Lexus is developing a seven-seat crossover

According to a recent report, Lexus is working on a seven-seat crossover.



Details are limited but Automotive News is reporting the company could develop an all-new crossover or add a third row of seating to the next-generation RX which is slated to arrive in late 2015.

It remains unclear which direction the company is leaning but Lexus USA's Group Vice President and General Manager said "We feel like we're missing a 35,000-units-a-year opportunity. We're working hard to rectify that." Jeff Bracken went on to say "We could bring it to market in 2016 or 2017."

While nothing is official, speculation suggests the model could be called the TX and it be based on either the front-wheel-drive platform from the Toyota Camry or the rear-wheel drive platform from the Lexus IS / GS.

Source: AlAin Japan

Subaru isn't currently planning a BRZ STi

Subaru's Australian division has announced the company isn't working on a BRZ STi or another performance-oriented model in collaboration with Subaru Tecnica International (STi).

Sad news for those who were waiting for a turbocharged BRZ or at least an STi-prepared version of the rear-wheel drive coupe as Subaru isn't planning a hotter model. What's even worse is they aren't currently developing other performance models, following the introduction of the WRX STi. Speaking of the WRX STi, it seems the hatchback might not happen after all even though Subaru said they will consider it to meet U.S. demand.

Getting back to the inexistent BRZ STi, the reason why it won't happen is due to limited resources which have to be targeted to improving global sales, according to Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior. However, some distributors are still lobbying for hotter versions but for the moment an STi model is not being prepared.  

Source: Al Ain Japan

Lamborghini Urus to be assembled in Slovakia starting 2017

Sources within the Volkswagen Group have revealed the Lamborghini Urus will be manufactured at VW's factory in Slovakia.

Slated to go on sale early 2018, the production version of the Lamborghini Urus concept will be put together in Bratislava, Slovakia at a Volkswagen factory where it will be assembled together with the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg as well as the bodies for the forthcoming Bentley SUV due in 2016.

It will be Lamborghini's first SUV after the LM002 which was phased out in 1993 and will share its platform with the next-gen Q7, Touareg, Cayenne and Bentley SUV. Little else is known about the Urus but it could be offered with a hybridized V8 generating approximately 680 PS (500 kW). Audi's boss Rupert Stadler previously said it "won't be a softie" and that it will carry over most of the concept's design.

Named after the Aurochs bull - a large, wild ancestor of domestic cattle - the Urus is the spiritual successor of the LM002. It features aggressive styling with a prominent front fascia, a ventilated hood and LED headlights. There's also a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Other highlights include an adjustable suspension and 24-inch wheels with a matte aluminum finish

Source: Al Ain Japan

2015 Lexus NX bows in Beijing

Lexus has officially unveiled the entry-level NX crossover at the Beijing Motor Show.

Previewed by the LF-NX concepts, the production model has an aggressive exterior that will provoke love or hate it reactions. Regardless of which side you're on, the model has a prominent spindle grille which is flanked by LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The model also has plastic body cladding and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

The NX 200t can also be equipped with an F SPORT package that adds a new front bumper, a mesh grille, black mirrors and unique alloy wheels. The package also includes sport seats, revised instrumentation and paddle shifters.

Speaking of the interior, it features a three-spoke steering wheel, metallic trim and an angular center stack. Detailed specifications were not released but the model can be equipped with leather upholstery, wood trim and an optional Wireless Charging Tray which can recharge Qi compatible smartphones.

In the United States, two engines will be available. The NX 200t has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 235 bhp (175 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. Likewise, the NX 300h has a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor that produce a combined maximum output of 194 bhp (145 kW). Front-wheel drive will be standard but all-wheel drive wheel be optional.

The 2015 Lexus NX will go on sale in the United States this fall and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Source : Al Ain Japan

2015 Nissan Maxima - resemble the Sport Sedan concept

Nissan North America Chairman Jose Munoz has revealed some new details about the 2015 Maxima.





Speaking at the sidelines of the New York Auto Show, Munoz said the Maxima will look virtually identical to the Sport Sedan concept which debuted at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year. As he explained to Automotive News, “The difference between the concept car and the production car will be very small." Munoz declined to elaborate but said the model will go on sale this fall.

Designed to preview an upcoming production model, the Sport Sedan concept has a "V-Motion" front fascia with a chrome grille that is flanked by boomerang-shaped LED headlights. The concept also has a Strad Amber exterior with a "floating" roof and 21-inch aluminum wheels.


The two-tone interior is undeniably elegant as it features quilted leather seats, a sport steering wheel and metallic trim.  We can also see a floating center stack and a futuristic infotainment system.

Little else is known about the Maxima but it will likely feature a "V-Motion" front fascia with a prominent grille and boomerang-shaped shapes headlights. The model could also be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces at least 260 bhp (194 kW).

Source: Al Ain Japan

Volkswagen Golf Sportswagon

Volkswagen is offering a sneak preview of a US-spec Golf estate with a near-production Sportwagon concept currently showcased at New York Auto Show.

We don't understand why Volkswagen is calling this Golf Sport-wagon a concept since it looks like what you would expect from a production model. Designed for those who want a "sportier alternative to compact SUV s", the Golf wagon will be offered with 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.

Customers will have the possibility of selecting from either a 4-cylinder, 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 170 bhp (126 kW) or a more frugal 2.0-liter TDI rated at 150 bhp (111 kW). Opt for the gasoline engine and you will have to choose between a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission whereas the TDI engine can be coupled to a standard 6-speed manual or an optional DSG.

Although the New York show-car features a 4Motion system, Volkswagen says the AWD arrangement is currently "under consideration" for the production model.

The Volkswagen Golf Sport-wagon is slated to go on sale early next year.

Source: Volkswagen

Peugeot 408

A couple of fully revealing photos with the Peugeot 408 Sedan have emerged, prior to the vehicle's debut on Sunday at Beijing Motor Show.

Attached images show the China-spec 408 Sedan but most likely the European version will look virtually the same although it's not known whether it will receive the 408 or 308 Sedan moniker, probably the latter. The obvious changes compared to the hatchback are at the back where the sedan sports a longer overhang together with wider horizontal taillights sending out a bit of a pre-facelift E-Class vibe.

It will ride on the same EMP2 platform as the hatchback and wagon 308s and in China it will be manufactured by the Dongfeng-PSA joint venture. The China-spec variant will be powered by a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated engine with 117 bhp (82 kW), a larger 1.8-liter with 140 bhp (104 kW), as well as a beefier 1.6-liter turbo rated at 163 bhp (121 kW).

The European version will make use of the same Euro 6-compliant engines as its two cousins and most likely Peugeot will offer the recently introduced economical three-cylinder 1.2-liter PureTech e-THP turbocharged gasoline engine that churns 130 PS (96 kW).

The China-spec model will be unveiled on Sunday at the Beijing Motor Show while its European sibling will likely be shown early October at the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Infiniti announces 2015 QX80

Infiniti has introduced this week at New York Auto Show the facelifted 2015 QX80 together with a new range-topping Limited trim level.

Joining the refreshed Q70/Q70L on Infiniti's stand in NY is the updated QX80 full-size SUV featuring tweaked full LED headlights and taillights, a revised front grille, two new alloy wheel choices and three fresh paints. On the inside there are two new finisher colors along with two color schemes while the Tuscan Burl trim was replaced with darker Mocha Burl.

The biggest change is the addition of a high-end Limited trim which comes with three unique exterior paint schemes, bespoke 22-inch dark alloys, smoked headlights & taillights and a special Truffle Brown interior finish combining brown, black and silver leather with wood appointments and trim. Other updates include dark-finished upper and lower grille surround, side vents, roof rails, fog light surround, side mirror caps, door handles and crossbars.

Slated to arrive in dealerships this fall, both the 2015 Infiniti QX80 and QX80 Limited will be powered by a V8 5.6-liter delivering 400 bhp (298 kW) and 413 lb-ft (559 Nm) delivered to either the rear wheels or both axles through a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Car Dealer in Japan

Infiniti Q70 & QX80 facelifts to debut in New York

The New York Auto Show has revealed Infiniti will showcase the facelifted Q70 and QX80 on April 17th.

 

 

The show declined to go into specifics but said the 2015 Q70 will have a "fresh look" with changes to the front and rear ends. There will also be a new long-wheelbase model, named the Q70 L, which will provide more than five inches of additional legroom.

Engine options will apparently carryover as they are slated to include a 3.7-liter V6 with 330 bhp (246 kW) and a 5.6-liter V8 with 420 bhp (313 kW).

Likewise, the 2015 QX80 have revised styling inside and out. There will also be a new range-topping Limited model that features "special leather soft-touch and seating surfaces, unique new open-pore wood trim throughout, as well as dark-accent trim on the exterior."

Source - Al Ain Japan

2015 Nissan Murano unveiled with Resonance

Nissan has unveiled the 2015 Murano, ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show.

Previewed by the Resonance concept, the Murano has a bold exterior with a V-Motion front fascia, boomerang-shaped headlights and a "floating" roof. Unfortunately, the rear end is a bit haphazard as the LED taillights clash with the massive amount of black plastic which attempts to hide the D-pillar. Regardless, the model can be equipped with a panoramic moonroof, LED headlights and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

While the exterior styling won't win everyone over, the cabin boasts premium materials and a modern design. Notable highlights include "Zero Gravity" seats, wraparound wood trim and metallic accents. There's also a push button ignition, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a 7-inch high-resolution display in the instrument cluster. Options include premium leather upholstery, heated / cooled front seats and a Bose audio system.

Power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 260 bhp (194 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an Xtronic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.
The Murano will go on sale later this year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Source: Nissan

Toyota introduces a new range of fuel-efficient engines

Toyota has unveiled a new range of fuel-efficient engines that promise to achieve fuel efficiency improvements of at least 10 percent over current vehicles.

One of the engines is a newly-developed 1.3-liter petrol that runs on the Atkinson cycle which is typically associated with hybrid engines. As Toyota explains, "Use of the Atkinson cycle provides an increased expansion ratio and reduces waste heat through a high compression ratio (13.5), resulting in superior thermal efficiency." The engine has also been equipped with a distinctive intake port that creates a strong tumble flow - a vertical swirl of the air-fuel mixture - inside the cylinder. This and other innovations should enable the engine to be about 15 percent more fuel efficient than current models.

The company also unveiled a 1.0-liter engine that was jointly-developed with Daihatsu. It eschews the Atkinson cycle but has a similar tumble flow-generating intake port, a cooled EGR system and a high compression ratio. When combined with a start/stop system and "various other fuel consumption reduction technologies," the engine can be up to 30 percent more fuel-efficient than current models.

The engines will be used in several upcoming models and Toyota says we can expect a total of 14 new engine variations to be introduced by 2015.

Source:AlAin Japan

Leading Car Exporter in Japan

Lamborghini has revealed a one-off Aventador Jackie Chan Edition which will be displayed later this month at Beijing Motor Show in China.

The special Aventador is part of Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program and has received a unique titanium gray exterior paint scheme along with shiny Nero Ade alloy wheels. The interior adopts a red and black theme along with the word "Long" embroidered in the headrests and doors as a reference to the actor's Chinese name - Cheng Long.

The car will go up for auction and all the money gathered will be directed towards the China Film Institute "Jackie Chan Charity Fund" which supports the development of China's film industry. The unique supercar will probably be sold for a lot more than 7.38M yuan (about 1.2M USD) which is the Aventador's starting price in China.

 

Source: Leading Car Exporter in Japan

Suzuki Car Dealers in Japan

Several patent sketches depicting the Suzuki Authentics production version have hit the web, prior to an official launch slated for later this year.

At last year's Auto Shanghai we saw Suzuki's rather attractive Authentics concept and now they are getting ready to introduce its production sibling. Seen here are several patent sketches of the model which as you would expect will look slightly toned down and less attractive than the concept. The C-segment model will likely be unveiled next month at 2014 Auto China in Beijing before going on sale in the second half of the year.

Production will be done by the firm's Chinese joint venture Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., LTD and in some markets it will replace the smaller SX4 Sedan, including India where the model will be commercialized as a Maruti Ciaz. Engine lineup will likely encompass a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter gasoline engine connected to a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT.

Auto China 2014 will be organized between 20-24 April at the China International Exhibition Center.

Source: Suzuki Car Dealers in Japan

VIA - autohome.com.cn & indianautosblog.com

Kia Car Dealers in Japan

The 2015 Kia Sedona / Carnival has been spied ahead of a possible debut at the New York Auto Show.

While this particular prototype is heavily camouflaged, previous spy photos have shown the redesigned minivan will have a stylish front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by sweptback headlights. The photos also showed the model will have a distinctive greenhouse which is slimmer at the rear than at the front.

Our spies couldn't get close enough to snap interior photos but the 2015 Sedona is expected to have a more accommodating cabin with additional passenger and luggage space. We can also expect a modern cabin with high-tech options including an infotainment system, a blind spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.

Despite the modest updates, the entry-level LX comes nicely equipped with air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. Moving up to the EX variant adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and automatic climate control.

Motivation is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 269 bhp (200 kW) and 246 lb-ft (333 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission that enables the model to return 17 city / 24 mpg highway (US).

The 2014 Sedona will go on sale later this year and pricing starts at $25,900 which excludes an $850 destination charge.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Volvo Car Dealer

A new report indicates Volvo's brand new CMA platform will underpin the next-gen V40 and C30, along with an XC40 compact crossover.

Swedish marque Volvo has created in recent months a lot of buzz around its upcoming Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) but very few people know the company is also currently developing a Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) which as the name suggests will be used on future compact models.

Initially, Volvo wanted to team up with another automaker to work on the CMA platform but in the end collaborated with parent company Geely. A possible first candidate to ride on the newly established architecture is the V40 which is said to transform into a true wagon. The C30 successor is also an example and could turn into a five-door model dubbed C40. Last but not least, Volvo is apparently working on a compact crossover which will be sold under the XC40 moniker.

Volvo's first CMA-based products are programmed to see the light of production day in the next 3-4 years.

 

Source: Volvo Car Dealer

Used Car in Japan, Japanese Used Cars for Sale, Japanese Used Cars

According to a recent report, McLaren has confirmed they are working on a new P15 supercar.

Set to be launched in 2017, the P15 will reportedly be a mid-engine two seater with a carbon fiber monocoque structure. Little else is known about the model but Used Car Dealer is reporting it will likely feature a hybridized power-train. There's no word on specifications but the magazine suggests the model could benefit from Honda's hybrid expertise.

Tentatively dubbed the P15, the model will reportedly have a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a mid-mounted, turbocharged engine. Additional information is limited but speculation suggests the car could use a heavily revised version of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 that powers the 12C.

If everything goes according to plan, the P15 will be a normal production model instead of a limited edition like the P1. This means we can expect a cheaper price tag of approximately $500,000 (€363,055 / £303,195).

Source : Used Car Dealer

Toyota Car Exporters - Al Ain Japan

This generation of Camry saw even greater differentiation between American market (and Japanese domestic market) Camry, and the Asian market Camry. The Asian Camry has a larger body size targeted at a higher end market, priced just below entry-level German luxury models.The same Asian Camry is also sold as the Toyota Aurion in Australia, fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 to compete against large Australian sedans like the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore. The standard Camry (similar to American / Japanese market models), fitted with smaller four-cylinder engines continue to be sold alongside the Aurion in selected markets. Between 2006 and 2010, the Daihatsu-badged Altis model sold alongside the Camry in Japan. The Daihatsu differed only in badging, with no cosmetic changes.

 

Toyota Camry

The XV40 Camry was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show alongside a hybrid version and went on sale in March 2006 for the 2007 model year.

Power comes from a choice of four and six-cylinder engines. For 2010, power was increased to 169 horsepower, versus the 158 from 2007 to 2009. Power locks, stability control, and traction control were also made standard for 2010. The 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE I4 engine was carried over and produced 158 horsepower (118 kW). It came with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 in contrast came with a new six-speed automatic and produced 268 horsepower (200 kW). The Camry was facelifted in 2009 for the 2010 model year with a redesigned fascia, taillights, and an all-new 2.5-liter 2AR-FE four-cylinder engine with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter engine produces 169 horsepower (126 kW) for the base, LE, XLE models, and 179 horsepower (133 kW) for the SE.

The XV40 series Camry is the first in which the Camry has been available as a gasoline/electric hybrid. The Camry Hybrid utilizes Toyota’s second-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) and a 2AZ-FXE four-cylinder with 110 kilowatts (150 hp) in conjunction with a 30 kilowatts (40 hp) electric motor for a combined output of 140 kilowatts (190 hp).

Source: Toyota Car Exporters

Kia Car Dealers

According to a recent report, Kia is considering several new versions of the Soul.

Details are limited but Used Car Dealer is reporting the company could offer a coupe that draws inspiration from the Trackster concept which debuted at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The company is also rumored to be mulling a high-performance variant with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 250 bhp (186 kW).

The new generation is 15.24mm wider (1800mm) and has a 20.3mm longer wheelbase (2570mm), while maintaining the same height (1610mm). It also has a 60.9mm wider opening for the lift gate and will be available in seven new exterior paints, including Inferno Red and Solar Yellow.

It will be offered in three trim levels: Base Soul, Soul Plus and Soul Exclaim with the entry-level model featuring power windows and door locks, 6-speaker sound system, telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, SiriusXM and optional 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry and cruise control.

Soul Plus adds 17-inch alloys, auto headlights, UVO eServices, Rear Camera Display, floor console stowage box with arm rest, along with optional goodies like 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, leather/heated steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, fog lights, Infinity audio system and string-LED front speakers.

Soul Exclaim packs 18-inch wheels, fog lights, projector headlights, front LED positioning lights, rear LED lights, high-gloss piano black center console, cooled glove box and optional HID headlights, Supervision Cluster screen, automatic climate control and front speaker LED mood lightning.

It remains unclear when additional variants could arrive but Kia recently introduced the Soul EV at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. Several months before that, the company unveiled the SUV Styling Pack with piano black paint - on the bumpers, wheel arches and side skirts - to create the illusion of plastic body cladding.

Source: Used Car Dealer

Japanese Car Dealer

Toyota has released the first details about the 2014 TS040 HYBRID.

Set to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the TS040 HYBRID is described as a "major evolution" of the TS030 HYBRID.

The company is keeping details a closely guarded secret but they confirmed the model has a four-wheel drive hybrid system thanks to the addition of a new Aisin AW motor/generator on the front axle. It is backed up by a rear motor/generator and a V8 petrol engine.

Little else is known about the car but it rides on a new chassis and features "advanced aerodynamics and [a] lightweight design."

The company will field two cars and they will be driven by Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre, Kazuki Nakajima, Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi and Stéphane Sarrazin. Mike Conway will also serve as a test driver and a reserve driver.

According to Toyota Racing team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita, "We are very much looking forward to this new season with our new car, the TS040 HYBRID. The 2014 season is an important one for TOYOTA Racing; after two years we have built up a lot of experience and now, with new regulations, all teams start from a level playing field." He went on to say "We are competing in order to test the latest hybrid technology in the most extreme motorsport environments and this has a direct influence on future road car technology. This year we will benefit from a four-wheel drive hybrid system using our proven super-capacitor storage solution and this will provide a very substantial acceleration boost."

Source: Japanese Car Dealer

The Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is going to be facing stiff competition from the 2015 Ford Mustang but fans shouldn't have to wait too long for the next-generation model as Al Ain Japan is reporting it will likely be introduced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the website is reporting the 2016 Camaro will have an evolutionary design with all-new sheet metal. One source went on to say the design is "not drastically different" and it looks like a "worked-over current-model Camaro."

General Motors rarely comments on rumors but Chevrolet spokesperson Mike Albano told Al Ain Japan "We won't discuss future product but I will tell you that any Camaro we do will have expressive design and will evoke the passion the previous-generation Camaros have done." He went on to say "[The] Camaro always has kind of moved the heart and the next generation will do the same thing when you see it on the road."

Regardless of what it looks like, the redesigned Camaro is expected to ride on the Alpha platform that underpins the Cadillac ATS and CTS.

Source:  Used Car Dealers