Future Bentleys to be built on Porsche platforms

By Scott BurgessRSS feed

Posted Sep 7th 2012 9:31AM

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Luxury, meet performance. Opulence, meet frugality.

That's apparently the plan between two of Volkswagen Group's more posh brands, Bentley and Porsche, as they explore ways to stretch Euros and provide a little commonality between the two distinct brands.

According to Autocar, Bentley will begin using the Porsche Panamera platform for its future vehicles, providing a much better base for rear- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Additionally, Bentley will phase out its 6.75-liter V8 in 2013, likely replacing it with a V12. It may be a wise consolidation, and no one should ever complain when eight cylinders are replaced with 12, but we'll miss that magnificently brutal V8.

The news only confirms what many believed might happen as far back as 2010, when it was rumored that Bentley and Porsche were collaborating on how to best use the Panamera platform.

Audi releases special edition S5 on Facebook

By Noah JosephRSS feed

Posted Jan 18th 2012 2:30PM

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Facebook has rapidly emerged as one of the most visited websites on the internet. So it only makes sense that automakers would launch their new cars there, right?

Audi evidently thinks so. And so it has launched a new special edition U.S. model of its sexy S5 coupe on the popular social media site. The model is characterized by a unique shade of dark silver, special five-spoke wheels, a two-tone white and black leather interior, and of course, special badging.

Only 125 examples will be offered, though specific pricing parameters have not been immediately revealed.

Audi spells out A3 e-tron pilot project in Colorado

By Danny KingRSS feed

Posted Jun 3rd 2012 3:50PM

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Pikes Peak Challenge, this is not.

Audi has posted a video detailing its so-called e-tron pilot project, in which a handful of drivers get to test the battery-electric version of the A3 hatchback. The two-minute video shows the test-drivers – based in Golden, CO – testing the car along mountain roads and talking about their reasons for signing up for the project. And let's just say the driving pace is all rather leisurely.

Still, Audi is making good on its latest test project. The German automaker said in February that it would launch a test fleet of electric A3s in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver and Washington, D.C., later this year, though didn't say how many would be deployed. The A3 e-tron has a single-charge range of about 90 miles as well as an electric motor that provides about 130 horsepower. Check out the video below.

Aston Martin rolls out Dragon 88 special editions in Beijing

By Noah JosephRSS feed

Posted Apr 24th 2012 1:29PM

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Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Land Rover all unveiled new special editions at the Beijing Motor Show, and Aston Martin wouldn't miss the opportunity to join in their company. Hence the Dragon 88 Limited Edition.

A special trim level available on the DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S, the Dragon 88 range is outfitted at the hands of the Q by Aston Martin division that tricked out the matte-violet Virage we saw inGeneva. The Dragon 88 celebrates the Year of the Dragon with such special touches as 24-carat gold badges, embroidered headrests, special interior trim, commemorative sill plates and a choice of three unique exterior colors.

As the name implies, only 88 examples will be offered, exclusively in China, at an as-yet undisclosed price. Since your chances of ever seeing one up close, then, remains rather slim, the high-res image gallery above (joined by the press release after the jump) is probably your best shot.

Honda recalls 172,200 CR-V and Acura ILX models over bum door latches

By John NeffRSS feed

Posted Jul 19th 2012 11:30AM

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Ford isn't the only one having recall trouble with its crossovers this week. Honda has just announced a voluntary recall for its2012 CR-V, as well as the 2013 Acura ILX, to correct an issue with their front door latches. According to Honda, operating the front driver or passenger inner door handle and the door locks simultaneously could disengage the handle's release cable, which in turn may result in the door not latching when closed or popping open when the door locks are used.

No accidents or injuries have been reported, but the recall casts a wide net over vehicles sold in North America and elsewhere around the world. Honda says 166,000 CR-V models and 6,200 ILX models are affected in the U.S., but Automotive News reports those numbers swell to 321,453 affected vehicles when the rest of Honda's markets around the world are taken into account.

To fix the problem, Honda will begin notifying customers in August by mail to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer where both front door latches, as well as the interior door handles in some CR-Vs, will be replaced.

Show full PR text

Statement by American Honda Regarding Front Door Latch Recall: 2012 Honda CR-V and 2013 Acura ILX

07/18/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.

American Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 166,000 model-year 2012 CR-V vehicles and approximately 6,200 model-year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles in the United States to replace both front door latches and, in some CR-V vehicles, the interior front door handles. Simultaneous operation of the driver's or passenger's inner door handle and either the manual or power door lock may result in the inner door handle release cable becoming partially disengaged. When this occurs the door may not latch when closed and/or the door may latch and close, but then open when the door locks are operated; either case may result in the affected door opening unexpectedly. No accidents or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-August 2012. In mid-August, owners of these vehicles also will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 for Honda owners or (800) 382-2238 for Acura owners, and selecting option 4.

Renault gives rhinoplastic upgrade to Versa for Indian market

By Jonathon RamseyRSS feed

Posted Sep 10th 2012 8:29AM

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What do you call a Nissan Versa with a new nose and a home in the Indian car market? A Renault Scala. Given a chrome grille insert, the blacked-out crossbar common to Renaults and a few other "status-enhancing" tweaks, the Scala is Renault's fifth offering in India and rounds out its segment coverage.

The Scala is not only positioned as a sedan with value pricing and luxurious equipment, it is presented as a carriage for the chauffeured classes: best-in-class roominess, leather seating, rear vents for the climate control and two cupholders in the rear armrest attend to the boss in the back.

An 86-horsepower diesel and a 99-hp gas engine take care of matters up front. Available now in three trims, it joins the Pulse hatch, Fluence sedan, and Koleos and Duster SUVs in Renault's Indian line-up, and comes with Renault's CompleteCare service and 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Have a read of the press release belowfor more info.

Show full PR text

Renault presents New Renault Scala and continues its product offensive in India

- In less than 18 months, Renault launches a fifth vehicle for Indian customers
- Built in the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Chennai (India)<
- After the Fluence saloon, the Koleos premium SUV, the Pulse hatchback, and the Duster SUV, Renault strengthens its product portfolio with Renault Scala: a new sedan for the Indian market

September 07, 2012 -- With New Renault Scala, Renault expands its product offering in India
The launch of Scala positions Renault India across all segments of the Indian car market with products which meet Indian customers' expectations. Scala reinforces Renault's presence in India with an offering of status and on-board comfort at the top of the segment all at an affordable price.

"With the launch of Scala, Renault India has fulfilled its promise to launch 5 products in less than 18 months and to open a pan India network of 100 dealerships by the end of 2012," said Marc Nassif, Managing Director, Renault India.

Renault Scala is an elegant and dynamic sedan made for India. Joining the premium small sedan segment (A3 Premium on the Indian market), Renault Scala offers status-enhacing design with a chrome radiator grill and door handles, 15-inch sporty alloy wheels, and a dual-tone rear bumper.

Renault took special care to ensure the comfort of the driver and rear passengers since Indian owners of this type of vehicle often have a chauffeur. Inside the car, Renault Scala has the best roominess in its class, premium perceived quality, leather upholstery, and 2 cup-holders in the rear seat armrest for ultimate passenger comfort.

Renault Scala arrives on the Indian market well-equipped to illustrate the premium positioning of Renault and its technological innovations in India: automatic climate control with rear blowers, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors, multifunctional Smart Key, Stop/Start button, and steering mounted audio controls. Renault Scala is also loaded with safety features such as dual airbags for driver and passenger, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and front fog lamps.

Renault Scala is available from launch in both petrol and diesel engine options. The diesel variant uses the reliable and fuel-efficient 1.5 dCi K9K engine (63kW/86ch), and the petrol variant uses the 1.5 16V engine (73kW/99ch). Renault Scala comes in 3 trim levels and is available in India starting on September 7, 2012.

Renault COMPLETE CARE
To further lay emphasis on customer satisfaction, Renault India has created a service offering specific to this market. Renault COMPLETE CARE is a premium service package which includes a 2+2 years/80,000Km warranty, labour free service at 2,000, 10,000 and 20,000Km with 24/7 Roadside Assistance through a dedicated call center.

A propos de Renault en Inde
Renault India Private Ltd is a fully-owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s, France. Renault India Pvt Ltd was established in 2005 and in May, 2011 introduced the Renault brand and its first product – the premium Fluence sedan to customers in India.