in the gallery above for a closer look.

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Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LF-NX

Compact luxury crossovers are becoming big business for upscale automakers. Mercedes is slotting the new GLA beneath the GLK, BMW has the X1 below the X3, Audi has downsized from the Q5 to the Q3, and Lexus is keen to get in on the game. And to that end, Toyota’s luxury division is coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show this year with the concept crossover you see here.

Previewed a couple of weeks ago with an enigmatic teaser, the LF-NX concept, in the company’s own words, “explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.” The latest adaptation of the “L-finesse” design language could be the sharpest and most stylistically Japanese we’ve seen yet, with the sharp creases of the signature spindle grille repeated all around for a razor-sharp look. Lexus only released one shot of the cabin, but it looks as sharp as the exterior and, while clearly stylized, looks essentially more production-ready than most show cars.

Lexus hasn’t revealed much about the powertrain, saying only that it incorporates “a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.” Whether it actually has an engine that Lexus will detail at the show remains to be seen, but you can delve into the press release below for more and scope out the five images released thus far in the gallery above for a closer look.

Continue reading Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt

Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept

Toyota has been known to make some exciting cars over the years, but its hybrids, well… let’s just say a Prius appeals to a different kind of buyer. The TS030 Hybrid LMP1, on the other hand, now that’s more our speed. And at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, the Japanese industrial giant will bridge the gap with the concept car you see here. Previewed in bits and pieces along the way, Toyota has now revealed the full details and array of photos of its new Yaris Hybrid-R concept. And what the full picture reveals is a Prius C that’s gone to the gym – or more appropriately, the track.

Powering this little pocket rocket is TMG’s Global Racing Engine: a 1.6-liter inline-four with direct injection and a Garett turbocharger to drive 300 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. A pair of electric motors provide an extra 60 hp to each of the rear wheels for a combined output of 420 hp and through-the-road all-wheel drive. A third 60hp electric motor serves as traction control under acceleration and acts as a generator under braking to feed the TS030-derived super capacitor that boasts a higher power density and faster charge/discharge speed than a traditional battery. The system can provide a 40-horse boost for ten seconds in Road mode, or the full 120hp for five seconds in Track mode.

Though based on the three-door Yaris, there’d be no mistaking this for any ordinary econo-hatch. 18-inch TRD alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires pack the wheel wells and a wider grille dominates the front fascia, while black and blue trim contrast sharply with the white bodywork. The rear pillar incorporates a quick-fill competition-spec fuel cap, LED daytime running lights illuminate the way and oversized brakes keep it all under control. The interior boasts Recaro racing buckets in black leather and blue Alcantara. There’s more to digest in the press release below, but the bottom line is that if this is where Toyota is taking its hybrids, we want to climb into the driver’s seat, and we’re looking forward to seeing the concept in the flesh next week.

Continue reading Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept

Toyota has been known to make some exciting cars over the years, but its hybrids, well… let’s just say a Prius appeals to a different kind of buyer. The TS030 Hybrid LMP1, on the other hand, now that’s more our speed. And at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, the Japanese industrial giant will bridge the gap with the concept car you see here. Previewed in bits and pieces along the way, Toyota has now revealed the full details and array of photos of its new Yaris Hybrid-R concept. And what the full picture reveals is a Prius C that’s gone to the gym – or more appropriately, the track.

Powering this little pocket rocket is TMG’s Global Racing Engine: a 1.6-liter inline-four with direct injection and a Garett turbocharger to drive 300 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. A pair of electric motors provide an extra 60 hp to each of the rear wheels for a combined output of 420 hp and through-the-road all-wheel drive. A third 60hp electric motor serves as traction control under acceleration and acts as a generator under braking to feed the TS030-derived super capacitor that boasts a higher power density and faster charge/discharge speed than a traditional battery. The system can provide a 40-horse boost for ten seconds in Road mode, or the full 120hp for five seconds in Track mode.

Though based on the three-door Yaris, there’d be no mistaking this for any ordinary econo-hatch. 18-inch TRD alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires pack the wheel wells and a wider grille dominates the front fascia, while black and blue trim contrast sharply with the white bodywork. The rear pillar incorporates a quick-fill competition-spec fuel cap, LED daytime running lights illuminate the way and oversized brakes keep it all under control. The interior boasts Recaro racing buckets in black leather and blue Alcantara. There’s more to digest in the press release below, but the bottom line is that if this is where Toyota is taking its hybrids, we want to climb into the driver’s seat, and we’re looking forward to seeing the concept in the flesh next week.

Continue reading Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has seen fit to release an additional 21 images of the 296-horsepower, all-wheel-drive 2014 Golf R. Our crack team covered the monstrous little hatchback ahead of its debut at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but know that a brand new gallery of the thing couldn’t hurt, either.

As a recap, power comes from a massaged 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed stick dispatches the power to a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The suspension has been adjusted for improved handling while the aesthetics are suitably brawny for the GTI’s bigger, meaner brother.

Take a look in the updated gallery above to see all the new images of the 2014 Golf R.

Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has seen fit to release an additional 21 images of the 296-horsepower, all-wheel-drive 2014 Golf R. Our crack team covered the monstrous little hatchback ahead of its debut at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but know that a brand new gallery of the thing couldn’t hurt, either.

As a recap, power comes from a massaged 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed stick dispatches the power to a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The suspension has been adjusted for improved handling while the aesthetics are suitably brawny for the GTI’s bigger, meaner brother.

Take a look in the updated gallery above to see all the new images of the 2014 Golf R.

Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Audi, Design/Style

Audi has pulled the official wraps off its new Sport Quattro Concept, which will be debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The automaker is understandably keen to draw inspiration from its classic Quattro line of automobiles, specifically the original Ur-Quattro from 1980 and the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro that took part in rally racing and set a record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1987. A massive dose of modernity comes courtesy of its 700-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.

There is a clear link in the styling of the Sport Quattro Concept to Quattro coupes of the past, from the large flat surfaces that make up its C pillars to the blisters over the fenders and the basic headlamp shape (equipped as they are with Audi’s Matrix LED technology). Pay special attention to the car’s grille, which introduces a slightly new design language that is expected to be seen in the next generation of Audi’s mainstream production models.

The interior of the Sport Quattro Concept is a refreshing departure from Audi’s admittedly attractive and useable design, with sharp lines and lots of visible carbon fiber. There are seats for four occupants inside, along with a comparatively generous cargo area measuring 10.59 cubic feet.

Underhood sits a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to all four wheels with assistance from a disk-shaped electric motor and liquid-cooled, 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Power comes in at 700 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and, of course, it’s sent to all four wheels. According to Audi, the Sport Quattro Concept can travel over 30 miles on electricity alone, and it can accelerate to 62 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph.

Check out the Audi Sport Quattro Concept in our high-res gallery above, and read all about it in the press release below.

Continue reading Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt

Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Audi, Design/Style

Audi has pulled the official wraps off its new Sport Quattro Concept, which will be debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The automaker is understandably keen to draw inspiration from its classic Quattro line of automobiles, specifically the original Ur-Quattro from 1980 and the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro that took part in rally racing and set a record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1987. A massive dose of modernity comes courtesy of its 700-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.

There is a clear link in the styling of the Sport Quattro Concept to Quattro coupes of the past, from the large flat surfaces that make up its C pillars to the blisters over the fenders and the basic headlamp shape (equipped as they are with Audi’s Matrix LED technology). Pay special attention to the car’s grille, which introduces a slightly new design language that is expected to be seen in the next generation of Audi’s mainstream production models.

The interior of the Sport Quattro Concept is a refreshing departure from Audi’s admittedly attractive and useable design, with sharp lines and lots of visible carbon fiber. There are seats for four occupants inside, along with a comparatively generous cargo area measuring 10.59 cubic feet.

Underhood sits a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to all four wheels with assistance from a disk-shaped electric motor and liquid-cooled, 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Power comes in at 700 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and, of course, it’s sent to all four wheels. According to Audi, the Sport Quattro Concept can travel over 30 miles on electricity alone, and it can accelerate to 62 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph.

Check out the Audi Sport Quattro Concept in our high-res gallery above, and read all about it in the press release below.

Continue reading Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt

Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Porsche, Diesel

Porsche Panamera Diesel

Diesel may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Porsche, but in the European market – that vital one which Porsche calls home – diesels are indispensable. Particularly when you’re trying to extend beyond niche sports cars and into the mainstream luxury sedan market as Zuffenhausen has with the Panamera. In fact, diesels account for 15 percent of Panamera sales worldwide (even though they’re not offered Stateside), so to keep oil-burning customers happy, Porsche has announced a series of upgrades.

Set to be unveiled in the flesh at the fast-approaching Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Panamera Diesel packs 300 horsepower. That’s 50 hp (or 20 percent) more than the model it replaces, significantly dropping the 0-62 sprint from 6.8 seconds to 6 flat, and raising top speed from 152 miles per Autobahn-crunching hour to 161. While they were at it, Porsche’s engineers also fitted the rear differential with torque vectoring (previously reserved for gasoline-burning models) and retuned the transmission and suspension.

You can delve into the press release below for all the details – including the new model’s improved towing capacity! – but the reality, for better or worse, is that the Panamera Diesel isn’t offered here. So if you’ve been celebrating Labor Day (or even Labour Day, for our friends to the north) like we have, don’t go looking for it at your local dealer, who will have only a Cayenne Diesel to show you instead.

Continue reading Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt

Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Porsche, Diesel

Porsche Panamera Diesel

Diesel may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Porsche, but in the European market – that vital one which Porsche calls home – diesels are indispensable. Particularly when you’re trying to extend beyond niche sports cars and into the mainstream luxury sedan market as Zuffenhausen has with the Panamera. In fact, diesels account for 15 percent of Panamera sales worldwide (even though they’re not offered Stateside), so to keep oil-burning customers happy, Porsche has announced a series of upgrades.

Set to be unveiled in the flesh at the fast-approaching Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Panamera Diesel packs 300 horsepower. That’s 50 hp (or 20 percent) more than the model it replaces, significantly dropping the 0-62 sprint from 6.8 seconds to 6 flat, and raising top speed from 152 miles per Autobahn-crunching hour to 161. While they were at it, Porsche’s engineers also fitted the rear differential with torque vectoring (previously reserved for gasoline-burning models) and retuned the transmission and suspension.

You can delve into the press release below for all the details – including the new model’s improved towing capacity! – but the reality, for better or worse, is that the Panamera Diesel isn’t offered here. So if you’ve been celebrating Labor Day (or even Labour Day, for our friends to the north) like we have, don’t go looking for it at your local dealer, who will have only a Cayenne Diesel to show you instead.

Continue reading Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt

Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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