2014 Dodge Durango

Just 2 years after its reintroduction into the marketplace (2011), the 2014 Dodge Durango has gone through some significant changes. Its functionality, overall capabilities and design have all been updated.

Most prominent is that this year’s Durango will feature an 8 speed automatic transmission. When this vehicle is offered for sale in the third quarter of 2013 you will have your choice of 5 models. The Citadel, the R/T, Limited, Rallye and SXT, each will have its own unique features and trim packages to choose from.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24.6 gals (93 L) MPG: NA
Dimensions**
Length: 199.8 in. (507.5 cm) Wheel Base: 119.8 in. (304.3 cm)
Height: 70.9 in. (180.1 cm) Width: 75.8 in. (192.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 4756 lbs (2157 kg) Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 47.7 cu ft – behind second row Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: V6 Pentastar Flex-Fuel Displacement: 3.6 Liter
Horsepower: 290 HP Max RPM: NA
Torque: 260 lb-ft Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 6200 lbs (2812 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA

**2013 model specifications

Engine & Performance

The 2014 Durango offers 2 options when it comes to the engine. The 3.6 liter, V6 Pentastar is standard and generates 290 HP. For more “get up and go”, for towing scenarios, you may want to consider the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 that lets loose 360 horses.

If you are worried about the price of gas, the Hemi comes with a cylinder deactivation system to save fuel. Another gas saving feature is the aforementioned 8 speed automatic transmission which is mated with both engines and helps you save an additional 9% in fuel consumption.

The handling is one of the improvements on the 2014 Durango. The high strength steel frame and short/long arm front suspension coupled with the individual multi link units in the rear provide for a smooth ride.

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Exterior

Changes to the front of the Dodge Durango start at the bottom and work their way up. Beginning with a new raised front bumper. The headlights have been replaced with projector beam lamps. The grille is thinner with split crosshairs and mesh textures.

The lines along the side of the Durango now emphasizes pronounced fender profile while the rear of the SUV has LED racetrack type taillights that resemble those on Dodges all new Dart design.

Interior

Updates to the interior of the 2014 Dodge Durango are even more impressive than those on the outside. The dash was redesigned along with the center stack. On that center stack resides an innovative rotary knob shifter for the transmission.

The steering wheel has been modified; it is now of the 3 spoke variety with paddle shifters to boot! A good looking 7 inch screen situated high on the center of the instrument panel is now standard on the 2014 Durango.2014-Dodge-Durango-RT-rear-seating 32014-Dodge-Durango-da-beach 12014-Dodge-Durango-steering-wheel-and-dash 2

June 20, 2013 at 5:11 pm | No comment

2013 Mini Clubvan

Commercial delivery vans are not often spoken in the same sentence as the word style. This is all about to change with the arrival of the 2013 Mini Clubvan. The Clubvan not only delivers performance, it does so with style.

Performance is likely the most important attribute the Clubvan offers. The Clubvan does not look like your normal commercial vehicle, because it is a Mini, you do business and make deliveries almost inconspicuously.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Van Base Price: £11,837.50
Fuel Tank Capacity: NA MPG: 32 city 63 hwy
Performance
Engine: Inline 4 Displacement: 1.6 Liter
Horsepower: 98 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 113 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Max Load Capacity: 1102 lbs (500 kgs) Maximum Speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)

Engine & Performance

Depending on the model, you get an engine as powerful as a 4 cylinder 208 horsepower turbo engine. You can choose between a six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission.

The Clubvan also comes with anti-lock brakes and stability control capable of making the vehicle run smoothly. The unique navigation system and satellite radio further enhance the value of this vehicle.
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Exterior & Interior

The Clubvan has a wheelbase larger than the original base model ensuring it can store large amounts of cargo in an effective manner. The interior has polycarbonate reinforcement which keeps the cargo and the interior from being unnecessarily damaged during transport. A compartment buffer protects those seated in the front with the driver in the event the cargo load slides forward.

The sleek exterior of the Clubvan is complemented by a visually appealing interior. The cargo area carpeting not only reduce the potential for damage, it also adds to the look of the inside of the van. Overall, this might be the perfect cargo van for any business.

Purpose with Style

Yes, many business are getting this van to handle various deliveries. The performance of the van will be of great interest to those business owners in need of a reliable vehicle.

The four-cylinder engine ensures this van has enough horsepower to deliver its cargo. It does so in a manner that reduces fuel consumption which, in turn, reduces the costs of making deliveries.
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June 20, 2013 at 1:11 pm | No comment

2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept

This is no Beetle! The 2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept shows that the German car manufacturer is serious resolve to be a player in the “green” SUV market.

The coupe version is the second such CrossBlue concept after a different model was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. The introduction of the coupe makes this car a viable production option for VW in the future.
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Engine & Performance

The Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept combines a 6 cylinder, direct injection, turbo-charged gas engine with 2 electric motors. The combination produces a hefty 409 horsepower. This allows the vehicle to move from 0 to 62 MPH in under 6 seconds (5.9). The car tops out at the speed of 146 MPH. The engine will be coupled with a 6 speed DSG transmission.

Between hybrid mode and its gas tank, the 2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe should be good for around 740 miles between recharges and fill-ups.
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Exterior

The front grille of the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept quickly exhibits this vehicles uniqueness. The thin single framed grille piece extends across the entire front façade, incorporating the headlight housings as well. The air intakes on either side of a mesh like screen, gives it an imposing profile as it approaches.

From the side, the oversized 22 inch wheels dominate the view. Nice, clean lines finish it off.

The most distinctive feature of the rear are the L-shaped taillights that distinguish it from other SUVs. At the bottom of the rear bumper, the trapezoidal twin tailpipes are neatly enclosed and trimmed in silver.

The coupe is 195.5 inches long with a wheelbase just over 117″ and stands 63″ tall.

Interior

The inside of the CrossBlue Coupe Concept is simple but sporty. The semi-sports seats are wrapped in leather and comes with a two tone color scheme. The steering wheel has a flat bottom design with a few functional controls mounted on it.

A technology savvy 8 inch display screen includes 3D navigational capabilities. The center console is exquisitely located with all the controls at your fingertips.
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June 19, 2013 at 4:20 pm | No comment

2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

The 2013 New York International Auto Show was chosen by Mercedes Benz to showcase their upcoming electric car. Running completely petrol free, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive focuses on zero emissions.

It also comes with a network of provided services amongst other features that make it a viable replacement for a gas powered or hybrid vehicle.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Electric Base Price: NA
Battery: 28 kWh Lithium Ion Range on Full Charge: 115 miles
Dimensions**
Length: 171.6 in. (435.9 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (269.9 cm)
Height: 61.3 in. (155.7 cm) Width: 79.1 in. (201 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Power source: 100 kW – 240 Volt/40 Amp Charge Time: 4 hours (full)
Horsepower: 135 HP Torque: 228 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 10 seconds Maximum Speed: NA

** Based on gas powered B-Class

Motor

The car will be powered by a 100 kw electric motor, capable of generating a torque of 229 lb ft which is the equivalent of a 3.0 liter petrol engine which makes it possible to get from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 10 seconds.

A standard power plug in can charge the batteries in 4 hours which gives you a range of 115 miles.
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Performance

Driving experience of a fully electric Mercedes is not different from any of their other models. The lightweight engine is compensated by the battery pack which adds some weight in the rear.

With a set of aerodynamic concepts, balanced weight, the downforce, and road grip makes it easy to control and drive for both short and long distances.

Exterior

The design of the e-car focuses on building a dynamic vehicle with sporty elements.

Looking at the front of the electric B-Class, Mercedes includes the trademark grill as one of the key visual elements, it comes with extended lights that crossover to the side. The rear lights have the same extended light design, placed under the wide rear window.2015-Mercedes-Benz-B-Class-Electric-Drive-up-a-curb D

Interior

Even if the electric B-Class is dependent on energy storage for its engine, the battery placement beneath the seats save interior space. The gauges can be found in their traditional position while vents have been placed between the driver and the passenger above the central panel.

Mercedes designed the interior with the same attention to detail and high quality finishing as any of their other models from the same class.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive has what it takes to compete with gas powered vehicles. The powerful electric motor and battery pack allows you to get around town with sufficient range, up to 115 miles on a full charge.
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June 19, 2013 at 2:17 pm | No comment

2013 Toyota GT86 CS-V3 Racecar

The 2013 Toyota GT86 CS-V3 Racecar is a product of the Japanese company’s operations in the motor racing world, Toyota Manufacturing GmbH, or TMG. This arm of the company was set up to maintain the cars for Toyota’s Formula 1 teams.

The car is designed for road and race use, and is aimed at those drivers who want a vehicle that has practical applications as well as providing thrills on the racetrack occasionally. The GT86 CS-V3 Racecar was specifically built to compete in the German VLN series, which is based in the Nurburgring. It has proved it has the power and agility needed to win in such race events. Proven by victory in the Nurburgring 24-hour race.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Racecar Base Price: NA
Dimensions
Length: 166.9 in. (424 cm) Wheel Base: 101.2 in. (257 cm)
Height: 50.6 in. (128.5 cm) Width: 69.9 in. (177.5 cm)
Performance
Engine: 4 Cylinder Boxer Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 197 HP Max RPM: 7000 rpm
Torque: 152 lb-ft Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds Maximum Speed: 140 mph (225 km/h)

Engine

Its impressive 2.0-liter; CS-V3 engine is capable of delivering up to 197 horsepower at 7000 rpm. The engine is a modified Subaru Boxer class engine, with Toyota’s proprietary D-45 injection system added to boost performance.
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Added Appeal

Toyota has made this car an entry-level model for drivers who want to experience the thrill of high-speed racing. That means stripping out many of the features found in stock vehicles, producing one built for professional racing. The aim is to make it easy to maintain the Toyota GT86 CS-V3 Racecar without in-depth knowledge of racing technology.

The second thing that is likely to appear attractive for non-professionals is the low price for a car of this type. Its basic price is 38,500 Euros (just under $50,000) This makes the car accessible to many enthusiasts without breaking the bank.

Exterior

The car looks sleek and streamlined, and is obviously a sports car. There is nothing particularly unique or impressive about the car’s physical appearance. It is not a car that will leave a lasting visual impression on people.

In fact, if it were not for the racecar style paintwork, this car looks very much like a standard coupe.
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June 18, 2013 at 4:20 pm | No comment

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