The just unveiled 2014 Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer is now available. This wagon made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2013.

This Country Tourer comes with a rugged, sporty look which makes it ideal even on rough terrain.

There are three engines to choose from, one with the ecoFLEX, the base CDTi, and the BiTurbo, and more impressively they are all available in 4×4.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Wagon	Base Price: £25,349
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gals (70 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 41 city / 59 hwy

Performance

Engine: 4 Cylinder Diesel ecoFLEX	Displacement: 1956 cc
Horsepower: 161 HP	Max RPM: 4000 RPM
Torque: 259 lb-ft @1750 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Engine & Performance

This state of the art vehicle is combined with three engine options which include a very powerful BiTurbo-diesel engine.

The top is a 2.0 liter BiTurbo CDTi that produces 193 horsepower with a torque of 296 lb ft. Next is the 2.0 liter CDTi which provides you with an impressive 161 horsepower. This latter engine produces 281 lb ft of torque.

The featured option from Vauxhall is the 2.0 liter CDTi ecoFLEX engine which also provides 161 horsepower and 281 lb ft of torque, and come 6-speed manual transmission.

The first two come with a 6- speed automatic transmission featuring sequential shifting through the ActiveSelect® system. This electronically controlled 4-wheel drive system can also vary its toque between the front and rear axles; this ensures maximum traction on different surfaces, whether on-road or off-road.

In order to save fuel, the system can even revert to front-wheel drive only when it senses that 4-wheel drive is not required.

Exterior

The Insignia Country Tourer has a rugged look. Its lower body and flared wheel- arches are all clothed in grey moldings that give it an outdoorsy look.

Adding to the Country Tourers road presence, silver colored skid plates seem to emerge from underneath the bumpers at two ends. The car incorporates LED lighting technology. The tires provide extra grip on any loose surface to heighten the car’s ability to tackle rough terrain.

Interior

The interior has a sporty design with high quality material used and are enhanced with chrome accents and colors. It is coated with a soft touch material capable of providing an ambiance of premium quality.

The cabin is designed to create more space. A front passenger airbag is include along the steep windshield rake; this ensures the front space remains free. On the dash panel, you will find an 8-inch touch screen display and another large display screen just in front of the driver.

If you are interested in the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, this is your last chance. Reports from the Japanese automaker is that this will be the final year this retro style, off road oriented SUV will be available.

Reminiscent of the late 1950 FJ40, the FJ Cruiser made its debut in 2007. More than 100,000 have been sold in North America between 2007 and 2008.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $ 27,130
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gals (72 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 16 city / 20 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183.9 in. (467.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.9 in. (268.9 cm)
Height: 71.3 in. (181.1 cm)	Width: 75 in. (190.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 4079 lbs (1850 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22.1 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 27.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: V6 DOHC w/ VVT-i	Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 260 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 271 lb-ft @4400 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic ECT-i
0-60 mph: NA	Towing Capacity: 4700 lbs** (2132 kg)

* 4×2 AT Model
** with proper towing fixtures

Engine & Performance

Under the hood of the 2014 FJ Cruiser has a 4.0 liter V6 engine capable of generating 260 horsepower.

Rear wheel drive models come with a 5 speed automatic transmission, while all wheel drive models gives you the choice between the 5 automatic or a 6 speed manual.

Exterior

2014 continues to exhibit the theme of an old style SUV that when painted olive (Army Green) looks very much like a military vehicle. There are 6 available hues, all coming with a Dark Charcoal interior.

The roof is available in a contrasting white. Also on the roof, you will find a luggage rack affording extra stowage space.

The front features single round headlights framed by a grille which aids air flow from a center hood scoop. The amber directional signals are long and rectangular. A large reinforced bumper finishes off the front.

The side view finds rear hinged access doors allowing for easier entry to the backseat.
The rear is mainly made up of the huge spare tire mounted over the swing out tailgate.

Interior

The interior is basic as you might expect of a car made to navigate rugged terrain. The upholstery is water resistant while the backseats can be folded to a 60/40 configuration.

You also get power windows and door locks, A/C and a CD stereo. Options include a 6 CD changer and auxiliary gauges including one that meausres the outside temperature, vehicle pitch, and heading.

In any event, if the Cruiser is your choice over a Jeep Wrangler or Nissan Xterra, it starts at around $28,000.

On the 6th of May 2013, Terrafugia Inc announced its plans for the future of personal transportation.

The company has already began its exploration in manufacturing a 4-seat, VTOL (Vertical take-off and landing) plug-in hybrid-electric flying vehicle, the 2013 Terrafugia TF-X. This new TF-X will have increased safety, convenience, and simplicity.

Convenience

Learning how to operate the TF-X will take the operator or pilot, or drive, no more than 5 hours. This is because it is easy to operate and is controlled in such a way similar to steering a car.

The TF-X will also be in a position to fly either manually or automatically between approved landing sites or airports. TF-X can carry 4 people in automobile-like comfort.

Safety

The TF-X is basically expected to be safer than driving any modern automobile. It’s also able to automatically avoid air traffic, bad weather conditions, and avoid tower-controlled air-space. The TF-X will also have a full-vehicle parachute system (backup) that can be activated by the drive in case of an emergency; this is if its operator believes it is incapable of landing automatically.

In case of emergency, and the operator is not responding, the TF-X will automatically create emergency auto-land options at an airport nearby.

Technical Operation

The Terrafugia TF-X is capable of recharging batteries from either the engine or by plugging in an electric vehicle charging station. Prior to departure, the operator selects primary landing target and other backup landing zones.

In the event manual operation or changing weather conditions causes the backup landing-zone to just fall outside of the selected range of limits, the driver will receive notification and be prompted to choose an alternate landing zone.

Normal operations can be conducted through non-tower airspace and on the ground. The licensed operators can add any pre-approved landing zone to their landing zone options. TF-X will also have a non-stop -flight range of not less than 500 miles and its standard size will fit in a single car garage.

America’s most prestigious luxury car is going green. The 2014 Cadillac ELR is the car manufacturer’s first attempt at a hybrid automobile other than the Escalade SUV.

Although the 3 letter description has not been officially identified, it could possibly mean “Electric Luxury Ride”. This is Cadillac’s first venture into the standard size hybrid luxury coupe.

The concept was first introduced in 2011 and it was immediately speculated the production version would not be far behind. The ELR is based on the Chevrolet Volts drivetrain, the ELR will function with a generator operated electric motor.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Coupe	Base Price: NA
EV Range: 35 miles	Total Range 300 miles
Charge Time: 240v / 5 hrs	MPG for Hybrid Mode: 30-35 avg

Dimensions

Length: 186 in. (472.4 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.1 in. (269.5 cm)
Height: 55.9 in. (142 cm)	Width: 72.7 in. (184.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 10.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: Inline 4 Hybrid	Displacement: 1.4 Liter
Horsepower: 291 HP	Torque: 295 lb-ft
0-60 mph: NA	Top Electric Speed: 100 mph (161 km/h)

Hybrid Performance

Under the hood of the ELR is an electric drive unit powered by a lithium-ion battery. This is expected to generate 207 horsepower. You get an additional 84 horsepower from a 1.4 liter, 4 cylinder hybrid engine. When the battery’s power is used up the hybrid kicks in.

On a full tank of gas (9.3 gal.) and a fully charged battery it is expected to have a driving range of approximately 300 miles. The front wheel drive utilizes a Voltec Electric Drive System transaxle.

Exterior

The front of the Cadillac ELR features the traditional trapezoidal Cadillac grille. The most recent Cadillac signature are the vertical headlights and LED taillights are also present.

Aerodynamics is key to the ELR’s performance, so the front façade have active shutters behind the flush grille. The corners have been carefully tapered to allow easy air flow aided by an integrated spoiler in the rear. It has a drag coefficient of 0.305.

Interior

The interior is an exquisite blend of wood accents, chrome, and leather. Carbon fiber trim is optional. The steering wheel is covered in leather appointed with suede microfiber which matches the headliner.

The center of the instrument panel has an 8 inch, color touch screen with Cadillac “CUE” technology and navigation system.

The Cadillac ELR seats 4 with more than 33 inches of legroom to accommodate passengers seated in the rear.

No official price tag has been affixed to the ELR, but conjecture has it in the $70,000 range.

The 2014 Opel Meriva will debut early next year at the Brussels Motor Show.

This new car is a consistent continuation of previous models since it features enhanced technology and other fine ingredients.

Opel makes available to this vehicle a range of engines depending on your specific needs.

Engine & Performance

The 2014 Meriva has received a new lifeline in Opel’s 1.6 CDTI medium-displacement turbo-diesel engine. This new engine provides you with strong performance and fuel efficiency.

The base model brings you 136 horsepower. The engine comes with 237 lb ft of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm. This vehicle can reach 62 mph from 0 in 9.1 seconds. The low frictions of the engine creates low CO2 emissions.

Exterior

This new car receives a new front fascia which features a brand new chrome grille, fog lamps with chrome accents, LED daytime running lights, and a new elegant chrome beltline on the side.

The FlexDoors is one of the Meriva’s new feature, that go nicely with the newly-designed 17 and 18 inch wheels that give a premium feel and look. Along the side, the highlights include a waved design that accentuates the rear window.

The rear offers a dynamic and elegant character thanks to the LED lights that are marked with high quality graphics.

Interior

The first thing the designers focused on is the convenient the rear passenger doors that swing wide open at an angle of 84 degrees against the car. Inside, passengers can enjoy a spacious cabin that easily turns the car from a 5 to 2 seater, expanding the rear for cargo room.

The driver is pampered with a heated multifunction steering wheel. A huge panoramic sunroof also fills the interior with natural light. Drivers will also have an access to new generation IntellLink multimedia system that has a 7 inch color screen, rear camera, voice control and Bluetooth connectivity.