2014 Honda CR-V 1,6i-DTEC

The 120 hp diesel is the new entry-level model in the CR-V.

After the Civic , the new 1.6-liter diesel engine with 120 horsepower is now available in the large CR-V. The new CR-V entry-level model is only available with front-wheel drive and in conjunction with a manual 6 -speed transmission . As the new diesel engine to the spacious SUV fits .

Honda CR-V with ABS , ESP and six airbags already a Bergan and hill descent control , active cornering lights , 18 " alloy wheels , an alarm system , a parking assistant at front and rear, light and rain sensor , xenon headlights, Leder/Alcantara- seat cushion , a premium sound system with 360 watts of power, a reversing camera , heated front seats , cruise control , a High-Beam Assistant , electrically adjustable , - heated and foldable exterior mirrors and much more.

Looking into the interior, the CRV presents a very high quality and actually moves already in the premium segment , which is also the very good noise reduction underscores . The CR-V can also score with good clarity and a very tidy work space for the driver. You can find his way not only right away, you also feel from the first second to the CR-V very well .

The elevated seating position , a large center armrest and the very comfortable seats with Alcantara / leather upholstery provide comfort . Very good of us handily positioned gear lever and the variety have fallen to practical storage .

One of the many advantages of the CR-V is actually his space. On a length of 457 cm will find all passengers from a very generous amount of space , in this case the CR-V trumps even the most larger SUV. So also with the luggage space is 589 liters also very generously sized. By simply folding down the rear bench can be the trunk even up to 1,669 liters and larger so already make many compact MPV competition. A practical Rollo, a double bottom and an outlet round the usefulness of the CR-V cargo compartment further.

Now the question still remains to be clarified whether such a large SUV with about 1.6 tons is motorized enough even with the 120 hp diesel. Honda the world's largest engine manufacturer is only entered very late in the diesel engine production for cars, but has already delivered with the 2.2 liter diesel an excellent unit .

Viewed paper the 120 hp ( 88 kW ) and maximum torque of 300 Nm at 2,000 r / min seem not bad , but not exactly overwhelming. The big surprise follows only if one has laid the first few meters back . Right after starting the engine surprised with a very high running smoothness and the fact that hardly any engine noise penetrating into the interior , which then even at higher speeds that way.

Even with the liveliness surprised the CR-V very positive with the small diesel engine . Even under 2,000 r / min sprints diesel very quickly and with much energy going on. According to plant the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 11.2 seconds , felt it is considerably faster on the road . The top speed is 182 km / h and thus should also be sufficient .

The manual 6- speed gearbox is translated surprisingly long, and the highest gear is called for only around 80 km / h the shift recommendation display . In addition to switching the recommendation of the speedometer is bordered on either side of a light strip that changes color depending on driving style . Is it sparingly on the road, the border glows green , signaling in addition , that the vehicle is moving very efficient.

The next positive surprise we experience then also in consumption . According to plant the CR - V will be satisfied with the new 1.6 -liter diesel that is 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers , and this value can also be implemented without sacrificing driving pleasure.

During our tests, we are in fact come to a value of 5.3 liters , with the start of the test drive our CR-V not even had 1000 km on the speedometer and thus must be taken into account by around 0.5 to 1.0 liter consumption. With this consumption in combination with vehicle category and space the CR-V is currently unbeatable economical way.

During the driving comfort of the CR-V can also convince . Chassis and suspension are all designed for a comfortable progress towards the road situation is still very good for an SUV . Even in fast cornering , the CR - V remains docile and barely shows a tendency to roll . Even without the four-wheel drive so you got along very well , only when driving off-road disadvantages would arise .

The good clarity is then reinforced with the standard parking assistant at front and rear and the rear camera so that the CR-V can be allocated with millimeter precision in narrow streets of the city without any problems.

The Honda CR-V with the new diesel engine so it can convince the entire length and offers a very high value for their money. He not only offers maximum space , an over complete equipment and perfect sound insulation , the engine is also very sophisticated and economical and can still come up with good performance .

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2013 Toyota RAV4 2.2 4WD Executive

The fourth generation of the Toyota RAV4 has grown considerably and has also become high.

The Toyota RAV4 was one of the first compact SUV and has started 2013 in its fourth generation. Compared to its predecessor, it is grown significantly , mainly due to the interior space benefits .

But visually , the practical Japanese has completely changed and follows the new Toyota design language. The new RAV4 is a lot of rough edges, but acts very modern and high quality . After the RAV4 is offered in Europe , and in North America , the design and all markets must address what is in our view, well done.

Toyota RAV4 with the 150-hp 2.2-liter diesel selected in the top equipment line "Executive" . already offers the four-wheel drive lots of luxury and in addition to the mandatory security features already LED daytime running lights , 18 "alloy wheels, leather seats, 2-zone automatic climate control, winter package, a Bergan and Hill Descent Control , Rear parking assist , a power tailgate , tinted windows in the rear , heated front seats , a keyless entry and start system and much more on board.


The interior presents itself then but also very luxurious and provides premium -class flair. Even the bottom of the dashboard is covered with leather , including contrast stitching and acts in conjunction with the many inlays in aluminum look very high quality and sporty. The design of the fittings landscape itself is also advised somewhat edgy , which visually looks very good. Only the navigation system is affected by its straight alignment of glare and difficult to read in sunlight.


For the operation of the Touch & Go Navis is a breeze , while otherwise the many features of the RAV4 are accommodated quite scattered . Some keys are housed in the center console near the bottom and deep down inside , the other in turn tucked the left of the steering wheel.

Much more positive the space is then to assess , since much space is available for all passengers. The RAV4 also boasts many shelves and cupholders , here it shows very clearly that the RAV4 is also intended for the U.S. market .

Extremely generous dimensions is also the boot volume . With 647-1846 liters it takes the RAV4 even with compact vans on . The power tailgate is also very practical and can also be programmed , for example, if you have a pretty low garage, the opening angle is adjustable.

Especially for the European market with the proven Toyota RAV4 diesel engines equipped . Our test vehicle has it got the more powerful diesel with 150 hp ( 110 kW) , which is a perfect combination for the RAV4 with the luxurious facilities. Its maximum torque of 340 Nm the engine delivers 2000-2800 U / min , but also including one notices nothing of a turbo lag , and the RAV4 sprinting on with much energy and away. In only 9.6 seconds to reach from the state of 100 km / hr, and who wants up to 190 km / h fast.

To the surprise of the manual six -speed gearbox is translated very long, which scolded lazy people very benefiting , in a diesel but is very unusual. In the city you are so usually only the 3rd Crossing the road, the 6th Transition is in the first place more than 100 km / h are called for by the gear recommendation display . This then results in even on the highway a very low speed level at which no engine noise penetrates into the interior. Only ride and wind noise are then perceived.

Despite the extended interpretation of the RAV4 remains with the gasoline consumption even in the frame. On average, we have 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers needed, which indeed differs slightly from the factory fuel consumption of 5.7 liters, but is still in order . More thrift would certainly bring a start / stop system and a different gear ratio.

But the RAV4 is primarily designed for driving comfort , where he also excels . He offers a very comfortable ride , but is nevertheless also quite sporty to move . Even in brisk curves do not you realize , to be on the road in a quite high car.

Those who wish can also further increase via Sport button, the sportiness of its RAV4. Here especially the power distribution of the all-wheel drive will be further optimized , and at every steering movement 10 % of the force are directed to the rear axle. In the event of under steer even 50 %, and the driving stability is significantly increased . Also the steering is in Sport mode more direct and harder , also easily changed is in Sport mode then the accelerator pedal characteristic curve.

Thanks to the all-wheel drive offers the RAV4 but not just on the road more safety and better driving characteristics , one comes with the compact SUV and off-road still progressing well. Although the RAV4 is not an extreme off-roader , it has probably to get to remote targets with rough terrain for most outdoor recreational activities enough off-road ability .

The Toyota RAV4 has proved to be a very pleasant companion, which not only offers plenty of space, but also is very good ride comfort. He makes up for long stretches as good a figure as in the city or off-road. For all-round talent fits the powerful engine which is in perfect harmony with the SUV. The very good quality and the material quality and processing to be fun. Compared to its predecessor, the new RAV4 is sure to become a better class, not only in the huge space.

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The Replacement for the Mitsubishi Evolution Has Leaked!

I mentioned before that Mitsubishi has been working on three new vehicles. One of those new rides is a replacement for the Evo, and I correctly guessed it would be a hybrid high-performance vehicle, thanks to confirmation from Mitsubishi itself.



The image above is the replacement car, which not only is a hybrid but is a plug-in hybrid. The anti-Prius, fanboi racers are out in force right now, just absolutely hating on the car like crazy. Why? Because in their broad range of experience with hybrids, they are "lame-ass" or "slow." I'm sure their opinions would change after five minutes behind the La Ferrari, 918 Spyder or P1. These dimwits also haven't been paying attention to Mitsubishi's concept race cars, like the monster it ran at the Pike's Peak Hillclimb.

Sources inside the company have stated that the new car will surpass the Evo X when it comes not only to acceleration, but also the car's otherworldly handling abilities, thanks to a new all-wheel drive setup that involves one electric motor per axle.

There aren't many details about the car right now, but I fully expect this thing to be a monster, so much that it will make the Evo X look like a little puppy. The loads of off-the-line torque an electric motor can provide will help greatly with acceleration, especially the kind you need in rally racing. Most people aren't aware that Mitsubishi has been in an arrangement with Nissan to develop hybrid and all-electric powertrains together, so this new car probably will come with a pretty advanced and impressive setup. That partnership probably going to be expanded to the Renault-Nissan Alliance, only strengthening Mitsubishi's position in the marketplace. Thankfully because of these alliances the new car will be nothing like the horrendously embarrassing i-MiEV.

As you can see from the styling, this car will bring a shot of drama that Mitsubishi really needs. It's still too early to say for sure, but this car could really help the Japanese automaker reignite some interest in the North American market.

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VW's Jonathan Browning out, Michael Horn named President & CEO

Lots of top job shake ups this week. In a surprising turn over at Volkswagen of America, President and CEO Jonathan Browning has announced that he is leaving the company and will be replaced by Michael Horn. Horn will assume the President and CEO position effective January 1st.

Browning came to Volkswagen in 2010 after a distinguished career at both Ford and General Motors. During his time at VW, he oversaw 23 percent gain in 2011 and an additional 30 percent rise for 2012. This year,  sales of Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi and Bentley models are up 1 percent in a market that’s risen 8 percent. Sales at VW  have been falling for the last 8 months.

Michael Horn who will replace Browning, has been with Volkswagen since 1990. And is currently head of Volkswagen Global After Sales. A position he has been in since 2009.

Browning says that he is leaving the company for personal reasons and is planning to return to England.


Source: Automotive News.

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GM's Akerson to retire in 2014. Mary Barra named as CEO

General Motors has announced that chairman and CEO Dan Akerson will step down from his post effective January 15th, 2014.

Akerson joined General Motors in 2009 as a member of the Board of Directors and was named Chairman and CEO in 2010. He successfully led General Motors through it's difficult bankruptcy and restructuring.

Mary T. Barra, Executive Vice President, Global Product Development & Global Purchasing & Supply Chain will replace Dan Akerson as CEO of GM. She has been responsible for the design, engineering, program management and quality of General Motors vehicles around the world. She has 33 years of experience with GM and began her career in 1980 as an intern at Pontiac.She becomes not only the first female CEO of GM, but also the first female CEO of a global
car company.

The Board also named Theodore (Tim) Solso to succeed Akerson as Chairman.  Solso, was formerly chairman and CEO of Cummins, Inc., and has been a member of the GM Board since June 2012.


Source: General Motors

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Oficially official, the 2015 Ford Mustang

As promised, here's the all new 2015 Ford Mustang. The first completely new Mustang with inspiration from 50 years of production (yes even the Mustang II years). What can I say about the 2015 Mustang? Well for one, it looks fantastic. While overall the car is just a tad larger than the current Mustang. The new car actually looks smaller than it is. Which I really like. It gives the look of a sporty European sports car. The design is fresh and crisp, and when you get in to GT trim, it's very aggressive. The styling was critical when it came to the new Mustang as this is the first Mustang to be designed for global distribution. Believe it or not, all previous Mustangs were not made for global sales. And because of this new focus for the Mustang. Ford is pulling out all the stops to make a truly world class product. The new car is lower and wider with a wider rear track. And for the first time in a number of years, a true fastback body that leads to three dimensional LED, sequential tail lamps. You may notice the lack of the faux gas cap that had become a staple of the previous Mustang is absent in the photos. We have been reassured by a source that there will be a faux cap offered on some trim levels of the new car, however not all of them. Up front, we find LED running lamps, and a design treatment heavy on Ford Design DNA that still captures the Mustang's grille and shark bite design we have come to love on the GT 500.

The big news for the new Mustang lie in the performance and suspension. The traditional V6 and 5.0 liter V8 engines remain. But they are now joined by an optional 2.3 liter Ecoboost 4 cylinder. A first for the Mustang for nearly 30 years. And don't think this will just be a fuel sipping Focus in a new body. The Ecoboost Mustang is expected to pony out 305 Hp with 300 lb.-ft of torque. So you'll still get all the performance while saving some gas. The Ecoboost features a cast aluminum cylinder block with forged steel crankshafts and connecting rods. It also includes a newly designed high flow cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold and a new twin scroll turbo charger that will make its debut on the Mustang.

The 5.0 liter will have in the neighborhood of 420 hp on tap while the standard 3.7 liter V6 will be at 300 hp. The V8 features larger valves, revised and re-balanced camshafts, and forged connecting rods and valve springs, for optimum high RPM performance. The engines will be backed by an updated 6 speed manual trans or a new select shift 6 sped automatic that will offer for the first time in a Mustang, paddle shifters. Very European no? The Getrag manual trans has had the shifter location moved closer to the drive and away from the cupholders (a complaint in the outgoing car). The new output shaft has been designed with a new ball bearing that will allow the GT to have a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Flipping the shiny side over is where the Mustang is going to get really exciting. The Mustang is setting new benchmarks in terms of handling. The suspension has been redesigned from the ground up. The outgoing Boss 302 was the benchmark which has now been exceeded. A new perimeter subframe reduces the overall mass of the car while also making it stiffer. Thus allowing for more predictable wheel control to allow for better ride quality, handling, and steering. This new front suspension also allows for larger brakes to be utilized. And for 2015, there will be three different brake packages available. One will likely be Brembos.

In back where the rubber meets the road, a new integral-link independent rear suspension, again designed for the ultimate in ride quality and handling. This marks the first time the Mustang has ever had an independent rear end. Though I'm sure many diehards will miss the old live real axle, we're sure they'll take to this one.

Like all new Fords, the 2015 Mustang will feature the SYNC system and the new My Key system. The drive will also have different drive modes available (not sure if available on every model) allowing the driver to adjust engine, suspension, and steering settings at the touch of a button. A new advanced stability control system and the GT's standard launch control round out a powerful performance punch.

Looking at the interior pictures, I'm seeing a lot of new, and more upscale additions. First, a source at Ford confirmed that the material quality will definitely be far better than what we have seen on the previous Mustang. Better quality materials and leathers for a more quality feel. For instance, a leather covered dash top and center console, memory power seats, and it looks like the GT will have two additional gauges in the center of the dash. All 2015 Mustangs will also wear a special badge on the dashboard saying "Since 1964" In honor of the Mustang's 50th anniversary April 17th, 1964. An interesting fact, even though the Mustang's launch considered the car a 1964 1/2. Most states did not recognize a half year for title and registration purposes, thus making all 64 1/2s really 1965 Mustangs.

Pricing hasn't been released yet, though I wouldn't expect it to be far off from the current Mustang's base price. Ford is expecting the 2015 Mustang to hit showrooms in late 2014.


Source & Photos: Ford Motor Co.

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This is it! The 2015 Ford Mustang

It was bound to happen. Ford's plan was to reveal the 2015 Ford Mustang on Thursday. But as usual, things don't always go to plan. An adept reader of AutoWeek magazine received their December 9th issue and smack on the cover is the completely new Mustang.

It's a very tasteful mix of American Muscle meets European Tuning. I was worried that the car would be too much Ford Design DNA (i.e. Fusion, Taurus, etc). But this car isn't. You look at it, and instantly think Mustang. I won't go in to too much detail now, that is until I get my hands on the official photos and specs from Ford on Thursday, so stay tuned.

Source: Mustang6g.com

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