Mazda MX-5 2013

Mazda has pulled the wraps off its revised Mazda MX-5 at the Paris motor show.

The new model features an upgraded throttle and braking system as well as a new front bumper design and the addition of an 'active bonnet' to improve pedestrian safety.

The car's throttle response has been quickened on manual-transmission cars, which gives the driver 'more control when accelerating from low speeds' according to Mazda. Changes to the braking system comprise revisions to the brake servo to "optimise brake return control".

The facelifted Mazda MX-5 will go on sale later in the year after it has made its public debut in Paris. Mazda remains tight-lipped on pricing, but around '18,250 can be expected.

Mazda's all-new MX-5 ' expected in 2014 ' will mark a radical change from today's model. In place of the current 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol units, Mazda will fit the MX-5 with the firm's new small direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-litre SkyActiv unit.

Thanks to: Autocar

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Renault Clio 2013

The new Renault Clio 4 has made its premiere at the Paris motor show.

The first production Renault to have been designed entirely by Laurens van den Acker, the Clio 4 aims to be more instantly recognisable, more upmarket and more desirable than its predecessor, which never achieved the sales success of the first- and second-generation models: Renault UK sold 21,000 Clios in 2011, compared to 86,000 in 2002.

Longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, the new car sits on an updated version of the existing platform, meaning torsion beam rear and MacPherson strut front suspension.

The architecture is 'heavily upgraded' according to Benoit Bochard, Renault's program director for small cars, with altered wheelbase, tracks, and notably a revised electrically-assisted steering system set-up to bring 'a lot more steering precision, for a real upgraded driving sensation'.

The five-door only Clio 4's exterior design is a deliberate departure from its predecessor. It is the first model in the range to get the new corporate face, bearing a bigger Renault badge and sleeker, integrated grille and headlights.

Prominent rear wheel-arches are inspired by the Renault DeZir concept, and go a long way to providing elements of the 'sexiness and sportiness' that Van den Acker is keen to promote.

The rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillars. Bouchard maintains that the Clio 4's design 'offers enough desirability to satisfy those who might have bought a three-door'.

With price being such a make-or-break element in this class, Renault has taken the decision to drop the entry price of the Clio 4 by around '1000, bringing the base three-cylinder car in at under '10,500, in order to be more competitive with the Peugeot 208.

A broad range of personalisation features will allow buyers to select different coloured body accents, including varying colours of side strip and diffuse, decals, and interior colour panels.

Crucially, the cabin is a dramatically more upmarket affair. All trim levels will get the same dash architecture (the Clio 3 was criticised for having cheaper dash layouts in the base model), which will include a 7-inch colour touch screen as standard in the mid- and higher-spec cars.

Thanks to: Autocar

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New Lexus GS 2013

 The all- new 2013 Lexus GS range, this week has been confirmed by Lexus to make its global debut due at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California next August.

This 2013 Lexus has been built in GS 350 specification which is managed to have its design based on the brutish LF-Gh concept appeared at New York Auto Show this past April.

The latest lexus also will employ a 'distinctive' grille design which represents the upcoming generation of Lexus models. According to Lexus, the GS 350 will offer a more defined and emotional design philosophy in sedan styling. Mark Templin who is the boss of Lexus added that the latest Lexus will definitely meet the needs of their customers who have waited GS for a long time. The company will hold a press event in the US this week to announce the engine and other interior details of GS.





A range of exclusive six-cylinder engines which is an upgraded version of the previous 3.5 liter engine will empower the GS, producing increased output and improved fuel consumption. This flagship of Lexus will appear in sportier design along with the normal handling upgrades. The engine of the GS will be paired to a six- speed automatic transmission shifting the seven- and eight-speed options of its competitors. Lexus also stated that the high- powered hybrid GS hybrid will make its performance at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

These are the first pictures of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet. It will make its public debut at the LA motor show in November.

The Beetle Cabriolet features a soft-top which folds in ten seconds. Unlike the car it replaces, the roof 'lies very flat, enabling good vision to the rear'.

Seven engine options will be available, closely mirroring the hatchback model. A 103bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine will be available from launch, with a Bluemotion Technology version soon after. A 158bhp 1.4 TSI and 197bhp 2.0 TSI will complete the petrol range. Diesel choices will include a 103bhp 1.6-litre TDI offered with or without Bluemotion Technology, and a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI.

A Volkswagen spokesman confirmed the Beetle Cabriolet will feature the hatchback's multllink front and torsion beam rear suspension. Only the range-topping 2.0 TSI model will carry a more sophisticated four-link rear arrangement.

Like the Beetle hatchback, the Cabriolet will be built in Volkswagen's plant in Puebla, Mexico, sharing the same platform as the Jetta, itself a modified version of the Golf Mk6 platform.

The Cabriolet will be fitted with an active rollover protection system, featuring two extendable modules behind the rear seat backs. These are activated in the event of a rollover, via the airbag control unit. Volkswagen says the system will deploy in milliseconds, providing front and rear protection for all four occupants.

No pricing has been revealed, but it is expected Cabriolet models will attract a premium of between '2500 to '3000 over the hatchback, with the first deliveries arriving next summer. More details will be revealed at the car's public unveiling in Los Angeles.

Thanks to: Autocar

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Toyota Innova Aero Edition

Toyota has launched a special edition variant of its popular Innova called the Aero Edition.

The Innova Aero edition will be available on the Innova GX trim-level which will be available in both Euro II and Euro III versions. 

As part of this special package, the Innova GX variant gets a special kit which includes body-coloured side skirts, a roof spoiler, a dual tone front lip-spoiler and a rear spoiler. This special edition can be ordred in two new paint shades, Super White & Silver Mica Metallic.

The Aero Edition Innova is priced at Rs 12.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Thanks to: Autocar India

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