Real Car Tips: April 2014

Tips to keep in mind when storing your car

Here are some tips to keep in mind when storing your vehicle, so that it will run smoothly when the time comes to drive it again.

If you have the luxury of owning two cars, from time to time, you will tend to use one more than the other. The car that is driven the least is usually stored some place until the need arises to use it again. Many wonâ€™t think twice when storing a vehicle away for a considerable length of time. But, an automobile isnâ€™t like a t-shirt that you can keep in a corner, taking it out a year later and itâ€™s as good as the day it was stored.

Often times than not, if a car isnâ€™t used for a long time, it will be worse off the day you bring it out of storage than the day it went in. Cars have thousands of moving parts and a number of different fluids, to make sure that everything remains in perfect working order after storage, here are some tips to keep in mind.

If the vehicle is going to be stored for a while, disconnect the battery from its terminals. If you are storing it for a day or two, this isnâ€™t needed. But if you require the vehicle to be stored for many weeks at a time, then it would be prudent to remove it.

Take it to the car wash and get it cleaned thoroughly. This is so that the food and other particles are washed away. If left unclean they can attract small insects, which is like an open invitation for the little critters to move in and setup shop. Also remove any carpets you might have in the car. Leaving them trapped inside for a prolonged duration can leave them smelling a little musty later on.

Inflate the tyres according to recommended storage levels. Even if the tyres arenâ€™t punctured, if left for a prolonged duration, air will, ever slowly, escape from the tyres and if left long enough, leave you with four flat tyres.

Itâ€™s also good practice to cover the exhaust and intake pipe with a cloth or a rag to prevent insects and other small animals from entering, living and breeding there. Trust us, its one of the smarter things to do. Rodents can be a menace especially for a parked car â€" itâ€™s prime real estate for them.

Wrap or remove wiper blades from their place. Leaving them on your windshield will eventually cause them to stick you windshield and thatâ€™s a problem you donâ€™t want to have.

Lastly, replace all the fluids with a fresh batch to prevent them from destroying components or even the engine. Fill your fuel tank till its full and make sure to include a fuel stabiliser to prevent breakdown of fuel composition. The reason you need to fill the tank till its full is so that there is very little air in the tank. Air has moisture, which can cause rust to occur inside the tank.

There are several other tips you need to consider but many of them require knowledge of handling mechanical components and if you donâ€™t know what your doing, you can cause your car more harm than good. These tips should help you somewhat but make sure you make a list of what youâ€™ve done. Once youâ€™ve taken the car out of storage you know what to remove.

For more news, reviews and features visit the Motor Trader website at www.motortrader.com.my.

| No comments

Maserati Levante production starting next year, Alfieri could come within 28 months

Maserati is on a roll. The new Ghibli and Quattroporte have been huge successes, and it unveiled the gorgeous Alfieri concept (pictured above) at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The next step for the brand is getting the Levante crossover into production.

"We are getting Mirafiori ready for production [of the Levante]. The first bodies are expected for 2015," said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne to Reuters in Geneva. He also said that there isn't much keeping the Alfieri off the streets. "The platforms and motors are there. Technically, production could start in 24-28 months," he said. However, Marchionne refused to say whether the company would actually give the concept a green light to be built.

Fiat hopes to be profitable again by 2016, and while its acquisition of Chrysler is certainly going to help, rejuvenating Alfa Romeo and Maserati are also a major part of the plan. In 2013, the Italian luxury brand saw sales more than double to 15,400 vehicles. Maser is still far away from its goal of selling 50,000 units by 2015, but it's quite a start. Fiat bought Maserati in 1993, but business went through a decade or more of doldrums and falling sales. It appears that the century-old brand is finally finding a path forward with some gorgeous new cars.

| No comments

7 Money Tips for New Graduates

Graduating from college and entering the "real world" can inflict total chaos on your life: Suddenly, you have to figure out how to feed yourself without the assistance of a 24-hour dining hall. Your closest friends, who used to be just a dorm room away, are now scattered across the country. Your parents are less willing to send checks upon request. On top of that, you have to start paying rent, find and keep a job and somehow convince yourself to start saving money for retirement, which is about four decades away.

It's overwhelming, but not insurmountable. These seven mistakes and their solutions are designed to help college graduates bypass common hiccups and take control of their financial lives:

1. Taking on too much debt -- or not enough. Too much debt can weigh down recent grads, forcing them to spend more money on interest and fees than on fun activities and other goals. Avoiding loans altogether, however, can hurt college grads. Sometimes, student loans for graduate school or a mortgage are good investments. Being responsible for credit accounts also allows 20-somethings to build their credit history, which is required if they want to take out a mortgage, auto loan or other type of loan in the future.

[See: 7 Tips to Help Millennials Save for Retirement .]

The solution: Build your credit history slowly and steadily by opening up accounts in your own name and paying them off on time.

2. Becoming victim to rapid lifestyle inflation. You're a recent college grad, so that means you probably need a new car, new apartment, new sofa and a new ... Wait a minute. Not only do you not need all those things, you probably won't appreciate them much, either. A little theory called the "hedonic treadmill" explains why. We adapt all too quickly to improvements in our lifestyle. That 60-inch television you drooled over at Best Buy will soon start blending in with the rest of your furniture, along with your top-of-the-line coffee maker and pillow-top mattress.

The solution: Instead of using your first paycheck to make your new digs look like a sitcom set, spread out your purchases over time. Maybe you need a bed right away, but that embroidered duvet cover from Pottery Barn can wait.

3. Falling into bad money habits. Biweekly $20 happy hours, daily $15 lunches and nightly take-out are just a few of the bad habits that eat into new grads' bank accounts. While the occasional lapse isn't a problem, repeatedly wasting money on a weekly basis for years will cost you, big time.

The solution: Learn to cook by enlisting the help of friends, family members or your favorite celebrity chef (via the Food Network). Cooking your meals can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year and turn your home into a popular destination for friends. It's a skill that lasts a lifetime.

[See: How to Manage Money in Your 20s .]

4. Waiting to save and invest. Sure, you don't feel like you have "extra" money yet, and you're still getting used to seeing your name on a paycheck. But that makes it the perfect time to start saving at least one-quarter of your income for future goals, including retirement. The first priority is to establish an emergency savings account with at least three months' worth of expenses that can get you through any unexpected bumps, from unemployment to a car accident. Then, start saving for retirement. If your employer offers any type of 401(k) matching program, take advantage of it -- passing it up is like saying "no" to a pay increase. Then open an after-tax savings account for your other goals, from traveling to homeownership.

The solution: If saving any money seems daunting, start by funneling a modest 2 percent of your income into a high-yield savings account or money market fund. Then, slowly raise that percentage. Once you have your three-month emergency fund stored away, consider investing a portion of your longer-term savings in low-fee index funds and other, more aggressive investment vehicles.

5. Failing to negotiate for a higher salary. Even in this economy, employers expect some haggling over salary and benefits. In fact, doing so is a sign of professionalism that shows you, a recent college grad, understands how the working world works. A simple request after expressing enthusiasm and appreciation for the job offer can eventually lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars more in lifetime earnings. Linda Babcock, an economics professor at Carnegie Mellon University, calculates that not negotiating your first job offer can result in a loss of up to $1.5 million in lifetime earnings.

The solution: Practice your job offer conversation before receiving any potential offers so you're ready to land a better deal, and research your field ahead of time so you know what to expect. If the salary really is fixed, consider focusing on other benefits, which can be worth as much as a third of the salary but are often overlooked by job seekers. What are the health care benefits? Retirement account perks? Vacation days? Work-at-home flexibility? Decide what's important to you, and get ready for some professional haggling; it usually just takes one round of back-and-forth.

[See: 10 Ways to Upgrade Your Finances in 2014 .]

6. Thinking you're done studying. Sure, you have your degree, but unless you attended one of the few schools that teach personal finance, you probably know relatively little about how to build wealth. That makes the post-graduation period the ideal time to take matters into your own hands.

The solution: Look for ways to learn more about smart personal finance strategies. This doesn't have to be boring. Dozens of blogs, websites and books make learning about money fun, and many local community colleges and universities offer personal finance courses for local professionals. You might also want to consider forming a money club with friends, in which you meet up once a month to talk about your money questions, goals and research.

7. Getting buried in paperwork. There's no avoiding the fact that being an adult comes with some secretarial duties. Suddenly, you have pay stubs, health insurance forms, tax documents and credit card statements to keep organized. It's easy to let them build up until you just want to shred the pile and toss it in the trash.

The solution: Take advantage of modern technology by going paperless whenever possible. Online accounts are easier to manage (and as a bonus, better for the environment). New websites such as shoeboxed.com keep your receipts organized online, which is especially helpful at tax time. Mint.com makes it easy to track your spending and establish a budget.

The bottom line: Add "getting on top of your finances" to the list of things to do after graduation day -- and try to make it at least as fun as cleaning out your dorm room.

| No comments

Report: Nissan will restore Craigslist Maxima, display at headquarters [w/video]

Nissan showed that it had a great sense of humor when it bought Luke Aker's beat-up 1996 Nissan Maxima GLE for $1,400 back in December based solely on the quality of his tongue-in-cheek sales video.

Aker's Maxima had been thoroughly driven. It needed a strap to keep its hood closed, had front end damage, a missing turn signal and shredded leather seats. Of course, like Aker said in his ad, the car was still "fully loaded with an engine, wheels, tires and an automatic transmission." How could Nissan resist?

After buying the car, Nissan teamed up with MotorAuthority to decide what to do with it. The winning idea was to restore the car to its proper condition and display it at Nissan North America headquarters in Franklin, TN, with Aker's video playing nearby. According to MotorAuthority, the car has finally made it there, and its rebirth will begin soon. Nissan is not sure when the car will go on display.

"We are still assessing the project to determine cost and timing," said Rob Robinson, Nissan Social Communications Senior Specialist, in an email to Autoblog.

Scroll down to check out Aker's bombastic advertisement that made his Maxima an unlikely hero for Nissan fans everywhere.

| No comments

Video: Roadkill builds crazy-cheap 1968 Dodge Charger rat rod using an old motorhome

Certain requests for description simply cannot be fulfilled, like if someone asked you to describe Picasso's Guernica or Gilliam's Brazil. There is only one appropriate answer to such entreaties, and that is: "You just gotta see it." That's where we are with the latest episode of Roadkill, wherein Messr's Freiburger and Finnegan dig out a 1968 Dodge Charger that Freiburger acquired in exchange for a set of cylinder heads, and intend to stuff it with the big-block motor from a long-bed, three-quarter ton Dodge pickup.

Only the pickup is too nice to tear apart, and the Charger needs a whole lot more lovin' â€" and parts â€" than initially expected. Enter, stage right, the Class A Dodge Pace Arrow motorhome with a 440 big-block purchased for $1,000, and a retired Plymouth Fury from a previous episode.

What ensues over the course of the 40-minute installment is more cuttin', yankin', leakin', stallin', hammerin' and smokin' action than you've seen in a long time, and some techniques that would have made even Cooter wonder, "I'm not sure if we should do that." By the end, though, the payoff is good enough to make you think about perusing AutoTrader for a '68 Charger just to see if maybe...

And still, we haven't properly described it, so have a watch of the video below.

| No comments

Petrolicious finds an oasis of Chevy SS models in the desert

The things we are interested in while young often grow into passions later in life. Take Mark Lundquist for example, whose car collection is highlighted in a new video from Petrolicious. Out of high school in the late 1960s, he worked at a gas station and filled up many of the era's most prized muscle cars. He wanted one but couldn't afford it until years later after his kids went to college. Now, he finally has his dream collection, which includes two classic Chevrolet Super Sports.

First, there is a sleeper '65 Malibu SS with a fuel-injected 502-cubic-inch Chevy big block crate engine, making 502 horsepower and 567 pound-feet for torque hiding under the hood. The car might not scream out about its power at first glance, but it has enough muscle to hit Lundquist in the head with the sun visor whenever he gets on the throttle.

His other SS is a '72 Chevelle. He bought it bone stock with a 402-cubic-inch big block engine. Since the purchase, Lundquist redid the interior and had it painted, but he kept it otherwise as it left the factory. Both cars reside in a special garage full of automotive memorabilia in Joshua Tree, CA. If you're a fan of big 'ole American muscle, then scroll down to check out the video.

| No comments

Seven out of 10 Hispanic Parents Unaware that Car Crashes Are the No. 1 Killer of Teens

Hispanic parents look for tools and resources to help keep their teen safer on the road

The Allstate Foundation creates new Spanish-language driving agreement and coaching tips

NORTHBROOK, IL--April 20, 2014: The inaugural Â¡Vamos! survey from The Allstate Foundation found that 29 percent of Hispanic parents correctly identified car crashes as the leading cause of death among teens. Most Hispanic parents, 42 percent, assumed drugs and alcohol were the No.1 cause of teen deaths.

"Â¡Vamos!," or "Let's Go!" in English, is the first-ever national survey looking into the attitudes and behaviors of Hispanic teen drivers and parents. For both white and Hispanic teens, car crashes are the leading cause of death and The Allstate Foundation conducted the survey to identify tools and tips to help all parents keep their teen safer behind the wheel. The survey compares these two groups in order to establish trends and identify resources that can assist traffic safety experts when creating programs. According to the U.S. Census, as of 2012, Hispanic teens made up 20 percent of all teens in the U.S. and the Hispanic teen population is expected to grow six times the rate of the teen population overall through 2020.

"I've gone through the licensing process with both of my children and know firsthand how difficult and scary it can be every time you hand over the keys," said Jorge Monsivais, Allstate agency owner and parent of a newly licensed teen driver. "By just understanding the real risks to our teens on the road, we can do a lot to help prepare and train them for the many challenging situations they may face."

Of the Hispanic parents surveyed, nearly 50 percent mostly or only speak Spanish in the home and tend to consume media only in that language. The Allstate Foundation has created new driver education resources available for parents in Spanish and English to help make the next generation of drivers safer. New resources include:

Teen Driver Coaching Tips: Driving with a teen after they get a license is one of the most important things a parent can do to keep their child safe. The Allstate Foundation created practice lessons and tips for parents to guide their newly licensed driver.

Parent-Teen Agreement: Teens want to know what is expected of them. Parents and teens can use this template agreement to come up with mutually agreed-upon rules of the road before handing over the keys to the car.

Graduated Driver Licensing Video: The GDL process can be confusing for parents and teens. The National Safety Council partnered with The Allstate Foundation to help make GDL easier to understand in a visual, fun way.

Additionally, among those surveyed, 17 percent of Hispanic teens have a full license, compared with 40 percent of white teens, and among those without licenses, twice as many Hispanic teens anticipate delaying driver's licensing until age 18. Teens and their parents both cite safety and the need to be more responsible as the top reasons for the delay in licensure.

Unfortunately, many teens who decide to delay getting a license until they are 18 years old or older miss the life-saving process known as graduated driver licensing. It's a process that gradually introduces teen drivers to riskier experiences and challenges they may face on the road. More than 70 scientific studies have proven when teens get gradual experience and driving privileges, their odds of getting into a car crash are reduced. Typical state programs include a minimum number of driving hours with a parent or guardian before earning a license, and restrictions on nighttime driving and the number of passengers in the vehicle. They are proven to reduce teen car crashes by up to 40 percent.

Additional findings from the survey include:

Hispanic parents are looking for resources that will help inform them about teen driving laws.

Twenty-three percent of Hispanic parents are not very familiar with the teen driving laws in their state. Seventy percent of Hispanic parents say that they would attend an in-person seminar to learn more about their state's teen driving laws. Only 34 percent of white parents say that they would attend an in-person seminar.

Hispanic parents' concern for their teens translates into strict driving rules.

Hispanic parents worry their teens are not ready to drive. Hispanic parents cite the need to be more responsible (43 percent) and safety concerns (36 percent) as the top two reasons why their teen hadn't started the licensing process. Notably, Hispanic parents set a lot of rules around nighttime driving. Seventy-one percent of Hispanic teens say that their parents are very strict about nighttime driving compared to 56 percent of whites. Hispanic teens also don't violate nighttime driving restrictions as much as their white peers (80 vs. 53 percent).

Hispanic parents may not realize the risks their teens face, which could leave teens ill-equipped for dangers on the road.

Traffic safety experts say and research shows that time spent driving with a parent is one of the top ways teens can be more prepared for the road. However, 70 percent of Hispanic parents believe that factors outside of hours spent driving with their teen contributes to their teens' driving skills, compared to 44 percent of whites. Practice driving with a parent in more challenging driving conditions also helps prepare teens to anticipate dangers on the road. However, when learning to drive, Hispanic teens reported rarely or never driving on high speed roads (62 percent), bad weather (79 percent), and during the night (49 percent).

"It's really encouraging to see that parents in the Hispanic community are putting rules in place for their teen driver," continued Monsivais. "It's not easy, but it's something I do with my own teen driver. The Allstate Foundation's tools can help parents feel more comfortable and prepared before our teens head out on the road."

For more information and additional survey findings, visit Vamos

About the Â¡Vamos! Survey

The Vamos survey was conducted from September 19 through October 9, 2013, by GfK using Knowledge PanelÂ® and Cada CabezaÂ®. A national sample of 1,615 Hispanic and white parents and teens were interviewed. The margin of error is +/- 4. 9 percent, at a 95 percent confidence level.

| No comments

Lamborghini reveals Aventador Nazionale in Beijing

Special editions have proven themselves a great way for high-end automakers to get a little bit more for their wares, but they appear to be gradually being taken over by personalization programs that allow customers to order their exotic new wheels just as they want them. After all, what's the point in ordering a special color scheme someone else has chosen when you can choose it yourself, with special wheels and interior upholstery to match?

Lamborghini has just such a program. It's called Ad Personam, and like the customization catalogs offered by other automakers, it allows its clients to specify any range of stylistic parameters to suit their own taste. To showcase the program, Lamborghini brought a customized Aventador to the Beijing Motor Show. Called the Nazionale edition, it's got a white paintjob with tricolore racing stripes up the hood, anthracite wheels, and a blue leather interior.

It's similar to the Gallardo Tricolore that rolled out of Sant'Agata three years ago â€" the kind of treatment we'd otherwise call a special edition, but despite carrying a different name, it just goes to show the possibilities Lamborghini offers it customers. For the right price, of course.

19-Apr-2014
Automobili Lamborghini at the Auto China 2014 in Beijing

A roaring success at the Geneva Motor Show, the Lamborghini HuracÃ¡n LP 610-4 is making its highly anticipated Asia debut at the Auto China 2014 in Beijing. As the heir to the most successful Lamborghini ever, the Gallardo, the HuracÃ¡n is expected to make waves in the supercar realm due to its unmatched performance, technical innovation, and styling. In an exclusive Technology Workshop about this model, held before the Beijing Auto Show, Lamborghini presented the instinctive technologies of the innovative super sports car to Chinese media, and unveiled the secrets of the brand's new legend.

At the Auto China 2014 in Beijing Automobili Lamborghini is also going to present its 12 Cylinder Model, the Aventador LP 700-4, in a highly exclusive and appealing configuration called Nazionale, realized by Lamborghini Ad Personam, the personalization program that allows clients to create their own made-to-order Lamborghini.

| No comments

Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe concept unveiled in Beijing

This is the New Midsize Coupe in the metal, and as a demonstrator of the versatility of the Modular Transverse Matrix platforms, Volkswagen says it's what "customers all over the world can look forward to over the next few years." Wider than a Passat, shorter and lower than a Jetta and weighing less than a Jetta, these are the cues a sport sedan on the MQB-B platform could wear.

VW designers didn't take any shortcuts with the detailing, the every corner of the sedan meant to reinforce its presence and draw the eye in. At the front of that long bonnet is a three-bar grilled, with the top bar painted high-gloss black to make the car look lower, the lower two bars finished in chrome look at the front and brushed aluminum in back. They front a collection of finned, ornamental modules, the design reaching all the way into the LED headlights where the finned modules act as cooling vanes for the headlights. The motif is recreated in the lower intakes as well.

From the side you get a full view of the long hood and short decklid, set off by a lower sill in metal. The Dragon Red paint is matched in the 20-inch wheels, with spokes carrying a touch of the body color, and their black inner surfaces complementing the high-gloss black roof panel. In back, 3D LED taillights have aluminum accents, sitting high above twin exhaust pipes split by a high-gloss black diffuser.

The 217-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo will scoot the New Midsize Coupe to 62 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds, and with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission VW says a driver can get fuel economy of 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers, about 37 mpg.

We're told there won't be any sacrifice in the cabin for that, with "ample space for five," cargo capacity of 500 liters, trim in Silk and Ebony Black with Dragon Red piping, Alcantara on the headliner and pillars, and controls from the Golf (which rides on the MQB-A platform).

There's a press release below with more details. We wouldn't mind being a part of the world that gets a shot at this, should VW make it...

CoupÃ© concept car debuts with world premiere in Beijing:

New Midsize CoupÃ© combines the worlds of saloons and sports cars
224 km/h New Midsize CoupÃ© exhibits extremely sporty proportions
Front and rear styling offers exciting look at the future of automotive design

Ten key facts relating to the world premiere of the New Midsize CoupÃ©:

1. Design of New Midsize CoupÃ© gives an initial look at how Volkswagen Design envisions a sport sedan positioned below the Passat.
2. Dynamic design of New Midsize CoupÃ© combines the worlds of saloons and sports cars.
3. New Midsize CoupÃ© is appreciably wider than the Passat, but shorter than the Jetta.
4. The New Midsize CoupÃ© is a four-door car with plenty of space for five people and luggage capacity of 500 litres.
5. New Midsize CoupÃ© creates fusion of A and B segments.
6. Wide track in the style of a sports car with 20-inch alloy wheels and low profile 245 tyres.
7. CoupÃ© shows off newly conceived LED headlights.
8. The New Midsize CoupÃ© is powered by a 162 kW / 220 PS direct injection turbocharged engine. Fuel consumption: 6.4 litres per 100 km.
9. Four cylinders enable performance levels in the thoroughbred sports car range: top speed of 244 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.
10. Lower fuel consumption thanks to efficient engine and gearbox (7-speed DSG), plus a cD value of 0.299 (cD x A = 0.643 m2).

Wolfsburg / Beijing, April 2014. It's a four-door coupÃ© the like of which has never been seen before in this vehicle class: the New Midsize CoupÃ© concept car. Volkswagen has brought the concept car to Beijing for its world premiere at Auto China 2014. The 'New' part goes without saying: the New Midsize CoupÃ© is as new as a new car can be. 'CoupÃ©' is also unambiguous: the New Midsize CoupÃ© is low in height (1,422 mm) and very wide (1,838 mm), it has a low visual centre of gravity, short overhangs, muscular shoulders and side sections, a dynamic roof line with markedly swept-back C-pillars, a short boot lid and long bonnet. 'Midsize' is less obvious. It is normally the term for a car of the Passat class. However, the concept car is just 4,597 mm long and thus shorter than a Passat and shorter even than the Jetta. However, as mentioned the concept car outdoes the other two in terms of its width â€" and it is thus midsized. So clearly this concept car exhibits proportions of an extremely sporty nature. The team led by Volkswagen head designer Klaus Bischoff integrated these sharp proportions in a body design that makes the New Midsize CoupÃ© a powerful and avant-garde proponent of a new, compact saloon class.

A saloon and a sports car. When viewed from the front and rear, it immediately becomes apparent that the designers have placed what is known as the "greenhouse", the roof section with all windows, on a very muscular body frame. This strongly emphasises the powerfully modulated shoulder sections and large 20-inch wheels â€" which is a trait of high-class sports cars. The concept car is painted in "Dragon Red" colour; this brilliant red special effects paint is part of the total concept, because it highlights the powerful modulation of the body especially well. High-gloss black elements such as the roof surface with its integrated panoramic tilt/slide roof create a colour contrast.

Front end ... The design team styled the front end to be very progressive. The designers shifted the visual centre of gravity downwards by special styling techniques. This has resulted in greater dynamism. As mentioned, the New Midsize CoupÃ© is distinguished by a very long bonnet and a very short front overhang. These proportions were enabled by the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) by Volkswagen, and this innovative technical base opened up new possibilities for designers. The team led by Klaus Bischoff took full advantage of this and created an entirely new front-end concept with an avant-garde radiator grille, LED headlights in 3D look and a large lower air inlet with a unique and distinctive chrome signature that is based on Volkswagen design DNA.

... radiator grille and LED headlights. The radiator grille structure consists of three cross fins and the VW badge. The upper cross fin is painted in high-gloss black, while the lower two have a polished chrome look towards the front and are brushed aluminium towards the engine. The upper black cross fin makes the New Midsize CoupÃ© appear even lower in front than it already is, while the bright chrome/aluminium fins emphasise its width. Between the cross fins, there are 36 compact modules, each with three small vertical fins that give the visual effect of hovering within the radiator grille. The radiator grille forms a stylistic unit together with the also newly designed LED headlights and LED daytime running lights that are integrated here â€" the forms of these elements merge together. Not only do the three cross fins continue into the headlight housings; so do the compact modules, each with three vertical fins. In the radiator grille, these modules perform a purely visual task. However, in the headlights they act as cooling elements for the LED headlights â€" "form follows function". The LED unit itself also appears to visually hover within the headlight housing.

... bumpers and air inlets. Under the radiator grille, there is a horizontally oriented area painted in body colour, and beneath this comes the central lower air inlet. On its sides, the air inlet is bordered by two diagonal aerodynamic elements that run to the outer edges and form smaller air inlets in front of the front wheels, one each on the left and right. In all three air inlets, there are aerodynamically optimised wing-like cross fins that are finished in high-gloss black; integrated in each of them are brushed aluminium fins. Their visual effect is to further emphasise the width of the New Midsize CoupÃ©. The front end is given an unmistakable look by a chrome strip that frames the lower air inlets â€" its two sections begin on the left and right sides of the painted central area of the bumper, and they run outwards. The chrome strip is more than a decorative element: at its outer ends it houses the LED indicators. Stylistically, this wrap-around strip creates a strong bracket that emphasises the charismatic contour of the front end. No other car in this segment has such an impressive, wide and sporty appearance as the New Midsize CoupÃ©.

Side profile ... The designers also styled the side profile in an extremely powerful way. Striking here are the roof line at the top with just two side windows and the fast, coupÃ©-like C-pillars that sweep back towards the rear. Another sports car trait is the passenger cabin that is set far back; this emphasises the long bonnet and the proportionately short boot lid. Another perfect example of high-class Volkswagen Design is the shoulder section of the concept car. It runs on two levels; the upper of these two levels develops a narrow line from the C-pillar to below the window sill; it broadens as it moves forward and finally forms a v-shaped contour in the bonnet and front wings â€" expressing pure power and elegance. Meanwhile, the lower of the two levels begins at the front of the car as a very narrow line that represents the upper limit of what is known as the tornado line; it then runs over the wheel arch flare and becomes increasingly broader towards the rear, forming the powerful shoulders of the rear body.

... precise character line. Positioned on what is known as the character line are the door handles, which also adopt the extremely precise modulation. This integration of the door handles is extremely complex; it is a masterful achievement of production technology, and this represents a unique selling point of Volkswagen. On the lower side body, there is another line, and beneath it the striking design of the side sill that is finished entirely in metal. The interplay of these lines and modulation of surfaces produce an exceptionally athletic car body design. Last but not least, the 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with 245/40 low profile tyres completely fill the wheel housings and give the car the image of a sports car in side profile. The inner surfaces of the machine-polished wheels are painted black. The outer wheel surfaces include segments painted in "Dragon Red" body colour, so that as soon as the New Midsize CoupÃ© begins to move, this small cluster creates the visual effect of a circular band in body colour.

Rear section ... Like the front and sides of the car, the rear body merges the forms of a coupÃ© with those of a saloon. The crisp design of the boot lid features a rear spoiler that is uniformly integrated into the design and terminates with a distinctive dual edge: at the top, the designers created an aerodynamic trailing edge that optimises the downforce at the rear axle. At the bottom, there is a light refracting edge that lowers the visual centre of gravity of the rear body. On the next level, there is another line in the middle of the boot lid at the height of the VW badge, which extends into the rear lights and emphasises the width of the New Midsize CoupÃ©.

... LED rear lights. The 3D design of the LED rear lights with their integrated aluminium elements is especially prominent. Within these aluminium components are the uniformly illuminated LED surfaces of the rear lights. Aluminium and LED surfaces form a trapezoid-shaped angle towards the outside; the LEDs in these areas generate the rear lights and turn indicators. An opposing strip in the middle implements the brake light. Located at the far outer ends are the LED reversing lights â€" they are minimalistically small but shine very brightly.

... diffuser with dual tailpipes. The bottom of the NMC rear bumper ends in a high-gloss black diffuser. Integrated to the left and right here are the dual exhaust tailpipes with a cross-piece between them; a chrome trim piece that visually connects the two tailpipes. Barely visible when not in use are the reflectors integrated above the tailpipes.

220 PS engine. The exhaust pipes lead at the other end of the New Midsize CoupÃ© to a 162 kW / 220 PS TSI engine. The 2-litre turbo petrol injection engine accelerates the coupÃ© to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. On German motorways or a racetrack the concept car would be able to reach a speed of 244 km/h. Thanks to the efficiency of the turbocharged engine, the similarly efficient 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, a still lower weight than the Jetta or Passat and a cD value of 0.299 (cD x A = 0.643 m2) the sports car performance is accompanied by fuel consumption of just 6.4 l/100 km.

Sporty interior with lots of room. Driver-focussed and fitted with leather sports seats, the interior too follows the dynamic concept of a coupÃ©. Nonetheless, the New Midsize CoupÃ© is in no way tight or constricted. Instead, it offers ample space for up to five people. The inner surfaces of the seats are designed in a bright "Silk" colour, while the outer areas form a contrast in the dark "Ebony Black". The inner and outer surfaces are visually separated by elegant piping in "Dragon Red", which is the body paint colour. Sophisticated interior elements include the trim strips in piano finish look and the many components trimmed in Alcantara such as the rooflining and the roof pillars. The controls, including the multifunction sports steering wheel and the infotainment system, are based on MQB-A (Modular Transverse Matrix A) and have thus been adapted from the current Golf. Combined with the axles and the width of MQB-B (the modules of the next larger vehicle class), the result is spacious conditions not just in the passenger compartment, but in the boot as well, which is of an excellent size with a capacity of 500 litres. Over and above this, Volkswagen is demonstrating with this concept coupÃ© just how multifaceted the Modular Transverse Matrix is and what exciting models Volkswagen customers all over the world can look forward to over the next few years.

| No comments

There are real and present dangers around the Internet of Things

As with any buzz topic in the tech world, thereâ€™s a lot of bunkum around the Internet of Things. And in the security sphere, thereâ€™s much unnecessary FUD - Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt â€" spread by industry vendors to get people suitably scared so they splash cash on purportedly necessary protection.â€¨

Take the case of the spamming refrigerator. Researchers suggested the smart fridge had been compromised to relay reams of annoying emails, as often happens to normal PCs. Yet Symantec discovered the fridge was simply on the same network and using the same IP address as a hacked Windows PC, which was really the thing responsible for the spam. Digital listeria this was not.

Yet there are reasons to be fearful of the Internet of Things (IoT), a name covering the networks of embedded devices, from smart meters to connected automobiles, which communicate with each other in an automated fashion to help make our lives more efficient.

Such connected, autonomous machines have been around for years, but the reason it is now on the tips of tech firmsâ€™ PR tongues every day is that the number of connected devices is escalating rapidly into new areas, like toothbrushes and bathtubs. According to Gartner estimates, the IoT will consist of 26 billion units by 2020, and by that time the industry will be worth $300 billion.

The problem is that many of the manufacturers of these machines are not taking the secure-by-design approach. â€œThey are learning on the job at this point in time,â€ says Gunter Ollmann, chief technology officer at IOActive, a consultancy firm that has done much research on IoT security.

Hacking vehicles

There are a handful of real and present threats. In automobiles, trucks are a major concern. Many contain standardised code to manage vehicles, such as the control area network (CAN) bus protocol, used for internal communications between devices in a vehicle.

â€œCAN messages that control physical attributes are standardised. Therefore, if you figure out a hack for one manufacturer others will be quite similar if not identical,â€ says Chris Valasek, director of security intelligence for IOActive.â€¨

One of the functions that has understandably worried onlookers in the trucking and security industries is the kill switch that powers the vehicles down. â€œSome fleets use the GPS tracking and â€˜check-outâ€™ systems to control access to the trucks when they are in depots or secure overnight storage locations to prevent the truck being stolen,â€ Ollmann adds.

â€œThe open architecture of the trucks CAM bus has made it much easier for the integration of fleet tracking and control technologies like these. But conceptually, any wireless technology that can receive remote commands and affect the operation of a truck is a potential target for researchers and targets. What if someone figures out the master shutdown code for all the trucks, and they get all the trucks in London to stop at 7am?â€

Itâ€™s a nasty thought, but this isnâ€™t science fiction. Trucking companies are working with Ollmann and his team to close off any potential flaws that could lead to disaster. â€œWeâ€™re working with some of them and doing additional research on this now â€¦ theyâ€™re worried about it.â€

The car industry is alive to the problems too, at least in its more progressive corners. When Valasek and noted security researcher Chris Miller showed on video how they could hack a car when inside the vehicle (below), it gave rise to both mirth and misery in the car industry.â€¨

Tesla has reacted the most positively. Having recruited some noted security pros, including former Apple â€œhacker princessâ€ Kristin Paget, it has set up a vulnerability disclosure programme rewarding researchers for uncovering flaws. Itâ€™s similar to bug bounty programmes run by major software firms, like Facebook, Google and Microsoft. Evidently, the Rubicon has been crossed.â€¨

Hacking the home

The home is a viable target too, amusingly highlighted by the discovery of a hackable Japanese smart toilet last year. More recently, IOActive detailed flaws in home automation kit made by Belkin, including switches to turn electrical devices on and off, which could have been used to cause real-world damage, possibly a fire.

Those vulnerabilities were eventually addressed, but Ollmann says there are numerous flaws in connected home technologies from other manufacturers that will be disclosed in the near future.

TVs that run Googleâ€™s Android operating system are vulnerable to many of the same attacks that affect smartphones. MWR Infosecurity, a consultancy, has tested out an Android exploit on a Kogan TV running Android.

The attack took advantage of a documented weaknesses that allow hackers to use of a piece of code known as a JavaScriptInterface, included in ad libraries to let further actions be initiated on Android machines.

In theory, anyone hacking a TV in this way could take photos, if the TV had a built-in camera, or create invasive applications to spy on viewers. That weakness has been found in numerous ad libraries used by many of the worldâ€™s top free apps.

â€œIt should affect any TV running Android and definitely if theyâ€™re running apps which use the flawed ad networks,â€ says David Chismon, researcher at MWR.â€¨

Home routers are ridden with vulnerabilities too, as uncovered by digital security non-profit Team Cymru in March. It found a network of 300,000 home and office routers had been compromised, thanks to worrying weaknesses in the devicesâ€™ software, from predictable or non-existent passwords to flaws in the web applications used to control them.

The hackers decided to use these security holes to redirect victims to whatever website they wanted when they started using the internet.â€¨

Taking over industrial controls

Connected, and therefore hackable, devices can also be found in control systems running nationsâ€™ critical infrastructure. Researchers across the world have been panicking about supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, used to monitor and manage industrial machines, from nuclear power plants to oil and gas pipelines. â€¨

SCADA machines produced by various manufacturers have been shown to contain various weaknesses, like those exploited by Stuxnet, the infamous malware that disrupted centrifuges at an Iranian nuclear plant. Whatâ€™s worrying is that more vulnerabilities continue to emerge.â€¨

In January, the US governmentâ€™s Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) issued a warning about a buffer overflow vulnerability, a type of weakness that allows an outside hacker to write code to a device and which has been largely eradicated from modern systems.

The Guardian knows of one major security firm that is aware of a number of theoretical flaws, ones that could be used to play with the power controls on SCADA systems, but they do not currently have the right labs to test the potential for real-world impact.

This is another key problem: the threat is poorly understood, with many apparent vulnerabilities that may or may not be exploited to endanger critical infrastructure. â€œWe keep seeing small examples of attacks that may or may not be cyber attacks against SCADA systems, but itâ€™s still a theoretical threat in terms of spectacular and long lived degradation of a specific service,â€ says Steve Santorelli, a researcher at Cymru.

His outlook for the future of SCADA-like machines is not optimistic, though. â€œThe internet is not secure frankly, in any way at all. That matters when it comes to control systems.â€â€¨

Could your internet fridge be vulnerable? Yes. Photograph: Martin Argles for the Guardian

Send in the Cavalry

Santorelli has a similarly bleak prospectus for IoT in general. â€œSomeone asked me recently: is my fridge going to DDoS me and, frankly the answer is, yes â€¦ probably,â€ he adds. â€œAnything with an IP address is a commodity in the underground economy, to be bought or bartered for if there is a way to make money from it.â€u

â€œThe privacy and criminal implications are diverse and they need to be at the heart of the design of these new technologies. The bottom line is that weâ€™ve never truly seen security be at the heart of a new technology and anything that connects to the internet will be inherently insecure by its very nature. The future is not looking bright.â€

Time to batten down the hatches and prepare for cybergeddon then? Perhaps not. Help is on the way, even if itâ€™s not from government.

A movement started by noted security professional Josh Corman has been gathering pace in recent months, since it was first conceived at last yearâ€™s DEFCON hacking convention. Its name is I Am The Cavalry. Its intention is to act as a hub for vulnerability research that affects four areas: medical devices, automobiles, home services and public infrastructure.

The plan is to give altruistic researchers a place to share their findings in a pro bono fashion, in the hope that the weaknesses will be covered off by whatever manufacturers are affected. I Am The Cavalry will act as a hyperactive middleman, coordinating vulnerability disclosures and pushing for more than just quick fixes. It wants to encourage total cultural change to instil security across organisationsâ€™ processes.

Itâ€™s an ambitious plan, born out of a sense of responsibility in a world ridden with hackable technologies. But will researchers really give away their secrets for free, especially the most technically gifted who can make millions by selling just a handful of the most serious flaws to nation states? Corman believes the ethical side of the hacking community will come out in force.

â€œIâ€™m not making an economic argument yet,â€ he says. â€œOur role and what sets us apart is that weâ€™re speaking to those who have something in them ... that altruistic gene. Weâ€™re describing something that is a shared risk and a shared concern and if that appeals to someone, they should gravitate to us.â€

Praise for Tesla

Even ahead of its formation as an official organisation (it is consulting with lawyers on whether to become an educational foundation or an industry association), I Am The Cavalry has already facilitated some vulnerability disclosures.

Corman says the body has had successes in both the car and medical industries, but canâ€™t disclose whom they involved. He has also been invited to consult with car manufacturers in the US and Europe, and is particularly impressed with the way in which Tesla has responded to the problems at hand.â€¨

â€œWe are very encouraged to see such a policy [at Tesla]. A fear weâ€™ve had as a research community is that we would have a 10-15 year learning curve where this new industry was in the denial and lawsuit stage towards researchers,â€ says Corman.

â€œIf this is an indicator of how the rest of the automotive industry will respond in kind, this will dramatically accelerate the maturity and the engagement of white hat researchers who wish to help.â€

As a sign of his sway with mandarins walking the murky halls of power, Corman has already met with Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, who recently urged car makers to act on cyber security issues, and others on Capitol Hill to discuss the weaknesses that urgently need addressing.

Despite limited â€œin the wildâ€ attacks, Internet of Things threats are real. As connected devices proliferate, the hope is that they do so securely. If they volunteer for the Cavalry, that might just happen. Then we can go about our quotidian lives feeling a little less insecure.

â€¢ Help! My fridge is full of spam and so is my router, set-top box and console

| No comments

2015 Dodge Charger darts into NY traffic

Meet the refreshed 2015 Dodge Charger; notice anything different? You would have to be pretty farsighted to miss the sedan's new Dart-like nose, and it's likely going to be quite polarizing to the car's fans. Gone are the previous furrowed, aggressive headlights in favor of a wider, friendlier look.

While the more rounded headlights and narrower grille are going to be the first thing most people notice, Dodge claims its designers have made changes to nearly every panel on the Charger. The hood dips down deeper at the front, and the doors show off a more angled version of the car's shoulder blister. LED running lights and taillights are standard on all models, and SXT and RT trims get LED foglights. Even though the front might not be as intimidating, Dodge has hung onto the sedan's muscular stance with angular contours making up the rest of the redesign.

Under the hood is the same engine range you've come to know over recent years. Both the 5.7-liter V8 and the 3.6-liter V6 return for 2015, with the Hemi making 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, and the standard Pentestar outputting 292 hp and 260 lb-ft. All models are now equipped with Chrysler's TorqueFlight eight-speed automatic as standard. Fuel economy for V8 Chargers is predicted at 16 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway, compared to 15 mpg / 25 mpg last year with a five-speed automatic. All models also come with electric power steering, and the axles are cast from aluminum to save weight.

The interior sees many of the same changes as the Challenger with a new 7-inch display located between the speedometer and tachometer, and all models but the SE come with an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with optional navigation. Drivers hang on to a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with available paddle shifters. There are a ton of new safety assistance features available on the sedan, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and more.

Trim levels are simplified from seven entries currently down to four: SE, SXT, R/T and R/T Road and Track. All-wheel drive is now optional on the base SE model, but it's no longer offered on the R/T, which means it won't be possible to get the 5.7-liter V8 driving all four wheels.

The new Charger will be on dealer lots by the end of the year. Scroll down for the entire detailed release on the refreshed sedan.

2015 Dodge Charger: The World's Only Four-Door Muscle Car Gets New Exterior, 300 Horsepower V-6 With Best-in-class 31 MPG Highway, Standard Segment-Exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed Automatic Transmission and World-class Handling and Refinement

â€¢ Dodge designers resculpt and refine nearly every body panel on the new 2015 Dodge Charger, including dramatic LED lighting in both front and rear

â€¢ Standard segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission is now paired with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMIÂ® V-8 engine on 2015 Dodge Charger R/T models, as well as the fuel- efficient and powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine

â€¢ Award-winning Pentastar V-6 paired with standard TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission delivers best-in-class 31 miles per gallon (mpg)

â€¢ New interior design elements, including three-spoke steering wheel, 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster, premium materials and a choice of eight new trim and color combinations

â€¢ Charger offers more than 80 available safety and security features, including new for 2015 full- speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, ParkSense rear park assist systems and 9-1-1 call/Assist Call

â€¢ Charger features a slew of the latest high-tech features, including the new award-winning Uconnect Access system, Uconnect Access Services with roadside assistance, theft-alarm notification, voice texting, new Dodge Performance pages, new 3-D navigation and the ability to turn the Charger into a Wi-Fi hot spot

â€¢ New mobile app lets 2015 Charger owners start and lock their vehicle from a distance

â€¢ Uconnect Via Mobile lets customers enjoy their personal Internet radio accounts and stream audio content using their own mobile device data plans. It seamlessly brings four popular Internet radio apps into the Dodge Charger, including Aha by Harman, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker

â€¢ Charger's segment-exclusive Beats Audio System is designed to immerse passengers in the ultimate audio experience

The Dodge brand is bringing its A-game for its 100th anniversary, significantly updating both the iconic Challenger muscle car and Charger four-door sedan.

The iconic Dodge Charger gets a full-body makeover for 2015 along with powertrain updates that include a standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission on both Charger's standard 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine and, new for 2015, the R/T equipped 5.7-liter HEMIÂ® V-8.

â€•Our Dodge designers have resculpted nearly every single body panel of the Dodge Charger for 2015, giving it a sleek, nimble appearance,â€– said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. â€•The Charger's all-new exterior design combined with its standard new TorqueFlite eight- speed transmission and the latest in-car technology builds on the brand's promise to deliver American performance machines with world-class efficiency, technology, authentic materials and standout styling for our customers.â€–

The 2015 Dodge Charger will be available in four models: SE, SXT, R/T and R/T Road & Track. Charger is built at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly Plant in Canada. Production is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Charger continues to grow its market share

The 2015 Dodge Charger competes in the U.S. full-size car market, but stands alone in a class by itself as the only American-bred four-door muscle car. In March of 2014, the Dodge brand reached a significant milestone, with Challenger and Charger sales combining to sell a total of more than 1 million units in the United States.

The Charger's combination of aggressive and youthful image, full-size functionality and world-class engineering and quality resonates with young and affluent buyers. Charger's purchasers on average are 15 years younger than its competitors' buyers within the segment, with more than half identifying themselves as millennials or Generation Xers.

The Charger's appeal is attracting a high number of conquest buyers, helping drive a 62 percent increase in sales since 2009 â€" double the growth of the standard full-size car segment. In 2013, Charger posted its best sales year since 2007, further fueling a 3.2 percentage point gain in market share since 2009.

To help Charger keep its edge, Dodge is loading up the new sedan with a slew of new technologies and a host of premium features, such as high-end interiors, the latest Uconnect System and impressive powertrain options, along with a new exterior design that is distinctly Dodge. New feature updates for 2015 include:

New exterior styling
â€¢ New hood
â€¢ New fenders
â€¢ New front and rear fascias
â€¢ New front doors
â€¢ New three-piece spoiler (standard R/T)
â€¢ New Dodge signature LED racetrack tail lamps
â€¢ New projector headlamps (high-intensity discharge headlamps on premium trims)
â€¢ New LED fog lamps (SXT and R/T)
â€¢ New center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL)
â€¢ New wheels for all price classes, including available 20-by-9-inch forged aluminum wheels
â€¢ New 20-inch wheels standard on R/T models
â€¢ Six different 20-inch wheel styles available
â€¢ New heritage colors, including B5 Blue, which accompanies classic high-impact TorRed

New interior styling and materials
â€¢ New 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable digital gauge cluster
â€¢ New instrument panel center stack with next-generation radio and 5.0-inch and 8.4-inch
touchscreen displays with 3-D navigation and downloadable apps
â€¢ New three-spoke thick rim steering wheel with available paddle shifters
â€¢ New performance-inspired electronic shifter
â€¢ New Dodge Performance Pages (R/T Road & Track)
â€¢ Eight all-new interior trims, including:

o New Black and Tungsten cloth (replaces Light Frost Beige on SXT and R/T) o New Black and Pearl leather (replaces Tan leather)
o New Black and Ruby Red (replaces Radar Red leather)

Technical highlights

ï‚· Included trial of Uconnect Access Services o 9-1-1 call/Assist Call
o Roadside Assistance Call
o Theft-alarm notification
o Uconnect Access App for remote services o Yelp
o Voice texting
o Wi-Fi hotspot (service available)
â€¢ New Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
â€¢ New Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop
â€¢ New advanced Brake Assist
â€¢ New full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus
â€¢ New dynamic gridlines displayed with the rear camera view to show projected path of vehicle based on driver steering input
â€¢ New TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission standard on all models
â€¢ New fully hemmed rear wheelhouse to accommodate larger tires
â€¢ All-wheel-drive (AWD) with front-axle disconnect available on SXT and, now for 2015, SE model

'Pure'formance, Aero'dramatics' and 'Fun'ctionality in Design

Inspired by its performance-enthusiast roots when Charger first launched more than 45 years ago, the new Charger successfully pays homage to past muscle cars while offering distinctly modern all-new exterior and interior appointments.

The all-new exterior of the 2015 Dodge Charger is spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, and for 2015, specifically draws its cues from the 1969 model. With its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform and proven power, the Charger's modern take on old-school muscle is sure to resonate with today's enthusiasts.

The Charger's easily recognizable Coke-bottle design and scalloped body sides, sinister front crosshairs and aggressive stance and signature LED â€•racetrackâ€– tail lamps all get a major makeover for 2015 with cleaner lines to create a sleek, chiseled, nimble and lighter weight appearance. The exterior redesign includes changes to the hood, fenders, front and rear fascias, headlamps, tail lamps, front doors and spoiler.

Starting up front, the 2015 Charger's new front styling features an all-new crosshair grille, LED fog lamps (on SXT and R/T), turn signals and daytime running lights (DRLs), and new projector-beam headlamps (HID lights on premium trims). The Charger's all-new forward-leaning front fascia gives it a superhero's confident stance. Blacked out front-end graphics create a mask that creates a family resemblance with the Dodge Dart and Durango. Slim, elongated DRLs and a full-width grille enhance the width of the sedan; Dodge logos are echoed in the outside corner of each headlamp.

In profile, the 2015 Charger carries forward its muscular Coke-bottle styling, with streamlined side scallops, while headlamps and tail lamps are now wrapped around each corner to create a trim, sinuous and tailored look. The net effect is that the car appears significantly lighter and more nimble.

The rear styling makeover begins at the touchdown point of the C-pillar, which is moved rearward to create an even more pronounced fastback appearance combined with a shorter rear overhang. A new three-piece spoiler is more integrated into the decklid, while the signature â€•racetrackâ€– LED tail lamp takes on the same continuous glowing ribbon of light that debuted on the new 2014 Dodge Durango. The center high-mounted stop lamp is relocated from the top of the decklid to the roofline inside the back glass, allowing centering of the Charger's backup camera.

All-new wheels and heritage colors complete the palette

All Charger models receive new wheels. A total of 10 wheels are available with 20-inch wheels standard on R/T models. In fact, six different 20-inch wheels are available on Charger for 2015, including an available 20-by-9-inch forged aluminum wheel finished in matte Hyper Black II paint. Special heritage colors include TorRed and new B5 Blue, along with Redline Tri-coat Pearl, Jazz Blue Pearl, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Phantom Black Tri-coat Pearl, Ivory Tri-coat Pearl and Bright White.

Driver-oriented interior with craftsmanship and world-class materials

The 2015 Charger's restyled driver-focused interior features all-new premium, soft-touch materials, a new 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable digital instrument gauge cluster and a new instrument panel center stack with a next-generation audio system embedded in the stack's standard touchscreen display.

The Charger's interior is instantly brought to life by its unique premium aluminum-lithograph driver bezel, which enables a seamless, billeted and highly detailed appearance that carries through the instrument cluster and center console. Thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques, the aluminum bezel features one-piece construction for a consistent appearance from nearly the A-pillar to the surrounding area of the Uconnect system, highlighting all the ergonomically located vehicle functions for the driver.

The instrument cluster has also been given the high-tech treatment and now includes a full-color 7-inch TFT screen similar to the one found in the 2014 Dodge Durango and Dodge Dart. Standard on all models, this screen gives drivers more than 100 ways to customize how information is presented.

Framing the Charger's new instrument cluster is a newly redesigned three-spoke thick rim sport steering wheel with available paddle shifters. The buttons to control driver information functions are now larger and illuminated to make them easier to operate. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes. As before, Charger's popular audio controls are still found on the back of the upper steering wheel spokes.

Looking to the center stack, the 2015 Charger features the latest and greatest Uconnect Access suite of technologies. All 2015 models feature a standard Uconnect touchscreen, including a 5-inch or the largest in the class 8.4-inch. Under these large and easy-to-use touchscreens are redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions.

A performance-inspired all-new electronic shifter is standard on both V-6 and V-8 models. The fully electronic shifter mimics a linkage shifter, with tactile and visual cues for gear location, while providing the benefits of electronic shifting, such as short throws and low shift efforts.

Charger features eight all-new interior trims, including Black and Tungsten cloth, Black and Pearl leather, and Black and Ruby Red leather.

Segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic now standard on all Dodge Charger models

Once limited to sedans costing twice as much, the new 2015 Dodge Charger democratizes this exclusive world-class technology, offering the segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission standard on every model, including new for 2015, on Dodge Charger SE models and HEMI-powered R/T models.

The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track models integrate the TorqueFlite electronic eight- speed automatic transmission. By design, this state-of-the-art gearbox provides world-class shift quality, refinement and fuel efficiency. Paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and its 370 best-in- class horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Charger R/T models can deliver 0-60 mph performance in the high-5 seconds.

Best-in-class 31 mpg with standard Pentastar V-6

Dodge Charger SE and SXT rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) models are powered by the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, which delivers 292 horsepower (218 kW) at 6,350 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nâ€¢m) of torque at 4,800 rpm and a best-in-class 31 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.

For Dodge Charger customers who want 31 mpg V-6 fuel economy with even more power, the Dodge Charger SXT model offers the Rallye Appearance Group â€" providing up to 300 horsepower and 264 lb.- ft. of torque thanks to a unique cold-air induction system, sport-tuned exhaust and engine calibration.

The Pentastar engine features double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) with dual-independent cam phasers (DICP), integrated exhaust manifolds, polymer-coated piston skirts, forged connecting rods and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.

Refinement was a key objective for every component during the design phase of the engine and was achieved by using advanced computer-aided engineering techniques. Structural, intake and exhaust areas of the engine are designed to deliver low levels of overall sound. Combined with the use of premium hydraulic powertrain mounts, the 2015 Dodge Charger delivers refinement in all powertrain applications and at all RPMs.

Charger's available HEMI V-8 engine delivers best-in-class 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque

For the muscle-car enthusiast, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T featuring the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (536 Nm), now combines the engine's four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology with three additional gears from the new TorqueFlite eight- speed automatic transmission for maximum performance and efficiency.

For even more responsiveness, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track model features a unique 3.07 rear axle ratio (versus the standard 2.62 rear axle ratio) and a high-speed engine controller with unique engine and transmission calibrations. In addition, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T model lineup's Fuel Saver Technology seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine also features variable-cam timing (VCT) to improve fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the wheels instead of being lost out of the exhaust port as heat. VCT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.

New 2015 Dodge Charger delivers array of easy-to-use, state-of-the-art advanced technologies

From its updated award-winning Uconnect Access system, to the availability of Uconnect Access services with roadside assistance, theft-alarm notification, voice texting and the ability to turn the Charger into a Wi-Fi hot spot to the new Dodge Performance Pages, 3-D navigation and segment- exclusive premium Beats Audio system, the 2015 Dodge Charger delivers a slew of high-tech features for the ultimate driving experience.

The Charger's acclaimed Uconnect Access system leverages advanced embedded cellular technology, which enables direct, one-touch connections with emergency service providers, roadside assistance dispatchers and vehicle information specialists.

With its available mobile phone app, Charger owners can start their vehicle and lock or unlock doors while away from the vehicle. Charger owners also can access on-demand Wi-Fi making their car a moving hot spot.

Charger's new for 2015 Uconnect Via Mobile lets customers enjoy their personal Internet radio accounts and stream audio content using their own mobile device data plans. It seamlessly brings four popular Internet radio apps into the Dodge Charger, including Aha by Harman, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker. Like all Uconnect-brand features, it is designed to be easy to learn and easy to use.

The 2015 Dodge Charger's available navigation system accommodates one-step voice-controlled destination entry and enhanced 3-D navigation map graphics, making it simple for driver's to recognize where they are and where they need to go.

The Charger also offers premium audio systems that are designed to immerse passengers in the ultimate audio experience, including the segment-exclusive high-definition Beats Audio system.

Thanks to the speed of its PowerNet electrical architecture, the 2015 Dodge Charger models equipped with Sport mode can instantly transform the four-door muscle car's personality to improve performance. By engaging Sport mode, Charger drivers can reduce shift times from approximately 400 milliseconds to 250 milliseconds, increase engine and throttle responsiveness, adjust electronic stability control (ESC) settings and firm up the steering feel.

Additionally on the Charger R/T Road & Track model, the driver can use the all-new Dodge Performance Pages, which is available on the segment's largest 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. It includes active launch control, launch control RPM settings, performance timers and performance gauges, such as G-force indicators and engine performance.

New 2015 Dodge Charger offers more than 80 safety and security features; leverages state-of- the-art driver-assist features

The Dodge Charger offers more than 80 safety and security features, including many that are new for 2015. New available features for the model year include Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, which provides autonomous braking and, under certain circumstances, slows or brings vehicle to full stop when frontal collision appears imminent.

Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop helps maintain distance from the vehicle ahead and, under certain traffic conditions, the system can bring the new 2015 Dodge Charger to full stop without driver intervention. New Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist introduces subtle steering-wheel input to alert the driver of inadvertent lane departure and assist with corrective action.

Charger's ParkSense rear park assist system works when the car is in reverse, sensing objects at low speeds. If imminent collision is detected, the system will provide a momentary, autonomous brake pulse or, in certain circumstances, bring the vehicle to a stop.

New for 2015, 9-1-1 call/Assist Call connects Dodge Charger occupants directly with emergency- service providers via built-in data connection with a push of a button, a feature exclusive to Chrysler Group's Uconnect Access service.

The Charger's standard Keyless Enter 'n Go activates interior lighting and enables passive cabin entry and trunk access through the driver's personalized key fob. The new Charger also includes a standard ultrasonic security system with an anti-tilt feature that sounds an alarm if vehicle is towed or raised on a jack.

Enthusiast-inspired Rear-Wheel Drive architecture with advanced technological solutions

The chassis of the all-new 2015 Dodge Charger is designed, engineered and fine-tuned to deliver world-class performance and efficiencies thanks to its advanced technological solutions, which include:
ï‚· Electric power steering (EPS)
o New EPS now provides three driver-selectable steering modes: Normal, Comfort and
Sport. Tuning allows for more responsive steering for spirited driving while maintaining ease in low-speed situations and when parking
ï‚· All-new, lighter weight axles for RWD and AWD
o All-new cast-aluminum axles and axle housing provide weight savings and help to
reduce parasitic friction
ï‚· Sport mode
o Sport mode provides blistering-quick gear changes, reducing shift times by 37 percent
(250 milliseconds vs. 400 milliseconds), while engaging a more aggressive transmission calibration. When Auto Stick is engaged with Sport mode, the driver can select and hold the desired gear without unexpected shifts, including at the redline
o Sport mode also engages a more aggressive throttle map and steering feel
ï‚· Electronic shifter
o Fully electronic shifter provides the intuitive look and feel of a traditional linkage shifter
with less shift effort, short throws and refined engagement and detents providing clear physical feedback of gear position. Like the available steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for manual shift control, the new electronic shifter also has a manual-mode shift gate for Auto Stick control

Segment's most innovative All-Wheel Drive system delivers best-in-class fuel economy

The 2015 Dodge Charger SE and SXT are available with AWD capability thanks to a segment- exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system that improves fuel economy by up to 5 percent. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Dodge Charger's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in RWD vehicles. To better anticipate low-traction roadways, the Dodge Charger's innovative AWD system automatically engages in cold weather, when slip is detected or when the windshield wipers are on in rainy or snowy conditions.

| No comments

How to Lease a Car for Less

If you're in the market to lease a brand new car, you're probably dreading the day-long negotiations, the feeling of uncertainty and dealing with smooth-talking salespeople. For the last month, my husband and I have been experiencing all of those stressful scenarios. With my husband's current lease ending in five months, we wanted to shop for prices earlier rather than later. Last time, we made the mistake of waiting until the lease was over and then felt rushed into deciding on a new car. Since my husband knew which specific car model he wanted, our focus was entirely on price.

To make sure you're comfortable with the price you end up paying for your leased car, try these five steps that worked for us:

Timing. You often hear people talking about the best time of year to get a car. The truth is that you can get an amazing deal all throughout the year with a few tips. If you're currently in a lease situation, make sure you start looking for a car soon because you will have more insight into pricing and won't feel rushed. If you walk into the dealership a few days before the end of the month, the salespeople and manager will be more flexible in giving you a great deal to meet their monthly goals. For example, we were offered $369 plus tax at the beginning of the month but got $349 plus tax at the end of the month for the exact same car.

Shop around. Sounds like a given, right? You'd be surprised how many people walk into a dealership and get so wrapped around those dealers' fingers that they end up walking out with a new car at the first place they go to. Try to follow the three dealership rule. Make sure you go to at least three dealerships and work out the pricing so that you can compare. Being a good consumer is all about researching and comparing prices. Why pay more if you don't have too?

Scan your offers. Make sure you walk into a dealership with a fully-charged phone. Almost all dealers will come to you with a price sheet which outlines the price and your monthly payments, including taxes, along with the model and make of car. When you get some alone time, take a picture of it or use a scanning app on your phone to capture it. This can be your biggest bargaining tool when you go to other dealerships because once they see the numbers they will try to beat it.

Walk out. If you're not happy with the deal the dealership offers you, don't waste your time. Just stand up and walk out. When the dealership knows that you are not happy with the deal, they will either try to get the manager for a final attempt or a, "Sorry, we couldn't help you" exchange. Once you make the decision to walk out, be prepared for multiple follow-ups by the dealership. Since they know you already want the car, it's an easier sell to work with you on your pricing rather trying to convince Joe-Shmoe who's just shopping around with five different makes in mind. They will try to negotiate via phone and email to get you the best price possible.

Try smaller leasing companies. After taking steps one though four, if you still don't have the right price for the car of your dreams, give a smaller leasing company a try. They're not a dealership. They work for you. They will do the haggling for you, kind of like real estate agents for the automotive industry. You tell them the make and model and price you would like to get for the car and off they go. Once they have a good price, they will come back to you and you just have to say "yes" or "no!"

Following these tips will help ensure you take out a lease that you feel good about, and that you're driving a car that you love.

Susan Yoo-Lee is the editor of Savings.com personal finance blog and founder of Mommas in the House blog.

| No comments

2015 Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition says 'happy birthday' in New York

Fifty years ago this week, Ford debuted the first-ever Mustang at the New York World's Fair. And to celebrate, the Blue Oval is offering up this special, 50th Anniversary Edition 2015 Mustang, which makes its debut at the New York Auto Show. It'll be a seriously limited affair, with only 1,964 examples of the special edition Mustang slated to be produced (the number chosen to coincide with the 'Stang's first year in production). But for those who raise their hands for the 50th Anniversary package, there's a pretty sweet package in store.

The 50th Anniversary Edition is based on the 2015 Mustang GT with the Performance Pack, and is only available in two colors: Kona Blue, or Wimbledon White (pictured). The car also comes fully loaded â€" the only option for buyers to choose is the transmission. Should you opt for the six-speed automatic, you'll get a limited-slip rear differential with a 3.55:1 final-drive ratio (the 50th Anniversary car is also the only way to get a slushbox-equipped 'Stang with the Performance Pack). Selecting the six-speed manual 'box will net you a Torsen differential with a 3.73:1 ratio. All 50th Anniversary cars will be powered by Ford's 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8, estimated to produce more than 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque in the 2015 Mustang.

Inside, there's a cashmere-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel, with a similar detail found on the instrument panel, shift boot, door inserts, seats, and center armrest. Two-tone leather/black upholstery is also part of the 50th Anniversary package, and of course, there's a special logo on the seats.

Have a look at the limited-edition Mustang in the gallery above, read about it in the press release below, and stay tuned for more info and live shots, later this week.

Ford Pays Homage to Five Decades of the World's Favorite Pony Car with Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition

- The 50 Year Limited Edition builds on the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT fastback and will be available in either Wimbledon White or Kona Blue

- Special-edition Mustang comes standard with nearly every available option; the only choice customers have to make is color, and manual or automatic transmission

- 2015 Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition will be available in fall 2014; only 1,964 examples will ever be built

NEW YORK, April 16, 2014 â€" Fifty years after debuting one of the world's most popular cars, Ford is marking the milestone by revealing a Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition. Created to honor five decades of Mustang heritage, only 1,964 examples of the 50 Year Limited Edition will ever be built when it goes on sale this fall.

"When Mustang was approved for development more than 50 years ago, I don't think anyone imagined it would spawn such a dedicated base of fans around the world and still be in production today," said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. "We are thrilled to be here in New York â€" where Mustang was first shown to the public at the 1964 World's Fair â€" to re-create that historic event for today's Mustang enthusiasts."

Based on the all-new 2015 Mustang GT fastback with performance pack, the 50 Year Limited Edition is designed to provide customers with outstanding performance and a unique appearance that will be instantly recognizable on the road. The only options for the 50 Year Limited Edition are the choice of two exclusive colors and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
50 years of inspiration

"The new Mustang blends a muscular, contemporary shape with design cues that define it as quintessentially Mustang," said Moray Callum, Ford vice president of design. "The 50 Year Limited Edition adds details that set it apart from other Mustangs, while hearkening back to the 1965 original."

The only two available colors are Wimbledon White, like Mustang serial No. 0001 that was first sold to Capt. Stanley Tucker in April 1964, or Kona Blue. Both are exclusive to this limited- edition car.

"Chrome trim was much more prevalent on cars in the 1960s than it is today, so we added some discreet highlights for the grille, side glass and tri-bar taillamps," said Callum. "The darker Kona Blue provides a particularly striking contrast against the chrome."
ï¿¼
Chrome bezels surrounding the base of each of the three taillamp blades take inspiration from the original 1962 design proposal by Gale Halderman that became the basis for the production model that debuted in 1964. The three individual lamps on each side of that design were combined into a single tri-bar lamp cluster for production, but the original concept has returned five decades on. The Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition will be the only 2015 model with the large faux gas cap badge on the rear fascia, with 50 Years added to the GT designation.

Another visual element that won't be found on any other Mustang is the louvered rear quarter- windows. Unlike the external louvers on the quarter-windows of the 1965 fastback, the new windows are comprised of layered sheets of glass built with a construction technique uniquely developed for this car.

Unique cockpit experience

From behind the wheel, drivers will know they are driving a very special car. The aluminum trim panel that spans the double-brow instrument panel gets an axel spin finish different from other 2015 Mustangs, plus a special serialized 50 Year Limited Edition badge on the passenger side. Each badge will be individually etched at Flat Rock Assembly Plant where Mustang is built.

The limited-edition is the only 2015 Mustang with a cashmere-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The stitching is also used on the instrument panel, shifter boot, center armrest, door inserts and seats. The seats feature exclusive two-tone cashmere and black leather upholstery, and the Mustang 50 Year logo on the seat backs.

Limited-edition cars will be equipped with loop-carpet floor mats with cashmere stitching and suede binding not available on other Mustangs.

A showpiece meant to be driven

"Mustang fans love to drive their cars, even the rarer examples of the breed, so we built this limited-edition from the best-performing 2015 Mustang available â€" the GT fastback with the performance pack," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "While some collectors will undoubtedly stash this car away in a museum, those who choose to hit the open road will get a world-class sports car that can run with the best."

Powered by the upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.- ft. of torque, every 50 Year Limited Edition will be equipped with the Mustang GT performance pack that includes massive six-piston Brembo front brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels with high- performance Y-speed-rated Pirelli P-Zero summer tires.

The 19-inch alloy wheels feature a unique Y-spoke design inspired by the chromed steel wheels that were offered on the original Mustang 50 years ago. The front wheels are 9.0 inches wide with 255/40R tires, while the staggered rear wheels are 9.5 inches wide with 275/40R tires.

The 50 Year Limited Edition is the only 2015 Mustang that will be available with a combination of an automatic transmission and the performance pack. When equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, the Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition will get a limited-slip rear differential with a 3.55:1 final-drive. Customers who opt for the six-speed manual will get a Torsen differential with a 3.73:1 final-drive ratio.

The 50 Year Limited Edition car will be among the first 2015 Mustangs built when production begins later this year. Each of the 1,964 50 Year Limited Edition Mustangs will get a unique owner's guide in a leather portfolio with the 50 Year badge on the outside.
ï¿¼
"We wanted to provide our most dedicated fans with the emotion of the original Mustang in a 21st century car," said Ford. "With this 50 Year Limited Edition, I believe we have accomplished our goal."

| No comments

Ferrari testing 458 successor in the snow?

It may not seem so long ago that Ferrari introduced the 458 Italia. But it's been on the market a solid 5 years since its launch in 2009, which makes it not only the oldest model in the company's lineup, but one of the oldest in its segment, the Lamborghini Huracan and McLaren 650S just having been launched in the past couple of months. So while a solitary Ferrari playing in the snow might otherwise seem like little more than an unlikely place for it to be, its chronology suggests the crew from Maranello could be up to something more.

The white 458 captured by our spy photographers in Northern Sweden appears to have something going on around its wheel arches. Aside from the panel gap that's taped up between the quarter panel and rear fender in front of the rear wheel arch, there appear to be some modifications around the front wheel arch. Just what they're for, we don't know, but their presence suggests something's up.

The test mule pictured here could be simply testing some new components, for whatever application, but if this is indeed a prototype for the 458's replacement, we'll probably start seeing more of these from here on in before the finished product comes around within the next couple of years â€" by which time the 458 will be a good seven years old, longer than the F430 or 360 Modena before it were on the market.

| No comments

Everything you ever wanted to know about getting started in road racing

9.22.13 - Road America SCCA National Championship Runoffs - GT Lite starting grid

For many auto enthusiasts, one of the higher items on their bucket list is to go racing on the track â€" whether it's a road course, dirt track oval or even a drag strip. But what if you want to make racing into a regular hobby? While each type of motorsport carries its own challenges and costs, the folks over at Winding Road have been running a fascinating series of stories showing what it takes to compete on road courses focusing on how to earn an Sports Car Club of America Competition License.

The articles are meant to take someone with no track experience through becoming a fully licensed amateur racing driver; diving into negotiating the multiple sanctioning bodies, rules and paperwork. The series goes into depth on everything that you need to know from what safety gear to select to attending race school and even what to expect during your first event. It's all separated by common questions you like "What might I want to know about learning a new track?"

If you're even curious about becoming an amateur road racing driver this seems like an invaluable series. Conveniently, it even keeps a tally of what everything costs. Head over to Winding Road to check out the sixth part in the ongoing stories; noting that all of the previous entries are linked at the bottom of the page, as well.

| No comments

2015 Lexus NX offers bold design, compact luxury

Meet the all-new NX, Lexus' entry into the space occupied by the likes of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Based off the LF-NX Concept and sharing much of the design language seen on the polarizing IS sedan, the NX looks to be a rather sporty Lexus crossover.

The big news here is under the hood: the NX will be the first Lexus to use a turbocharged engine. That's right, a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder can be found in both the NX 200t and NX 200t F Sport. There will also be an NX 300h, and if Lexus' nomenclature remains consistent, we already know all about that one. As of right now, there aren't a lot of details on either powertrain, although with the NX's Beijing debut still over a week away, here's hoping we know more soon.

2015 Lexus NX As for that design... well, we're waiting to see it up close. The initial reaction from the Autoblog team has been mixed so far. Like the IS, there are plenty of sharp angles, while the front is dominated by the brand's spindle grille. Lexus' designers have refined the shape of the headlights, giving them a cleaner overall look than on the pioneering IS. In back, LED taillights come standard. According to Lexus, 17-inch wheels are the base rollers, while 18s are optional.

The interior, meanwhile, is a rather clean piece of design, with long, unbroken stretches of what looks like leather on the dash complemented with strips of wood or metal, depending on trim level. We're guessing that the black interior with red seats belongs to the F Sport model, which uses completely different buckets for the front passengers.

Take a look up top for a full gallery of studio images taken by our own Drew Phillips, and then scroll down for the press release and official gallery from Lexus.

All-New Lexus NX Compact Crossover Launches With Marque's First Turbo Powertrain
Available With Three Powertrains: Gasoline Turbo NX 200t, Naturally Aspirated NX 200, and Full Hybrid NX 300h
Lexus Enters Luxury Compact Crossover Segment
NX Reveal at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20

BEIJING â€" April 11, 2014 â€" There's a first for everything! The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand's first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features.

Lexus will maintain its role as the luxury hybrid leader with six hybrid models including the
NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus' luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the popular RX.

The Lexus LF-NX concepts, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, influenced the striking and emotional design of the NX. The sharply styled crossover will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20.

Chief engineer Takeaki Kato and his team developed NX as a luxury vehicle that provides versatility and details unexpected in its class to young, urban drivers.

Exterior Design

The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline.

As with all Lexus vehicles, the aggressive exterior starts with the spindle grille. Innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus' bold styling.

The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX's wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares.
The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels.

The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.
ï¿¼
ï¿¼Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.

The rear is punctuated by Lexus' signature 'L' shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design.

The NX 200t F SPORT will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance.

Interior Design

The NX's cabin combines the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with luxury materials that maximizes functionality. The combination of hard metallic surfaces and contrasting soft materials help create a unique interior.

A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.

Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance.

Technology

The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.

The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi- information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

| No comments