2013 Geneva Show: Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C will be launched at the next year Geneva Motor Show on March 2013. The car will then go on sale in Europe sometime later in the year.

The 4C will be powered by a new aluminium version of Alfa�s 1742cc turbocharged petrol engine, producing around 300bhp. A claimed kerb weight of less than 1000kg will give the mid-engined 4C one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class � one of the key targets of the project.

The 4C will run with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, and weigh around 1,980 lbs, giving it a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds. The power will be translated using a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The car should be offered to U.S. buyers as soon as the brand relaunches, likely to be sometime in 2013 or 2014. A drop-top should follow sometime later, likely by 2015.

New Nissan Concept Teased in Sao Paulo

Nissan will unveiled a new genre-defining concept at the 2012 Sao Paulo International Auto Show, the model is being placed into the spotlights once again, this time with the Japanese based automaker releasing the first teaser image with the vehicle in question.

The concept will introduce a unique new genre to the automotive world and is made with the cooperation of Brazilian designers and built in the country.

The new concept looks to be a two-door sports compact - possibly a roadster - inspired by the likes of the Juke crossover and the hero GT-R coupe.

The Sao Paulo Motor Show opens on October 24th,



Press Release

NISSAN SHOWCAR PROMISES YOUR ADMIRATION FOR DESIGN AT SAO PAULO MOTOR SHOW

SAO PAULO, Brazil (15 October, 2012) - Bold, vibrant, passionate... and that's just the color!

Be prepared for some real drama from Nissan when Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd reveals a new concept car at the 27th Sao Paulo International Motor Show (24 October - 4 November).

The high-character concept, which will introduce a unique new genre to the automotive world, has not only been created specifically for the Sao Paulo show, it has also been created by the cooperation with Brazilian designers, built in the country and underlines the strategic importance of Brazil for Nissan's growth plans.

Nissan doubled its sales to claim almost two per cent of the Brazilian market in 2011 and aims to account for more than five per cent of new car sales in the country by 2016. This is backed by a new manufacturing facility, currently under construction, in Resende which will produce up to 200,000 units when operations start in 2014.

"The showcar will dazzle on two counts," said Shiro Nakamura. "It is a genuinely new and exciting concept, and it will explode with energetic design and impressive color that fully express our impression toward the country."

"When our designers arrived in Brazil to start work on the project, they loved the vibrancy and passion of the country but were a little surprised in the rather conservative colors of the cars on the streets... they all seemed to be monochrome - silver or black."

"Finally, they've made sure our showcar might have a color as lively as the country."

2013 Acura ZDX

Acura has announced the updates to the 2013 Acura ZDX, which will also be the last model year for the ZDX. The slow-selling ZDX, which was never missing beauty and aesthetic charm but always missing a clear purpose, as we saw it, has been whittled down to a single configuration, and Acura announced that this will be its final model year.

For 2013, the ZDX gets some subtle changes, with a redesigned front grille, a new front and rear bumper design with integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, and new dark accents for the wheels. Inside are new high-contrast interior option, and the center console gets a new trim finish.

In its final model year, the all-wheel-drive 2013 Acura ZDX retains its 300-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic, plus its 16/23 mpg city/highway EPA ratings.

Interior changes are limited, but the model comes nicely equipped with heated / ventilated front seats, GPS navigation and a 435-watt surround sound system. The crossover also has front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) / Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.



Press Release

2013 Acura ZDX Luxury Crossover To Get Numerous Enhancements in its Final Model Year

Equipped with new features and safety technologies; priced at $50,920*

The innovative and stylish Acura ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be the final year on the market for ZDX as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products, the company announced today.

The 2013 ZDX will receive several new features, including a redesigned front grille, front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors and safety features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The 2013 Acura ZDX will go on sale October 19, 2012, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $50,920*.

"People shopping for a luxury crossover vehicle will find the Acura ZDX an even more attractive product," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. "Moving forward, we will continue to advance the Acura lineup with a focus on new core models, like the recently redesigned RDX and the upcoming all-new RLX flagship sedan, that provide the ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency that is right for each product and a driving experience that is dynamic and emotional."

The ZDX is built in the same Alliston, Ontario plant as the Acura MDX, which shares the platform with ZDX. As a result, ZDX production will be discontinued in conjunction with the transfer of the popular MDX to the company's Lincoln, Alabama plant in early 2013 (as previously announced).

For 2013, the Acura ZDX will be sold as a single, valued-added package offering clients greater value on a luxury scale. Robust features now standard on the 2013 ZDX include the 435-watt Acura/ELS Surround� 10-speaker audio system with 15 GB hard disk drive (HDD) memory, Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, 8-inch high-resolution VGA display, multi-view rear view camera, Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink� wireless telephone interface, ventilated and heated front seats with perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces, Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition) and dual-zone automatic climate control system.

The ZDX will receive several new exterior features for 2013, such as a redesigned front grille, front and rear bumpers with integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors and a dark accent on the wheels for a sportier finish. The interior receives a new trim finish on the center console and a high contrast interior option.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are two new safety features for the 2013 ZDX. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system can detect vehicles ahead of the ZDX. If the FCW system determines that a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, it provides the driver with visual and audio alerts to encourage avoidance actions. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses a camera mounted between the windshield and the rear-view mirror to detect lane lines on the road. If the driver begins to drift out of a detected lane without using the turn indicator, the system will provide the driver with visual and audible alerts.

The 2013 ZDX is equipped with an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Performance is further enhanced by the ZDX's Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers. The 2013 ZDX EPA city/highway/combined fuel mileage is rated at 16/23/19 mpg**.

For customers seeking a great balance of utility and performance Acura will continue to offer vehicles in the luxury crossover space with the 5-passenger RDX and the TSX Sport Wagon. Acura also will continue to provide ZDX customers with a high-level of service and parts support throughout the life of their vehicles.

U.S. sales of Acura models increased 43.5 percent in September and rose nearly 30 percent to 115,773 units for the first nine-months of 2012, the Acura brand's best nine-month sales results since 2008. The Acura TL sedan, along with the MDX, RDX and TSX Sport Wagon crossover vehicles, have each posted double-digit gains for the year to date, including an 85.7-percent rise in sales of the redesigned RDX and a 25.2-percent gain for the TSX Sport Wagon. The all-new Acura ILX continues to gain momentum, posting its fifth consecutive monthly increase on September sales of 1,737 units.

Acura will debut its all-new 2014 Acura RLX luxury sedan on November 28, 2012, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new Acura flagship sedan will employ an array of new technologies unique to Acura, including the Precision All Wheel SteerTM system, the next-generation AcuraLink� Communication System, and the all-new Jewel EyeTM LED headlamps to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.

BMW 3-Series Touring by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer has released a new tuning program for the BMW 3-Series Touring.

The exterior upgrades include a new front spoiler, a chrome front grille, a rear roof spoiler, and a rear skirt. There is also a wide variety of wheels to choose from, ranging from 18" to 20" and different designs and colors.

Interior mods include the option to trim the handbrake, pedals, i-Drive control and handbrake handle in aluminum.

Performance tuning features software tunes that bring the diesel engines 318d and 320d up to 126 kW/171 HP and 160 kW/218 HP, respectively. The upcoming performance upgrades (in final development stage) for the 328i and 335i will achieve 216 kW/294 HP and 265 kW/360 HP, respectively.



Press Release

The new BMW 3-series Touring by AC Schnitzer combines BMW's new regional planning with fine tuning

In its fifth circulation as of mid-September 2012, the new BMW 3-series Touring is enticing with clearly more space. With its standard boot increased to 35 litres, a larger wheel base, a higher roof and clever packing and loading ideas, the Touring production-line offers more than its predecessor.

"Could it not be a bit more the team from AC Schnitzer is asking. As regards to this question, the offer of more space is obviously not the most important factor. With an increased performance, the 3-series Touring by AC Schnitzer has come along for this reason. Instead of 143 HP, the 318d by AC Schnitzer really takes off at 171 HP. The 320d proudly acquires 218 HP (instead of 184 HP) and soon the 328i as well as the 335i will have more power under the bonnet (a performance increase from 245 to 294 HP and from 306 to 360 HP respectively is in preparation).

For the tuning experts in Aachen, it could give a little more acoustically as well as optically as far as the exhaust is concerned. The AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer convinces the most demanding drivers with one or two chrome "racing" exhaust pipes.

The AC Schnitzer suspension spring kit combined with a lower suspension setting of 25 millimetres brings the Touring closer to the road itself and makes for more comfortable manoeuvring.

There is even more dynamism and sportiness with the aerodynamic components of the 3-series Touring by AC Schnitzer. A front spoiler, a chrome front grille, a rear roof spoiler and a rear skirt leave no tuning fans' desires unfulfilled. The offer is rounded off visually with the rear skirt protection foil and design stripes by AC Schnitzer.

The outer and inner image should match. And so the interior of the car clearly offers more when it leaves the garage of the BMW tuning experts in Aachen. The AC Schnitzer "Black Line" aluminium cover for the "i-Drive" system controller, the "Black Line" handbrake handle, a gear knob with digital display or a leather gear knob are not the only technically refined design elements. If BMW fans simply want "more", then aluminium pedals, AC Schnitzer foot rests and velours floor mats also cater for that.

The AC Schnitzer wheel bases are diverse, and are also available for the 3-series Touring: e.g. Type VIII BiColor rims in black or silver in 18", 19" and 20",Type IV BiColor wheels two-tone rims in 18", 19" and 20", as well as Type IV silver in 18" or 19" or Type VI BiColor rims in 18". This diversity together with the right tyres gives the appearance of the BMW 3-series Touring by
AC Schnitzer the right basis.

The BMW 3-series Touring by AC Schnitzer combines BMW's new regional planning with a fine tuning concept - any more couldn't be possible.