Mitsubishi eX Concept in Tokyo Debut

Offering an early look at design themes and zero-emission EV technology, Mitsubishi plans to launch in the coming years, the eX Concept will bow at the Tokyo Auto Show. Offering a per-charge range of up to 249 miles, this compact crossover SUV that may preview a new sub-Outlander production model also incorporates a variety of automated driving technologies and advanced and safety systems as well next-gen information systems that support car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure connectivity

The eX Concept is fitted with two electric motors, one at either axle. Producing 94 horsepower each, these small, lightweight motors are energized by an advanced 45kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned beneath the eX Concept's floor to lower the center of gravity. To add even more dynamic appeal, the eX Concept also features a dedicated version of Mitsu's S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system

Access to the eX Concept's understated but fully functional 5-passenger cabin is made easier by the absence of a conventional B-pillar. Once behind the wheel, the driver can access a range of on-board and cloud-based data via the Intelligent Display system in the dash. This futuristic Mitsubishi one-off also features Augmented Reality technology linked into its navigation system that displays real-time warnings, cautions and advisories on the windshield to minimize distraction.The Mitsubishi eX Concept also replaces all conventional mirrors with monitors that provide better visual info

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Ferrari F12tdf Speciale revealed 2016

Elevating an already potent V12-powered GT coupe to an different performance plateau, the 2016 Ferrari F12tdf Speciale is a limited-edition variant named after the fabled 1956 250GT Berlinetta, a car that dominated the Tour de France endurance race for four consecutive years. Paying homage to that legendary model, Ferrari says the F12tdf represents "the ultimate expression of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track." Boasting more power, less weight, sleeker aerodynamics and an innovative rear-wheel steering system, the F12tdf is all that and more

Motivation for the F12td comes from a stronger version of the 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12. Using subtle but effective internal modifications borrowed from its F1 engine program, Ferrari raised horsepower from 730 to 769 horsepower and bumped torque from 509 to 519 lb-ft, all of which is now on hand from just 2,500 revs. Backed by a 7-speed F1-style dual-clutch transmission powering the rear wheels, the F12tdf can rocket to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of over 211 mph

A world-class wind cheater

In addition to a series of mass-reducing tweaks that trim nearly 250 pounds from the standard F12's curb weight, performance of the new F12tdf benefits from new bodywork that optimizes high-speed airflow and increases stability while endowing it with a notably more aggressive physical presence. From its bolder front fascia and air-channeling Aerobridge vents on the front fenders to louvered rear wheel arches, an F1-inspired active rear diffuser and full underbody fairings, the F12tdf is a world-class wind cheater that also develops 236 more pounds of downforce at 124 mph than an F12

To ensure that even "gentlemen drivers" could take best advantage of the new F12tdf's potential, Ferrari fitted the car with rear-wheel-steering it dubbed Virtual Short Wheelbase. Created in house and fully integrated with the car's existing vehicle dynamics systems, Virtual Short Wheelbase automatically and instantaneously adjusts the rear wheel attitude in response to the steering-wheel angle, speed of steering inputs and actual vehicle speed. Beyond giving the car a more agile feel, this rear-steer tech permits the fitment of wider front tires that raise the F12tdf's lateral acceleration without creating the potential for at-the-limit oversteer. That's a win-win situation which can be appreciated and exploited by anyone lucky enough to slip behind the wheel

Limited run

While retaining all of the F12 basic design elements, the F12tdf's cabin has a more performance-oriented character. Lighter-weight Alcantara replaces leather and the seats are wrapped in technical fabric while carbon fiber is more prominent throughout. Even the conventional floor mats give way to textured aluminum plates as part of the overall mass-minimizing efforts

Total production of the 2016 Ferrari F12tdf will be limited to just 799 units. Pricing has not yet been released but it's safe to assume it will start well beyond the standard 2015 Ferrari F12 sticker of $327,000

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Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe revealed

Previewing the de facto replacement for the current CL-Class, the Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe provides "a clear vision" of what will become the automaker's range-topping model. In presenting the car, Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG, noted that: "The Concept S-Class Coupe combines tradition and emotion, and is a symbol for the embodiment of our design style of sensual clarity." While incorporating much of the new technology introduced on the fully-redesigned 2014 S-Class Sedan, this quasi-production design exercise makes a far bolder visual statement

Shorter, lower and wider than the S-Class Sedan, the Concept S-Class Coupe also has its wheelbase dimension trimmed slightly to 116 inches. The car's flowing body contours also display a far more dynamic charter than those of its 4-door sibling and are reinforced by significantly bolder front/rear fascia treatments as well as the longstanding CL-signature pillarless roof treatment and panoramic glass panel. The Concept S-Class Coupe's full LED headlamps and taillamps also have an edgier character than those of the Sedan and its more prominent wheel arches are filled with staggered-width 21-inch alloy rims wrapped in 265/35 tires up front and 295/35 rear rubber

While several engines are expected to be offered in the upcoming production model -- including a force-fed V12 and an AMG-spec V8 -- the Concept S-Class Coupe is powered by M-B's new 4.7-liter direct-injected V8 Biturbo that will be used in the 2014 S550 Sedan. Developing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of peak torque, it sends power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Sharing its chassis design with the S-Class Sedan, the Concept S-Class Coupe features the same Intelligent Drive Technology that uses a pair of forward-looking cameras as well as  radar and ultrasonic inputs to "read" the road and traffic conditions ahead and automatically optimize the suspension settings using M-B's Magic Body Control

The showcar inner sanctum of the Concept S-Class Coupe also pushes the limits of contemporary design, matching futuristic cues with elegant detailing. A study in white with etched aluminum door panels and trim elements all set off by aqua accent lighting, it features calfskin leather on the sculpted dash as well as the four individual seats while the headliner and carpet are made of hand-crafted silk. The car's dual 12.3-inch main display screens are culled from the S-Class but set in slimmer bezels to enhance the free-floating appearance and the lower center console features an additional touchcscreen that holds four driver-selectable world clock displays. Beyond its full complement of S-Class infotainment/telematics items, other key tech touches in the Concept S-Class Coupe include an advanced navigation system based on the Garmin NaviCore setup as well as sound system that employs Gracenote's MoodGrid software that can automatically compile a playlist of music to suit any given moment

While some of its more ambitious design elements will no doubt be dialed back a bit in any production successor, the Concept S-Class Coupe definitely lives up to M-B's contention that it emodies the state of the art in modern luxury

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Volkswagen Golf GTI First Review: All-Grown Up 2015

Since the model was first introduced in 1983 people who like to drive for the sheer enjoyment of it have been naturally drawn to the Volkswagen GTI, because virtually nothing in its price range offers the same level of performance and precision. But the newest, seventh-generation GTI, which also bears the Golf moniker, is not the frisky puppy that the original GTI was.  Oh, it is still frisky and still a blast to push through a series of tight turns, but its sophistication level has ramped up considerably versus that spunky little hatchback many of us fell in love with way back when. These days, it's not a lean, go-fast young hooligan nearly as much as it was, since in ensuing generations it has grown bigger.  At the same time it has become significantly more sophisticated and satisfying for all types of driving.  You might think of it as the middle-aged dude who still works out and still loves rock-n-roll

The new GTI checks a lot of the right boxes when compared with its immediate predecessor, which we liked a lot.  It is lighter, roomier, more fuel-efficient, more powerful and more versatile than ever before.  With impressive technology like an electronically controlled torque-sensing limited slip differential and DCC Adaptive Damping, it is obviously more technically sophisticated than the sixth-gen GTI, too. And while those two systems are optional, even the base GTI features a driving mode selection feature that enables you to dial up "Normal," "Sport" and "Individual" settings.  Shifting from "Normal" to "Sport" kicks up steering weight, sucking away numb from the on-center feel, and speeds throttle response. If you really care to, you can tweak both steering and throttle settings to your preferences in "Individual" mode, which in my GTI I would label Jax

Upgraded powertrain

The new GTI also features an all-new engine.  The 2.0-liter TSI, offering turbocharging and direct-injection, is a part of the vaunted EA888 engine family.  In standard GTI trim it whirs out 210 horsepower (10 more than the previous engine) and, more important, it cranks up the torque to 258 lb-ft beginning at just 1,500 on your rpm band.  The increase is noticeable in a number of instances ranging from off-the-line launch to acceleration out of corners.  A Performance Package that boosts peak horsepower to 220 is available, but the extra 10 horsepower are achieved by extending the rev range 200 rpm, so the real-world benefits might be negligible.  We didn't have enough time with that version to tell

So how does all this translate into performance where the rubber hits the road?  We think in every way the new GTI is both better and more cosmopolitan than the car it replaces.  The additional length and width result in a much roomier and accommodating cabin.  In fact Volkswagen execs made a lot of the fact that the hatchback GTI has more cargo room than a midsize sedan - 22.8 cubic feet of space if you fill it from floor to roof

Standard touchscreen

The comfy cabin is filled with niceties like the standard touchscreen information center, which offers 5.8 inches of capacitive touch-sensor display area. (Capacitive touch means it functions like the typical smartphone rather than requiring a firm button push, which in a moving vehicle is mostly a good thing.)  The display also has a proximity sensor function that senses when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to what VW describes as "a more finger-friendly layout."  How cool is that

Well, we think pretty much everything about the new Golf GTI is cool, from its suave, Euro-metro interior complete with plaid cloth seats to the roominess and comfort afforded by its available 4-door configuration.  It looks great, and it is a hoot to drive on canyon roads, yet it is perfectly at home in the maw of urban stop-and-go.  It is one of the few relatively inexpensive cars that we could live with - and love - for a long, long time

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Toyota Camry adds style, substance and spark 2015

Intent on keeping its popular midsize sedan at the head of its competitive class against prime rivals like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, Toyota treated the 2015 Camry to a major mid-cycle redesign that was unveiled in New York. While the far-reaching exterior changes are obvious at a glance, the Camry recasting team also upgraded its cabin appointments and performed some focused engineering tweaks that promise to improve overall vehicle dynamics as well as refinement. For 2015, the existing LE, XLE, SE and Hybrid models also adds two new entries to the lineup: the luxury/sport-spec XSE and eco-enthusiast SE Hybrid

Tired of being pilloried for the Camry's perpetual lack of visual verve, Toyota went all in on the comprehensive 2015 reskin. Save for a carryover roof stamping, every body panel has been redesigned to give the car a more aggressive and athletic character. The Camry's redrawn front-end is particularly notable, with an edgier fascia framing a more prominent trapezoidal lower grille and sleeker lighting elements - which now include optional full LED high/low main lamps with auto-static leveling. More dramatic body side contours including a rising shoulder line help impart a sense of motion to the Camry's profile view while slimmer wraparound rear lamps that neatly integrate into the Camry's stylishly contoured rear fenders are inked by a decorative garnish that adds even more interest to its redrawn tail

Although the Camry's interior remake isn't nearly as extensive, there's plenty there to laud as well. Upscale materials and the greater presence of soft-touch surfaces impart a richer overall ambiance whether the primary trimout is premium cloth or a mix of supple leather and Ultrasuede. Improved door and window sealing plus sleeker side mirrors and additional under-carpet insulation also promise to make this the quietest Camry in history. All but the base XE model gain a new programmable 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen to complement the 3D Optitron main instrument cluster. On the convenience front, the center console tray has grown larger and added a power point while the covered stow bin ahead of the shift lever features 12V and USB outlets and can be fitted with an optional wireless charging system for select smartphones

The Camry's new dose of goodness goes all the way to its core, where focused reinforcement adds structural rigidity and changes to the electric power steering (EPS) and hydraulic brakes booster improve the feel and response of these two key items. The more robust platform also facilitates better model-specific suspension tuning, which is most evident in the new performance-oriented XSE and Hybrid SE trims. Although the Camry's carryover powertrains won't endow either with any extra muscle, their respective chassis changes should pay quite tangible benefits when the going gets twisty. The SE Hybrid's tauter underpinnings add a front stabilizer bar, revised shock valving, stiffer control-arm bushings and a revamped stability control system while the range-topping Camry XSE moves beyond baseline SE spec with firmer springs/shocks/bushings, unique EPS programming and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels

All 2015 Toyota Camrys sold in the U.S. will be built at the company's assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. They'll start arriving at dealers this fall and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date

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