Lexus will display sports coupe

coupe from LEXUS

TOKYO -- Lexus will unveil a near-production version of its long-awaited sports coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show, a four-seater dubbed the RC that fills a big void in the luxury brand's lineup.

The car's styling draws from the LF-CC coupe concept shown at the 2012 Paris auto show, with a gaping spindle grille and wide-set side air intakes. It gets a rounded roof silhouette and sharply creased rear fenders.

Its L-shaped rear combination lamps and headlamps were inspired by the LFA top-tier sports car and the LF-LC concept shown at the 2012 Detroit auto show. Production of the LFA ended last year.

The car will come with either a traditional 3.5-liter gasoline powertrain or a hybrid system teamed with a 2.5-liter engine. Lexus is calling the RC a production prototype. Executives declined to say when the car will arrive in showrooms, but it is expected to go on sale in the second half of next year.

The RC is expected to sit near the top of of a revised Lexus lineup. If the SC coupe and LFA were still being produced, it would slot between them. Production of the SC ended in 2010, and the last of the limited-edition $375,000 LFAs rolled out of Toyota Motor Corp.'s LFA Works last December.

Lexus executives want another halo offering to polish the brand's sports image.

Lexus spokesman Satoshi Miyata called the RC the new "symbol" car.

Also on display in Tokyo will be a variant of the LF-NX crossover concept shown at this year's Frankfurt auto show. The upcoming version will be equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine instead of the hybrid drivetrain shown in Germany.

The production version of the LF-NX, also expected next year, would be the first turbo Lexus and the first turbo for any Toyota brand since the company dabbled with the technology in the 1980s.

Back then, Toyota turned to turbos to boost output from already powerful engines. Now it wants to use the technology to eke out more power from smaller, more fuel efficient ones.

The exterior shares the same jagged look of the LF-NX shown in Frankfurt and gets an interior with touch pad controls.

Key specifications of coupe

Under the hood, you'll find the same engines as in the last-generation IS. That includes a 2.5-liter V-6 rated at 204 horsepower for IS 250 models and 185 pound-feet of torque and a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque for IS 350 models. F Sport trim levels get no additional power, but do get other performance upgrades. 

Gas mileage is nearly unchanged according to Lexus' estimates, with no more than 1 mpg variance from the 2013 model. The rear-drive IS 250 scores 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for 24 mpg combined; adding all-wheel drive brings that number to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for 23 mpg combined. In the IS 350, rear-drive models score 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for 22 mpg combined; all-wheel drive models score 19/21 mpg and 26 mpg combined. 

Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. No manual transmission is offered, but a new transmission joins the 2014 Lexus IS lineup for rear-drive IS 350 models, including F Sports. The new eight-speed is smooth and quick-shifting, improving both performance and daily-driving comfort. 

Other upgrades for the 2014 Lexus IS include a re-tuned suspension and stiffening of the chassis to improve handling and dynamic capability. In practice, the result is a car that drives very much like the previous IS, but with just a bit more precision. It's definitely an incremental improvement to the IS's sport-sedan chops, rather than a revolutionary upgrade. 

Steering precision and feel is good for an electric-boost system. The optional variable-ratio steering in IS 350 F Sport models sharpens the car's responses noticeably, but doesn't improve feedback. 

Coupled with angular, expressive lines around the front end, lean and graceful curves down the sides and rear, and a purposeful stance, the 2014 IS looks like it's up for anything, be that a day chasing canyon curves or a night on the town. 

With its aggressive new spindle grille, dynamic stance, and sharp curves, the 2014 Lexus IS is all-new, but still, somehow, familiar. That familiarity is a good thing, as it kept the best of the essence of the previous IS while moving the overall design forward. Angular, expressive lines around the front end, lean and graceful curves down the sides and rear, and a purposeful stance make the 2014 IS look like it's up for anything, be that a day chasing canyon curves or a night on the town. 

The interior is a noticeable improvement on the IS' past as well. Materials are slightly nice, but the design is what really shines. With a wide, squat center console and a tiered dashboard, the visual effect is similar to interiors of cars costing twice or three times the 2014 IS' price. 

There are a few design quirks that will not be for everyone, however. At the front, the LED daytime running lights are housed in their own strip, just below the headlight, rather than as part of the headlight unit. At the rear, the tail lights wrap around the sides to form a noticeable spike, and the duct just behind the front fender can seem a bit awkward from some angles.

DUCATI

• 2014 Ducati 899 Panigale 
  

 Ducati replaces its 848 Superbike for the 2014 model year with the 899 Panigale. The all-new $14,995 Duc sports a more powerful 148-horsepower L-Twin, along with the new monocoque chassis and electronics system developed in its larger-displacement sibling – the 1199 Panigale.

899 Superquadro L-TwinOne of the longest-running “Supersport” designs without a significant ground-up redesign, the 848 debuted as a 2008 model – with an up-spec EVO refresh in 2011. Now The Italians have added 50cc for what it bills as a “Supermid” entry into its high-end superbike series. The displacement boost comes courtesy of the new 899cc Superquadro L-Twin. 

The 899 Panigale actually displaces 898cc from its 100mm bore and 57.2mm stroke. The Superquadro engine configuration retains Ducati’s signature 90-degree L-Twin, but the front cylinder rests at 21 degrees from horizontal where it bolts onto the aluminum monocoque frame as a stressed member. 

Ducati’s desmodromic valve system actuates a 41.8mm intake and 34mm exhaust valves in the four-valve heads. Oval throttle bodies with a single injector per-cylinder beneath the Ride-by-Wire butterfly fuel the 899. 

Ducati claims 148 brake horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 73 lb-ft torque at 9000 rpm from the new engine platform. That’s an eight horsepower increase from the latest version of the 848 Twin, which claimed 140 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 72.3 lb-ft torque at 9750 rpm. 

ELECTRONICS 
The 899’s air intake air ducts feed the airbox, which is part of the monocoque design, but some gets routed through the

fairing to cool the onboard electronics package, which is substantial. The numerous electrical aids and Ducati acronyms are familiar to Ducati sportbike aficionados – as they have migrated from the 1199 Panigale Superbike platform. And, of course, Ducati is keen to note the systems are race-derived. 

Electronic systems include the Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS), Ride-by-Wire (RbW) and switchable engine maps in the Ducati Riding Mode, “triple-stage” ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC). The three riding mode options alter the performance of the ride-by-wire, ABS, traction control and engine braking. Race mode delivers full throttle, race-oriented engine braking and reduced TC assistance, as well as ABS for the front only with reduced anti-rear lift. Sport mode offers all 148 ponies from the engine, same as Race mode, but the RbW throttle is smoother, with more TC intervention, revised engine braking and ABS on both front and rear. The Wet riding mode drops power to 110 hp with even smoother throttle, increased TC input and full ABS. 

The 899 sources the same six-speed gearbox as the 1199. It utilizes a wet clutch, hydraulically actuated.

CHASSISAn aluminum monocoque frame utilizes the engine as a stressed member on the new Ducati, similar to the 1199

Panigale. However, the Ducatisti will immediately note the 899’s doublesided swingarm. But will they take to their pitchforks and torches as they did with the controversial 999? 

Ducati claims a dry weight of 372.5 pounds and wet weight of 425.5 pounds for the 899 – with the 848 EVO claiming 370-pound dry weight. The new bike sports a half-degree steeper rake than its EVO predecessor at 24-degrees, while the 56.14-inch wheelbase is nearly identical (56.3 inch) 

One thing that definitely is not identical is the exhaust, as the 899 ditches the 848’s toasty underseat configuration (a regular complaint in our annual Supersport Shootout) for the underslung configuration similar to the 1199 model. A front subframe of aluminum attaches to the monocoque frame, while a rear subframe of tubular steel is attached straight to the engine. Ducati cites the new bike's weight distribution at 52% up front and 48% in the rear. 

SUSPENSION 
A three-way adjustable 43mm Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) suspends the front of the 899, while a nearly horizontal-

mounted shock from Sachs handles suspension duties out back. The Sachs unit is positioned on the left side of the bike, next to the rear cylinder head. It is also three-way adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound. 

BRAKES 

The 899’s Bosch ABS Brembo braking system offers three-level tuning, keyed to the aforementioned Ride Modes. Level 1 is

front-only ABS, with Level 2 and 3 using both front and back, but with different levels of ABS intrusion. Level 3 is the most assertive ABS setting for use on wet roads. The ABS can also be turned off in all Ride modes, if desired. 

The actual braking components are top-shelf Brembo, with a pair of radial-mount, four-piston monobloc calipers gripping 320mm discs up front. The front stoppers are modulated by a radial master cylinder. A single 245mm disc out back is pinched by a single Brembo caliper. 

PRICINGThe new 899 Panigale will be available in Ducati Red with black wheels for $14,995 (relative to current EVO spec). An additional Arctic White with red wheels colorway will add $300 to the MSRP. 

2014 Ducati 899 Panigale Specifications
Engine: Superquadro: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled 
Displacement: 898cc 
Bore x Stroke: 100mm x 57.2mm 
Compression: 12.5:1 
Power: 148hp (109kw) @ 10,750rpm 
Torque: 73 lb-ft (99Nm) @ 9,000rpm 
Fuel Injection: Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system. Single injector per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies. 
Exhaust: 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes.Twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminum outer sleeves. 
Emissions: Euro 3 
Gear Box: 6 Speed 
Ratio: 1=37/15 2=30/16 3=27/18 4=25/20 5=24/22 6=23/24. 
Primary Drive: Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.77:1 
Final Drive: Chain 520; Front Sprocket 15; Rear Sprocket 44 
Clutch: Wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control 
Frame: Monocoque aluminum 
Wheelbase: 1,426mm (56.14in) 
Rake: 24° 
Trail: 96mm (3.78in) 
Steering Angle: 52° 
Front Suspension: Showa BPF 43mm fully adjustable usd fork 

Front Wheel Travel: 120mm (4.72in) 
Front Wheel: 10-spoke light alloy 3.50"x17" 
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa 
Front Brake: 2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4-32 callipers with ABS. 
Rear Brake: 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper 
Fuel Tank: 4.5 gallons 
Dry Weight: 169kg (372.5 pounds) 
Wet Weight: 193kg (425.5 pounds) 
Seat Height: 830mm (32.48in) 
Max Height: 1100mm (43.31in) 
Max Length: 2075mm (81.69in) 
Instrumentation: LCD 
Ducati Electronics: DTC, DQS, EBC, Riding Modes 
Warranty: Two years unlimited mileage 
Versions: Dual seat

PORSCHE

• Mecan is a big part of porsche growth plan

While Porsche sets sales records in the U.S. market, its engineers are feverishly at work to keep the product pipeline fresh with new and redesigned models and spin-off variants.

Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller has said at least four new models are coming. They include the 918 Spyder supercar, which goes into production in September, and the Macan mid-sized crossover, which goes on sale in 2014. Other possibilities include a small sedan and a sports car slotted between the 911 and the 918 Spyder.

The Macan alone could get Porsche to its sales goals of 200,000 vehicles globally and 50,000 in the United States much earlier than the projected timing of 2018.

Entry-level roadster: Porsche dropped plans to work with Volkswagen to develop a mid-engine roadster aimed at young buyers out of concern the project could cheapen Porsche's image. Though that worry persists, Porsche developers continue to look at this segment.

One scenario has Porsche sharing architecture with Audi, with a roadster for Porsche and a coupe for Audi. The success of the Macan program could influence the decision-making for this segment. The earliest any vehicle could be ready is 2017 or 2018.

Boxster: After a redesign in 2012, look for new variants. A turbo four-cylinde

r is probable when the model is freshened in a few years. A high-performance Boxster Spyder is likely for 2017 or later.

Cayman: The redesigned coupe went on sale this spring. A more powerful variant is expected around 2015. Beyond that, Porsche has told the Cayman team to develop a high-performance version of the coupe that's as fast as practicality allows. The high-performance Cayman is likely to produce nearly 400 hp and arrive around 2016.

911: Porsche continues to roll out variants of the 911, which was redesigned in 2011. The GT3, Turbo, Turbo S and 50th-anniversary editions will go on sale near the end of this year in the United States. A Turbo cabriolet, to be shown at the Los Angeles auto show, is slated for release early next year. Look for a 911 Targa at the Detroit auto show in January. It will go on sale later in 2014. A GT3 RS is expected in the second half of 2014.

More powerful variants would c

ome next. The GT2 is likely in 2014 or 2015. The high-performance Carrera GTS is likely for late in the model's cycle, possibly 2016.

Panamera: The freshened four-door sedan went on sale Sept. 1 in the U.S. market. The lineup features a new plug-in hybrid going on sale at the end of the year. Porsche says it could sell 10,000 units of the plug-in hybrid during its run. The plug-in hybrid will foreshadow powertrain options for future Porsche models. The 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid is joined by two new extended-wheelbase variants. And the Panamera S and 4S models get a new twin-turbo V-6 engine with more power to replace the former base V-8.

Porsche is expected to redesign the Panamera in 2016 or 2017. A wagon is possible with next-generation family.

Small sedan: A sedan smaller than the Panamera is possible for 2017 at the earliest. The project under study is code-named Pajun, for Panamera Jr., and it would use elements of the next-generation Panamera architecture. The car would go up against the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E class. The Pajun is not yet approved -- one concern is whether it would dilute Porsche's sports car focus.

Cayenne: A freshened Cayenne is expected in 2015. Spy shots show minor cosmetic changes such as new bumpers and head and taillamps. A new engine is likely. Some reports say Porsche will drop the current V-8 that powers the Cayenne S in favor of a twin-turbo V-6 delivering more than 400 hp. A plug-in hybrid version is possible.

Macan: Porsche's new mid-sized SUV will be unveiled this November at the L.A. Auto Show. It is expected to go on sale in the United States early next summer. It shares a platform with the Audi Q5 and is likely to be a volume leader for the brand. Annual production could reach 75,000 units or more, analysts say. But Porsche executives say first-year production won't be that high.

All engines could be turbocharged. The Turbo and S models will go on sale first and are expected to use different versions of Porsche's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine. A plug-in hybrid is possible down the road.

918 Spyder: The 918 Spyder, a plug-in hybrid supercar, will go into production on Sept. 18. Porsche plans 918 copies of the car over a two- to three-year life cycle. Deliveries to the United States will start in the first quarter of 2014.

The car uses a 4.6-liter V-8 engine and two electric motors to produce combined output of 887 hp. It is projected to have a top speed of at least 211 mph and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds. In pure electric mode, the car can travel 18 miles, reach speeds up to 93 mph and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7 seconds.

960: While Mueller has said it's not a priority, Porsche continues developing a two-seat mid-engine coupe to slot into the wide space between the 911 and the 918 Spyder. Dubbed "FeFi" inside the company -- for Ferrari fighter -- it could debut in 2017.

The vehicle's price could start around 200,000 euros (roughly $267,000 at current rates). According to one report, the vehicle could use a 3.9-liter boxer eight-cylinder engine with four turbochargers producing 650 hp. Engineers would employ liberal use of aluminum and composites in the architecture to limit the weight to 3,000 pounds. All-wheel drive is likely.

Automobiles India: BMW CONCEPTBMW introduces a new concept of BMW X5...

Automobiles India:  BMW CONCEPTBMW introduces a new concept of BMW X5...:  BMW CONCEPT BMW introduces a new concept of BMW X5 eDrive                                      In the BMW Concept X5 eDrive,...

 BMW CONCEPT

• BMW introduces a new concept of BMW X5 eDrive

                                     In the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, the innovative EfficientDynamics drive technology BMW eDrive and the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive are united for the first time. The combination of a BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder combustion engine and a 70 kW (95 hp) electric motor provides typical BMW driving pleasure, with BMW xDrive further increasing the dynamics.At the same time, this dynamic duo is impressively efficient: The average consumption of less than 3.8 l/100 km in the EU test cycle is unrivalled among vehicles in this class, with CO2 emissions of less than 90 grammes per kilometre also setting new standards. Via the driving modes, the drive characteristics can be regulated individually. In the fully electric mode,

which is free from local emissions, a range of up to 30 km is possible – at speeds of up to 120 km/h.The BMW Concept X5 eDrive obtains its electrical energy from a (lithium-ion) high-voltage battery, which is accommodated in a space-saving manner under the flat luggage compartment floor. This means that the room in the vehicle can still be used flexibly, with an almost identical luggage space volume. The high-voltage battery can be charged quickly and conveniently using the BMW Wallbox.

Alternatively, it can be replenished using any standard household power outlet or at a public charging station.On the exterior, design features such as kidney grille slats and air inlet supports in the specially developed BMW i Blue finish as well as aerodynamically optimised 21-inch light-alloy wheels provide a striking contrast to the Silverflake metallic body colour.

More Photos Of BMW X5 eDrive 

• the side view of the latest  concept of X5 edrive with good looks

•  The main characteristic that every BWM car has is the awesome looking grill this time they introduced grill with blue line

The charging point of the this superb looking car that has 4 cylinder engine is shown below

MERCEDES BENZ

STRIVE TO GET A BETTER OPTION OTHER THAN FUEL

The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive

Mercedes-AMG is entering a new dimension in Driving Performance with the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive – AMG’s most powerful production car.
Developed in collaboration with the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, this pioneering gullwing model combines the latest in e-mobility with advanced technology from Formula 1. The result is an emission-free super sports car that achieves 0–62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and a blistering 155 mph limited top speed.
Tremendous power comes courtesy of four synchronous electric motors providing a combined maximum Imposing looks complement the supreme driving dynamics. The aggressive diffusers front and rear, darkened headlamps, vented side skirts and AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels all bear the marks of a rich motorsport pedigree, while the “Electric Drive” lettering on the side spells impeccable environmental credentials.
The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is only available in Germany, but if you want to catch a glimpse of it in action, check out this weekend’s BBC Top Gear on Sunday at 8:00pm.

  the car has an output of 750 bh and torque of 1000 Nm. This is distributed to each of the wheels individually, resulting in incredibly dynamic wheel-selective all-wheel drive, and of course – an unparalleled driving experience. And because the build-up of torque is instant with electric motors, it means that maximum torque is effectively available from standstill.
The trailblazing body shell structure of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is part of the ambitious "AMG Lightweight Performance" design strategy. The battery is located within a carbon-fiber monocoque which forms an integral part of the gullwing model and acts as its "spine". The monocoque housing is firmly bolted and bonded to the aluminum spaceframe body. The fiber composite materials have their roots in the world of Formula 1, among other areas. The advantages of CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) were exploited by the Mercedes-AMG engineers in the design of the monocoque. These include their high strength, which makes it possible to create extremely rigid structures in terms of torsion and bending, excellent crash performance and low weight. Carbon-fiber components are up to 50 percent lighter than comparable steel ones, yet retain the same level of stability. Compared with aluminum, the weight saving is still around 30 percent, while the material is considerably thinner. The weight advantages achieved through the carbon fiber battery monocoque are reflected in the agility of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive and, in conjunction with the wheel-selective four-wheel drive system, ensure true driving enjoyment. The carbon-fiber battery monocoque is, in addition, conceived as a "zero intrusion cell" in order to meet the very highest expectations in terms of crash safety.

The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is slowed with the aid of AMG high-performance ceramic composite brakes, which boast direct brake response, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions. The over-sized discs – measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear – are made of carbon fiber strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminum bowl in a radially floating arrangement. 

The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the super sports car was being developed. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned as close to the four wheels as possible and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-voltage battery. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically-powered gullwing model shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

MM

the videos of SLS AMG electric coupe are below .

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THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOBILES IS HERE

HYDROGEN-POWERED CARS

Toyota Hydrogen-powered Vehicle to Arrive in 2015

     

    Japanese automaker Toyota has confirmed plans to launch its first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2015.Based on the FCV-R concept that was introduced at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota’s upcoming hydrogen-powered car is focused on “significant cost reduction, durability, reliability and improvements in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions”.While being tested by Toyota, the FCV-R concept, which is powered by a fuel cell stack with a power density of 3.0kW per liter, achieved a driving range of around 420 miles (676 km), producing “no CO2, NOx or particulate matter emissions”.The manufacturer estimates that a production hydrogen-powered vehicle with a price tag of less than £70,000 (€82,000 / $108,500) is attainable, and adds that it will work to reduce costs even further before the first model is being launched.“Toyota expects FCHVs to reach full mass-market commercialisation during the 2020s, by when it aims to be selling tens of thousands of vehicles annually. This market growth will be supported by the wider roll-out of fuel cell vehicle technology; the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure that will bring filling stations within easy reach of greater numbers of people; and cost reductions that go hand-in-hand with a maturing technology,” the company said in a statement.

PHOTO DESCRIPTION AND DETAILS

"Toyota FCV-R Concept"

From story: Toyota Hydrogen-powered Vehicle to Arrive in 2015

THIS IS THE VIDEO OF THE ABOVE CONCEPT CHECK IT OUT