Chevrolet’s revised Captiva compact SUV will start from £21,995 when it goes on sale in May. The reworks include a new diesel engine, altered front and rear fascias, and some chassis tweaks, in addition to front-wheel-drive. Powering the SUV will be a single 2.2 litre VCDi diesel engine, replacing the previous 2.0 VCDi that will either produce 161bhp or 181bhp (163PS/120kW or 184PS/135kW). The lower powered unit emits 170g/km while returning 44.1mpg (6.4l/100km). A 6-speed manual will be standard, while the more potent unit can be had with the optional 6 speed automatic. Three trim-levels will be available; entry-level LS, mid-spec LT, and range-topping LTZ. Standard equipment on the LS will include two-wheel-drive, 17” alloy wheels, 5 seats, speed-sensitive power steering, Bluetooth, 6 speaker audio system w/MP3 input, 8 way adjustable driver’s seat, remote central locking, roof rails, x4 electric windows, electronic stability control (ESC), x6 airbags, flip-up tailgate glass, Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser, and rain-sensing rear wiper. Mid-spec LT adds 7 seats, all-wheel-drive (AWD), partial leather interior trim, climate control, rain-sensing front wipers w/light sensor, UV control glass, rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, cruise control, leather steering wheel w/gearknob, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and front passengers underseat storage tray. Flagship LTZ will be lavished with 19” alloy wheels, leather interior, satellite navigation system w/reversing camera, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, privacy glass, and headlamps pressure washers. Read more from the original source: Photo Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Captiva facelift Read the original here: Photo Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Captiva facelift

Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile. Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles. Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under $39,000 Canadian. Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely...

Press Release: BMW of North America, LLC today announced its annual Center of Excellence honors, awarded to the top performing dealerships in the U.S. Thirty-two of the 338 BMW dealers nationwide achieved “2011 Center of Excellence” status based on high customer satisfaction, outstanding brand representation, operational excellence and profitability. The BMW dealer network continues to invest in their sales and service facilities spending nearly $3 Billion in the past decade. Dealers recognize the benefits of continuously improving their business processes and focusing on delivering top-tier customer service to keep BMW one of the most successful brands in the U.S. “The Center of Excellence program rewards the BMW Dealers who excel in their key business metrics,” said Peter Miles, Executive Vice President of Operations, BMW of North America, LLC. “This year’s 32 winners are the ultimate performers who represent the best of the BMW brand and we are proud to have them representing the brand.” 2010 Center of Excellence Award Recipients Dealer Name City State Crevier BMW Santa Ana California Hendrick BMW Charlotte North Carolina Classic BMW Plano Texas Chapman BMW Chandler Arizona Fields BMW Winter Park Florida South Bay BMW Torrance California United BMW of Gwinnett Place Duluth Georgia Kuni BMW Beaverton Oregon East Bay BMW Pleasanton California Tom Bush BMW Jacksonville Jacksonville Florida BMW of Westchester White Plains New York BMW of San Antonio San Antonio Texas Peter Pan BMW San Mateo California Valencia BMW Valencia California Dreyer & Reinbold, Inc. Indianapolis Indiana Bobby Rahal BMW of South Hills Canonsburg Pennsylvania BMW Mt. Kisco Mount Kisco New York Flemington BMW Flemington New Jersey Rick Hendrick Imports Charleston South Carolina Otto’s BMW West Chester Pennsylvania BMW of Bridgeport Bridgeport Connecticut Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills Farmington Hills Michigan Faulkner BMW Lancaster Pennsylvania Daniels BMW Allentown Pennsylvania Elmhurst BMW Elmhurst Illinois Sandia BMW Albuquerque New Mexico Bert Ogden BMW McAllen Texas BMW of Tulsa Tulsa Oklahoma Enterprise BMW Appleton Wisconsin Basney BMW South Bend Indiana Tomkinson Automotive Fort Wayne Indiana Read the original post: BMW of North America Announces Best Dealership...

AutoBild has managed to capture the first spy photos of the Renault R-Space Concept, a vehicle that will hint at the forthcoming Espace replacement. Spied ahead of its debut at the Geneva motor show, the concept was caught on a photoshoot in Portugal. Unlike the Espace MPV, the R-Space Concept is crossed between a sporty coupe and a MPV. Up front, thin LED headlights sit on each corner of the fascia, while small silver grilles rest below. The Renault diamond is proudly placed in-between the headlights. A steeply raked, panoramic windscreen floods the interior with light, while the side profile sports flared wheelarches, large alloy wheels, integrated side-steps, a quirky rear-side window kink, suicide doors, and coupe-like roofline. Towards the rear, designers have decided to play it safe with the large Renault badge dominating the bootlid. Internal sources suggest the R-Space Concept will underpin an extended platform of the firms Megane model. View original here: Renault R-Space concept spied ahead of Geneva premier Originally posted here:  Renault R-Space concept spied ahead of Geneva premier

Audi has unveiled an all-new A8 L variant, called Security that has been designed to meet the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles. At 5,270mm (207”/17.29ft), the A8 L Security was deliberately styled to look like a regular A8 L and possesses polycarbonate-coated multilayer glass, hot-formed armoured steel, reinforced side sills, and loads of aramide fabric. Combined, the interior armouring weighs around 720kg (1,587lbs), while the door and window alterations add a further 660kg (1,455lbs). Optional electromechanical window openers operate the side windows, allowing them to be lowered nearly all the way. The excess weight of the windows amounts to just over 300kg (661.39lbs). All the revisions means the A8 L Security is certified for VR 7 class ballistic protection. That means it can cope with AK-47s to military hand grenades, and everything in between. On the options list, apart from the electromechanical window openers are a fire extinguishing system (drenches underbody, wheels, fuel tank, and in flame retardant foam), emergency exit system (uses a pyrotechnic charges to blast open the doors), LED signalling system (for fleet travel), siren w/flashing lights, flag holder, permanently integrated telephone, accident data recorder, additional rear-view camera and a heated windscreen w/partially heated side windows, two-way communication system, and a emergency fresh-air system (uses pressured oxygen to guarantee passengers can escape chemical and gas attacks). Standard equipment includes BOSE sound system, four-zone climate control, electric rear sunblinds, electrically adjustable individual rear seats, and a TV tuner. At extra cost, customers can order a full-length centre console, refrigerator, rear seat entertainment system, telephone headsets, and a “relaxation seat” w/heating & massage, and electrically adjustable rear footrests. Powering the car will be one engine, at launch anyway, a 6.3 litre W12 powerplant developing 495bhp (500PS/368kW) and 625Nm (461lb-ft) of torque. With an electronically limited top speed of 130mph (210km/h), the car can sprint of 0mph – 62mph (100km/h) in 7.3 seconds. The 6.3 W12 petrol engine returns 20.9mpg (13.5l/100km/17.4mpg US), which is an 18% improvement over the outgoing model. Next year...

Third Installment From BMW Documentaries, “Reinventing Mobility,” Launches Online Today, Explores the Conflicts Between The Automobile as a “Rad Ride” and The Automobile as Efficient Transportation “Reinventing Mobility,” chapter three of the BMW Documentaries Film series Wherever You Want To Go , appears today online at www.bmwactivatethefuture.com . In this installment, the series sets out to identify the complexities and tensions of the future of mobility as rooted in popular theories of today. In particular, the film looks at the massive behavior changes needed to reinvent mobility into simpler and more efficient forms, and what we all may have to give up to achieve it. As evidenced in the film, the future of mobility is clearly complex. We are entering an exciting future that will feature an entirely new DNA for the automobile based on electricity and hydrogen from renewable sources. The automobile of the future will be connected to every other car on the road, enabling communication between vehicles and everything else along the roadway. As a result, the automobile of the future will be nearly sentient and may literally drive and park itself. But is the automobile of the future worth the price of losing the romance and excitement that comes from the rumbling and powerful cars we love and cherish? In the future, will there be room for both? “Reinventing Mobility” features Astronaut Buzz Aldrin; Futurist and conceptual designer for Blade Runner , Aliens and Tron , Syd Mead; Google VP Marissa Mayer; ZipCar founder Robin Chase; Treehugger.com founder Graham Hill; Ridelust.com editor-in-chief Mike Musto; Reinventing the Automobile co-author Lawrence Burns; BMW DesignWorks USA President Laurenz Shaffer; MIT Sloan Director of Automotive Professor Wai Chang; and Human Business Works President & CEO Chris Brogan and others. Director: Kurt Mattila. Production company: Prologue Pictures. Run time: 6 min 58 sec. View original here:  BMW Documentaries: In the Future Will There Still Be Room On the Road For Muscle Cars?

After years of a development and a careful rollout that included extensive media background briefings over the past two years,, the McLaren MP4-12C recently went into production in England. The first models are being built in McLaren’s small McLaren Technical Center (MTC) while the full production facility, the McLaren Production Center (MPC) goes online in May. The new supercar is the result of a a strong effort by McLaren to enter the volume exotic car segment. McLaren Automotive is spearheading the effort, an entity split off from McLaren Racing. In addition to the MP4-12C, new models are slated to be coming up and down the range, including a new range-topping supercar as well as a competitor in high-end 911 territory. For now, the MP4-12C is aimed straight at the heart of the exotic segment, gunning for competition like the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560. Members of the automotive media were recently invited out to England to experience the MP4-12C, and the company has released a video showing some of their reactions. There is also two other releases that focus on the car’s stunning (especially for the price) specifications as well as the company’s high-tech driving simulation system. The McLaren MP4-12C’s official pricetag is $231,400, and while it certainly a high figure, it’s looking like a comparatively good deal to us. Check out the company’s new videos below to help decide for yourself. Related posts: Video of Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Hamann Volcano Video: McLaren F1 vs. Ferrari Enzo History of McLaren F1 Video View original here:  Video: McLaren Highlights MP4-12C

Though Smart debuted as a brand with a lot of promise in 1998, this promise has been broken by the unique vehicle’s growing pains. Dealing with short-lived attempts to expand the brand beyond the trademark Fortwo, Smart’s biggest hiccup is definitely the brand’s endeavour into the United States market. After an aborted effort when the ill-fated Daimler-Chrysler reigned, Smart finally gained official access to the United States in 2008 when Penske Automotive Group agreed to source the Smart Fortwo vehicles. However, perhaps due to the shaky entrance, enthusiasm for the Smart brand has been difficult to retain even as the popularity for smaller, urban-style vehicles is elevated. Sales of Smart car in the United States were down 34% making the present state of the brand like hazy. Showing struggles, it may surprise some that Mercedes-Benz USA is taking the Smart brand’s sales and distribution in the United States in-house. Set to complete in July, current distributer Penske Automotive Group will be relieved of the Smart overall placement in the country. In a procedure which will see 21 dealers (including 4 owned by the Penske Automotive Group) lose their franchise, the Smart Fortwo will have a more ideal home within the Mercedes-Benz dealership network. So what force is provoking Mercedes-Benz to takeover the Smart brand’s United States sales and marketing? Summing it up in one acronym, CAFE. In many previous years, luxury car makers like Mercedes-Benz elected to instead pay out considerable but manageable cash penalties rather than risk watering down the brand with a smaller, fuel efficient vehicle. IN 2006, Mercedes-Benz accepted a total $30.3 million penalty for their lineup of high fuel consuming vehicles. With new fleet fuel economy standards being phased in by CAFE for 2016, the new 34.1 mile per gallon mark requires a need for a more fuel-friendly alternative to the improved but still thirstier AMG engines. Presently featuring 41 miles per gallon in highway fuel economy, the Smart Fortwo is an ideal countermeasure to Mercedes-Benz’s larger sedans and utility vehicles. Helping Mercedes-Benz, this deal is likely to marginalize the Smart for the foreseeable future. Though the Electric Fortwo is still slated for distribution...

GM has been testing their all-new sub-compact SUV since 2008, and this is the first time we’ve seen a genuine prototype. Previous mules were based upon jacked-up Corsa ’s and modified Meriva ’s. Predictably, the newcomer will sit beneath the compact Antara SUV when it goes on sale in 2012. Working with Vauxhall/Opel is Chevrolet, so the vehicle is being co-developed with GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co (GM DAT) in South Korea. While powertrains are unknown, a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 138bhp (140PS/103kW) and 200Nm (148lb-ft) of torque, is possible, that will be linked to a 6 speed manual gearbox. GM has promised the new model will have genuine off-road capability to compete with the Suzuki SX4 , Fiat Sedici, and Toyota Urban Cruiser . See the original post: GM sub-compact SUV spied in Germany Here is the original:  GM sub-compact SUV spied in Germany

According to a report, GM and Chrysler are arranging to reward paid managers with bonuses that could equate to 50% of their basic pay. On GM’s side, the bonuses would equate to 15% – 20% of a regular employee’s annual pay, whereas around 1% will gain handouts of nearly 50% of their income. Non-managers will be paid 5%. 2011 Chrysler 300 For 10,755 paid employees, their handouts will average $10,000, however, a “small group” will see bonuses mirroring GM’s. “The union is going to be very angry about this,” Gary Chaison, professor of industrial relations at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts said. “If these kinds of bonuses are paid to salaried workers, then the union’s demands will increase, knowing management can’t claim an inability to pay.” Here is the original post: GM and Chrysler employees likely to obtain large bonuses (U.S) Original post: GM and Chrysler employees likely to obtain large bonuses (U.S)

Before leaving your driveway or parking spot in most regions of the United States, drivers must be accompanied with automobile insurance. Cynically acknowledged by the motoring community, auto insurance companies are adding 21st century technology in a way some American drivers will be unnerved. Creating a service called usage-based insurance, the notion of traditional car insurance quotes could become a thing of the past. As many know with traditional auto insurance quoting, an approximated traveling distance is used as one criteria for establishing a driver’s rate. However, by using automotive tracking technology, auto insurers are now attempting to sell many customers on live vehicle tracking. Defined as usage-based auto insurance, this approach entails using real world tracking to compute the insured rates. Introduced in the United States in 2004, this system of insurance has been growing in deployment by insurance carriers across the country. Progressive and GMAC Insurance are two companies providing customers the option of usage-based auto insurance coverage. According to Progressive Insurance, over 100,000 customers have signed up for their Snapshot Discount plan across 31 states. In the Snapshot Discount through Progressive, a device is sent to an insured motorist who then connects the transmitter into a vehicle’s diagnostic port. Over the course of 30 days, the device will record time of use, speed, vehicle identification number and whether the Snapshot unit is connected. From the data gathered, an insurance discount could be rewarded. This rate will remain locked for the next 6 months. While the system tracks the vehicle’s activity, the Snapshot device does not possess global positioning system (GPS) capability. The GMAC Insurance plan is used in conjunction with an OnStar system equipped standard on most modern General Motors vehicles. Delivering a Low-Mileage Discount, this GMAC Insurance package rewards non-driving with up to 54% in discount savings if a vehicle is driven less than 2,500 miles per year. For more regular commuters, the Low-Mileage Discount does deliver a minimum 7% return as long as an OnStar subscription remains active. However, it’s worth mentioning the potential savings will probably be offset by the OnStar...

Kia has taken the wraps of its all-new, important Rio supermini, ahead of its world premier at the Geneva motorshow. The 2012 Rio will arrive in three bodystyles; a 3dr hatchback, 4dr sedan, and 5dr hatchback. No estate/station wagon has been confirmed, however, we can expect a quasi-SUV in the future. According to Kia, the Rio “combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair”, whatever that means. The Rio now features a racier fascia, futuristic headlights with LED daytime running lights, a recognised C-pillar, and a dynamic stance. The new look is supposed to “inject emotional appeal into the B-segment” and appeal to vital demographic of buyers, 25 to 49 year-olds. When up against the outgoing Rio , the new model is 55mm longer, 15mm lower, and 25mm wider. The wheelbase is stretched by 70mm to 2,570mm, to offer more rear passenger comfort and larger cargo capacity. The 3dr Rio will feature a 292 litre boot, while the 5dr increases that to 390 litres. Living under the bonnet will be a 1.1 CRDi developing 69bhp (70PS/51kW) and emit 85g/km. A 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines will also be available and will be linked to both a 5 speed, 6 speed manual, and a 5 speed automatic. A 1.2 GDI (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) will be offered in Europe in early 2012. U.S specification Rio ’s will be equipped with the 138bhp (140PS/103kW) 1.6 GDI engine. Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, KIA Motors Corporation, commented: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks.” Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units. UK sales from launch total 52,626 units. UK sales start in September, with sales of the sportier 3dr starting in early 2012. Press Release: Kia Motors Corporation has today revealed the first official photos of the forthcoming next generation Rio, which boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia’s striking...

It will come in C250 and C350 guise. In other news, riots break out in the sorority-house parking lot. Hot on the heels of the refreshed 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan , the company has taken the wraps off the latest addition to the C-class line, this sharply styled coupe. Merc’s new two-door four-seater debuts at the Geneva auto show . Keep Reading: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Related posts: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class / E350 / E550 Coupe – Official Photos and Info Excerpt from: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows More here:  2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

At Ford in the Nineties, engineer John Coletti saved the Mustang. Now he wants to save the world. C/D: The idea that John Coletti, father of the Ford GT and any number of fire-breathing Fords, is working for a company with “Eco” in the title sort of surprises us. JC: You shouldn’t be. I could go back to 1979 and show you a paper I put together for the Society of Automotive Engineers. You know what the title was? Keep Reading: What I’d Do Differently: John Coletti – Interview No related posts. Go here to read the rest: What I’d Do Differently: John Coletti – Interview View post:  What I’d Do Differently: John Coletti – Interview

How New York City’s Midtown Operating Corp. keeps its 205 Crown Vics hacking. Ron Sherman’s grandfather started what would become Midtown Operating Corp. back in the 1940s when he and some high-school friends invested in six New York City taxi medallions, those metal plaques that officially designate a cab as street-hailable. Sherman got into the business with his dad in the 1970s after doing time in construction and used-car sales. This makes Sherman’s 23-year-old daughter, Danielle—an NYU economics grad and the company’s current VP—a fourth-generation hack. “We didn’t even realize that,” Sherman says, beaming at her in their shared office at Midtown’s Queens headquarters, “until someone pointed it out.” Keep Reading: Taxi Tough: A Look Inside an NYC Cab Shop – Feature No related posts. View original here: Taxi Tough: A Look Inside an NYC Cab Shop – Feature Read more here: Taxi Tough: A Look Inside an NYC Cab Shop – Feature