Continuing to deliver on its promise to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015, Ford Motor Company is giving visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 an exclusive look at its new generation of global vehicles and smart technologies. Alongside an impressive lineup of vehicles and several regional debuts, Ford is injecting new energy into the compact car segment with the global introduction of an exciting new concept car.

The all-new Ford Mondeo, being displayed for the first time at an Asian auto show, redefines its segment with groundbreaking, elegant design and premium technology. Auto Shanghai 2013 also marks the global premiere of the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, which offers a winning combination of power and fuel efficiency.

The Ford Mondeo shares the stage with other new production cars such as the recently launched Ford Fiesta, Ford’s best-selling small car, and the high-performance Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch. The new Ford Explorer, Ford Kuga SUV and versatile Ford EcoSport urban SUV round out Ford’s full range of SUVs on display.

“Auto Shanghai is always a special experience, and this year we’re excited to have an especially compelling display of our One Ford vehicles and technologies to serve our customers and entice auto enthusiasts,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “From the stylish and refined Mondeo, to the versatility of SUVs like EcoSport and Explorer, to the performance and excitement of Fiesta ST, to our stunning new concept car, we have something for everyone.”

Ford Mondeo

Leading the product introductions at the Ford stand is the all-new Ford Mondeo, bringing unparalleled levels of elegance, excellent driving dynamics, smart technologies and high fuel efficiency to the midsize segment.

The premier expression of Ford’s new global design language, Mondeo’s refined and emotional character extends from the stunning exterior through to an interior that offers excellent ergonomics and superior craftsmanship, with minimized interior panel gaps, soft-touch materials and a driver-focused centre console.

In China the Mondeo will be offered with Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine for the first time. The fifth and latest member of Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines, the 1.5-litre is projected to produce 133 kW of power at 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 240 Nm from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The 1.5-litre features specific technologies to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, delivering an engine that is quiet and refined. The all-new Ford Mondeo also will be available with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

“We’ve gone further in every aspect to bring to China the most premium Mondeo we have ever designed, developed and built,” said Marin Burela, president & CEO, Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd. “The all-new Mondeo is designed to stir the senses and transform expectations of what a car can be. It’s truly a flagship car, offering our Chinese customers class leading levels of refinement, driving pleasure and excitement. The Mondeo will raise the bar in craftsmanship, style and technology- delivering what we believe our loyal Chinese customers truly want and value.”

Ford Fiesta and Ford Fiesta ST

Fans of smaller cars will find much to like in the stylish new Ford Fiesta, with a striking new exterior design and an updated, ergonomically refined interior. Featuring Ford’s award-winning SYNC in-car connectivity system that supports both English and Mandarin, a responsive and efficient 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and Ford’s six-speed PowerShift automatic, the new Fiesta marks the bold evolution of a popular automotive icon.

Ford also is catering to enthusiasts in China looking for more excitement. The new Ford Fiesta ST combines an aggressive look with sizzling performance. A high-output version of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine rockets the hot hatch from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 220 km/h. With features including modified suspension, upgraded brakes, and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control to reduce understeer during hard cornering, the new Fiesta ST is designed to provide discerning drivers with an unmatched performance package in the class.

Escort Concept

With an eye to the future in China, Ford also has taken the wraps off a new concept car as it works to offer customers greater choice in the growing C-segment. Ford is using the Shanghai show as an opportunity to display the Ford Escort Concept to Chinese consumers seeking a fun driving experience and high level of technology, consumers who also value exceptional roominess, uncompromised functionality and sophisticated design.

“This compact concept highlights the strength of our global One Ford approach to vehicle design, and represents how we can make use of our global design language to bring refined designs to attainable vehicles,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Ford Motor Company. “Designed with the Chinese consumer in mind, the new Escort Concept has the potential to strengthen our product portfolio here in China as we take advantage of opportunities for diversification within the compact car segment.”
Utility vehicles

Recognizing the rapid growth of the sport-utility vehicle segment in China’s auto industry, Ford also is showcasing a full range of SUV offerings.

Recently introduced in China, Ford’s iconic Explorer comes in at the premium end of the Ford SUV range, with a luxurious, spacious cabin that seats seven, a premium driving experience, and a full complement of class-leading in-cabin technologies. With Ford’s Terrain Management System, which helps to simplify the use of the vehicle’s 4WD system while maximizing its effectiveness, Explorer is equally at home on city roads and more rugged terrain. It also includes premium driver-alert features such as side curtain airbags, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), post-crash alert system and collision warning with brake support.

The Ford Kuga, launched in China in January, leads the charge for smart technologies in the SUV segment. Kuga is filled with innovative technologies that set it apart from its competitors. A motion-sensing hands-free automatic tailgate uses technology like that used in modern video game systems to give drivers quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to fumble for keys. Kuga also features SYNC with MyFord Touch, which gives drivers voice control access to vehicle functions, settings and information in both English and Mandarin. Other technologies – including active park assist, BLIS, Active City Stop and Lane-Keeping Aid – provide enhanced safety while taking some of the stress out of city driving and parking.

Ford’s latest entry into the SUV segment, Ford EcoSport combines SUV flexibility and small-car efficiency. Produced in China at Ford’s modern, flexible Changan Ford Assembly Plant No. 1, the urban SUV features smart technologies including Ford SYNC in a sporty package that is ideal for rugged urban adventurers. The Ford EcoSport also offers customers Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Also on display is the Ford Edge crossover, which provides a compelling driving experience combined with advanced safety, security and entertainment features. Edge also boasts impressive fuel efficiency with an available 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Quality, green, safe and smart: Interactive displays

To complement its many global vehicles, Ford will offer visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 the opportunity to learn more about the quality, green, safe and smart aspects of its vehicles and technologies through interactive displays.

Helping visitors to understand how to drive green, Ford’s Green Calculator display will calculate daily savings that can be attained by making use of Ford’s green technologies. Through the Boostical display, visitors can generate their own music videos to communicate the power and efficiency of EcoBoost engines. At the Turbo Story display, visitors can get a feel for the power advantages of the EcoBoost engine by spinning a crank handle.

Smart driving will be emphasized with SYNC Activations, a display that illustrates the use of Ford’s award-winning SYNC technology through both a driving and music game. A magician will be on hand to reveal the benefits of technologies including SYNC with MyFord Touch in Mandarin. And with the Crowd Control Game, visitors will be able to control a Ford EcoSport through a motion-sensing camera, unlocking information about the new urban SUV at every turn.

To give visitors a feel for the quality of Ford products, the stand features a Trim display for the all-new Ford Mondeo, showcasing the sophisticated design and materials used in the interior of this benchmark car. At the Object in Motion display, visitors can zoom in on vehicle components in 3D to see for themselves Ford’s attention to detail.

Demonstrating the advanced driver-assist features of Ford vehicles, the Safety Touch Table will let visitors see a demonstration of innovations, such as rear inflatable seat belts. And younger fans of Ford will be given the chance to paint their own Ford badges while learning about the features that make Ford vehicles safe for the whole family.

Auto Shanghai 2013 runs April 21-29 at Shanghai New International Expo Center.

The post Ford Unveils Escort Concept at Auto Shanghai 2013 appeared first on Motorlogy.

Toyota released another image of the Furia Concept that will make its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  This new sedan concept will be revealed in the Toyota display at Cobo Hall on Jan. 14, 2013 at 2:25 p.m. EST, with a presentation by Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.

The post Toyota Releases New Photo of Upcoming Furia Concept appeared first on Motorlogy.

The latest generation of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible leads the way worldwide in the premium mid-range coupe and convertible market. Indeed few, if any, rivals have made such a defining impact on this segment in terms of design, dynamics and efficiency.

Now, with the unveiling of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe, BMW is looking ahead to the fourth generation of its sporty mid-range coupe – and reasserting its global leadership credentials in the process.

The “4” – a sign of greater exclusivity and presence.

The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe adds a new dimension to the qualities of the BMW 3 Series Coupe in terms of aesthetics, dynamics and elegance.

The “4” doesn’t just mark the start of a new cycle, it represents the zenith of a development curve. BMW has given the new model its own individual character and a standalone design – and, in so doing, has turned “4” into segment shorthand for aesthetic and dynamic appeal. The latest addition to a nomenclature that sees BMW building on the fine tradition of its large BMW 6 Series and BMW 8 Series Coupes, the “4” stands for greater sportiness, greater exclusivity and even clearer differentiation from the BMW 3 Series range.

The design: a development curve reaches its zenith.

The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe allows the driver to experience the essence of this new, sporting and elegant generation of car in the lap of contemporary luxury. An array of high-quality details provide an exclusive showcase for the car’s perfectly balanced coupe proportions. Inside, the expertise of BMW Individual, skilled handcraftsmanship and carefully selected materials combine to create a supreme interior. The role of BMW Individual in the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe’s development clearly underlines the brand’s commitment to challenging itself constantly in pursuit of perfection.

Lower and wider stance sharpens dynamics before a wheel is turned.

The dimensions of the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe imbue the car with a dynamic presence even when it is standing still. The wheelbase (2,810 mm) is 50 millimetres longer than that of the existing 3 Series Coupe, while 45 mm has been added to the front track (1,545 mm) and 80 mm to the rear track (1,593 mm). At 1,826 mm wide, the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe is 44 mm broader than its predecessor, its roof line is 16 mm lower (1,362 mm) and it is also longer (4,641 mm) – all of which makes for exceptionally dynamic proportions.

The post BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept Revealed appeared first on Motorlogy.

Chevrolet’s small cars are racking up big sales in 2012 and the bowtie brand will explore their wilder sides at the SEMA Show this year with a stable of stylized Spark, Sonic and Cruzeconcepts. The cars demonstrate the possibilities for customers who want a more personalized driving experience.

Chevrolet previewed the concept vehicles ahead of the Oct. 30 opening of the SEMA Show, the annual automotive aftermarket extravaganza of styling and performance, along with the multihued “The Color Run” Spark and “Pink Out” Spark – a car for a cause.

“With Chevy’s new small cars attracting young buyers with a taste for customization, Spark, Sonic and Cruze are the perfect canvasses to express their personalities,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The content, colors and performance of each concept is being evaluated for possible production as Chevrolet continues to seek new ways to give customers more choices.”

Chevy small car sales were up 97 percent in September. Sonic recorded 7,525 sales for the month, with sales of nearly 65,000 year to date through September. Spark, which went on sale earlier this year in 18 U.S. markets, recorded 2,223 sales in September. The Cruze compact sedan is one of the country’s best-selling cars, with more than 180,000 sales  through nine months of 2012. That includes 25,787 sales in September.

“The momentum with these small cars continues to build, as more customers discover their fun-to-drive spirits and high-value content, including great infotainment options – such as Sonic and Spark’s MyLink features,” said Perry.

The small-car concept vehicles demonstrate a range of performance-based styling expressions, including the first application of Chevrolet’s Z-Spec treatment for Spark with family traits, such as the mesh grille inserts and graphic accents. The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme.

Z-Spec parts could be purchased individually to suit customer tastes and budgets. They’re designed for purchase and installation through Chevrolet dealerships with the option of installation at purchase and cost being rolled into the customer’s monthly payments. Z-Spec concepts could spawn limited-edition production models from Chevrolet.

This year’s Chevy small car SEMA vehicles include:

Cruze Upscale concept

The Cruze Upscale concept moves the compact sedan up a few rungs on the luxury ladder with a Burnished Brandy Metallic exterior and unique exterior appointments. Inside is a brown leather-trimmed interior. Features include:

• Unique ground effects package with rocker and fascia extensions
• Black Ice bright-accented exterior trim
• Tinted headlamp and fog lamp lenses
• Dark-tinted windows
• Custom 19×8.5-inch aluminum wheels finished in Black Ice
• 225/40ZR19 Bridgestone Potenza S-04 tires
• Seats trimmed in Loft Brown leather
• Loft Brown and DK Atmosphere leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Yellow accent stitching on the seats and steering wheel
• Dark Liquid Palladium high-gloss interior trim plates
• Door panels and instrument panel with Loft Brown and DK Atmosphere leather wraps and DK Atmosphere paint
• Adjustable coil-over suspension kit
• Four-piston front brake calipers with two-piece vented and drilled rotors
• Two-piston rear brake calipers with vented and drilled rotors.

Sonic Z-Spec 1 concept

This performance-oriented vision of the Sonic sedan blends the Z-Spec aesthetic with a more capable driving experience, including a power-enhancing exhaust system and upgraded brakes. The capability is matched with a custom Synergy Green exterior. Details include:

• Chevrolet licensed accessories Borla exhaust system
• Lowered ride height, with Chevrolet Performance concept suspension kit, including lowering sprints and performance dampers
• Chevrolet Performance concept brake kit, featuring four-piston front disc brake calipers with 16-inch rotors
• Eighteen-inch split-spoke wheel design with Synergy Green insert
• Sonic RS rear spoiler in Ashen Grey
• Ashen Grey Metallic Z-Spec stripe and logos
• Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit
• Mesh-style upper and lower grilles in Piano Black with Ashen Grey surrounds
• Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedals
• Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel sill plates
• Jet Black and Titanium interior with Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedal covers and sill plates
• Chevrolet MyLink color touch screen
• Chevrolet licensed accessories Sub and Amp Kit, with KICKER 200-watt DSP amp and 200-watt powered subwoofer.

Sonic Z-Spec 2.5 concept

A tuner-inspired concept with the performance to back up its aggressive stance, the Sonic Z-Spec 2.5 sedan shows what’s attainable with Chevrolet Performance and GM Accessories parts, along with select aftermarket components and a dash of color. Highlights include:

• Abalone White Tricoat exterior color with Z-Spec graphics
• Unique ground effects package and lower fascia extensions
• Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler
• Galvano Silver accents on the grille surround, fog lamp bezels door trim and wheels
• Tinted headlamps and fog lamps
• Concept 18×7.5-inch wheels in Galvano Silver with Signal Red edges
• Jet Black leather-trimmed interior with Orange Crust leather inserts and orange accent stitching
• Orange anodized and Piano Black interior trim plates
• Jet Black Leather-, Jet Black Suede- and Orange Suede-wrapped door panels and instrument panel with Orange accent stitching
• Jet Black perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedal covers
• Chevrolet MyLInk color touch screen
• Chevrolet licensed accessories Sub and Amp Kit, with KICKER 200-watt DSP amp and 200-watt powered subwoofer
• Lowered ride height, with Chevrolet Performance concept suspension kit, including lowering sprints and performance dampers
• Chevrolet Performance concept brake kit, featuring four-piston front disc brake calipers with 16-inch rotors
• Chevrolet Performance concept single-piston rear brake calipers with Sonic RS rotors
• Chevrolet Performance concept cold-air intake kit
• Chevrolet licensed accessories Borla exhaust system.

Spark Z-Spec concept

The Spark Z-Spec demonstrates a cohesive and branded package of enhancements drawn from accessories already available through Chevrolet dealers – giving the cheeky Spark a definite attitude. The Salsa Red concept is distinguished from production models with:

• Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit (body color)
• Chevrolet Accessories Z-spec grille with Carbon Flash-painted surround
• Grille surrounds, headlamp housings, fog lamp bezels, belt moldings and rear diffuser painted Dark Argent
• Z-Spec body graphics in matte black
• Chevrolet Performance licensed front lowering coil-over springs and rear adjustable springs
• Concept 15×6-inch split-spoke wheels in Dark Argent with Salsa Red inserts and tire stripes
• Lowered ride height
• Seats trimmed with Salsa Red inserts
• Front door and instrument panel inserts in Salsa Red
• Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedal covers and sill plates
• Chevrolet MyLInk color touch screen.

Spark Sinister concept

The aggressive-looking Spark Sinister concept blends rally-inspired exterior cues with a black appearance for a night-racing aesthetic that looks at home in the shadows of a city’s industrial district. Its content includes:

• Dramatic body work with bold rocker fairings, a rear diffuser with dual exhaust outlets, rear wing spoiler and a front fascia with large air intakes
• Prominent fender flares to cover large, 18×6-inch split-spoke wheels – in Bahia Red –  and low-profile performance tires: 205/40ZR18 (front) and 225/40ZR18 (rear)
• Lowered ride height
• Carbon Flash Metallic exterior with Bahia Red accents and matte-black graphics.

‘The Color Run’ Spark

Chevrolet Spark is the official pace car of The Color Run – a popular, nationwide series of urban 5K races in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors for each kilometer – and it leads the pack in a colorful display of its own. A custom, multihued graphics package gives the Spark a post-race appearance while a Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit and Z-Spec grille give it a sportier profile. The production 15-inch split spoke wheels are painted white, but don’t stay that way once color-dousing participants shower this one-of-a-kind pace car with colored corn starch along the route. Inside, custom seat with The Color Run graphics are featured, along with Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedal covers and sill plates.

‘Pink Out’ Spark Cancer Awareness Concept

Chevrolet takes a stand against breast cancer and supports the American Cancer Society with a Techno Pink Spark that’s adorned with pink ribbon graphics. It also wears Chevrolet Accessories ground effects and a Z-spec grille. Inside, pink accent colors – including a pink suede headliner, pillar trim, instrument panel trim and accent piping – round out the cause-inspired theme. More information about American Cancer Society’s breast cancer-fighting programs is available at www.cancer.org.

The post Chevy Brings Spark, Sonic and Cruze to SEMA appeared first on Motorlogy.

Honda unveiled the 2013 Crosstour Concept today at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), providing the first official glimpse of a more capable looking exterior styling direction for the luxurious mid-size CUV. Set to go on sale this fall, the Crosstour’s defined lines will resonate more clearly with the active consumers that form the largest portion of the premium crossover segment.

The 2013 Crosstour V-6 will feature improved fuel economy thanks to its new 6-speed automatic transmission, while both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will benefit from a host of safety and visibility upgrades.

“Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class.”

The Crosstour Concept features a more capable, SUV-like styling direction for Honda’s mid-size crossover. A more aggressive and athletic front end, new contrasting moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias anchored by the rugged look of finished sill plates provide more visual strength to the Crosstour Concept. Adding to the SUV-like stance, new rear-fender finish helps give the Concept a more solidly planted appearance.

Up front, the new integrated foglamp treatment is complemented by a slotted finish beneath the headlights, which helps integrate the new, bolder grille. The revised tailgate sports a more horizontal design to add visual width to the sculpted lines at the rear of the Crosstour.

The Crosstour Concept is coated in a fresh hue, similar to one of two new shades that will appear on the 2013 Crosstour. Anchoring the Crosstour Concept are unique 5-spoke 19-inch wheels, while the 2013 Honda Crosstour will feature new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Though not on display in the Crosstour Concept, the luxurious interior of the Honda Crosstour will see even further refinement for 2013, including heavily revised trim materials, the addition of an 8-inch, in-dash information display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on V-6 models.

The Crosstour will offer two powertrains for the 2013 model year: a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy¹ along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda’s Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.

The four-cylinder Crosstour models are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. To maximize efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

The 2013 Crosstour will introduce numerous new safety features, and is targeted to earn top scores in the federal government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The next Crosstour will be available with Honda’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The 2013 Crosstour will provide a host of visibility enhancements, and will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror.

Standard Crosstour convenience features include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface. Other available features on the 2013 Crosstour will include a hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora internet radio interface, XM satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function.

The post Honda Unveils 2013 Crosstour Concept appeared first on Motorlogy.

Next-generation buyers have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influence the design and functionality of their perfect car. Two concepts, derived from input from young Americans, are debuting in Europe at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show.

Hostesses armed with iPads will be available around the Chevrolet stand at the Geneva Motor Show to find out what youths think. Their input will be used for further development of future concepts.

Over the past year, Chevrolet has conversed with young consumers across the United States. Based on their feedback, the Chevrolet youth concepts, designed by Nicholas David and Joe Baker from the GM North Hollywood Design Center, explore the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they are looking for in a car.

Code 130R

The first Chevrolet concept, is a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile. Code 130R features heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. With an aggressive front fascia, Chevrolet fender flares, straight body side and the Chevrolet crossflag emblem, Code 130R makes a link to Chevrolet’s performance heritage.

Code 130R’s designers conceived the turbocharged engine to be tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology. By shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy and smoothing torque during acceleration, this concept takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy.

Tru 140S

The second Chevrolet concept, is a front-wheel-drive “affordable exotic” four-seat sport coupe. The three-door hatchback was designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car. Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. The vehicle is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle.

Tru 140S designers want to demonstrate technologies typically found in more expensive cars, including direct injection and a starter-based stop-start technology, balancing internal combustion and electrification to deliver high value and improved fuel economy.

The concepts share attributes younger buyers say they value, such as:

• Sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers
• Interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and head-up display
• Consumption of 5.9 liters (highway) with a 150 hp 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine

“Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience,” said Frank Saucedo, director of the GM North America Advanced Design studio in Los Angeles where the two concepts were developed.

Inside the concepts, connectivity and personalization enable the individualization that the generation says is essential.

“Customers in this age bracket find connectivity very important. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi transforms the vehicle into their own docking station,” said Saucedo.

From the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the vehicles made their world debut, the pair of Chevrolet concepts will travel to major auto shows, key lifestyle events, one-on-one experiences and other venues such as college campuses.

If you want to add more style to your vehicle, then you should check out these accessories for your truck or car.

The post Chevy Shows Two Youth Concept Cars In Geneva appeared first on Motorlogy.

Simultaneously with the world premiere of the first BMW M Performance automobiles, BMW’s concept study of a further model from this new product category will be showcased on the media days (6 – 7 March 2012) at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. The BMW Concept M135i consistently utilises the dynamic potential of the new BMW 1 Series for the concept of the first BMW M Performance automobile featuring a straight six-cylinder petrol engine.

The body design of the BMW Concept M135i assigns the youthful and sporty looks of the new BMW 1 Series to a three-door compact model, complementing it with the distinctive athleticism so typical of a BMW M Performance automobile.

The employment of a straight six-cylinder petrol power plant featuring M Performance Twin Power Turbo technology with a power output of more than 300 hp creates the ideal prerequisites for maximum dynamics in the premium compact segment and, in conjunction with rear-wheel drive concept still unique in this vehicle class, ensures unsurpassed driving pleasure so typical of a BMW.

Moreover, the characteristic handling precision of BMW M Performance automobiles is obtained through model-specific suspension technology that includes an M sports braking system and is perfectly adapted to match the supreme road performance. 18-inch M light alloys with a double spoke design additionally complement the concept car’s sporting character.

The front apron of the concept car boasts a typical M design, signalising intensive road-orientation, its large air intakes designed to match the cooling requirement of the powerful engine, ancillary components and large brakes. The three-dimensionally designed flaps on the air intakes give indication of the car’s direct association with motor racing.

In addition to intense road-orientation, the specific design of the rear end of the BMW Concept M135i emphasises above all the vehicle’s width. This is supplemented in particular by the three-dimensional modelling of the surfaces and the lower section of the rear apron finished in Dark Shadow metallic. Furthermore, the rear apron accommodates the exhaust system’s double tailpipe that features a dark chrome trim.

The BMW Concept M135i’s exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey and side window surrounds in BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line are a further feature of BMW M Performance automobiles.

Compared with the silhouette of the five-door BMW 1 Series, the three-door BMW Concept M135i makes an even more sporting and elegant statement. On the whole, the car has a more dynamic and elongated appearance. Viewed from the side, the car’s athletic, low-slung appearance and its nearness to the road are even more intensely expressed by an entirely horizontal contour line in the area of the doorsills. A dynamically rising character line symbolises the BMW Concept M135i’s urge to move forwards.

The wide doors are a further characteristic feature of the BMW Concept M135i’s body design. Together with the rear side windows, the frameless windows form a coherent window surface reaching back to the rear end, accentuating the body’s dynamically stretched appearance.

In addition, the surface design in the area of the rear side panels helps above all to emphasise the powerfully flared wheel arches. The visual accentuation of this part of the body directs the eye to the rear wheels, where the power of the six-cylinder power plant is transformed into driving dynamics in typical BMW manner.

Thanks to a distinctively sports-oriented appearance, the BMW Concept M135i offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range. At the same time, a clear signal has been given for the expansion of the new product category of BMW M Performance automobiles. The BMW M Performance automobiles being presented at the Geneva Motor Show and shortly to be launched are powered by the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine available for series production vehicles. The petrol-fuelled models in this product category will also assume a similar unique position. The pre-series concept car BMW Concept M135i offers a fascinating outlook on a corresponding offer in the premium compact segment.

The world premiere of the BMW Concept M135i will take place at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, 6th March at 5 p.m. within the framework of the BMW DTM presentation. On the second media day (Wednesday, 7th March), the vehicle will be showcased all day at the BMW stand.

The post BMW M135i Concept Coming to Geneva‎ appeared first on Motorlogy.

Jaguar Land Rover Canada presents the Canadian debut of the Jaguar C-X16 at the Canadian International Auto Show.

The Jaguar C-X16 concept is a bold statement of Jaguar’s future design and technological intent. The C-X16 takes the traditional front-engined, rear-wheel drive formula that Jaguar defined over the decades and reinvents it for the 21st Century in a performance-oriented hybrid drivetrain with 50:50 weight distribution.

Jaguar Land Rover Canada will also showcase its 2012 model year line up at the 38th Annual Canadian International Auto Show held from February 17 to 26 in Toronto. The 2012 Jaguar XF, XK, XJ and C-X16, as well as the 2012 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and LR4 will all be on display during the show.

The post Jaguar C-X16 Arrives at Toronto Auto Show appeared first on Motorlogy.