TopSpeed Daily Update | |
- Mitsubishi Dignity
- TVS Sport
- Video: Playboy Playmates invade the Mazda MX-5 Cup
- Hero Honda Achiever
- 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee fails in Evasive Maneuver Test...Or does it?? (UPDATE)
- Scion tC Release Series 8.0
- TVS Star City
- Mazda 6
- Video: Nino Karotta highlights the Toyota GT 86 in mind-blowing review
- Hero Honda Splendor Pro
Posted: 10 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT
Mitsubishi has been out of the luxury sedan market for what seems like ages, but in reality it's just about a decade. Thanks to the Japanese automaker's relationship with Nissan, Mitsu is diving back into the luxury sedan market, as it will use the Infiniti M35hL LWB to make a luxury sedan of its own. According to reports, the exterior of the Mitsubishi variant of the M35hL LWB will remain very similar to the Infiniti model it is based upon. The key differences between the Infiniti model and the Mitsubishi model will be the elimination of the Infiniti waterfall grille, swapping out the front bumper for a slightly revised one and replacing the Infiniti badges for Mitsubishi ones, of course. Being based on the M35hL LWB, this new Mitsubishi Dignity will boast the same hybrid 3.5-liter V-6 drivetrain that the Infiniti has, which boasts an impressive 359 horsepower, but a slightly disappointing 199 pound-feet of torque. The base price tag of ¥8,400,000 ($105,500) is also quite the deterrent, but 30-plus mpg on the highway is definitely a draw. In addition, if you are in the U.S. and want to snag up this upcoming model, you can pretty much forget about it. Mitsubishi is only offering this model in Japan. We would suspect that if this model performs well in the Japanese market, Mitsubishi would certainly release it in the U.S. For now, the details on the Dignity are still a little scarce, so this is all we have to pass on for now. As more information becomes available we will pass it on. Mitsubishi Dignity originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 16:00 EST. | ||
Posted: 10 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT
Not everybody in India’s growing motorcycle market wants a bike that’s more powerful than they can handle. That’s good because TVS’ new bike, the Sport, isn’t cut out for the extreme mongers. Where it lies is in the hearts of those that enjoy a stylish motorbike with enough power to impress your peers. As far as its looks are concerned, the TVS Sport has been dressed in dual tone color graphics. Meanwhile, the fuel tank of the TVS Sport is slight and the dual toned-side panel offers an attractive look. Moving on to the lights, the TVS Sport has been fitted with a multi-reflector clear headlamp and taillights that come with a clearer profile. The all-black style of the Sport also adds a look of aggression, and when combined with the graphics, makes for a bike that’s as eye-catching as it is mechanically capable. Speaking of its performance, the TVS Sport is powered by 100cc, four-stroke engine that produces 7.8 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 7.5 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 RPM. Combine that with a 4-speed constant mesh transmission, a front telescopic hydraulic fork, a rear suspension with 5 stage adjustable shockers, and standard drum type brakes with alloy wheels and you have a motorbike that not only looks the part of winner, but performs like one too. Find out more about the TVS Sport after the jump TVS Sport originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 16:00 EST. | ||
Video: Playboy Playmates invade the Mazda MX-5 Cup Posted: 10 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT
Most guys won’t admit this off the bat, but the truth is, men are pretty predictable when it comes to their interests. Ask them their top three interests and you can take it to the bank that two out of those three will be cars and girls. So what happens when you put one and one together and bring Playboy Playmates to participate in an actual racing environment? You won’t have to imagine that anymore after Playboy served as an official sponsor of the MX-5 Cup at the Mazda Raceway in Laguna Seca. Not only do you get your fair share of high-octane MX-5s that have all been tuned to race, but you also get hotties like Pilar Lastra and Deanna Brooks acting as the faces of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup. In addition to being two of the finest playmates in Hugh Heffner’s stable, both Lastra and Brooks have, at one point in their lives, traded their lingerie for racing suits. Check out the video and listen to their personal racing stories around Laguna Seca! Video: Playboy Playmates invade the Mazda MX-5 Cup originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 15:00 EST. | ||
Posted: 10 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT
We admit it; it’s easy to get caught up in a bike that pretty much gives you everything you ask for. Having said that, it’s even easier to get excited over the Hero Honda Achiever, a bike that distinguishes itself for its imposing looks and performance credentials. The body parts of the Hero Honda Achiever are bolder than what you’d expect from a bike of this stature. It’s also got some interesting color options, making it true eye candy. More than that, the Achiever certainly lives up to its name by coming loaded with unique features, including a front side that has a bigger mask housing a halogen lamp and position lamp. The halogen lamp and position lamp are both integrated in a butterfly-shaped headlamp cluster. The other features are a large black tinted wind screen, front turn indicators on the side panels of the mask, and rear view mirrors that are placed at the standard handlebars. The Hero Honda Achiever carries some digital features also, most of which you can find on the dashboard. Analog meters - the speedometer, tripmeter, and fuel gauge - can also be found on the dash, making it easy for riders to keep tabs on the bike. Most of all, the Achiever’s one pretty stout ride. Powering this glorious steed is a 150cc air-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder OHC engine that produces 13.4 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 12.80 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Find out more about the Hero Honda Achiever after the jump. Hero Honda Achiever originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 15:00 EST. | ||
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee fails in Evasive Maneuver Test...Or does it?? (UPDATE) Posted: 10 Jul 2012 07:30 AM PDT
The guys over Teknikens Värld recently got a little more than they bargained for when they performed a Moose test (or Elk test) with the brand-spanking new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Moose test determines how a vehicle acts when the driver evades a suddenly appearing obstacle, such as an animal or a child, and the Grand Cherokee didn’t exactly get to the top of the class. The purpose of this test - done at very low speeds - was to determine how well the SUV’s active safety system would work. At only 39.5 mph, the Jeep Grand Cherokee went up on two wheels, in the middle of the maneuver. If it wasn’t for the professional driver behind the wheel, it would have easily rolled over. As many can imagine, not everyone that purchases vehicles have professional driving skills, so at the hands of probably most Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, the result could be deadly. According to Teknikens Värld’s Linus Pröjtz, this is an unacceptable result for a 2012 SUV, and we would have to 100% agree with this. By comparison, SUVs like the Volkswagen Touareg and the Volvo XC90 did well at even greater speeds of 43.5 mph. To make matters worse, when Teknikens Värld performed the Moose Test on the previous generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it passed the test with no problems at all. This information should certainly not fall on deaf ears, especially the ears of Chrysler heads. UPDATE 07/09/2012: Teknikens Varld’s tough review of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee immediately caught the attention of Chrysler heads and the company is none too pleased with the results. Their displeasure doesn’t stem from the Grand Cherokee’s failure, though. According to Chrysler, several attempts were made by Chrysler Group engineers to recreate the two-wheeled escapade of Varld’s test, to no avail. Chrysler then joined Teknikens Varld’s team to see if they could recreate the terrible result and they also could not. Turns out, the Jeep used in Varld’s first Moose test was loaded beyond its weight specifications. The Grand Cherokee's weight limitations are clearly stated on the vehicle and in the owner's manual. All is good in our world again. Hit the jump to read the full statement from Chrysler. UPDATE 07/10/2012: It looks like Teknikens Varld is not going to give up. After Chrysler attacked them and said their test was not accurate, the Swedish magazine posted a second part to their test in which they explained how the Grand Cherokee failed the evasive maneuver test. According to them, the car they tested was loaded according to the specifications for the maximum load in the Swedish registration certificate and was riding on standard equipment tires. Also, all systems, such as chassis settings, air suspension, and similar, were in normal mode. Even so, in each test they performed, the car either went up on two wheels or was close to overturning. We’re assuming Chrysler is going to have something to say about this as well. The drama continues!! 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee fails in Evasive Maneuver Test...Or does it?? (UPDATE) originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 14:30 EST. | ||
Posted: 10 Jul 2012 07:00 AM PDT
Scion has announced the special edition tC Release Series 8.0 (tC RS 8.0) - a model which will be on display in the Scion pit area at the next round of Formula DRIFT in Monroe, Washington on July 22-23, 2012. There will only be 2,000 units built, with prices going from $21,815 for the models equipped with a six-speed manual up to $22,865 for the models equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Scion tC Release Series 8.0 will be painted exclusively in Absolutely Red combined with contrasting black on the side view mirrors and on the 18" alloy wheels. Next to this paint scheme, the tC RS 8.0 will also receive an exterior kit inspired by Troy Sumitomo of Five Axis: front and rear lower valences, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. For the interior, the Scion tC will get sporty seats wrapped in texturized black fabric with red stitching, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and an individually numbered badge commemorating the unique model. Scion is also offering a series of performance parts from Toyota Racing Development (TRD), including lowering springs and an exhaust system that is integrated into the center of the rear lower valence. Scion tC Release Series 8.0 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 14:00 EST. | ||
Posted: 10 Jul 2012 07:00 AM PDT
Indian bike maker TVS knows the value of introducing new models, especially in a market as big as India. That’s why for their 2012 line-up, TVS has developed a new variant of their sports bike range, called the Star City. Don’t mistake it for a Honda or a Yamaha, despite what the overall look of the bike shows you. The Star City stands proud, thanks to a dual tone body color, a new headlamp, new indicators, and a choice of six different color options, ranging from Blue, Green, Red, Crimson, Gold, and Silver. More than just its distinctive looks, the Star City also packs an impressive powertrain that features a 110cc CVTi engine and produces 8.2 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 8.1 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 RPM. Power from the engine courses through a four-speed transmission, with the fuel consumption rated at an impressive 83.9km/liter. Rounding out the features for the TVS Star City is an econometer, which gives the riders information about the fuel consumption, enabling them to be aware of how much gas is left on the tank. Find out more about the TVS Star City after the jump. TVS Star City originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 14:00 EST. | ||
Posted: 10 Jul 2012 06:30 AM PDT
Although we were able to catch a semi-glimpse of the new Mazda6 when the Mazda Takeri Concept debuted in late 2011, we all know that concepts are the jazzed up versions of production models. Luckily, our spy photographers were able to catch a mule for the new generation Mazda6 testing in winter conditions. This mule sits on the next model’s platform, but still maintains the chopped up body of the current generation Mazda 6. Mazda has made it clear that the next generation Mazda6 will have nothing in common with the current model, with the new model being wider and longer and its exterior design modeled after the aforementioned Takeri Concept. The new Mazda 6 will be built using the company's new SkyActiv technologies, including a Skyactiv-D Clean diesel engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission, and an engine start-stop system. The next Mazda6 will also be the first Mazda equipped with regenerative braking. This system converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and stores it in capacitors for use later in powering electrical equipment such as the air conditioning, lighting, and audio system. The new generation Mazda6 will also feature a coupe version set to be released sometime in 2014, but expect to see the Mazda6 sedan at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. UPDATE 07/10/2012: After already spotting the next generation Mazda6 during a few of its testing rounds, we can now bring forth the first teaser video released by Mazda for the all-new Mazda6. "The deeply sculpted face with sharp eyes gazing forward, defined by the chrome ’signature wing’, instantly conveys to onlookers that this must be Mazda’s new flagship sedan", says Akira Tamatani, Chief Designer of the new Mazda6. Check it out by clicking on the image above! Mazda 6 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 13:30 EST. | ||
Video: Nino Karotta highlights the Toyota GT 86 in mind-blowing review Posted: 10 Jul 2012 06:00 AM PDT
Ever since the official launch of the new Toyota GT 86, Scion FR-S, and Subaru BRZ, there have been an increasing number of reviews that attempt to provide the full picture surrounding these cars. We are confident in saying that NONE of the reviews published are anywhere near as amazing as the one done by Nino Karotta. In his review, Karotta crossed Europe in a Toyota GT-86, going through the twisting mountains of France, continuing on to the German Autobahn, and ending in Austria where he put it up against his own AE86. We won’t tell you how the GT-86 did against the old school AE86; we’ll let you see for yourself! The most mind-blowing part of this video isn’t just the thorough review of the vehicle, but the intensity in which it was created. It features great camera angles, outstanding editing, and even great music. Overall, it was a dynamic review for an outstanding vehicle, and you get about 21 minutes worth of it. Enjoy! As a reminder, the Toyota GT-86 is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-four engine, the result of a joint development between Subaru and Toyota, combined with D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection). This engine produces 200 HP at 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6600 rpm and is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Video: Nino Karotta highlights the Toyota GT 86 in mind-blowing review originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 13:00 EST. | ||
Posted: 10 Jul 2012 06:00 AM PDT
The all new Hero Honda Splendor Pro has arrived with bolder looks and the appearance of a bike that carries similar styling dynamics to the older versions of the Splendor. The new Splendor Pro is about as stylish as a bike can get for this segment. The sleek body graphics add some appeal to the bike while the front and rear face give off the same feel of a sports bike. The bike’s front cowl sports stylish graphics that enhance the bike’s sporty appeal as well. In addition to the impressive looks, the Hero Honda Splendor Pro is also a very economical bike, an important characteristic for a bike in the Indian market. It also has 11 liters of fuel tank capacity along with one liter of fuel reserve. Finally, the Splendor Pro is powered by a 97.2 cc air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder OHC engine that produces 8 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 8.04 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Find out more about the Hero Honda Splendor Pro after the jump. Hero Honda Splendor Pro originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 13:00 EST. |
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