Car News About Lotus

The aficionados of the car world zoomed in on the Lotus stand, eyes wide with incredulity and excitement. There were proposals for five brand-new models plus a low-emissions city hopper, all paid for with a $1.1 billion check from Malaysian parent company Proton. 

Skeptics said it was a pipe dream, but flamboyant CEO Dany Bahar kept insisting that the future product portfolio on display -- an intriguing mix of front- and mid-engine sports cars designed by Donato Coco (who, like Bahar, had defected from Ferrari) -- and the required U.K.-based infrastructure updates were fully funded. Six months later, however, facts had caught up with fiction. It was clear by then that the implementation of the proposed lineup would take much more time. Lotus would have to turn the Elise and the Evora (which originally were unloved by the new management) into vastly improved lifesavers, and the available funds would at best cover only one new product, namely the Esprit that's due to be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva show. 


To reduce expense and complexity, all models share a similar aluminum spaceframe, the same cabin and cockpit layout, a standardized driveline configuration, and a closely related control-arm suspension. R&D chief Wolf Zimmermann expects the parts commonality to be in the area of 50 percent across the range. "We are going with a choice of steel or carbon-ceramic brakes by Mov'it, a push-button parking brake by Continental, electronics by Bosch, lithium-ion batteries by A123, a multifunction steering wheel by Sparco -- the list is long. Together with these suppliers, we are working hard to keep the weight down and to improve overall efficiency. Are we getting there? I think so." 


The base Esprit should consume no more fuel than its chief competitors, is said to achieve about 24 mpg as a hybrid, and should be good for a planet-saving 48 mpg in plug-in-hybrid form. As befits a proper sports car, battery power not only turns the new Lotus into a part-time full-electric model, its instant torque provides a strong acceleration boost. 

Cherokee SUV Is Reportedly Next in Line to Receive the Smooth Shifting

Coming as no surprise, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee SUV is reportedly next in line to receive the smooth shifting--and fuel saving--ZF eight-speed automatic transmission filtering its way across Chrysler’s lineup.

Sources at Jeep have confirmed that the Grand Cherokee will receive it, but have also revealed that a more advanced nine-speed unit is also under investigation.
“Our approach to lowering CO2 is a deployment of lots of different technologies,” Jeep CEO Mike Manley recently revealed to Autocar. “Hybrids, improved aerodynamics, more diesels, eight-speed gearboxes and nine-speed gearboxes for front-wheel drive cars will all help us improve economy and CO2.”

Jeep’s European chief Joe Veltri has also revealed that the eight-speed unit is good for the Grand Cherokee’s entire lineup of V-6 and V-8 models, which means the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 may also drop its five-speed auto in favor the new eight-speed unit.

When fitted to V-6 powered Chrysler 300s, the eight-speeder results in a four mpg increase that pushes highway fuel economy to an EPA-rated 31 mpg--up from 27 mpg highway over the five-speed equipped model. Inner city driving also nets a five percent gas mileage gain in the 300, now coming in at 19 mpg.

Already finding a home in the Chrysler 300, as well as some Audi and BMW models, the ZF unit has been confirmed for the Dodge Charger and could be fitted to everything from the Jeep Grand Cherokee to Ram pickups.

Five Wonderful and Affordable Cars

1. Jeep Wrangler

Price: $22,045
If you want a cheap off-roader, look no further than the iconic Jeep Wrangler. People have been climbing mountains in these things for decades. Not only do you get a capable little car, but you get a pass into a pretty cool community of motoring enthusiasts.

2. Dodge Challenger

Price: $24,895
Even though the new Challenger isn’t a purpose-built muscle car like the competition from Ford and Chevy (in fact, the platform is a previous-generation Mercedes sedan), it’s still a sweet, powerful, comfortable ride. If you want a muscle car that actually seats four, go with the Challenger. As it turns out, being an old Mercedes sedan masquerading as a muscle car has its benefits after all.

3. Volkswagen Golf TDI

Price: $23,995
Want a car that’s easy on gas but doesn’t have a battery that produces way more carbon emissions in production than it will ever save in fuel economy? Try the VW Gold TDI. It’s comfortable, fun to drive, and efficient, and it has a thoroughly modern turbo diesel, not one of the stinky, smelly, dirty powerplants of yesteryear. Plus, you get to make a choice that’s actually good for the environment, not one that’s only marketed as such.

4. Ford Mustang

Price: $22,310
The new V6 Mustang admirably fulfills the goals of the original 1964.5 Mustang. The first Mustang was designed to be a fun, stylish car for under $2,500. Today, inflation has taken its toll, but it’s still under $25,000. And the Mustang offers an enticing combination of 305 horsepower, surprisingly good handling, 31mpg, and sexy, retro-modern good looks.

5. Suzuki Kizashi

Price: $18,999
The Suzuki Kizashi is one of the most underrated cars in the world. While most of us associate Suzuki with sad little things that look more like Power Wheels than cars, the Kizashi is a nimbly handling, fairly powerful (180-185hp), efficient offering that really is worth considering next to the commonplace Jettas and Corrolas. Take one for a test drive. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Ford's Nair Takes the Wheel

Raj Nair attempted to quit his car racing avocation as the needs of his day job started to be too great. But the attraction of the track kept calling to him. Nair, 47, still follows motor racing as an enthusiast, and he hasn't lost his passion for motorbikes. But he's unlikely to wear his racing suit and helmet again anytime soon.

"I cannot remember how many times I retired and went back," said Nair, who raced open-wheel Formula Ford vehicles on circuits like Lime Rock, Mid-Ohio and Waterford Hills until he finally stopped for good in 2004.

During his 25-year career with Ford, Nair has worked on vehicles of every size and category -- from the Figo subcompact in India to the F-series Super Duty pickups in North America.

"Our global platforms are well-established, and now we'll capitalize on rolling out the top hats," Nair told Automotive News. "Ford will be continuing to deliver the vehicles with the DNA we've set up. We'll work on accelerating our product cadence and continuing to have the fastest model refreshes in the industry."

In his current job as vice president of engineering for global product development, he has been responsible for all engineering of light vehicles for the Ford and Lincoln brands. Before that, he headed product development, manufacturing, purchasing, quality and information technology in Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region. From 2006 to 2008, he was executive director of commodity business planning, working on reducing Ford's material costs.

Asked what vehicle programs he is most proud of, Nair had trouble narrowing the list. "The two I'm most proud of are the F-series and Super Duty pickups. I was the vehicle line director who put those programs together and got the funding from senior management," he recalled.

Nair, a native of St. Louis whose India-born parents were both college professors, is a genial man well liked by his colleagues. He began his Ford career in 1987 at the factory level as a body and assembly launch engineer. As part of his co-op studies toward a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Kettering University in Flint, Mich., he had spent five years at General Motors' St. Louis Assembly plant.

What You Should Know about 2011 Scion tC

The 2011 scion TC's only real shortcoming is styling. Its new exterior styling is a bit more expressive but is still fairly anodyne when compared to the likes of the Hyundai Veloster, Mini Cooper, and even the Chevrolet Sonic. That becomes even more obvious inside, as it seems Toyota designers still haven't learned the art of making cheap plastics look expensive. Its Circuit City-style radio unit likewise seems rather antiquated compared to the standard LCD touchscreen that comes with a Veloster. On the other hand, the Veloster isn't as rewarding to drive as the tC.

The tC has always been a surprisingly lively and well-rounded offering, but its redesign has quietly turned it into a legitimate sporty car for those on a budget. It starts with a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which provides strong acceleration throughout the rev-range and yet remains smooth and snappy. It plays well with the slick, precise manual gearbox, encouraging smooth rev-matched downshifts.

On a small side note, we've officially reached the point where a normally aspirated engine is a welcome novelty, though you do pay for it with mediocre fuel economy. The tC also feels more tossable than its predecessor, even though it's not that light at nearly 3100 pounds. The handling is relatively balanced for a front-wheel-drive car, and the steering, which used to be limp and light, now has genuine feel and feedback.

Tesla’s New Model X Crossover

Tesla unveiled its brand new Model X crossover sports utility version this past week at a red carpet affair. CEO Elon Musk called the new SUV “revolutionary.”

“We’ve created a car that has more functionality than a minivan, more style than an SUV and more performance than a Porsche 911 Carrera,” he said.

The Model X has plenty to admire:

• The SUV, which will be available in early 2014, comes with either a 60 kWh or 85 kWh battery and is said to have a driving range of 80 to 100 miles. (Note: I have seen conflicting reports. A commenter informs me it will be closer to 200 – 270 miles; others have suggested the 180 – 260 mile range.)
• Musk told reporters that the base model SUV will be able to go from O to 60 miles-per-hour in 4.4 seconds.

• The ‘falcon doors’ are a neat futuristic spin, granting extra access to the racing harness in a tight parking space.
• The Model X will reportedly sell anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the model.

When we think of Tesla, or at least when I think of Tesla, our thoughts inevitably turn to Nikola Tesla himself – a man who has become a sort of mad scientist legend.

BMW X3 Has A Turbo Four-Cylinder

BMW is extending the usage of its N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine by creating it the base powerplant for the 2013 X3 SUV. The BMW X3 xDrive28 will apply the twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that generates 240 hp as well as 260 lb-ft of torque. Twin-scroll turbocharging indicates that the exhaust stream of cylinders one and four adhere to a separate route to the turbine wheel from cylinders two and three. It minimizes back pressure at low engine rpm, enhancing throttle response.

BMW says the xDrive28i will go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 130 mph. Fuel-economy ratings haven't been released.

In addition to the new engine, BMW has upgraded the list of standard features on the X3. Basic equipment now includes auto start/stop, Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro, a power tailgate and 18-inch wheels.

Driving Dynamics with Eco Pro mode can be accessed through the center console. The system improves fuel economy by optimizing drivetrain, heating, air-conditioning and electrical functions by dialing those functions back. It also displays driving tips on the iDrive and fuel saved as bonus miles added to range.

The stop/start system improves fuel economy by 3 percent, BMW says. The system can be switched off with a button by the ignition.

To know more information about BMW engine or other car parts, you can refer to carpart4u.com.