2015 Qoros 3 Hatch

Just one year after their launch of their first production vehicle, Qoros, a new international automotive manufacturer, based out of Shanghai, introduces a hatch version.

The 2015 Qoros 3 Hatch is being presented at the Geneva International Motor show in March 2014. Its design and construction make it a decent pick for drivers who are looking for a city car that is easy to maintain and efficient.2015-Qoros-3-Hatch-profile-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hatchback Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gals (55 L) Miles Per Gallon: 39 Combined
Performance
Engine: 4 Cylinder DOHC Displacement: 1.6 Liter
Horsepower: 125 HP Max RPM: 6150 RPM
Torque: 115 lb-ft @3900 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Engine

The car comes equipped with a 1.6 liter engine capable of a total output of 126 hp. It is paired with a turbo charging unit via natural aspiration in addition to a six-speed manual gearbox. It is a front wheel drive, in which you the option to have it fitted with an automatic gearbox or a dual-clutch transmission.

Performance

The car was built to be driven around the city. Its distance from the ground is typical for a city car which affects its aerodynamics.
2015-Qoros-3-Hatch-in-red-behind-B
However, handling and steering is responsive. The breaking system is sufficient for everyday drives around the city while the tires will provide basic road grip.

Exterior

The exterior of the car is executed in simple lines with a front bumper separated by a grill on the top and bottom. The headlights are narrow and stretch to the sides.

Looking at the rear, the design is similar to other hatchbacks. The taillights are smaller and are located near the corners. The bumper hides two exhausts on the left and right bottom sides of the bumper.

Interior

Looking at the interior, the Qoros 3 gives a sense of luxury. An extra-large LCD screen has been placed in the center of the dash to serve as a navigation system.

The audio system has been placed discreetly under it while the steering wheel houses the controls. The overall theme used are in black and beige tones, with lighter colors on the seats and doors.

As their first production car, the 2015 Qoros 3 Hatch comes as a fresh alternative.

April 4, 2014 at 10:41 pm | No comment

2014 Acura TLX Concept

The 2014 Acura TLX Concept is a midsize luxury sedan that offers typical Honda reliability, a comfortable interior and dynamic handling.

This car comes with a long list of features such as great power, an excellent AWD system and lots of everyday practicality. The TLX comes with a lithe, sport-sedan proportions with a taut body.
2014-Acura-TLX-Concept--moving-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Concept Sedan Base Price: NA
Performance
Engine: 2.4 Liter Inline 4/ i-VTEC Transmission: 8-Speed DCT

Engine

There are at least two engine options available for the TLX Concept; you can go with an inline 4 2.4 liter engine DOHC i-VTEC matched with 8 speed dual clutch transmission; or a V6 SOHC 3.5 Liter i-VTEC which comes a 9 speed automatic transmission.

Acura lavishes the V6 with their trademark “SH-AWD®” (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) & “PAWS®” (Precision All Wheel Drive™). The 2.4 liter engine comes with the P-AWS™ feature as well.

2014-Acura-TLX-Concept--parked-B

Exterior

Its sporting character is highlighted by the low and wide stance, dynamically sculpted fender arches, shortened front and rear overhangs and purposeful character lines.

The TLX has Acura’s signature LED headlights which provide the TLX Prototype with an advanced, bright-eyed appearance while producing superior down-the-road illumination.

The 20-inch alloy wheels and the low profile tires accentuate the car’s stance. The sculpted hood and its sharply designed bilateral ridgelines show the performance capabilities of the new advanced Acura power-train.

Another feature is the tailor-made sideview mirrors; each mirror has a row of LED lights fused onto its base. With just a click on the turn indicator, the LEDs come to life, spreading a moving glow around the bottom of the mirror to give a high-tech, 3D appearance.

Interior

The interior features a dual personal design that provides the driver and the front passenger with ample personal space.

The car offers a wide range of standard personal features such as a 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, 276-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, 8-speaker, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, USB port connectivity and XM radio.

Safety

For safety features, TLX includes: brake assist, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, Hill start assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control, and 6 airbags.

2014-Acura-TLX-Concept-indoors-C

April 2, 2014 at 5:28 pm | No comment

2015 Honda Fit

Recently unveiled was the 2015 Honda Fit at the ‘Detroit Auto Show’. Fit, also known as Jazz in some markets, is an already successful subcompact from Honda. The new Fit has been completely redesigned from the ground, up.

The new Honda Fit is set to deliver a combination of style, performance, fuel efficiency, interior space, and the best in safety features. It has been designed to be a fun-to-drive car. It is by far the best Fit to date and is looking to set new benchmarks in the small car category.
2015-Honda-Fit-studly-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Compact Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gals (40 L) Miles Per Gallon: 33 city / 41 hwy+
Dimensions
Length: 160 in. (406.4 cm) Wheel Base: 99.6 in. (253 cm)
Height: 60 in. (152.4 cm) Width: 67 in. (170.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 20.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC Displacement: 1.5 Liter
Horsepower: 130 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 114 lb-ft @4600 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

+ Estimate

Engine

The new Fit sports an all-new 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine that churns out 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque . The power and torque has gone up, yet the fuel-efficiency of the vehicle has improved, thanks to the reduced weight.

The 2015 Fit has a fuel economy rating of 33 mpg for city and 41 mpg for highway. The car is available in 6-speed manual and CVT with paddle shifters.

2015-Honda-Fit-yellowbird-B

Exterior

The new Fit sports a sleek, sporty and modern exterior. It shows off an aggressive front fascia, thanks to the all-new grille and head-light design. A similar grille treatment can be seen in the latest Honda City as well.

The lines running across the side highlight Fit’s aerodynamic profile. The 16-inch alloy wheels with new 5-spoke design give the vehicle a sporty and planted look.

The exterior is built on the previous model and makes it much more attractive. The dimensions have changed a bit. The vehicle is tad shorter (by 1.6 inches), a bit wider (0.3 inches) and the wheelbase much longer (by 1.2 inches).

2015-Honda-Fit--rear-C

Interior

Inside is very roomy, especially for a subcompact, with the increased cabin space and rear passenger legroom.

The new inside of the Honda Fit will include features such as multi-angle rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, heated side mirrors, moon-roof, a 7-inch touch screen audio system, push-start button and smart entry. The quality of materials are evident.

The 2015 Honda Fit is expected to be available in the United States in the spring of 2014. The vehicle will be available in multiple trim options.

2015-Honda-Fit--inside-front-D

March 26, 2014 at 3:46 am | No comment

2014 Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept

The time has finally come when an effective solar design has been created to power a solid, everyday vehicle. In the past, solar power car designs were limited to racecars that were lightweight and could seat only one person. While such cars could travel many thousands of miles powered by the sun, they weren’t much use to everyday drivers.

Enter the 2014 Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept. This is a vehicle that can seat your entire family with a lot of leg room and storage space.
2014-Ford-C-MAX-Solar-Energi-Concept-waiting-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid Hatch Base Price: NA
Total Range: 21 miles for EV + gas MPGe for EV Mode: 108 city/ 92 hwy
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 gals (53 L) MPG for Hybrid Mode: 45 city/ 40 hwy
Dimensions*
Length: 173.6 in. (440.9 cm) Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (264.9 cm)
Height: 63.8 in. (162 cm) Width: 72 in. (182.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 24.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: Inline 4 Hybrid Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 141 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 129 lb-ft @4000 rpm Transmission: e-CVT

* C-Max Energi Specs

Challenges

For decades the petroleum industry has done everything to quash the success of solar power and other renewable energy sources. This has slowed research and development, and indeed, until recently, the only solar panels available were those that could generate between a 100 and 450 watts of power per square meter.

This merely only adds up to couple of hundred usable watts of power. Additionally, it has been hard to make use of solar energy on a vehicle because cars are curved, as opposed to a flat surface needed for proper sun exposure.

2014-Ford-C-MAX-Solar-Energi-Concept-see-the-panels-C

The Ford Motor Company solved these problems by equipping the C-Max with three hundred watts of solar panels in a slightly curved configuration on the roof of the vehicle. The panels hug the curve of the roof and resemble a sunroof.

They are dark in color and attractive. Even people who harbor irrational hostility in regards to solar panels will find these unobtrusive and attractive.

Sun Power

It may seem that such a small amount of solar exposure could not provide enough power for the car; however, the fact is they generate a significant amount of the energy needed to meet the needs of the average American driver.

Most Americans drive about thirty miles a day. The vehicle consumes about 250 watt hours of energy per mile, so it would consume about 7.5 kilowatt hours daily.

Savings

Under normal usage, the solar panels on the C-Max can generate about 2.16 kilowatt hours of energy a day, so they would provide almost 30% of the energy needed to power the vehicle throughout the day. This means 30% of the power the car needs is independent of power outages, charging infrastructure and the cost of electricity.

Imagine saving 30% on your vehicle fuel expenses now! Further imagine that the remaining 70% of your driving expenses are priced like electricity instead of petroleum.

In addition, you could choose to get that electricity entirely from wind generation instead of the burning of coal and petroleum products. The fact is, you don’t have to imagine. All of this is entirely possible and it can save you a bundle and add up to great benefits for our one and only planet!

All in all, the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept is an excellent forerunner of great things to come in harnessing the power of alternative energy for private transportation. Attractive, powerful, comfortable and affordable, the C-Max has it all.

2014-Ford-C-MAX-Solar-Energi-Concept-rear-C

March 23, 2014 at 3:55 am | No comment

2014 Kia GT4 Stinger Concept

The 2014 Kia GT4 Stinger Concept is probably the boldest offering of all Kia vehicles. Many people have described this car as looking aggressive, and this is mainly because of its eye-catching design and distinctive features.

This rear drive 2+2 sports car offers a unique driving experience. It is powerful and practical at the same time.
2014-Kia-GT4-Stinger-Concept-at-sunset-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: NA
Dimensions
Length: 169.7 in. (431 cm) Wheel Base: 103.1 in. (262 cm)
Height: 49.2 in. (125 cm) Width: 74.4 in. (188.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 2874 lbs (1304 kg) Maximum Seating: 2+2
Performance
Engine: Inline 4 Turbo Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 315 HP Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds+ Maximum Speed: 155 mph+ (249 km/h)

+ Projected

Engine & Performance

The GT4 comes with a 2.0 liter T-GDI four-cylinder engine, which delivers an impressive 315 horsepower. The main aim of the production team was to reduce the car’s weight and focus on its functionality. Its performance and power are distinctive.

It comes with quality Pirelli P-Zero performance tires and has a shorter wheelbase. Uncompromised control can be guaranteed with its quick-ratio steering rack, and the weight distribution is balanced.
2014-Kia-GT4-Stinger-Concept-resting-B
Exterior

The GT4 Stinger Concept has key styling features that stand out. Its design may be described as being simplistic, but intimidating at the same time. Thanks to the grille in the lower section, improved engine cooling as well as cold-air induction can be expected.

From an aesthetic point of view, the grille is a masterpiece. It glows white and has a satin black border with multiple layers. On either side of the grille are vertical LED headlamps, and the bumper is nicely framed with the front-brake cooling vents molded in it.

The fenders above the front tires and the hood are equally attractive features. The body widens slightly at the rear. LED taillights and the dual exhaust ports also stand out considerably.

Interior

The interior is elegantly designed and at the same time, practicality is evident. The instrument panel is nicely laid out and lit. The bucket seats are comfortable and enhance the sporty feel of this car.
2014-Kia-GT4-Stinger-Concept-seriously-12014-Kia-GT4-Stinger-Concept-is-it-22014-Kia-GT4-Stinger-Concept-3-in-1-3

March 22, 2014 at 3:55 am | 2 comments

->