2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Initial Pic Leaked

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Pictures of what the interior and exterior of 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG could look like have surfaced. Meanwhile, the next generation Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is expected to produce output in the range of 550 hp and a torque of 590 lb.-ft.

According to EvoCars, the next C63 AMG can be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 that is expected to raise the power output from the previous version by around 100 hp to 550 hp. In addition, a Performance Pack can be anticipated to increase output to the 570/660 range.

Nonetheless, the above mentioned engine specs can remain mere speculations till official confirmation is received. In fact, the 6.2-liter V-8 can be retained for the full C63 range.

As for performance, the coming Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is estimated to be able to clock in 0-60 mph in the mid-four-second range. Furthermore, top speed can be expected to be around 186 mph.

In addition, the 2012 C63 AMG can be expected in variants other than the sedan namely a wagon, a coupe as well as a Black Series car.

Meanwhile, power, pricing and performance details of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG are yet to be officially announced.

2012 Dodge Viper

2012 Dodge Viper

It had been exciting to hear that the Viper will be back, shortly after Dodge shifted its home base to Fiat ownership. And now we hear that the revived model, slated to reach dealers by 2012, will use some help from its parent company.
Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles has let it slip that the new Viper will use some assistance from Fiat while designing the chassis, but insists that the car is “not based on anything else”. This is only logical when one considers the reputation Fiat commands when it comes to the matter of tuning cars. It will also be easier on the budget if the Viper takes advantage of Fiat components.
The sports car however plans to choose its own platform over Fiat’s Ferraro or Alfa Romeo model lines. Gilles did accept that that Fiat will have a fair hand in the development of the engine options, with an 8.4-L V10 using the company’s MultiAir technology and an entry-level V8 being among the most probable ones.
Gilles revealed that he wants the new Viper to be a “more forgiving car to drive” and accessible to a wider customer base. His other concern was stability control, something that has always been amiss in high-performance Vipers.
This comes after reports that the new 2012 Dodge Viper would be based on the Alfa Romeo 8C or some other platform within the Fiat-Chrysler Group. The American sportscar had a few Viper enthusiasts scoffing off at its new Italian connection. The latest statements from Gilles will surely be appreciated by most as a keeping of the Viper sanctity.

Nissan LEAF Named 2011 European Car of the Year

Nissan LEAF

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., today, said that its 100% electric Nissan LEAF received the 2011 European Car award of the Year. The LEAF which is the first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market had a competition with 40 contenders to win most important honor in the motoring world.

With the receipt of the award this electric vehicle from Nissan became the first electric vehicle to get this accolade in the 47-year history of the annual competition. The contestants for the award included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo.

Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Prototype Revealed

Honda Accord

Honda Motors has just announced the launch of its Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. The company conducted the first public test drive of the Honda Fit EV prototype and the Honda Accord “Plug-In Hybrid” test vehicle outfitted with the new two-motor plug-in hybrid system at Torrance.
The Japanese automaker had previously revealed the plug-in hybrid platform at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which showcased Honda’s next-generation two-motor hybrid system. This new hybrid system is designed for mid-size to larger vehicles and will be introduced in a future Honda model in 2012.
The company noted that the plug-in hybrid is intended to be compatible with ones daily driving habits. The user will get the advantage of taking short, frequent trips in its all-electric mode, while also utilizing the long-distance driving capabilities when needed. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes, all-electric, gasoline-electric and engine direct-drive mode, to maximize driving efficiency. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

Eco Friendly Vehicles at Detroit Auto Show

 

BYD Co. Ltd. announced its plans to launch several US-ready green-technology vehicles and products. The company will present their “Three Green Dreams” strategy at the upcoming 2011 North America International Auto Show, scheduled to begin from January 10^th.

The Chinese automaker, which is appearing for the show for the fourth consecutive time, will showcase their “Green City Solutions”, their green electric vehicle series and a portfolio of other eco-friendly products.
The automaker noted that its “Three Green Dreams” focuses on renewable energy generation, environmentally-friendly energy storage and efficient energy consumption, covering solar power, iron-phosphate energy storage and electric vehicles. BYD’s pure-electric vehicle, the 2012 e6 Premier, and the brand-new dual mode electric SUV, the S6DM, will make their world premieres at the show.
The new 5-seat crossover, the BYD e6 Premier, comes with a dynamic and sporty exterior design. The new vehicle, equipped with BYD’s Iron-phosphate “FE” battery, will have an expected range of 300 km on urban roads. The vehicle which takes only 40 minutes to get charged on the 100kW fast charging cabinet can sprint at a top speed of 140 km/h, while it takes around 6 hours to charge the e6 on the 10kW standard charging pole.