Fiat has recently introduced new Euro5 compliant engines to the Panda line-up. The new 1.2 litre petrol unit replaces the previous 1.1 engine and returns 57.6mpg (4.9l/100km), while emitting 113g/km. The 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine has also been revised to allow the car to return 67.3mpg (4.1l/100km) and expel 109g/km. Base Active models now feature body-coloured bumpers as standard, while MyLife grades feature alloy wheels and a 12v power outlet. Range-topping Dynamic trim comes with air-conditioning, roof rails, front fog lights, and an MP3 player. The Euro5 Panda has been on sale for sometime in Mainland Europe “The Fiat Panda is one of the motor industry’s great success stories,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. “And we plan to continue that with this new range of cars. “The addition of the Euro 5 engine to the line-up makes the Panda an even more tempting choice for drivers looking to save on fuel costs and keep CO2 figures as low as possible.” OTR prices for the new Euro 5 Fiat Panda range: 1.2 Active £8,445 (currently available at £6,645) 1.2 MyLife £9,255 (currently available at £7.245) 1.2 Dynamic £9,865 1.3 16v MultiJet Dynamic £12,285 Read more: Fiat reworks Panda city-car for 2012 (UK) See the original post: Fiat reworks Panda city-car for 2012 (UK)

Words: Perry Snijders & Andre de Vries – article published by Driving-Fun Photo’s: Robin Hartog & Mark Kuijper In April we had the opportunity drive the fastest 1 Series on Zandvoort race track, but after that, we had to wait quite some time for a new taste of one of the most exciting BMW’s in the recent years. However, this gave us time to arrange a test driving session with racing driver Andre de Vries. Furthermore, we got a chance to call some friends who happen to own  M vehicles as well. Is the parts bin M good enough to take on the real M’s? There has been much discussion around the new 1M. A turbocharged engine is widely regarded as being below BMW’s standards,  and although it is a BMW M model, it hasn’t got a specific S-code engine as all legendary previous M models had, but rather an off the shelf standard BMW engine. The looks of the car have also been subject of heated debates. The profile of the 1 Series has been compared to the flabby belly of a boar and the coupé sparks even more controversy. The 1 Series Coupe lacks the stretched lines and elegance you expect from a car that is named a “coupé.” We don’t see that as a downside, and we rate this car as a classic two-door sports saloon. This type of sports saloon used to be quite common back in the day. Just look back at the sporty versions of the Ford Escort; they were very successful on circuits and in rallies in the late sixties. But this type of car is no stranger to BMW either, as the 2002, the E21 323i and the first model M3 were all two-door sports saloons. Impossible not to get enthusiastic As a car fanatic it is almost impossible not to get enthusiastic about the BMW 1M. A six in-line engine, rear wheel drive, a manual transmission and 340 bhp sounds like automotive bliss. The expectations that come with these specs are more than met by the 1 M. You are constantly challenged to enter a corner a little bit faster than usual or to exit a corner with the rear tires sliding in a smooth drift. This feature of the 1M is a drawback at the same time. It inspires the driver with so much confidence to explore the grip limits that we wouldn’t be surprised if it were to get a reputation as a treehugger , as did the 2002 and E21 323i in the past....

Sometimes people just don’t stop and think first. And with anything involving car shopping and vehicles, if you’re not on guard and a careful shopper, mistakes can be very expensive—and infuriating. So found a Salisbury, Massachusetts man earlier this week. His wife bought a van, then he took it to his mechanic, who found a host of… The rest is here:  No Return: Man Takes Lemon Van On A Rampage, Trashes Six Cars

Sometimes people just don’t stop and think first. And with anything involving car shopping and vehicles, if you’re not on guard and a careful shopper, mistakes can be very expensive—and infuriating. So found a Salisbury, Massachusetts man earlier this week. His wife bought a van, then he took it to his mechanic, who found a host of… See the rest here: No Return: Man Takes Lemon Van On A Rampage, Trashes Six Cars

Mercedes-Benz’ parent company, Daimler, said that it plans on upgrading and retooling the US plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama by investing $2 billion. This is in an effort to start production of the 2014 C-Class  and the R- and G-Class. This statement was made in the middle of a head-to-head battle with BMW for the number one spot in the US’ luxury car segment. This is due to a forecast that Lexus will fall off its 11 year dominance in the segment because of low production. “Tuscaloosa was the first production location of Mercedes-Benz Cars ever outside Germany, and today it is among our best. As our ‘pioneering plant’, it is also the blueprint for our new operations in emerging markets,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars,  explaining the reason behind the expansion plans. Go here to see the original: Mercedes US Plant’s $2B Expansion in the Works

Mercedes-Benz’ parent company, Daimler, said that it plans on upgrading and retooling the US plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama by investing $2 billion. This is in an effort to start production of the 2014 C-Class  and the R- and G-Class. This statement was made in the middle of a head-to-head battle with BMW for the number one spot in the US’ luxury car segment. This is due to a forecast that Lexus will fall off its 11 year dominance in the segment because of low production. “Tuscaloosa was the first production location of Mercedes-Benz Cars ever outside Germany, and today it is among our best. As our ‘pioneering plant’, it is also the blueprint for our new operations in emerging markets,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars,  explaining the reason behind the expansion plans. Excerpt from: Mercedes US Plant’s $2B Expansion in the Works

No, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG will not have the rumored V6 engines. Mercedes-Benz have decided that they will continue with the 5.5L V8 engines which they based on the AMG M157 5.5L N8 biturbos that is found in the CL63, E63, CLS 63 and S63 models. The V8 engine, that’s made of aluminum is donned with the AMG Cylinder Management System that makes the vehicle’s fuel efficiency increase because it shuts off the 4-cylinders from 800 to 3,600rpm. The torque has also increased from 376lb ft to 398lb ft while the power has also risen by 60bhp over the outgoing SLK55AMG. All these while maintaining a low fuel economy of 33.2mpg and carbon dioxide emission of 199g/km. At the Frankfurt Motorshow where the vehicle is expected to launch, a diesel model of this new SLK will also be showcased, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI, which is powered by the 4-cylinder 201bhp turbodiesel. The decision to release a diesel version is explained by a spokesperson, “There seems to be the necessary demand for diesel cabriolets. We’ve seen good sales of diesel E-class cabriolets and other manufacturers have had a lot of success with similar models, so it only makes good sense to add it to the SLK.” Excerpt from: Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG on a V8 Engine

No, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG will not have the rumored V6 engines. Mercedes-Benz have decided that they will continue with the 5.5L V8 engines which they based on the AMG M157 5.5L N8 biturbos that is found in the CL63, E63, CLS 63 and S63 models. The V8 engine, that’s made of aluminum is donned with the AMG Cylinder Management System that makes the vehicle’s fuel efficiency increase because it shuts off the 4-cylinders from 800 to 3,600rpm. The torque has also increased from 376lb ft to 398lb ft while the power has also risen by 60bhp over the outgoing SLK55AMG. All these while maintaining a low fuel economy of 33.2mpg and carbon dioxide emission of 199g/km. At the Frankfurt Motorshow where the vehicle is expected to launch, a diesel model of this new SLK will also be showcased, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI, which is powered by the 4-cylinder 201bhp turbodiesel. The decision to release a diesel version is explained by a spokesperson, “There seems to be the necessary demand for diesel cabriolets. We’ve seen good sales of diesel E-class cabriolets and other manufacturers have had a lot of success with similar models, so it only makes good sense to add it to the SLK.” See the original post here:  Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG on a V8 Engine

Shelby SuperCars made a big splash with its Aero and Ultimate Aero supercars. Here was a small American company challenging the Volkswagen Group’s Bugatti Veyron for title of world’s fastest production car. The Veyron was developed with great care and expertise, as well as with a no-expense spared development program. Undaunted, SSC’s Ultimate Aero achieved that goal, setting a Guiness World Book of Records-verified record on October 9th, 2007 with a speed of 256.19 mph. Bugatti commissioned the Veyron SuperSport to reclaim the record, and on June 26th, 2010 it did just that, with a 267.856 mph time. SSC is moving on from the Ultimate Aero now though, introducing a next-generation supercar. Today, the company announced the name of this car, and it is a bit different to say the least – Tuatara. That is pronounced twu?tar?ah, and it comes from a reptile hailing from the country of New Zealand. What kind of name is that? It brings to mind Pagani’s selection of Huayrafor its new supercar. The new Tuatara is part of an effort to be more sophisticated, and the change is readily apparent in the car’s design. The Tuatara gets a sleek, futuristic and concept-like appearance that contrasts with the crude design of the Ultimate Aero. It is likely thanks to more development dollars at the company’s disposal – the Tuatara was designed by designer Jason Castriota. Jerod Shelby, SSC founder and Chief Executive Officer says that the “SSC’s Tuatara is about to monumentally evolve in the areas of sophistication, design, aerodynamics and sheer all?around performance.” With 1,350 horsepower under the hood, SSC says it “ups the ante on ALL levels.” Does that mean a new run at the world record is in the works? Knowing SSC, that is exactly what they’re aiming for with this car. Interestingly, just 12 copies of the Tuatara are said to be produced, at a price tag of $800-900,000 each. Below is a video of CEO Jerod Shelby (who has no relation to Caroll Shelby, BTW) introducing the car. Bugatti, watch out – with SSC in the hunt, your hold on the world record is tenuous. Related posts: Hennessey Venom GT Supercar Revelead Fastest Production Cars in the World – Quick Update Keating Says TKR Supercar Will Hit 260.1...

Toyota and Tesla expand their EV relationship Tesla secures another $100 million for RAV4 EV components Tesla has inked a $100 million dollar deal to supply electric motors and battery packs for the Toyota RAV4 EV, on top of the $60 million already secured for the same purpose. Additionally, Tesla is hoping to bring RAV4 EV production to Tesla’s Freemont auto assembly plant — ironically once owned by Toyota. To date, Toyota owns a 2.9 percent interest in Tesla and appears primed for an even bigger investment. Source: AutoObserver Originally posted here:  Tesla and Toyota further strengthen relationship

When will Honda bring its best hybrids to the US? Shuttle another Fit hybrid not coming to America, at least for now The Honda Fit hybrid might be Honda’s best hybrid according to many in the automotive press. Unfortunately, the Fit hybrid isn’t available in America. And now Honda has raised its hybrid bar with the larger Fit Shuttle hybrid, but it’s not coming to the US either. According to MotorTrend, there is a very small possibility that Honda might bring the Fit hybrids to the US in mid-2012, but in all likelihood, neither Fit hybrid will make it to the US for at least another 3-4 years, when the Fit lineup is upgraded. And that’s not even a guarantee. Some 20 inches longer than the conventional Fit, the Fit Shuttle hybrid offers an excellent interior, as well as quality ride performance according to MT. Even better, the Shuttle still pounds out 40/43 mpg city/hwy, making the Shuttle as fuel efficient as the smaller Honda Insight hybrid . Using Honda’s hybrid IMA 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and 13 hp electric motor, the new Fit offers adequate power and extreme “quietness”. For the full review, check out MotorTrend . Ultimately, it sounds as if the Fit Shuttle hybrid is now arguably the best hybrid Honda makes, and yet it could be years — if ever — before one of these top Honda hybrid cars hits US shores. I don’t get it. Original post:  Another Honda hybrid un-Fit for the US

With the new small Chevy Colorado pickup likely to come stateside, a fraternal SUV has now joined the fray. The Chevrolet Colorado has stirred up more buzz than any mid-size pickup has in a very long time—a little surprising, since it hasn’t officially been confirmed for sale in the United States. Is it just another case of us wanting what we can’t have? Perhaps, and Chevrolet seems to want it that way. While some quotes from the division the past few months indicate the global Colorado will indeed be built and sold in America within the next two years, the company’s communications staff continues to give us the cold shoulder when asked for outright confirmation. Keep Reading: 2013 Chevrolet Colorado SUV Spy Photos – Future Cars More: 2013 Chevrolet Colorado SUV Spy Photos: Wanna Bet They Don’t Call It TrailBlazer? The rest is here:  2013 Chevrolet Colorado SUV Spy Photos: Wanna Bet They Don’t Call It TrailBlazer?

A trade association representing both domestic and foreign automakers has cancelled a two-week radio ad campaign critical of the Obama administration’s proposed fuel economy requirements for 2017 – 2025. The radio spots, funded by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), were to have started airing Tuesday in 14 states. The ads… Originally posted here: Automakers Kill Ads Critical Of New Fuel Economy Standards

In response to customer complaints, Ford is taking steps to refine and improve the voice recognition capability of its Sync system and MyFord Touch. The Detroit News reports that the carmaker has partnered with voice recognition software Nuance Communications to try and make the system more user friendly. The ongoing research project has been underway for more than a year, and is meant to enable users to use more conversational language rather than have to speak specific commands that the system understands. When Sync was launched, Ford says it understood about 100 voice commands. That number has increased to some 10,000 as Sync has continued to evolve and additional functionality has been added through developments including MyFord Touch, which eliminates most hard key controls in favor of a touch screen and voice commands. While Ford says customers comfortable with the system are very pleased with it, others have found it non-intuitive and frustrating, requiring specific language to change temperature, tune the radio, and perform other functions. The planned enhancements are meant to address this, and allow users to simply ask a question like if their favorite team won yesterday’s game – much like they would when speaking to another human – rather than having to ask a specific command. Sync will then pick out certain key words and fulfill the request. While Sync can be a real convenience on the road, and has the potential to reduce distraction by enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road rather than fiddle with controls, Consumer Reports has found the added complexity of MyFord Touch can be frustrating, and lead to greater distraction. And complaints about MyFord Touch have caused the carmaker to slip in owner satisfaction, dropping Ford from fifth overall to 23rd among non-luxury brands in a recent J.D.Power survey . Related: Buyers unhappy with MyFord Touch MyFord/MyLincoln Touch: An update (literally) SYNC MyFord/MyLincoln Touch: A touch of intuition, or insanity? Originally posted here:  Ford working to make Sync, MyFord Touch a better listener

In a hearing today, the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission approved the Ford Transit Connect for taxi service in the city. You’re probably thinking “wait a tick, didn’t the City of New York recently hold a competition among manufacturers to determine ‘NYC’s Taxi of Tomorrow,’ and didn’t Ford’s Transit Connect lose that competition to Nissan’s NV200 small van?” The answer to both of your questions is yes. But the Transit Connect did not completely lose the chance to ferry New Yorkers about, because Nissan’s exclusive 10-year contract doesn’t kick in until 2013. In the meantime, Ford is free to foist its small, high-roof van upon the taxi companies of New York. Ford also won approval for its Taurus sedan at the Taxi Commission’s hearing; while certainly no Crown Victoria, the Taurus is at least a large sedan, which is sure to make it popular among the big-sedan-philic hired car set. Read more here: Ford Transit Connect Approved for Taxi Use in NYC See original here: Ford Transit Connect Approved for Taxi Use in NYC