2013 Lexus GS 350

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a much-needed step in a new direction for Lexus. Of new GS in an attempt to lure younger buyers is not only more sporty than its predecessor (after it is spent much time around Germany Nürburgring), but also with devices and things that the young techies are sure to love. While it is not the huge leap forward we had hoped we might be we are already sure that there much more than car be often forgotten predecessor.

Under the hood 350 offers on the 2013 GS the same 3.5-litre V-6 as the 2011 model, but with a slight power bump 306 HORSEPOWER and 277 lb-ft of torque. It is covered only to a six-speed automatic transmission in the rear drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of about 5.7 seconds, which is just as fast as the current generation of GS. The electronically limited top speed Gets a small blow up to 142 mph, 140 miles per hour. Two more GS models are be revealed from the time that a dealer showrooms 2012 - beginning of 350 hits hybrid, and a F-sport. The hybrid, will be revealed the on the next Frankfurt auto show, is likely to keep the drive train of the 2011 GS 450 h, and Lexus released a teaser of photo a model of that name. The F-sport will have the same engine as the regular GS 350 but with 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, larger brakes, adjustable-rate control, and an Adaptive chassis.
That V-8 model out of the lineup will be dropped, with the hybrid, as his replacement was Lexus officials. While that much complaining among enthusiasts could result, it's not all bad. Chief Engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori says the 2013 GS 450 h hybrid is the latest generation of V-8-powered GS 460 to surpass. For comparison sake, went we tested last eight GS of 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Lexus is currently Mama on fuel economy ratings, other than to say it from the old model of the 19 / 26 mpg city / highway EPA rating just improved...

2013 Lexus GS 350
BASE PRICE $48,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE 3.5L/306-hp/277-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
WHEELBASE 112.2 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 190.9 x 72.4 x 57.3 in
0-60 MPH 5.7 sec (mfr est)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 19-20/26-27 mpg (est)
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 169-177/125-130 kW-hrs/100 miles (est)
CO2 EMISSIONS 0.86-0.90 lb/mile (est)
ON SALE IN U.S. Winter 2012

New Land Rover Evoque Convertible

Land Rover is exploring a convertible version of the Evoque and will make a production decision ‘within six months’. Design director Gerry McGovern unveiled the concept, that will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, at Pinewood Studios.

Land Rover Evoque Convertible

Land Rover Evoque Convertible

McGovern said that “Land Rover has a history of creating new segments; with the convertible, we believe we have an opportunity to do it again. It’s another twist on the Evoque story.”

The Evoque convertible concept has a powered soft-top roof with a glass rear screen, which is stowed in a recess below the rear deck. The boot is re-engineered to fold down like the original Mini’s tailgate, while pop up rollover protection would be packaged behind the rear seats.

McGovern and his team were able to neatly package the roof with the help of the Evoque’s waistline, which rises to the rear of the vehicle. The convertible gets a bespoke alloy-wheel design and a pimento red leather interior to contrast the causeway grey exterior paint.

An engineering team under David Mitchell will look at the underbody stiffening required to compensate for the now convertible roof as there is still some conditioning to do – McGovern is looking into lowering the suspension to drop the body down which ensures that the rear end doesn’t look too bluff and the Evoque’s agile handling is still maintained

After Geneva, Land Rover will show the Evoque convertible at the New York show to gauge reaction in the US market which is critical for convertible sales.

Land Rover Evoque Convertible

Read more; http://www.carblog.co.za/2012/02/27/land-rover-evoque-convertible/

New 2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Ferrari F12 Berlinett

The new 2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, the new 599 successor, will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The new front-engined V12 supercar from Maranello will be revealed in a glitzy three-layer Rosso Berlinetta paint colour.

The F12 Berlinetta is the most powerful road car ever produced by the Italians with the 6262cc V12 deploying 730bhp at 8500rpm and 509lb ft at 6000rpm. In terms of its actual speed, Maranello quotes ‘over 340kph’ reaching 0-62mph in just 3.1 seconds but Ferrari is making great claims over the dynamics too calling it a ‘mid-front-engined sports car’, with the V12 mounted far back under the bonnet for more neutral handling.

The packaging of the vehicle is as interesting as it styling at 4618mm long, it’s shorter than the Ferrari 599 it replaces, with a stubbier wheelbase and the gearbox slung out back in a traditional transaxle. The engine, dashboard and seats are all lower to reduce the centre of gravity.

Long-time technical and design partner Scaglietti assisted in designing the aluminium spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using a dozen different types of alloy to cut weight by 70kg. Weighing in at 1525kg, with no fluids, Ferrari claims the structure is 20% more rigid, despite being lighter and no need for composites, says Maranello.

Active aero plays a major part in F12′s appearance. Something called the Aero Bridge at the nose generates downforce at the front by channelling air away from the top of the lid and along the flanks where it hits turbulent air from the wheels to decrease drag. Active brake cooling ducts open only at high temperatures to cool the carbon discs, minimising drag by remaining flush for most of the time.

This 6.2-litre V12 has its banks set at 65deg. It’s naturally aspirated – no downsizing here – yet 80% of that 509lb ft torque spike is available from 2500rpm. A twin-clutch F1 transmission promises quick gear changes and clever calibration brings a 30% cut in fuel consumption to around 18mpg, while Ferrari claims 350g/km of CO2.

While no price has been set yet it is expected to be priced somewhere between the GTB and GTO at an estimated £250,000.

read more; http://www.carblog.co.za/2012/02/29/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-2012/