2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV already in production

The mass production of the all-new 2013 Acura RDX has already started in the United States, in particular in Ohio. The popular luxury crossover SUV is expected to go on sale at Acura dealerships in a month. The new 2013 RDX has improved comfort and power, which come in combination with class-leading fuel economy. In addition, the all-new 2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV got a significant new looks and features innovative technologies. It comes a new 3.5L V-6 engine mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission and a new all-wheel-drive system.
Undoubtedly, Acura is a brand for luxury customers who want to have highest levels of quality and value in their lives. The plant in Ohio will produce the second-generation Acura RDX for the U.S. and export markets, using domestic and globally sourced parts.  The plant has already launched successfully the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V, which is America’s most popular SUV at the very moment. The associates at the plant are definitely looking forward to be in compliance with the expectations of every customer, and are committed to producing the best products. In fact, the engines and automatic transmissions for the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V also are made in Ohio. To go back in history, in 1989 the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio began producing automobiles in 1989 and currently employs approximately 2,500 associates. Moreover, the 1.9-million-square-foot plant also produces the Honda Crosstour for the U.S. and export markets.
The all-new 2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV will be launched for sale in dealerships in April with a starting price (MSRP) of $34 320.

2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV

2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV

2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV

 [Source: Honda]

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Opel Ampera to Debut at Rally Monte Carlo

The Car of the Year 2012 – Opel Ampera, will take part in one of the most exciting rallies this year – nmely Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally. This happens for the first time in Opel’s history. The brand is providing award-winning electric car model for the prestigious international Rally Monte Carlo. Exactly six examples of Opel Ampera will make their debut in the “Alternative Energy” rally. The racing will take place in Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont-Ferrand and Lugano on March 22 and will finish three days later in the capital of Monaco -Monte Carlo. The premise to take part in the rally is the following: the competing vehicles must have a maximum of 115g/km CO2 emissions. Te goal set for the racing is for the vehicles to cover a certain distance, maintain a constant speed and use as little energy as possible.

Opel Ampera Racing Car

By taking participation, Opel is once again showing that it is a global leader in the field of e-mobility. In fact, the Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle which can go anywhere anytime. What do I mean by that? Well, the vehicle has a 16 kWh lithium ion battery, which powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. The distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be easily covered in the purely battery-operated mode, depending on the style of driving and road conditions. Of course, you get conclusion that all driving will be completely free of emissions. Moreover, the wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. Thus it is possible for the car to cover 500 km, thank to the range extender, which enables this operating radius. At last, being on the road, the Ampera’s Voltec electric propulsion system provides torque of 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). This allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.


[Source: Opel]

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2012 Toyota LandCruiser 200 with new 4.6 liter V8 engine

Toyota’s iconic vehicle LandCruiser is now equipped with the more powerful and more efficient 4.6 litre V8 petrol engine, which now features variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust ports, lifting power and torque, while at the same time enhancing fuel economy and lowering emissions. In addition, the new 2012 Toyota LandCruiser 200 family also gets updated equipment for its looks, performance and customer appeal. For instance, there is an off-road technology which now is improved with new multi-terrain anti-skid braking system that detects and automatically adapts to off-road conditions. It works in combination with the standard vehicle stability control and active traction control. Furthermore, the LandCruiser VX and Sahara, will receive Multi-Terrain Select. The system regulates wheel-spin in tough off-road conditions. Only in the Sahara model is featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor, using four wide-angle cameras for checking “blind” spots. Additional LandCruiser Sahara features are: air-conditioned front seats, upgraded navigation system, power-operated tailgate, and three-position memory for the power driver’s seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors. All models will include refreshed exterior and interior.

2012 Toyota LandCruiser 200 with new 4.6 liter V8 engine

Another highlight is that the LandCruiser’s new V8 petrol engine is fitted with an acoustic control induction system. It serves in terms of improving performance at high engine speeds. Interestingly, is that the engine capacity is reduced by 56cm³ to 4608cm³, but yet the power is increases by 12.9 per cent to 228kW (310 hp) at 5500rpm and torque by 7.1 per cent to 439Nm (324 lb-ft) at 3500rpm. Moreover, the new single-pump air injection system speeds the warming of the catalysts by inducting air through the exhaust ports. More importantly here probably is that the fuel economy is significantly reduced to 13.6 litres/100km, while the CO2 emissions are down to 313 grams/km.
In details, the new engine has a six-speed automatic transmission. It has artificial intelligence control, which allows its computers to select the appropriate gear ratio by estimating road conditions. LandCruiser 200 GXL, VX and Sahara customers have the option to choose between the new petrol engine and Toyota’s 195kW (265 hp) 650Nm (480 lb-ft) 4.5-litre V8 twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine. In addition, the GX version is offered with the diesel engine. All variants have 138-litre fuel-tank capacity with 93-litre main and 45-litre sub tanks. The range now is offered in nine exterior colours and three interior trim colours.

2012 Toyota LandCruiser 200 V8

 

[Source: Toyota ]

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