World premiere of new Subaru Levorg concept car

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• Introduction of all-new 1.6-litre direct injection turbo Boxer engine
• 2.0-litre turbo Boxer engine and Lineartronic transmissions available
• All-new design blends style with practicality and a high quality interior
• Launches in Japan in Spring 2014

The all-new Subaru Levorg sports tourer concept made its world premiere this week at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, hinting at a new vehicle currently under development for market launch in Japan in 2014.

The name ‘Levorg’ comes from a combination of the words ‘Legacy’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘Touring’, and the concept blends the practicality of a tourer with the stylish design and feel of a sports car.

The front of the Levorg features Subaru’s unified design motif, the hexagonal grille, while the shape of the new ‘hawkeye’ headlights helps emphasise the car’s low, wide stance. Its sleek profile is optimised for high aerodynamic efficiency and conveys the Levorg’s performance potential, yet also leaves no doubt about its practicality and touring credentials.

The Levorg concept sees the introduction of an all-new 1.6-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection turbo (DIT) Boxer engine, which produces 168bhp and 184 lb ft torque, designed to offer smooth performance and greater environmental efficiency. The Levorg has also been engineered with a new high-performance 2.0-litre DIT Boxer engine in mind, producing 296bhp and 295 lb ft torque.

Both new engines are mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT. The Sport Lineartronic transmission fitted as standard to the 2.0-litre engine features an eight-speed shifting mode, which allows for either a more relaxed or a sportier drive and decisive acceleration.

The Subaru Levorg makes extensive use of ultra-high tensile steel throughout its body for weight saving and rigidity. The concept’s independent suspension system and electric power steering allow immediate responses to driver inputs and high cornering limits in all conditions, without compromising the level of comfort expected of a practical tourer.

With a stiff, light-weight body and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system at its core, the Levorg benefits from world-class safety performance. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring ensure predictable handling and among best-in-class hazard avoidance. New safety structures for the bonnet and bulkhead, and greater use of collision-absorbing materials in the engine bay, further improve crash safety performance and pedestrian protection.

The Levorg previews new safety technology destined for future Subaru models, including Hazard Avoidance Assist, which provides steering assistance if the system anticipates a collision, and Pre-Collision Reverse Throttle Management, which restricts engine output if the car detects sharp and unexpected acceleration while in reverse.

Subaru’s innovative EyeSight driver assist system has been updated for the Levorg, and now features greater visibility and wider viewing angles for the Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Braking Control systems. The next-generation EyeSight introduces a new Active Lane Keep System.

The interior of the Levorg features high quality materials and a rich design, with piano black and metal trim accents throughout the cabin. Instruments feature ice blue lighting to emphasise the high-tech look, while a new 3.5-inch LCD colour display shows the status of the vehicle to the driver at all times. A small-diameter flat-bottomed D-shaped steering wheel affirms the car’s sportiness.

The production version of the Subaru Levorg concept is scheduled to launch in Japan in Spring 2014. Further information on the Subaru stand in Tokyo can be found at www.media.subaru-global.com/en.

Mercedes Benz GLA 45 AMG concept debuts in LA

At the Los Angeles International Auto Show (20 November to 1 December 2013), Mercedes-AMG will be presenting its outlook on a compact, high-performance SUV. The Concept GLA 45 AMG features an excitingly bold, distinctive design and is powered by the most muscular four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world: its AMG 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an output of 360 hp and maximum torque of 450 newton metres offers unrivalled performance in conjunction with low fuel consumption.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With the Concept GLA 45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA 45 AMG a unique proposition."

Acceleration from 0-62 mph in under five seconds demonstrates the dynamism that is so typical of the brand. Thanks to a combination of the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the drive configuration of the Concept GLA 45 AMG impresses with its sporty yet also efficient performance..

Powerful and muscular: breath-taking design

Stunning engineering is combined with some breathtaking styling features by Mercedes-AMG: the Concept GLA 45 AMG has a powerful and muscular presence on the road. This is due in considerable part to the AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tyres. Painted matt black with a red rim flange, they certainly attract attention. They are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with centre lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system with red brake calipers.

The large front splitter in high-gloss black on the AMG front apron, the black flics (air deflectors) with additional flics, together with the large cooling air intakes, serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG. The motor racing look is further reinforced by the start number "45" on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. Further design elements exclusive to AMG include the "twin-blade" radiator grille in silver chrome, the side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, the "TURBO AMG" lettering on the front wings, the high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear aerofoil.

Sporty wraps and red highlights 

The sporty silver grey/red foil wrap on the bonnet, vehicle sides, C-pillar and rear end makes a memorable impression and is complemented by the red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear aerofoil. The rear view is dominated by the diffuser insert with black trim element and by the twin-tailpipe design of the two rectangular, high-gloss black tailpipe trims of the AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap.

Subaru launches new WRX at Los Angeles Motor Show.

• World premiere of new high performance saloon at Los Angeles Motor Show
• US-specification models equipped with new 2.0-litre turbo Boxer engine
• Choice of six-speed manual and Sport Lineartronic transmissions
• All-new design, greater practicality and higher quality interior for iconic model

The all-new Subaru WRX, the latest in a line of sports saloons from the Japanese brand, today made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show. Equipped with Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and hallmark Boxer engine, the new WRX combines sports-car performance with four-door saloon practicality.

The new WRX adopts some of the design elements of the Concept seen earlier in the year,  with aggressive yet refined styling. The front of the new model features Subaru’s unified design motif, the hexagonal grille, while the shape of the new ‘hawkeye’ headlights helps emphasise the car’s low, wide stance. The base of the A-pillar has been moved forwards 200mm giving the car a sleeker silhouette, while the C-pillar flows more smoothly into the rear of the car which is characterised by a diffuser and twin exhausts integrated into the rear bumper while a lip spoiler is designed to enhance aerodynamic performance.

At its heart, the US specification WRX features a new, high-performance 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection turbo (DIT) Boxer engine, which offers much improved performance over the outgoing 2.5-litre model. The new engine produces 268bhp at 5,600rpm and 258 lb ft torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm (compared to 265bhp at 6,000rpm and 244 lb ft torque at 4,400rpm for the 2.5-litre engine). It also offers improved environmental performance.

The new WRX is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a newly developed Sport Lineartronic CVT with an eight-speed shifting mode is available as an option. The shift response of the Lineartronic transmission has been improved for its application in the new WRX.

Subaru engineers have optimised the WRX’s suspension geometry for high performance handling. A stiffer body and carefully-tuned suspension have quickened the vehicle’s response to driver inputs and raised the WRX’s cornering limits. Combined with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring, Subaru has manged to achieve even more predictable, yet engaging handling. The electric power steering features more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.

Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel throughout the body of the car has also made the new model lighter and more rigid than the previous-generation, while new safety structures for the bonnet and bulkhead, and greater use of collision-absorbing materials in the engine bay, further improve crash safety performance and pedestrian protection.

Realising improvements to the WRX’s everyday usability, Subaru engineers have stretched the wheelbase of the new model by 25mm (to 2,650mm), expanding rear legroom and improving elbow- and shoulder-room for all passengers. Door openings for front and rear passengers have been enlarged for easier ingress/egress and boot space has been expanded.

US specification models also benefit from new 17-inch alloy wheel designs which are both more rigid and lighter. LED lighting is employed for front and rear lights.

Crucially, the driver-focused interior of the new WRX features higher quality materials and improved design over the outgoing model, with carbon and metal trim accents throughout the cabin and greater use of soft-touch materials. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel and supportive sports seats leave driver and passengers in no doubt about the WRX’s intentions and sports oriented styling carries into many of the details with subtle silver ‘WRX’ logos, red stitching and red lighting. A new 3.5-inch LCD colour display shows the vehicle status at all times, while a revised multi-function display includes a boost pressure gauge.

The new Subaru WRX will go on sale in North America and Japan later in 2014. It is currently unconfirmed whether a new WRX model will come to the UK.

Subaru legacy Concept for LA Motor Show.

• Sedan concept indicates future design direction of next-generation Legacy
• Legacy enters its 25th year of production in 2014

The Subaru Legacy Concept will make its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show on Wednesday 20 November, hinting at the design direction for an all-new version of Subaru’s flagship Legacy model.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014 and currently in its fifth generation, the production Legacy has been praised the world over for its safety, dependability and driving performance, delivered by Subaru’s hallmark Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

The design of the new Legacy Concept develops the model’s image as a dynamic, secure and practical saloon car. Its dynamic front-end features the distinctive hexagonal grille first seen on the Subaru Viziv Concept vehicle at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

While maintaining a comfortable and practical interior, the Legacy Concept also features a sleek side profile and coupe-like roof.  Large wheels and bold wheel arches lend the car an air of stability, entirely appropriate for a car equipped with Subaru’s sure-footed All-Wheel Drive system.

The Legacy Concept’s interior is one of the most high-tech ever seen in a Subaru model, with a smartphone-style centre console and instrument panel that extends from the front to the rear of the cabin. With ample seating for four passengers and a sporty, driver-focused cockpit layout, the interior has a dynamic and solid design, with brown leather upholstery and blue accents throughout.

The concept also features the latest version of Subaru’s advanced driver assist system, ‘EyeSight’, which monitors the road ahead and recognises potentially dangerous driving situations.

There is no information yet on timings for any new production model or whether the next-generation Legacy will be coming to the UK.

New Hyundai Genesis, a world class premium rear drive saloon.

• Information on the all-new Genesis unveiled to pique market’s interest
• With its initial launch in Korea, the all-new Genesis to be introduced in major markets next year

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, today held an ‘All-New Genesis Media Preview’ for the Korean media at Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center and officially unveiled the first image renderings of the car. The purpose of the pre-launch media event was to promote its domestic launch scheduled later this year. Staging its world-premiere in Korea, the all-new Genesis will debut in major markets next year.

“Launched in 2008, Hyundai’s first premium rear-wheel drive sedan Genesis surprised the industry with its outstanding product competitiveness,” said Moon Sik Kwon, head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center, in his welcome remarks. “The evolved all-new Genesis is the product of Hyundai’s best resources and capabilities and we strongly believe it will be a game-changer in the market.”

With a total investment of 500 billion KRW, the project began with the aim of developing a world-class premium rear-wheel drive sedan, and it took four years to develop the current model.

Its main strengths are: Premium and distinctive design, best-in-class chassis system, premium European brands’ level of driving and R&H performance, cutting-edge safety and convenience features.

With emotional touches included in every detail, conveying Hyundai’s brand identity ‘Modern Premium,’ the all-new Genesis has secured best-in-class basic product competitiveness through numerous tests carried out in various locations worldwide, including the famed Nürburgring in Germany.

DESIGN

Since its introduction in 2009, Hyundai’s unique design philosophy ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ has evolved to the next level and the all-new Genesis is the first model to adopt Fluidic Sculpture 2.0.

While maintaining its original essence, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 is defined by core elements: Simple and harmonious design with refined fluidic design elements, modern Hyundai look with a singular hexagonal grille, easy-to-understand and pleasant design and rich visuotactile color, material and finishing of the car.

Designed based on this new philosophy, the all-new Genesis boasts a premium sports sedan look with refined, ‘in-motion’ design aesthetics. A single-frame premium hexagonal grille makes a bold front statement, while fluidic and voluminous surfacing complete the side lines. Meanwhile, the high-tech, sculptural surface emphasizes the rear design.

Its interior design aligns with the premium exterior, adopting consistent design details that fully reflect careful consideration of ergonomics and intuitive operation. Tailored design specifications for all materials and master craftsmanship-level finish strengthen its premium image.

The all-new Genesis also focuses on Human Machine Interface (HMI), which lets drivers intuitively recognize vehicle functions, allowing for more convenient and effective use of those functions.

Switches are categorized depending on their function, facilitating easier control. Symbols are standardized for intuitive recognition, and the feel of the grip and control have been improved as well.

Starting with the all-new Genesis, future models will be designed based on Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 and its HMI principles.

SAFETY

The all-new Genesis significantly improved its safety in crash tests due to improved body structure and rigidity.

Its torsional and bending stiffness have been increased by applying more ultra-high-strength steel, hot-stamping and double-section structure on the front, partitioned engine room design as well as improved rear and center floor structures.

Passenger safety has been improved by the application of advanced seatbelt functions such as Emergency Fastening Device system (EFD), which tightly fastens passengers in crashes, and Pre-Safe seatbelt, which warns of danger in advance by tightening the seatbelt.

PERFORMANCE

With improved suspension and application of various advanced technologies, the all-new Genesis offers top-class driving and ride & handling performances. Greatly improved lateral stiffness of the front and rear suspensions and excellent weight balance contribute to the making of a stable chassis. Meanwhile, application of electronic control suspension such as Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC) enables greater stability in corners.

Furthermore, Rack-mounted Motor Driven Electric Power Steering (R-MDPS) was first applied to the model with a variable gear ratio, which provides high-speed stability and direct response at low and medium speeds.

Hyundai’s ‘HTRAC’ all-wheel drive system will also be available for the first time on the all-new Genesis. The advanced HTRAC system electronically controls torque split between the front and rear axles depending on road and driving conditions, offering greater stability on slippery roads and in corners. It also allows drivers to select driving modes for a sophisticated and tailored driving experience.

AUDI adds new quattro models to A3 and A6 ranges.

New all-wheel-drive versions of latest A3 Saloon, A6 Saloon and A6 Avant models are ready to weather the storm in winter 2013

• quattro all-wheel-drive now available in conjunction with 1.8-litre 180PS TFSI engine in all-new A3 Saloon and with lead-in 204PS V6 TDI engine in A6 range
• A3 quattro Saloon prices from £27,560 OTR, A6 3.0 TDI quattro 204PS prices from £38,385 OTR

As our uncharacteristically balmy summer gives way to autumn, the number of wet-weather ‘quattro days’ in 2013 could still exceed last year’s total of 172. In timely fashion, the number of Audi models equipped with this world renowned aid to driving in all weathers is on the rise. New quattro-equipped versions of the A3 Saloon, the A6 Saloon and the A6 Avant have just joined the largest all-wheel-drive range in the premium sector, which amounts to well over 150 models. All new additions are available to order now.

In the all-new A3 Saloon range the advanced directly and indirectly injected 1.8-litre TFSI engine is now available in conjunction with quattro drive, and in the A6 line-up customers opting for the smooth and refined power of the lead-in V6 TDI engine can now also channel its 204PS to all four wheels.

Linked exclusively to the six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission with its ultra-fast shift pattern, and splitting its 180PS four ways, the new A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon can reach 62mph from rest in 6.8 seconds, tops out at 146mph and yet also combines the potential for up to 42.8mpg with low CO2 of 152g/km.

Further up the range, the new 204 PS A6 3.0 TDI quattro sprints to 62mph in just seven seconds  (7.2 seconds in the Avant), a fraction more rapidly than its front-wheel-driven counterpart. It also benefits from a torque boost over its eight-speed multitronic transmission-equipped, front-wheel-drive equivalent, from 400Nm to 450Nm. Top speeds are 149mph for both Saloon options, and 143mph for both Avants.

Three V6 TDI options

The new 204 PS V6 TDI quattro is one of three powerful V6 TDI engines in the A6 range to feature the crown gear centre differential-based version of the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The more powerful 3.0 V6 TDI engine with 245 PS and the top of the range 313 PS V6 BiTDI are linked to this system exclusively.

 
The A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon is the first in the four-door range to adopt multi-plate clutch-based quattro technology. It will be joined later this year by the 300PS S3 quattro Saloon with six-speed manual and six-speed S tronic transmission options, and in mid-2014 by the A3 2.0 TDI quattro with 184PS and standard six-speed S tronic transmission.

The A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon is available with Sport or S line specification priced at £27,560 OTR and £29,710 respectively. Prices for the new 204PS A6 3.0 TDI quattro models start from £38,385 for the A6 Saloon 3.0 TDI quattro SE, increasing to £44,945 for the lavishly equipped, S line-based A6 Avant 3.0 TDI quattro Black Edition.

The case for quattro - British rainfall data

Up to the end of September the Met Office has so far recorded 97 ‘rainfall days’, i.e. days when over 1.0mm of rain fell. In 2012 as a whole, 172 rainfall days were recorded. Globally last year, more than 43 per cent of Audi customers opted for the added reassurance of quattro, and the Neckarsulm plant in Germany – home of Audi high performance division quattro GmbH – equipped one car in every two on the production line with the technology.