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Showing posts with label New Car. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Car. Show all posts

sQuba | First Underwater Car in the World


Rinspeed, a Swiss company created the sQuba, the car is touted as the world's first car that can drive on land and in the water. Zcars.com.au

 
Three electric motor engine on car sQuba, one used on land, and the other two to float and get into the water. Seriouswheels.com

 
sQuba is inspired from the James Bond movie, "The Spy Who Loved Me" which was released in 1977. Seriouswheels.com

 
In addition to advanced can be driven on the water, the sQuba is also a car with zero emission, lithium-ion battery has three engines and electric motors. Automobilesreview.com

 
sQuba is able to dive to a depth of 10 meters. This car is also equipped with electric-powered propellers and two Seabob water jets. Madwhips.com

 
sQuba capable of traveling at 120 km / h on land, while on the water when the top speed is only about 6 km / h, and in the water 3 km / h. Automobilesreview.com

Fuel VW XL1 Not Available with Factory Claims


Volkswagen had become the center of world attention when introducing new models XL1 with claims fuel consumption of 261 mpg or 111 kpl. The diesel hybrid car immediately received the title as one of the most economical car in the world. The reality?

A number of journalists, including Automobile Magazine was given the opportunity to try out the permissibility of this car in Germany, including calculating its fuel consumption in the real world. As a result, the average fuel consumption of only 160 mph XL1 or 68 kpl. Although far from the claims of the manufacturer, but still considered okay! Problems, can no longer be referred to as super-efficient!

XL1 is also claimed to be able to accelerate better control when preceded the car in front of him. This car won praise for modern architecture, dynamics and optimal sparing fuel.

However, the official price is not competitive because production XL1 is too little. Ability of this car can be even better if VW uses carbon fiber for the body. With the lighter weight, improved performance!

VW combines a conventional diesel engine 800 cc, 2-cylinder, 47 PS to 27 PS electric motor, the transmission, with a 7-speed dual clutch. Battery - placed the engine room - could run the car 49.8 miles (pure electric). This year only 1,000 units produced with a tag of around 50,000 U.S. dollars (USD 491.2 million).

Sources: carscoop

Luxury sedan BMW 320d Launched Newest



BMW 320d latest release in Jakarta. BMW 320d has the latest features, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology which combines diesel engine 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct injection Common Rail.

 
President Director of BMW Indonesia Ramesh Divyanathan (left) with Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Group Indonesia Jodie O'tania, officially introduced the latest model of compact luxury sports sedan BMW 320d diesel.

 
Looks fierce and macho of the latest designs and models of compact luxury sports sedan diesel engine from BMW.


BMW 320d diesel engine newest series. The maximum engine-powered 184 hp at 4,000 rpm rotation, this car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 7.4 seconds.

 
BMW latest series this which this sophisticated design of interior is equipped mode Eco Pro which allows consumers to use fuel efficiently.



Looks A model of introduce BMW 320d latest series moment the launch in Jakarta. BMW who equipped velg Starspoke alloy wheels 17 inch this will be sold with price of Rp 659 million off the road.

Do not forget to read the other articles.

Pajero Sport Limited Edition Officially Launched


One of Indonesia Distributor Mitsubishi recently launched a new variant of Pajero Sport Limited in one mall in Indonesia. Pajero Sport Limited are here to fulfill the wishes of the SUV lovers who want to be different but still stylish.
 
Advantage of type Pajero Sport Limited was there at the bumper and aero kits or headlight day light is stylish.

 
Not only that, the rear bumper is experiencing change adds to the impression of luxury and class to the white list.

 
Multi media 2DIN monitor with a wide range of entertainment facilities, GPS navigation and a rear camera to increase driving comfort.
Pajero Sport Limited are here to fulfill the wishes of the SUV lovers who want to look more manly.


IMAGE FROM ALL SOURCE

A Perfect Collaboration BMW Gran Lusso Coupe Pininfarina

 
A German car manufacturer BMW did a collaboration with the Italian company Pininfarina modfifikasi specialist in producing an elegant luxury car that BMW nicknamed Pininfarina Coupe Concept Gran Lusso. http://wot.motortrend.com/

 
BMW Gran Lusso Pininfarina Coupe is a result of collaboration between the BMW car with Pininfarina that using the basis of a BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. The forward side of the car an elegant and sporty. speedlux.com
For the problem of speed, the car is wrapped with a 6.0-liter V12 engine which is similar to a BMW 760Li. With that size engine, this car is capable of removing the power up to 529 hp.citynews.ro
The interior design of this car is very luxurious, looks all elements made ​​of kauri wood and layers of skin on the seats, dashboard, and doortim imported directly by the company and hand stitched interior Foglizzo.

 
BMW Gran Lusso Pininfarina Coupe looks very luxurious and sporty at the front there is a large Grill and lights are slanted mermbuat car looks sturdy. This car is also wrapped with velk 21 inch so it looks more solid and elegant. pddavto.ru

A total of 96 Antique Cars Follow The World's Longest Rally


Many cars Classics who followed the event as T Ford antique car rally in 1913 in Peking-to-Paris Motor Challenge 2013, one of the classic car rally in the world's heaviest and longest, the start of the Great Wall in Beijing, China, Tuesday. This rally started from Beijing and the Great Wall will end up in the city of Paris.

 
Participants were in the antique car rally to follow Peking-to-Paris Motor Challenge 2013, one of the classic car rally in the world's heaviest and longest, the start of the Great Wall in Beijing, China, Tuesday (28/5). The rally will cover a distance of 12,500 km.

 
Of all the cars lined up on display at the location seemed a woman see classic cars participating in the rally Peking-to-Paris Motor Challenge 2013, one of the classic car rally in the world's toughest and longest, in Beijing, China, and the longest rally will take time for 33 days.

About Muscle 2013 Nissan Xterra


Fast Facts:
  • 5-passenger seating
  • Choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD)
  • Standard V-6 engine
  • 5,000-pound towing capacity
  • 3 available trim levels
  • EPA-estimated to achieve up to 22 mpg on the highway

Introduction
With the 2013 Pathfinder's transition from SUV to crossover, the 2013 Nissan Xterra is left as one of the brand's only body-on-frame sport utility models. X and S trim levels are offered, along with a PRO-4X variant that now features a standard navigation system.

Exterior Features
Equipment on the entry-level Xterra X includes 16-inch steel wheels, rear window wiper and privacy glass, engine skid plate, roof rails, and black trim. The mid-level Xterra S trim level adds 16-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable outside mirrors, body side moldings, and enclosed rooftop storage (4WD only). For the PRO-4X, this assortment of standard features is upgraded with unique 16-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, automatic headlights, fog and roof-mounted off-road lights, and additional skid plates.

Interior Features
Among the 2013 Nissan Xterra X's standard interior features are a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, 6-speaker sound system, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows and door locks, and up to 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the 60/40 split-folding rear seat is in the down position. The Xterra S includes an 8-way manual driver's seat, cargo area offering adjustable tie downs built into a washable plastic floor, additional front power outlet, and an audio system featuring a USB port, 4.3-inch display screen, and satellite radio service.

Items reserved specifically for the 2013 Xterra PRO-4X include Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fold-flat front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, white gauges, and a 300-watt sound system. The PRO-4X is also equipped with a standard voice-activated navigation system that includes a 5.8-inch touch screen, real-time traffic information, app-linked Internet radio, and text messaging capability.

Optional Features
A variety of accessories, such as a towing package, are available from Nissan dealers, but there are only two factory options. The Value package is available on all Xterra models and adds fog lights, running boards, and roof rail cross bars. A PRO-4X Leather package, featuring leather upholstery and a passenger seatback pocket, is also offered.

Under the Hood
Nissan continues to equip the Xterra with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 261 horsepower and 281 lb.-ft. of torque, output that is managed by a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

The Xterra is available in RWD and part-time 4WD configurations. The latter features a 2-speed transfer case; PRO-4X models include hill-start assist, hill-descent control, limited-slip differential, and an electronic locking rear differential.

All 2013 Nissan Xterras can tow up to 5,000 pounds and feature a double-wishbone front suspension complimented by a solid rear axle and leaf springs. PRO-4X models are equipped with off-road shocks and provide 9.5 inches of ground clearance.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Nissan Xterra are:

  • Xterra RWD: 16/22/18 mpg (city/highway/combined)
  • Xterra 4WD with manual transmission: 16/20/17 mpg
  • Xterra 4WD with automatic transmission: 15/20/17 mpg

Safety
The 2013 Nissan Xterra's standard safety features include 6 air bags, traction control, front active head restraints, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. PRO-4X models also include a rearview camera.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Xterra received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate frontal-offset crash protection. As this preview is written, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 Nissan Xterra.

About 2013 Ford Focus | Overview

Fast Views:
  • Seven models are available, including an electric version
  • Slight reshuffling of trim levels for 2013
  • Last year's makeover added interior room and fuel efficiency
  • Other trim levels are available outside the United States

Introduction
The Ford Focus was introduced to the international market in the late 1990s and, according to Ford, recently surpassed the Toyota Corolla as the world's top-selling passenger car model. The 2013 Ford Focus is a compact car that's available in the United States as a sedan or a hatchback. An electric version is available only in the hatchback design. For 2013, the gasoline-powered Focus is offered in four trim levels: S sedan, SE, Titanium sedan or hatchback, and ST hatchback. The electric version is offered in a single trim level. The Focus competes with compact vehicles such as the Mazda 3, Chevrolet Cruze, and Hyundai Elantra.

Exterior Features
The 2013 Ford Focus is available in 10 exterior colors (although not all colors are available at all trim levels, and some are offered at a premium price), with standard 15-inch wheels and black front grille, bumpers, door handles, and power mirrors, plus a capless fuel filler and an optional Focus graphics package. The Focus SE adds 16-inch wheels and automatic headlights, and the ST upgrades them with black surrounds and LED accents. The ST trim level also includes 18-inch wheels, body-color door handles, and a different front grille. The Titanium trim level has 17-inch wheels, enhanced styling, keyless entry and ignition, and a rearview camera. The Electric model's exterior is similar to the Titanium's.

Interior Features
The interior of the base Focus model features a 4-speaker radio/CD player, manual air conditioning, cloth manually adjustable front bucket seats, a 60/40-split rear seat (hatchback) or solid back seat (sedan), power front windows, and power locks. The SE adds cruise control and power rear windows, trip computer, Sync system, and upgraded sound system. The ST trim level is similarly featured. The Titanium trim level adds Sync with MyFord Touch, Intelligent Access with push-button start, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, Sony audio system, leather upholstery in a choice of colors, SiriusXM satellite radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded storage bins and cupholders, and many other enhancements. The electric version of the 2013 Focus is equipped similarly to the Titanium, except that the leather upholstery is optional; so is the power driver's seat. However, xenon headlights and LED taillights are standard on the electric Focus. The sedan provides 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The hatchback's cargo space comes to 23.8 cubic feet behind the seats, and can be stretched to 44.8 cubic feet with rear seats lowered. The electric hatchback provides 14.5 cubic feet of space behind the seats, or 33.9 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered.

Optional Features
The 2013 Focus offers many option packages at various levels. Many features that are standard on an upper trim level are available as individual options on a lower trim level. The Exterior Protection package (hatchback only) includes front and rear mudguards and a scuff-resistant bumper protector. The SE Appearance package adds some of the Titanium's cosmetic features to the SE trim level. On the Titanium model, special red/black or white/black leather upholstery is available; so is the Titanium Handling package (sport suspension, upgraded wheels and tires). A navigation system, full-body styling kit, and a power moonroof are also available. The SFE (for Super Fuel-Efficient) package includes aerodynamic features that minimize air resistance and boost fuel efficiency. The package includes side air deflectors, underbody shields, and blockers on the lower grille.

Under the Hood
The standard power plant for the 2013 Ford Focus is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder rated at 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 6-speed, dual-clutch automatic optional. The automatic transmission is standard on the Titanium, although the manual is still available. The Focus Electric has a 107-kWh (143 horsepower) electric motor and a single-speed direct-drive transmission. Ford claims the battery can be recharged in 4 hours with a 240-volt charger. All 2013 Ford Focus models are front-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Ford Focus are:

  • Focus with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission: 28/38/31 mpg (city/highway/combined)
  • Focus with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission: 26/36/30 mpg
  • Focus SFE with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission: 28/40/33 mpg
  • Focus Electric: 110/99/105 MPGe (range per charge is 76 miles, according to Ford)

Safety
Standard safety features on the Ford Focus include anti-lock disc/drum brakes, traction control, front-seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, and a driver knee air bag. Many other safety features are added to upper trim levels, or are available as options.

In government crash tests, the 2013 Ford Focus sedan and hatchback received 5 (out of 5) stars for overall occupant protection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Focus received 4 stars for frontal crash protection; 5 stars for side crash protection; and 4 stars for rollover resistance. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Focus received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--across the board on impact tests.

Technology
Ford's Sync technology includes various voice-controlled capabilities. Ford's Intelligent Access permits entry using a key fob, and starts the engine with the push of a button on the dash. An optional keypad entry system allows entry and ignition when not using the key fob.

Preview About 2013 Audi A7 Sedan

Preview Of This Cars

What's New for 2013:
  • Standard automatic stop/start system
  • Standard keyless entry for Premium Plus trim level
  • Optional Innovation package adds Active Lane Assist and Corner View Camera safety features
  • Optional 5-passenger seating

Exterior Features
The 2013 Audi A7 is a luxury 5-door hatchback, or Sportback in Audi parlance, slotted into the automaker's lineup between the A6 Sedan and the A8 Sedan. The 2013 A7 is available in three trim levels: 3.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, and 3.0T Prestige. The performance-oriented Audi S7 is discussed in a separate article.

Standard equipment for the 3.0T Premium includes Xenon Plus headlights, LED running lights, LED taillights, heated exterior mirrors, heated washer jets, adaptive rear spoiler, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior Features
The 2013 Audi A7 3.0T Premium is equipped with leather seats, genuine wood or aluminum interior trim, triple-zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, and heated 8-way power front seats. Additional standard features include push-button ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, universal garage door opener, and a stereo with iPod/iPhone integration and satellite radio.

Under the A7 Sportback's power-operated hatch, the car offers 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.

Optional Features
The 2013 Audi A7 3.0T Premium Plus model adds a voice-activated Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) navigation system with an MMI Touch handwriting recognition pad and Audi Connect service. Audi Connect provides Google Earth navigation maps, Google Local search capability, and a mobile Wi-Fi connection that turns the A7 into a mobile hotspot for up to eight paired devices. Additionally, the Premium Plus is equipped with a color driver information display, front and rear park-assist sensors, reversing camera, auto-dimming side mirrors, Audi Advanced Key keyless entry system, HD Radio, and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

The 2013 Audi A7 3.0T Prestige offers a unique S-line exterior styling treatment. Additionally, the 3.0T Prestige is equipped with 4-zone climate control, heated and ventilated 12-way power front sport seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, LED ambient cabin lighting, adaptive headlights that swivel to help illuminate around corners, headlight washers, and a premium 630-watt Bose audio system.

Options are primarily grouped into packages. The Cold Weather package is available on all three trim levels, and adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Any A7 can also be equipped with a Sport package including a unique wheel design, summer performance tires, sport suspension, and a three-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles. The optional Audi Side Assist package features Audi Side Assist blind-spot monitoring, power-folding side mirrors, and an Audi PreSense Rear system that detects if a rear-end collision is about to happen and automatically readies safety systems for impact. Additional options for all versions of the A7 include metallic paint, rear-seat side-impact air bags, and a 5-passenger seating option with a rear bench seat in place of the standard bucket seats.

If you choose the Premium Plus or the Prestige trim level, you can opt for a Driver Assistance package including power-folding side mirrors, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, Audi Side Assist, and Audi PreSense Plus, the latter feature employing the radar units for the adaptive cruise control system to determine if an impact is about to occur and readying the vehicle for a collision while automatically braking to decelerate, if necessary.

Exclusive to the A7 3.0T Prestige, optional Bang & Olufsen audio components boast 1,300 watts of power and 15 speakers. The Innovation package is also exclusive to this model, and includes the Driver Assistance package plus a head-up display, full LED headlights, Active Lane Assist and Corner View Camera, and Night Vision Assistant with Pedestrian Detection technology. With the night vision technology, when the A7 is approaching a person or animal after dark, the night vision display helps the driver to "see" them from 1,000 feet away. At 300 feet, the system provides a yellow-colored alert, and if the person or animal steps into the car's path, the alert switches to red.

Under the Hood
The 2013 Audi A7 is equipped with a supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 310 horsepower between 5,500 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,900 rpm and 4,500 rpm. An 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) come standard, along with new-for-2013 automatic stop/start technology to help improve fuel economy.

The A7's Quattro AWD is equipped with torque vectoring. To help reduce understeer, the system lightly brakes the inside wheels during cornering. Quattro also automatically varies the power split from the standard 40% front and 60% rear distribution, as is necessary.

Audi Drive Select is also standard on the A7, modifying transmission, steering and engine calibration to Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, or Individual settings, as determined by the driver.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Audi A7 are 18/28/21 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Safety
The 2013 Audi A7 includes 8 standard air bags, including knee air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger. Rear-seat side-impact air bags are optional. Additional safety features include an Audi Backguard anti-whiplash system, 4-wheel ventilated disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, and rain-sensing wipers. The Premium Plus trim level adds a reversing camera and front and rear park-assist sensors, and the Prestige trim is equipped with active headlights.

Audi Side Assist and Audi PreSense Rear technologies can be added as an option to any A7. Premium Plus and Prestige trims are offered with adaptive cruise control and Audi PreSense Plus, while the Prestige trim is exclusively available with an Active Lane Assist and Corner View feature, and Night Vision Assistant with Pedestrian Detection technology.

As this overview is written, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed crash tests on the 2013 Audi A7.

New Honda Jazz Model Design


One of the most awaited car of Honda is the latest model of hatchback Jazz. Latest Honda Jazz will reportedly be introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show, held November 2013.

Also not official and the time will come, but the latest Honda Jazz leaked sketches and detailed portrait of competitors Toyota Yaris car exterior that.

One Japanese media said that Honda will introduce a new Waja Jazz in September 2013, or before the mat TMS this year. The latest generation Jazz looks more gambot than are available today. Even so the magnitude, most nearly resembles Jazz MPV.

The photo shows the evolution of large-scale on the Honda Jazz. Change was clearly on the front and rear. Nevertheless, as the popular hatchback Honda still can be felt through the design curves that are worldwide.

Other leaks at the car called the Honda Fit in some countries it is the changes to the interior. Latest Honda Jazz interior over a length of 60 mm, and 80 mm longer wheelbase.

While the overall length of 4,000 mm for the Honda Jazz. In some countries such as Indonesia and India, long the current Honda Jazz to Jazz S 3,900 mm and 3,920 mm for the Jazz RS.

Honda reportedly still maintain fairly reliable machines ever since. Besides responsive also economical fuel as reported by Kodansha.

Sport Car Limited Edition 50 Year Anniversary McLaren

 
McLaren this year amid happy. It's nothing, because this year is the 50th anniversary of the existence of this brand in the global automotive world. Various celebrations were made​​, including making this limited edition sports car.

Having hit the world when McLaren P1 is expected to show a lot of people will be cars 'future classic', McLaren is now re-vamp the public by announcing plans to make 'anniversary edition' for the 12C and 12C Spider models as a way of celebrating their birthday.
 
British brand which for half a century the world has colored AUTOMOTIVE with victory in the racing world will only produce 50 units each for 12C and 12C Spider.

This is due to a special car, the McLaren will be a bespoke design, aka completely in accordance with the will of the purchaser. Because it was not wrong when McLaren Special Operations (MSO), a division of McLaren Automotive is responsible for bespoke projects that will handle all of the production of this car.
That would also lead to the cars this anniversary edition will have a different design from the other McLaren cars. All piercings supporters will be redesigned.

Cars Around The Burly | 2013 Honda Ridgeline


Fast Preview :
  • All-wheel drive (AWD) pickup truck
  • Crew cab body style
  • Standard rearview camera
  • 5,000-pound towing capacity
  • Fold-down/swing-out tailgate
  • 8.5-cubic-foot in-bed storage compartment
  • 250-horsepower V-6 engine
  • Optional navigation system

Introduction
First released as a 2006 model and mildly updated for the 2012 model year, the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck arrives unchanged for 2013. Four trim levels--RT, Sport, RTS, and RTL--are offered, all featuring seating for 5 and standard all-wheel drive.

Exterior Features
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline RT base model is fitted with 17-inch steel wheels, 4 full-size doors, 5-foot cargo bed with an 8.5-cubic-foot secure storage well under the floor, a tailgate that can be lowered in typical pickup function or swung open from the side, Class III trailer hitch, and black trim. Also included are power-adjustable outside mirrors and a power-sliding rear window.

A move up to the Ridgeline Sport adds black 18-inch alloy wheels and headlight bezels, black mesh grille, fog lights, and rear privacy glass.

Next in line is the 2013 Ridgeline RTS, which Honda has differentiated with 17-inch alloy wheels as well as body-color exterior accents. That trim level is followed by the RTL, accented by silver 18-inch alloy wheels, power tilt/slide moonroof, and heated mirrors.

Interior Features
Among the 2013 Honda Ridgeline's standard amenities are keyless entry, power windows and door locks, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, front bucket seats, and a 3-passenger, 60/40 split-folding rear seat with storage below. A 100-watt, 6-speaker sound system is also included.

The Ridgeline Sport starts with the RT's content and adds an audio input jack and leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the RTS boasts a 10-way power driver's seat, exterior temperature gauge, dual-zone climate control, and a 160-watt sound system paired with a subwoofer.

The top-of-the-line 2013 RTL offers the ultimate in Ridgeline luxury thanks to a universal garage door opener, ambient lighting, 115-volt outlet, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and satellite radio service.

Optional Features
There is one factory option for the 2013 Honda Ridgeline, and it's available only on the RTL variant. This touch-screen, voice-activated navigation system features a compass and Bluetooth connectivity with related steering wheel-mounted controls. Also included is displayed location and pressure information for a standard tire-pressure monitor.

Under the Hood
Honda has equipped the 2013 Ridgeline with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque, all of which works in concert with a 5-speed automatic transmission. An AWD system is standard and features a locking rear differential that can direct all of the engine's power to the rear wheels under certain conditions.

Unlike most other pickups, the 2013 Ridgeline uses a fully independent suspension system and a unibody architecture shared with the Honda Pilot SUV. The Ridgeline can tow 5,000 pounds, haul up to 1,546 pounds of payload, and head off the beaten path with 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Honda Ridgeline are 15/21/17 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Safety
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline's safety equipment includes 6 air bags, front active head restraints, traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. A rearview camera is a new standard feature for 2013.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ridgeline received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset crash protection; the Ridgeline also received a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Institute. As this preview is written, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 Honda Ridgeline.

Preview Of 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Fast Facts:
  • Completely redesigned flagship Mercedes sedan
  • Twin-turbocharged V-8 engine
  • Available 4Matic all-wheel drive
  • More aerodynamic exterior design
  • Upgraded interior materials and "navitainment" system
  • Optional fragrance diffusion system
  • Optional front- and rear-seat massage based on hot stone principle
  • New safety and autonomous driving technologies
  • On sale first as the extended-wheelbase 2014 S550

Introduction
Mercedes-Benz has completely redesigned its flagship S-Class sedan for the 2014 model year, and the car will arrive first as the 2014 S550 model with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (2WD or AWD).

Exterior Features
Calling its new 2014 S-Class sedan a "true design icon," Mercedes aimed to make the car more aerodynamic while implementing traditional brand cues such as a large, upright grille and what the company refers to as a "dropping line" side character line. Full LED lighting is standard for this model, and Mercedes makes reference to "coupe-like" and "coupe-style" design details in describing the new 2014 S-Class. In a change from tradition, the automaker first developed the long-wheelbase S-Class variant and then derived a short-wheelbase version from that model.

Interior Features
Referring to the 2014 S-Class model's interior as "fluid" and "sensually elegant," Mercedes claims the new S550's cabin is designed to "the very highest standard." To this end, the company employs a mixture of metallized switches, aluminum controls, wood trim, and pearl-effect paint finishes to achieve its goals.

As is true on the outside, the interior features full LED lighting, including a headliner that the company says glows after dark. Twin 12.3-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display screens convey information, and a rotary COMAND dial with a push-button function and surrounding direct access buttons is standard. An Enhanced Voice Control System is standard, along with a premium audio system including FrontBass speaker technology.

Optional Features
As might be expected of a vehicle that boasts a Special Order Program designed to provide buyers with a wide range of personalization opportunities, there is no shortage of optional equipment that can be added to the new 2014 S-Class.

Because many S-Class owners spend more time riding in the back seat than they do driving the car, Mercedes offers several different rear seating options. Highlights include a seat offering 43.5 degrees of recline and a separately adjustable bottom cushion with a calf support to optimize comfort levels. A First Class Rear seating package includes individual rear seats separated by a large console that includes extra storage, deployable tables, and cupholders designed to keep beverages warm or cold.

An Energizing Massage system, available for both the front and rear seats, is designed in accordance with the hot stone principle--a technique used by massage therapists in which smooth, heated stones are placed on the body to help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly. Mercedes also supplies rapid-heating elements for the seats, armrests, and steering wheel.

In addition to these comfort features, other options for the new 2014 S-Class include a choice between two high-end Burmeister audio systems, a 4-zone automatic climate control system, and an AirBalance package with a cabin perfume atomizer. Mercedes says this "fragrance diffusion" system is controlled by the driver, is temporary, and does not deposit a scent on occupants' clothing.

Mercedes also offers numerous safety-related technologies, which are discussed in detail below.

Under the Hood
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 is reportedly equipped with a direct-injection, twin-turbocharged, 4.7-liter V-8 engine generating an estimated 455 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission delivers the power to the car's rear wheels, and includes an automatic start/stop system to help improve fuel economy. A 4Matic AWD system is optional, and Mercedes says the quickest S550 model sprints to 60 mph in under 4.8 seconds.

An Airmatic air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus technology is standard for the new S550. Optionally, this car can be equipped with a new Road Surface Scan system that detects large pavement aberrations and works in tandem with Magic Body Control to set up the suspension tuning to smooth bumps as much as possible.

Safety
Numerous safety-related technologies are either upgraded or new for the 2014 Mercedes S-Class. The Attention Assist drowsy driver detection system now offers a sensitivity setting, and the S-Class is fitted with new stereo cameras and multi-stage sensors to provide the car with 360-degree "vision" and support new autonomous driving systems.

For example, the Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Plus system provides autonomous lane guidance and can follow vehicles ahead when navigating heavy traffic. The Active Lane Keeping Assist system detects when vehicles are in an adjacent lane or are in an oncoming lane and can autonomously apply the brakes on just one side of the vehicle to prevent it from wandering from a lane. Pre-Safe Brake provides autonomous braking at speeds up to 31 mph, helping to avoid low-speed collisions with other vehicles and with pedestrians.

Additionally, the new S-Class can be optioned with new Pre-Safe Plus technology, which detects when another vehicle might collide with the S-Class, can deliver a warning in the form of rapidly flashing hazard lights, and if the collision cannot be avoided, will automatically apply the brakes to limit the potential for secondary collisions and greater occupant injury. Pre-Safe Impulse is also optional, and uses the seat belts to pull occupants away from the source of frontal-impact crash force in order to help limit injury.

Order the optional RearSeat package, and the S-Class provides inflatable rear seat belts, or "beltbags," which can reduce strain on the occupants' ribcages in a collision, as well as a "cushionbag" designed to keep a reclined rear-seat passenger from sliding under the seat belt in the event of a crash.

Also, the Brake Assist System Plus with Cross Traffic Assist detects traffic or pedestrians crossing in the S-Class model's path and boosts braking power to stop the car as quickly as possible; Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the driver to operate the high-beam headlights continuously, as they automatically dim in the presence of motorists ahead; and Nightview Assist Plus provides a thermal-imaging camera with a Spotlight feature designed to better illuminate pedestrians ahead and to warn pedestrians that a car is approaching.

Technology
In addition to those features previously mentioned, the new flagship Mercedes-Benz offers independent access to the S-Class model's multi-media system from any outboard seating location, and the car is offered with a "Driveshow" that provides information about current conditions, traffic, and time to a destination similar to the programming provided on transoceanic flights. Oddly, SMS text messaging--a standard tech feature on several of the S-Class competitors--is an option for this model.