Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

Looks like Toyota and Gazoo Racing will be bringing more than just the Lexus LF-A to the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race this week. In a surprising announcement, the Japanese automaker will also bring their new mid-engine convertible hybrid concept to Nurburgring, which they've christened as the Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II.

An updated version of the first concept that was introduced at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II is an MR2-based hybrid concept that features plenty of styling cues from the fabled MR2 sports car. It was also designed in a far more aggressive detail befitting of its status as a new-age hybrid concept car.

In addition to the advanced convertible design language of the car, Toyota and GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by MN2) also improved on the car's mid-engine sports-hybrid AWD system that now carries a 3.5-liter Type 2GR-FXE V6 engine that produces 249 horsepower to go with a front electric motor that bumps up the output to 299 horsepower.

So far, these are the only details we have of the new Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II, but rest assured, we'll have more details when the car makes its official debut at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring this weekend.

More Pictures of Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

2014 Audi Q2 Concept Leaked

Audi currently offers a Q3, a Q5, and a Q7 SUV in their line-up, with a Q6 in the pipeline to serve as a competitor for the BMW X6. Now new rumors suggest that the company is already working on a new baby SUV that will be sportier than the five-door Q3.

The future Audi Q2 will be built on the MQB Group architecture and will be closer in design to the A1. Rumors say that the new Q2 will introduce advanced LED headlight technology never before seen in small cars and that Audi will offer customers the chance to personalize the Q2 in any way they see fit.

The Q2 will be a two-door SUV featuring a front-wheel drive system as standard, but quattro four-wheel drive will be offered for the most powerful versions. Under the hood, we will see the same engines as in the A1 including a 1.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbo and an efficient 1.6-liter diesel engine.

A concept version of the Audi Q2 should debut in about a year's time, with a production version set to arrive in 2014.

More Pictures of 2014 Audi Q2

2012 Acura RL Review

Despite debuting over seven years ago, extensively refreshed in 2009 and nip/tucked again in 2011, the Acura RL remains a mystery. Flagship products usually sell in small numbers, but the RL is one of the rarest sedans in America. This isn't exactly been a badge of honor for Acura. Overlooked by shoppers who flock to the cheaper Acura TL and largely forgotten by the automotive press (after all these years, TTAC has never fully reviewed the RL) With a full replacement due next year in the form of the RLX concept, I hit Acura up for an RL for a week to see how a flagship product from a major brand could manage to sell just 56 vehicles in Canada and 1,096 in the USA in 2011. For those who like statistics, the TL outsold the RL by 2,850%.

Beating "sideways" under the hood of the RL is Acura's ubiquitous 3.7L V6, good for 300HP and 271lb-ft of twist at a lofty 5,000RPM. 300HP may have been a selling point back in 2005, but in today's luxury market, 300 is where things start, not end. The 3.7 s 271lb-ft is practically meager when pitted against the 350lb-ft cranked out by Lincoln's Ecoboost V6, not to mention BMW's twin turbo V8. Rubbing some salt on the wound, the TL's optional 3.7L engine cranks out 5 more ponies. Ouch. Still, the MKS Ecoboost and S80 T6 are on the high-end of the competition's scale which, more realistically, includes the GS350 AWD and the Cadillac XTS.

For 2011 Acura updated the RL with a new 6-speed transmission. The extra cog cut the RL's dash to 60 by almost a full half second vs the 2010 model (5.9 as tested.) Mercedes may advertise a 7-speed automatic and BMW and Audi tout their ZF 8-speed, but let's be honest here - the E350, 535xi or A6 3.0T don't compete head-on with the RL. When you scale back the competition to the more natural competitors of the S80, MKS, GS350 and XTS, the right number of gears for this crowd is six. The 2012 RL is now rated for 17/24MPG (City/Highway) which is 1MPG better than before. Over our 745 miles with the RL we averaged a middling 19MPG. In comparison, Cadillac's XTS promises to be the most efficient AWD sedan in this size class at 17/28MPG.

The RL is perhaps one of the most forgotten and misunderstood vehicles of our time. Looking at the sales numbers, you'd think there was something horribly wrong with the RL. In 2011 only 1,096 RLs found a home meaning even the unloved Volvo S80 outsold it nearly 5:1 and the MKS bested it by 12:1. However, the problem with the RL isn't that the Volvo, Lexus and Lincoln competition is more modern. The problem is the new TL with SH-AWD. With a thoroughly modern interior and electronics, the TL might have a less capable AWD system, but with a lower price tag it is no wonder it outsells the RL 31:1. Still, if you're shopping for a $50,000 luxury sedan, the RL isn't a bad choice, but the new RL couldn't come any sooner.

More Pictures of 2012 Acura RL

2013 Ford Taurus SHO Review

The 2013 Ford Taurus SHO model year full-size saloon of the Blue Oval comes with a fresh face, more features and a new 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Both that four-cylinder turbo and the improved 3.5 V6 offer decent figures, but this is the Taurus with the muscles - the Taurus SHO.

The Taurus SHO was always powered by an Ecoboost 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp and 475 Nm, and there's no change in engine or figures for this facelifted version. There were rumours that this SHO will get bumped to 400 horses, but considering the firepower it already has, perhaps that's unnecessary. A six-speed SelectShift auto with steering paddles does transmission duties.

So no power up, but the SHO does get a new optional Performance Package. A 3.16:1 final drive ratio will improve initial acceleration, and you'll get new dampers and specific springs. Also, the EPS steering has been tuned and the ESC has a track mode with "true off" (zero intervention), performance brakes and "track-tuned calipers".

Looks wise, the SHO is set apart by a black mesh grille flanked by series-specific HID headlamps. A fender-mounted scallop with SHO badge and 19-inch wheels can be seen on the sides (20-inch machined and painted wheels are optional). Black wing mirrors (heated with memory and puddle lamps) and a decklid spoiler are the other changes. The cabin is in full black.

Here's a finding that Ford is keen to share. About half of 2010 SHO customers had not previously considered buying a Ford, and frequently it's high-end sedans (examples given are 3 and 5-Series BMWs and Acura TLs) that are traded in. Interesting.

More Pictures of 2013 Ford Taurus SHO

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Overview

When you look at a Mercedes E-class, you realize it is not just the work of a group of people. It is the result of a constantly refined tradition, with an unending story told best by the all new Mercedes E-250 Elegance. This baby not only has sleek aerodynamics that defines visual perfection, it has also provided a super smooth ride synonymous with comfort and elegance for over 100 years.

NEW MODEL

First introduced in2010, the current Mercedes Benz E-Class has been a top seller for the German luxury automaker and on March 2012 the 500000th E-Class sedan rolled off the production line in Sindelfingen, Germany. (This figure only represents the production of current generation e class sedans with exclusions of the E-Class coupe and e class cabriolet.) Their ingenuity not stopping short, the e class designers recently unveiled the hybrid version: the E-400 and E-350 Blue TEC Hybrid capable of 56 mpg on the European combined cycle.

COMFORT

This is one car you will not have to chew your lips off while stuck in traffic. A new chassis and dampers that adapt to the driving conditions make this as comfortable and cruisy as a luxury sedan can get. Sitting on the driver's seat alone is quite an experience and certainly only in few cars will you find the working of the gear lever transmitted electronically through a cable. It entails full Bluetooth audio streaming as well as a 6 GB hard drive to store your favorite tunes. Talking of music, it is played through Harman/Kardon LOGIC 7 surround system to cater for the long journeys. The rear seats are slightly reclining with plenty of head and leg room, which are very practical for a family car.

SAFETY

Want to die in an accident? Then don't drive an e class. Its safety measures entail the PRE -SAFE systems which not only tightens the seat belts before an unavoidable accident, but also automatically closes windows, sunroof, fills up air cushions on the multi -contour seats and even moves the front seats to a safer position in the crucial moments before an accident. It also includes 11 airbags: front, side and rear ones, pelvic bag, full size window-bags for driver and front passenger and a knee-bag for the driver. That aside, the prime thought that you are in a Mercedes E-Class is enough to prevent you from dying. Ha! Ha!

STYLISH

The E-Class is a beautiful car in its own right, and like BMW and AUDI its going for a more subtle look of sublime elegance, only that it's doing much better; you will surely want to have one of these.

HANDLING

The turning feel is so smooth, more like an S-Class than a C-Class that at times you forget you are connected to the front wheels. There is almost no feedback and the suspension is best suited for normal driving though when push comes to shove it responds with profound agility around tight corners and in sudden directional changes.

PERFORMANCE

Believe it or not, the 1.8L German engineered engine has the power output of engines with twice the capacity. The 1.8L E-250 CGI delivers 150kw (200bhp) and 310Nm of torque with a top speed of 242km/h and an acceleration from 0-100 km in 7.5 seconds. The more costly 2.1L E-250 CDI delivers the same power but with 500Nm of torque with a top speed of 240 km/h. its acceleration from rest to 100km/h is 7.7 seconds.

FUEL ECONOMY

If you have five woes and fuel bills is one of them, now you have four to worry about. The engine size is a pocket friendly 1.8L for the CGI, smaller than most cars in its league yet with power commensurate or greater than theirs. The fuel economy is more like a 1.5L Toyota at 7.6L/100km (for my drive it was 7.8L/100km which I did extensively enough,) and with an additional $ 320 you get the E-250 CDI with an unbelievably low 5.1L/km, only 0.1L/100km more than the overrated Toyota Camry Hybrid.

ECO-FRIENDLY
Mercedes has never believed in smoke screen as part of its defense, and the E-250 CDI takes it even higher by being the least polluting car in its range. It emits 154g/km of C02 and promises 47.1 mpg economy-an improvement of 20g/km and 4.4 mpg over the previous generation E-220 CDI. The E-250 CGI is the least polluting e class at 134g/km of CO2.

SHORTCOMINGS

Critics leveled against it suggest that the tail lights connote a Toyota-like appearance (many Mercedes owners hate Toyota.)

You also have to manually adjust your seat instead of electronically and that it lacks a reverse camera. The COMAND is not as intuitive as BMW's iDRIVE and the satellite navigation system is not as advanced as of the BMW 5 series.

More Pictures of 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 250

2012 BMW 528i xDrive Review

2012 BMW 528i xDrive engine is now a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The form was to look slimmer if you open the hood and a large enough vacancy between the engine and radiator, able to produce 240 hp - identical to the output of 2011 six-cylinder 528i, but boasting an additional 30 pound feet of torque. In addition, the 528i is able to move quickly to 62 mph (about 6.3 seconds).

The economy and emissions levels are the main goal as a displacement, and reduction of the cylinder. 2012 2012 BMW 528i xDrive improve fuel economy on the model 2011 with 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway and achieve EPA ratings of 23 city/34 highway mpg. The increase was supported by a stop-start system that is integrated into a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. But the key from fuel power of this machine is the single twin-scroll turbocharger that works in a number of advanced BMW technologies.

The Driving Experience Control, change of throttle response, steering weight, stability control threshold, the transmission shift strategy and calibration of the dynamic dampers, and comes with optional packages M SPORT and SPORT. There are four settings, labeled "Sport+," "Sport," "Comfort" and "Eco Pro." Select the Sport+ mode, which relaxes the stability control system's interventionist policy and you can indulge the occasional tail slide. But it's the smooth and rapid fluency down the road that characterizes this car more so than exploring the outer reaches of its rear tires' grip. The 528i's dynamic capabilities can now be further stretched with four-wheel drive, as the xDrive option's rear-axle-biased torque distribution largely preserves the 5 s rear-drive character.And Eco Pro is about fuel economy strategies for both you and the car. The car's contribution is to lower the energy demands of the air-conditioning and assorted electrical systems such as the heated front seats, while providing you with some fuel-saving driving guidance. The 2012 BMW 528i xDrive is a car with an unusual breadth of personality, ranging from comfortable econo-sedan to sporting four-door.More Pictures of 2012 BMW 528i xDrive

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Official Photos

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has unveiled an enhanced and improved 2013 Outlander Sport compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.Beginning in July 2012, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will be built in the United States at the company's advanced automobile manufacturing facility in America's heartland in Normal, Illinois. The updated, American-made Outlander Sport models produced in the U.S will not only supply Mitsubishi dealers in the states but also be shipped to foreign markets.With composed handling, a comfortable ride and roomy seating for 5 adults, this stylish crossover is currently the best-selling car in Mitsubishi Motors' North American model lineup.Fresh Face, Same Exceptional ValueThe entire front fascia of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has been completely made over versus last year's model. The signature pronounced, trapezoidal grille opening and recessed fog lamp housings are still present, but now feature a new, more simple and clean shape. Another appealing detail is the new chrome trim surrounding the outer perimeter of the recessed fog lamps.

Standard equipment on 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport models includes stylish 18-in. alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); FUSE Handsfree Link System that allows voice-activated operation of an iPod and a cell phone, remote keyless entry; eye-catching rear LED combination tail lamps; heated outside mirrors; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and air conditioning with micron filter. Among the included safety features are driver knee airbag; Hill Start Assist (HSA); Active Stability Control (ASC); Traction Control Logic (TCL); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and an advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver's seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors.

The top-flight SE version adds further luxuries such as a dynamic 6 speaker premium audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio with 3-months subscription service; heated front seats; one-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; climate control system with full-auto air conditioning; rain-sensing wipers; super-wide beam xenon head lights and FAST key passive entry system.

More Pictures of 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport