Marc Carter
Next-Gen 2014 Lexus IS to be Based on the Toyota FT-86?
The Toyota FT-86 is still not out (sadly), but there are rumors that Toyota is working on other models that will be based on the same platform. According to Road & Track, the next-generation Lexus IS will be based on a stretched version of the FT-86 platform. Toyota boss Akio Toyoda wants to improve Toyota's image with a renewed focus...
Audi TT GT4 Unveiled in Shanghai
Audi has unveiled the GT4 concept, which is based on the Audi TT. The TT GT4 is intended to extend Audi's new modular customer sport program from 2012 forward. The TT GT4 is powered by a 340-hp TFSI engine that is mated to Audi's S-tronic transmission with a differential lock. The interior has been gutted to make room for a...
Porsche Cajun SUV Officially Confirmed for 2014
Porsche has finally confirmed a long standing rumor that it will build a new SUV that will be smaller than the current Cayenne. The new small Cajun SUV will be used as a way for Porsche to bring more new and even younger customers to the premium brand. The Porsche Cajun will arrive for the 2014 model year. Related Stories: LA 10':...
All-New Buick GL8 Officially Unveiled for China
GM has released the first official photos of the all-new Buick GL8 in China. The new GL8 builds on the original GL8 and will be released in January. "The new GL8 was developed by Shanghai GM in cooperation with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai with the specific needs of our customers in mind," said Terry Johnsson,...
2011 Nissan Leaf Named Euroean Car of the Year
The electric 2011 Nissan Leaf has received the 2011 European Car of the Year award and it's the first time an electric vehicle has won the award. The Nissan Leaf beat out 40 other models from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo to take home the award. "The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is...
VW Kills Plans for 2 Cylinder Engines in the Up City Car
According to Autocar, VW has decided to not use two-cylinder engines in its Up city car that is expected to be released next year. VW has been downsizing its engines seen by its three-cyl gasoline engines, but R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg thinks that downsizing is nearing its limits. "Improvements can now only be made in performance and economy, not...
2011 Ford Explorer Orders Double Expectations
The once popular Ford Explorer is all-new for 2011 and Ford already has about 15,000 orders, which is double Ford's original projection. The new Explorer ditches its old school body-on-frame design for a unibody platform that it will share with the Taurus, Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT. The Detroit News reports that the orders include 3,000 retail...
Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept to Go Against BMW EfficientDynamics in 2015
Autocar has learned that Mercedes-Benz plans on producing a mid-engined eco supercar to go against the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. The Mercedes-Benz Biome concept is a preview of the new supercar that will be released in 2015. The concept was developed at Mercedes' Californian design studio. "There are elements within the design that could easily be progressed and developed for production. We...
2012 Hyundai Azera: First Official Photos Released
Last week Hyundai released the first teaser photos of the all-new Grandeur/ Azera and now we have the first official photos of the all-new sedan. The all-new Azera gets Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language like the new Sonata and Elantra. It will still be front-wheel-drive and slot in between the Sonata and the Genesis in the Hyundai lineup. Expect more details...
Aston Martin Revises the Vantage GT4 for 2011
Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The Vantage GT4 is based on the V8 Vantage and is powered by a remapped 4.7 liter engine. For 2011 the Vantage GT4 gets a new splitter that increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channeling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. Outback the...
