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2012 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup Truck

These are the first official photos of the brand-new 2012 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck that made its global debut today in Thailand in final production trim. Over the past year, General Motors had presented concept versions of the Colorado in numerous motor shows around the world
Thailand will be the first country to receive the new pickup truck before the end of October with the Asia Pacific, Middle East and South American regions to follow shortly after. In Australia, the Colorado will be marketed under the Holden brand name.
While General Motors has not said if it will offer the new Colorado in the States, the company's recent decision to produce an as-of-yet unnamed mid-size pickup truck at its Wentzville, Missouri factory as part of the new agreement with the United Auto Workers, suggests that it may heading this way.
In Thailand, Chevrolet will offer customers a choice of 26 combinations of Colorado models, powertrains, cabins, and ride heights, including single-, extended- and crew-cab bodies in high- and low-stance configurations, wide- and narrow-body options, as well as two- and four-wheel-drive configurations.
The engine range comprises of two new Duramax turbocharged four-cylinder diesels with a displacement of 2.5- and 2.8-liters, both built at GM Thailand’s newly opened $200 million engine plant.
GM said the 2.5-liter diesel is rated at 150HP (110 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm), while the larger 2.8-liter unit generates 180HP (132 kW) and 346 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm) with an available six-speed automatic transmission 324 lb.-ft. / 440 Nm when fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Depending on the model, the new Colorado can be equipped with several safety features such as electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system featuring electronic brake force distribution, traction control, hydraulic brake assist, cornering brake control and driver and occupant front air bags.
“Our objective from the beginning of the program was ‘haul anything, go anywhere’ – and that’s exactly what the new Colorado delivers,” said Brad Merkel, GM’s Global Vehicle Line executive for Midsize Trucks.
“We have engineered it to meet the needs and desires of commercial and personal buyers alike. It can be a workhorse, a family hauler, a lifestyle vehicle, or a truck that plays to the higher-end premium buyer.
"That versatility is a big win for our customers. Regardless of configuration, they’re getting the features of a common frame and body structure, high-performing powertrains and outstanding refinement. There are no sacrifices in fundamental hardware or aesthetics, from a very basic two-door work truck all the way up to a premium crew cab." Merkel added.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado – HIGHLIGHTS
Overview
· GM Thailand’s largest-ever engineering and manufacturing program
· Total global program costs were $2 billion, including a $500 million investment to prepare GM Thailand’s Rayong manufacturing facility for Colorado production
· More than 2.5 million kilometers were driven during program development
· Developed across five continents for sale in more than 60 markets around the world
· More markets and production sites for the vehicle will be announced in the coming months
Engines
· 2.5-liter Duramax turbo-diesel
· 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel
Transmissions
· Five-speed manual transmissions
· Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission with automatic gear selection via a toggle switch on the shift head
· A new two-speed, electronically actuated part-time transfer case is applied on four-wheel-drive-equipped vehicles

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2013 Ford Escape with 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost Engines at LA Auto Show

The rapidly approaching 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show that takes place for the public from November 18 to 27, will play host to the world premiere of the next global Ford model, the all-new 2013 Escape.As is the case with the current Fiesta and Focus, the compact SUV will be offered in the same form worldwide, replacing the current North American Escape as well as the Kuga in Europe and other markets around the globe.
Ford gave us a preview of the 2013 Escape with the Vetrek concept study at this year's Detroit Motor Show in January. Aside from the presentation date, Ford also revealed details about the SUV's powertrain options.
In North America, the 2013 Escape will be offered with a choice of three four-cylinder gasoline engines, including the new 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged units and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Ti-VCT.
In other words, Ford will not offer a hybrid version of the Escape nor a V6 option. However, the Detroit-based automaker said it expects that 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine deliver even higher highway fuel economy than the current Escape Hybrid, which is EPA-rated at 31 mpg highway (2WD).
Ford added that the 2.0-liter variant, which essentially replace the V6, "will have better fuel economy than competitors’ V6 engines while delivering unsurpassed performance compared to those larger six-cylinder powertrains".
Expect all three-engine options to be offered with a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive layouts.

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Toyota Maintains World’s Number One Spot

Toyota may have lost the first place in global sales to GM, one of the reasons being the lack of supply after the March earthquake, and it has seen the VW Group relegating to third place, but it still has a number one position to brag about.
Branding consultancy Interbrand has placed the Japanese carmaker in the top spot among carmakers, and sixth overall, in its latest global value report that was released today.
The report praised Toyota’s handling of the 2010 quality issues as well as the aftermath of the devastating March earthquake and Tsunami. It said: “Even though Toyota faced both an internal and an external crisis, the company forged ahead by focusing on safety and quality, modifying its leadership structure and capitalizing on its world-renown green efforts"
Interbrand’s overall brand value rankings are based on three aspects: the financial performance of products and services, the role of the brand in purchasing decisions, and the strength of the brand in securing earnings for its company.



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BMW UK Sells Two Millionth Vehicle in Britain for 31 Years

Some 31 years after it officially opened shop in the British market, BMW UK Ltd has sold its two millionth vehicle, a 530d Gran Turismo. Coincidentally, the company's first car sold in the UK on January 1, 1980, was also a 5-Series, albeit an E12 M535i saloon.

After receiving the keys to his new car and learning about the milestone, Ken Haynes from Wolverhampton, said: “I’m delighted to find out I’m the two million man for BMW. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo is the perfect car for me as I like the space, versatility and high standard specification. I run an engineering business under my own name and being able to have a luxury car that allows for large items in the boot is the perfect combination.”

It won't be long before the 5-Series marks another milestone for BMW as the Bavarian firm has already sold 5,839,866 units worldwide since the mid-size model's launch in 1972.

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GM Insists it Will Sell 10,000 Volts this Year!!

Earlier this week, General Motors released its US sales results for September. And the numbers are looking good as deliveries are up 20% compared to September 2010 while the Cruze remains the best-selling compact car in the country.

Yet, despite all the euphoria, GM is actually facing a small problem: even though it had initially set a target of delivering 10,000 units of its Volt hybrid by the end of the year, it is very unlikely that it will achieve this goal.

Up until the end of August, a little more than 3,000 Volts were sold. If we add the 723 September deliveries then we have a total of 3,895 units. Considering that, time is running out,Chevrolet must sell an additional 6,105 cars by the end of the year – or an average of 2,035 units per month from now until the end of December.

In August alone, the Nissan Leaf outsold the Volt by more than four to one (300 vs 1,300 units). GM spokesman Rob Peterson, however, remains optimistic: “I don’t see any problem with reaching our goal”, he said.

Peterson says that GM is only now starting to gear up production and availability of its extended-range hybrid. The Volt was initially available in seven markets, but from now on it will be sold by 2,600 Chevy dealerships across all 50 states.

In order to achieve this, GM had to close down its Detroit factory for a period of four weeks to perform upgrades so it can churn out more vehicles. This was essential, as all variants of the Volt including the European Opel Ampera, will be manufactured at the Detroit plant.

Peterson, therefore, points out that it isn’t lack of interest from buyers but inventory shortage that has limited Volt sales so far – and that is about to change rapidly: “Despite being sold only in seven states, Volts have found homes in all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii. They want the car so badly they’re buying them and shipping them across oceans and continents.”

There is another role the Volt plays in the grander scheme of things and which works to GM’s advantage: that of a “halo” car drawing people to Chevrolet showrooms.

“Of the initial batch of Volt owners, about half hadn’t stepped into a Chevy dealership in eight years. And a third of them never had," Peterson pointed out.

What’s more, customers initially drawn by the Volt may eventually end up buying other models, like the Cruze compact sedan that has been a hit so far.

Still, shifting 6,000 cars in three months is going to take a lot of effort, and perhaps heavy incentives, if Chevrolet wants to get anywhere near that number.

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Video: Ferrari California Takes up Snow Drifting

Ferrari is the last brand one would associate with anything related to driving in the snow, yet Maranello is constantly touting how fun its cars are in sub-zero temperatures and frosty conditions.
Following the recent presentation of the all-wheel drive FF shooting brake in the Italian Dolomites and the announcement of its “Pilota on Ice” U.S. driving program in Aspen, Colorado, Ferrari has released a video of the rear-wheel drive only California dancing on the snow during an event organized in St Moritz, Switzerland.
For those of you that insist on watching/driving a Ferrari on the track, we've also added a video from a recent event at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi with Formula1Test Driver Marc Gené demonstrating the California's goods.

VIDEO

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2012 Camaro ZL1 Laps the Nürburgring in 7:41.27

We're still a few months ahead of the market launch of the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, but General Motors has already began leaking information about the muscle car's appearance on the famed Nürburgring racetrack.
Today, GM spokesperson Jason Laird posted a tweet saying, "Mark Reuss just confirmed ZL1 Camaro lapped Nurburgring in 7.41.27". We wouldn't be surprised if GM announces a better time down the line, but as is, the ZL1 is in the same league as the now obsolete Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 and the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
The title of the fastest GM model on the 'Ring is currently held by another Chevrolet, the 2012 Corvette ZR1 with a time of 7:19.63.

















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MT Tries the Pagani's New 730-Horsepower Huayra Sport

Pagani has always occupied a special place in the world of hypercars, and its latest creation,the new Huayra, is no exception. Motor Trend's editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie recently had the chance to take the Huayra for a quick spin and share the experience on Youtube.

The carbonfibre-bodied Italian model comes with a German heart as power is provided by a mid-mounted 6.0-liter twin turbocharged V12 delivering approximately 700 horses and 664 lb-ft of torque in standard trim, and 730HP and 811 lb-ft of torque in Sport tune.

VIDEO

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Video: New BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster

BMW's legendary normally-aspirated 3.0-liter straight-six is slowly giving its way to the firm's new generation 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four.
One of the first Bavarian models in the USA to receive the force-fed powerplant, codenamed N20, is the Z4 sDrive28i roadster, which Edmunds took the local dyno for testing.
The Germans rate the N20 at 240-horses at 5000 and 260 lb-ft of peak torque delivered from 1,250 to 4,800rpm.
Strapped on the dyno rollers, the four-cylinder engine cranked out an impressive 233-horses at 5,350rpm and 249 lb-ft at 4,450rpm. Not bad at all given that the output was measured at the rear wheels. Video follows below.

VIDEO

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2012 Honda CR-V Concept

The time is up for Honda to toss the wraps off the new 2012 CR-V Concept, which made its public debut today at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California.
The close-to-production concept previews the new looks of the 2012 CR-V that will receive its world premiere in final form at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November and go on sale in the United States before the end of the year.
The JDM model will follow in December at the Tokyo Motor Show, while European buyers will have to wait until fall of 2012.
We've already brought you the official design fillings of the production model, so it's safe to say that only a few things will change over the concept, namely the smaller alloy wheels and the aero kit, which includes the front and rear bumper trims, and side skirts.
"The 2012 CR-V Concept strongly hints at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model," commented John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "As the best-selling SUV in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel economy."
Honda added that the new CR-V will also feature a more fuel-efficient (four-cylinder) engine and reduced body weight, while it will also receive an all-new interior with "a more accommodating and spacious design".

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New Peugeot 508 GT 2.2-liter HDi Sedan

It’s been a long time since Peugeot had a serious contender in the hotly contested sub-premium segment. The 407 was unloved and lacking in style; a “307 with a boot” purchased exclusively by the brand faithful. It was a bit bland and outdated compared to its major European competitor: the Mk 4 Ford Mondeo.
With the 508, Peugeot hopes to change all that. A carbon copy of the Peugeot 5 Concept that premiered at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the 2011 Peugeot 508 puts the verve – that oh-so-important French flair – back into Peugeot’s line-up.
We take the wheel of Peugeot’s flagship, AU$52,990 508 GT with a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel and a 6-speed automatic for a week-long road test and review.
Overview
Like the Peugeot 5 Concept, the 508 is guaranteed to polarise opinions. The styling definitely falls into the like it or loath it category with a Bangle-esque arse, 7th generation Honda Accord headlights, trapezoidal grille and reverse rake C-pillar. Somehow, though, it all works – especially in the flesh.
There’s a sense of style and occasion to the 508, and the GT spec’s 18 inch alloys really set the car off. The clustered daytime running lights, front fogs and the subtle use of chrome on the boot lid, grille and around the window line are also effective.
It compares favourably when placed alongside its competitors: the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord Euro, Hyundai i45 / Sonata and Volkswagen Passat. The 508 sedan measures 4,792 mm (188.66 in.) in length with a 2,817 mm (110.90 in.) wheelbase – roughly 100 mm (3.93 in.) less than the current gen Holden Commodore sedan.
The front and rear overhangs are well proportioned at 985 mm (38.77 in.) and 990 mm (38.98 in.) respectively. It’s also 1,456 mm (57.32 in.) tall and 2,068 mm (81.42 in.) wide with the wing mirrors (1,853 mm / 72.95 in. without). It’s very individual and very French, which I think is just what the designers were going for.
Inside 
Inside is where the 508 really shines. The seats are Nappa leather and the cabin abounds with piano black and carbon-lookalike trim pieces. What surprises most is just how functional everything is: from the intuitive quad-zone climate control to the meaty multi-function steering wheel.
The instrument cluster is neatly designed and easy to read, as is the switchable trip computer display. The colour HUD is less useful, being all but unreadable in direct sunlight and with no option to turn it off [Update: turns out it can be turned off, see note below].
On the upside, the satellite navigation and radio controls are some of the best on the market and a pleasure to use. The front pews are also comfortable and there’s more than enough leg room, even for a tall bloke like me.
On The Road
Our Egyptian Blue 508 GT was fitted with Peugeot’s 2.2-liter HDi four-cylinder common rail turbo diesel engine producing an output of 204HP / 150 kW at 3,500 rpm and a peak torque of 450 Nm / 331.9 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm.
The turbocharged diesel is a torquey little unit and well-paired to the 6-speed automatic transmission that powers the front-wheels, allowing for both comfortable freeway cruising and brisk overtaking manoeuvres.
Peugeot’s published figures suggest a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62mph) time of 8.2 seconds; I think most drivers (myself included) would manage 9 without pushing the engine too hard. We were unable to test the claimed 230 km/h (145 mph) top speed, though at 100 km/h (62 mph) the HDi was suitably quiet and refined.
It’s easy to forget just how large a car it really is, except when parking it – at which point the front and rear parking sensors become a real godsend.
I wasn’t impressed with the GT’s unique double wishbone and drop link hub carrier front suspension, which let me feel and hear every bump and pothole on the road. I understand that there’s an expectation for all car’s today to have some sporting character but in this category I’d rather have a little less sport and a little more comfort.
The weighted steering is also good in a variety of conditions, thanks mostly to the speed sensitive power steering. I’ve yet to find a large car that’s as much a pleasure to park as the 508. The steering wheel mounted cruise control and speed limiter functions are also very intuitive and make driving the 508 a real treat.
As for fuel economy, I think the manufacturer’s combined cycle rating of 5.7 lt/100 (41.2 mpg US, 49.6 mpg UK ) is a little optimistic; according to the trip computer I averaged around 8.0lt/ 100 (29.4 mpg US / 35.3 mpg) through a combination of city and highway driving.
I found the brakes to be more than adequate for a car of the 508’s size.
The Final Word
My first thought on stepping into the 508 was, “It feels German.” This is no bad thing, and Peugeot’s build quality and dedication to design have certainly improved over the outgoing 407. On the upside, however, the 508 is a car that I think is uniquely French.
It’s a satisfying drive and quite live-able for a car of its size. The 2.2 L HDi is an unusual choice for a range-topper but I think that just gives it all the more character.
Peugeot has succeeded in bridging the gap between French flair and Germanic toughness, which I think is no mean feat. I enjoyed my time in the 508 and look forward to seeing what the French automaker can do in the coming years.

*Note: Peugeot Australia advises that the HUD display can be switched off by holding down the button at 9 o'clock in the compartment to the right of the steering wheel

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PEUGEOT 508 PRESS PHOTOS

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