2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid has been included in the manufacturer’s next-generation of SUVs, featuring advanced fuel efficiency, technology and the versatility to be a family vehicle.

One of the key aspects of this SUV is Nissan’s ability to build an affordable hybrid with the new and improved powertrain.

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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid SUV Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.5 gals (74 L) MPG: NA city / 27 hwy
Dimensions**
Length: 197.2 in. (500.9 cm) Wheel Base: 114.2 in. (290.1 cm)
Height: 69.6 in. (176.8 cm) Width: 77.2 in. (196.1 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 79.8 cu ft**** Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: Supercharged Hybrid Displacement: 2.5 Liter cc
Horsepower: 250 HP* Torque: 243 lb-ft*
Electric Motor: 15 kW Range: 526 miles
0-60 mph: NA Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1588 kgs)***

*Rating equivalent
** Based on Nissan Pathfinder S
*** With towing package
****Without 2nd & 3rd row

Engine

The hybrid come equipped with a supercharged 2.5 liter gas engine assisted by a 15 kW electric motor and a total rating of 250 HP. Looking at the previous generation that featured a 3.5 liter engine and 260 HP, the new Pathfinder focuses on fuel efficiency.

Included is a new dual clutch system to manage both engines individually. On top of this feature, the car also charges the battery during deceleration.
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Performance

Featuring a four-wheel drive, this Nissan SUV maintains a responsive feel on the road. Aided by front/multi-link rear suspension and a hydraulic steering system, the hybrid behaves as expected on the road during difficult weather conditions.

Exterior

Using uni-body construction, the overall look of the car makes it easy to notice the fluid aerodynamic contour of the body. It features a chrome grill, door handles and rims that accentuate the new design. The headlights have been extended to the side, giving it a more aerodynamic look.

Interior

From a design and functionality point of view the SUV remains a spacious car with leather covered seats and a dashboard that compliments the rest of the SUV. The driver and the front passenger benefit from a well spaced cockpit by the use of minimalistic and compact design and an overall harmonious look.

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid inherited the key elements of the previous generation and combines them with a fuel efficient powertrain. It features a less gas hungry engine and the same spacious interior as in its predecessors.
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June 18, 2013 at 2:17 pm | No comment

2013 Renault Twin-Z Concept

It’s not easy being green or even blue with green wheels as is the 2013 Renault Twin-Z Concept car when it was unveiled. The green wheels may be a bit much, but it is intended to emphasize the eco-friendly nature of this compact all electric vehicle.

It is obviously aimed at the big city markets where it will carry you from place to place up to 100 miles between charges.
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Engine & Performance

The 2013 Twin-Z Concept runs on a rear mounted electric motor that delivers 68 horsepower and 166 lb ft. of torque. Its power source are 4, 96 volt lithium-ion battery packs that fit nicely under the floor.

Surprisingly, the Twin-Z Concept can reach a top speed of 81 mph. It is a rear wheel drive vehicle. The engine is paired with a direct drive transmission with a reducer gear and forward/reverse inverter.

Exterior

The Renault Twin-Z Concept let’s take a look at its overall dimensions. It is slightly less than 12 feet in length. The width measures close to 5.5 feet. It stands less than 5 feet tall with a wheelbase of 98 inches (just over 8′).

A vortex effect is created by the new front grille and rear bumper. The headlamps are of the LED variety and when you look at the running lights you’ll have the eerie impression of a human eye staring back. However, the “piece de resistance” has to be the LED display on the entire roof surface.
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The electronically controlled front and rear doors are multi hinged. They are reminiscent of a modern version of “suicide” doors. Don’t bother looking for any outside mirrors as the outdoor views are displayed on internal video. The tail lamp assembly encompasses the large rear window with a light display.

Interior

Dashboards and instrument clusters are also a thing of the past on the Twin-Z Concept. The controls are accessed via a large touch screen display mounted on the center console. It will seat 4 with an extended steering column topped off with a racing style oval steering wheel and 2 rear bucket seats integrated directly into the rear floor.
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June 17, 2013 at 4:20 pm | No comment

2014 Lexus IS (US Version)

The 2014 Lexus IS may just be the most anticipated of the new car releases for the coming year. The IS from Lexus truly is a stunning sport sedan and it stands out thanks to its amazingly innovative design.

A combination of a custom spindle grille with LED Daytime Running Lights that are uniquely separated from the grille immediately allows this vehicle to visually stand out from competitors. The IS comes available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The top of the line trim, the IS 350, continues to be one of the top sellers.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sport Sedan Base Price: $35,065.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gals (65 L) MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions**
Length: 180.3 in. (458 cm) Wheel Base: 107.5 in. (273 cm)
Height: 55.7 in. (141.5 cm) Width: 70.9 in. (180 cm)
Curb Weight: 3435 lbs (1558 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 13 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.5 liter V6 VVT-i Compression Ratio: 12.0: 1
Horsepower: 204 HP Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic ECT-i
0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds Maximum Speed: 140 mph (225 km/h)

** RWD

Engine

The 2.5 liter V6 engine offers an amazing amount of power along with incredibly reliability. The transmission is electronically controlled which allows you to switch gears smoothly and the enhanced fuel injection ensures you can pick up speed in a moment’s notice.

The IS 350, a step up, you get a 3.5 liter V6 that churns out 306 horsepower that comes with an 8 speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission
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Features

The IS is packed with scores of brilliant features to complement an amazingly stylish look. Will the vehicle handle well on the road? For those wondering about its rigidity, this model offers one of the most stable rides available.

This enhances not only the smoothness and safety of the ride; it gives you comfortable ride behind a lot of power. Those looking for a leisurely vehicle to make their lengthy commute to work a lot more relaxing, the new Lexus IS might be the perfect choice.

Engineering

The manufacturing and engineering has contributed to what makes this car special. The screw welding process used, which includes innovative laser technology and a new adhesive system, ensures you of well built vehicle.

Both of these processes contribute to the solid feel of the vehicle. The enhanced suspension of the vehicle deserves notice, it allows for a smoother ride.
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June 17, 2013 at 2:17 pm | No comment

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392

The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392 is the most recent package from the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division of the Chrysler Group. The package was revealed to fans, filled with ravenous opinions about it began to spread among fans.

The package was designed to bring the muscle-car image back to modern vehicles, and many are finding this appealing. If Charger owners want to give their vehicles an even more masculine appearance, this is the best way.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.1 gals (72 L) MPG: 14 city / 23 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 200.3 in. (508.8 cm) Wheel Base: 120.2 in. (305.2 cm)
Height: 58.2 in. (147.9 cm) Width: 74.2 in. (188.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 4365 lbs (1980 kg) Ground Clearance: NA in. (254 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 16.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 2+3 people
Performance
Engine: HEMI®V8 Displacement: 6.4 Liter
Horsepower: 470 HP Max RPM: 6000 rpm
Torque: 470 lb-ft at 4300 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds Maximum Speed: 175 mph (282 km/h)

Engine

The SRT8 has a whopping 6.4 liter HEMI V8 engine under the hood. It delivers 470 horsepower and a devastating 471 lb ft of torque.

If this is not enough to impress, perhaps the ability to roar from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds will put a smile on your face. It will almost certainly impress your friends and fellow drivers.
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Exterior & Interior

A set of customized black fender badges with metal-grey inserts. Several sections are painted night-black, including the roof, the middle of the hood, and the stripes that run along the body, the side mirrors, and the spoiler at the rear. It comes with five-spoke, split 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome wheels. An exclusive dash plaque displays the build number.

The package is available in five different colors for the exterior, including bright white (clear), billet silver (metallic), plum pearl, orange pearl, and TorRed clear. If you are looking for an intimidating and powerful car, this new addition may be enough to persuade you to take a closer look at the Dodge Charger SRT8.

There is no dispute over the status of the Dodge Charger as an iconic vehicle. This is a car that is designed to dominate the race track, but can thankfully be enjoyed by discerning members of the public. Revisit one of the reasons that many car lovers want to own, a powerful and stylish vehicle. With the new 392 package available as of April 2013, there are even more reasons to experience the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392.
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June 17, 2013 at 1:11 pm | No comment

2014 Scion tC

Already the brands top seller and billed as a sports coupe, the 2014 Scion tC is sportier than in prior years. Both the exterior and interior have undergone upgrades with the cars overall performance and handling showing improvements as well.

You will be able to choose from 7 colors which include 2 exciting new offerings for 2014, Blue Streak Metallic and Absolutely Red. The cabin has given the added convenience of space to go with technological savvy.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $19,480.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gals (55 L) MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 174 in. (442 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 55.7 in. (141.5 cm) Width: 70.7 in. (179.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 3070 lbs (1393 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.3 in. (16 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.5 liter 4 Cylinder DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.4: 1
Horsepower: 180 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 173 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Engine & Performance

One thing that remains unchanged from the 2nd generation Scion tC is the engine. You will find the same 2.5 liter, four cylinder engine. This is somewhat of a disappointment considering all the other improvements.

However, for a small engine it does generate a healthy 180 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute. The transmission is a 6 speed manual for the real sports car enthusiasts but a 6 speed automatic is also available.

With the manual transmission, the tC accelerates from 0-60 MPH in a relatively quick 7.3 seconds. It will take a little longer to get started with the automatic as it registered 7.7 seconds on the same test.

Even though the drivetrain remained the same, the engineers at Scion did make improvements to the cars handling with optimized shock absorbers, modified stabilizer bars and an overall more rigid body.2014-Scion-tC-profile-B

Exterior

The 2014 tC, when viewed from the front features a black matte grille shaped like a trapezoid with a nifty “tC” emblem implanted on its top. The headlights are angular and daytime fog lamps rest on the extreme right and left side of the bumper.

Just above the fog lamps you are accent lights on each end. Even the hood has changed slightly with a more menacing sharp ridge.

The side is much the same as previous models with just the addition of a more prominent “shoulder line”. The wheels are bigger and better now measuring 18 inches and covered in a dark grey.

The rear bumper is much more stylish than before and a black-out decorative covering sits beneath it. Vertical reflectors and clear LED taillights completes the impressive sight as the Scion tC speeds past you.

Interior

The first thing you notice on the inside are the new plush seats. They are also nicely appointed with dark trim surrounding the lighter back and sitting areas.

While the richer seats are nice, the real changes begin with a new standard audio system featuring a 6.1 inch touchscreen and compatibility with Bluetooth. The radio is HD quality and the steering wheel has newly mounted controls.

Other convenience features new in 2014 include an automatic up/down driver’s seat and auto-off headlights.

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June 17, 2013 at 12:05 am | No comment

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