Autos : Check Out The Man of Steel-themed Ram Superman truck

The new Superman film Man of Steel opens in theaters next Friday, June 14th, and Ram is buddying up with the summer blockbuster for some coattail-riding co-promotions. The partnership includes a new 30-second commercial called "Action" that pairs scenes from the film with footage of Ram trucks and a voiceover that says, "Everyone has the ability to do something amazing... Some just do it on a more regular basis." It's nothing too special (we've actually seen most of the Ram footage in other commercials already), but the brand should be happy having its trucks so closely associated with the Last Son of Krypton. Accompanying the TV spot will be a neatly drawn print ad created by DC Comic artist Shane Davis that's destined for the newsprint pages of USA Today.

Lastly, Ram has created a special Man of Steel edition of its Power Wagon truck that will be on display at the movie's premier in New York City next week before traveling the country attending various events and ultimately being auctioned off for charity.



I have a history of lambasting poor attempts at Superman-themed vehicles, but this Man of Steel Power Wagon can hide from Kryptonite in my garage any time. The truck is Dark Ceramic Gray with a special vinyl wrap that adds the textured look of Superman's new suit, and the roof is done in high-gloss black, though you'd need the power of flight to see it on this tall rig. The grille, meanwhile, is finished with Anodized Red accents. The forged aluminum 17-inch black wheels are General Zod-approved and the interior is likewise tastefully upgraded with Superman-themed materials. Lastly, Kal-El's ultimate quad cab is capped with Superman logos front and rear where the traditional Ram logo would normally be.

Press Release

Ram Truck Brand and Warner Bros. Pictures Team up for 'Man of Steel,' Opening in Theaters June 14

- Co-branded TV commercial for Ram 1500 truck launches partnership
- Promotional campaign includes print ad illustrated by DC Entertainment comic artist
- One-of-a-kind customized 'Man of Steel' Power Wagon truck created for special events; will be auctioned for charity at later date

June 5, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram Truck brand and Warner Bros. launched a new co-branded commercial for the Ram 1500, Motor Trend magazine's 2013 Truck of the Year, as part of a partnership promoting Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' "Man of Steel," the highly anticipated summer action adventure movie in theaters June 14.

The Chrysler Group provided vintage trucks and other vehicles to Warner Bros. for integration into key scenes in the movie.

"We are excited to partner with Warner Bros. on 'Man of Steel,'" said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. "With film alignment we have a fresh consumer engagement opportunity, connecting the heroic character traits of Superman with Ram's DNA. Our custom creative and marketing program is squarely aimed at building advocacy among passionate fans outside traditional marketing channels."

The 30-second "Action" spot intersperses scenes from the movie and footage of the Ram truck as the voiceover says, "Everyone has the ability to do something amazing ... Some just do it on a more regular basis." It closes with the Ram logo and the words "In dealerships everywhere" followed by the "Man of Steel" logo and "in theaters everywhere June 14." The spot can be viewed on the Ram Truck brand YouTube channel.

The key message of the television ad – how the work that Ram owners do make them superheroes in their own right – also is reinforced in print ads that will promote Ram trucks and the "Man of Steel" movie through the July 4 weekend. The Ram brand teamed up with DC Entertainment comic artist Shane Davis to create a custom illustration for the ad, which will run June 7 in the weekend edition of USA Today.

"Ram celebrates those who dare to be great and never back down from a challenge," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand. "This is the essence of Superman and also embodies our Ram truck buyers, who believe in hard work, integrity and standing up for what is right."

The Ram interior and exterior design team created a special edition, one-of-a-kind "Man of Steel" Power Wagon truck with special "Man of Steel"-inspired design cues, colors and branding. The truck will make its debut June 10 in New York City at the world premiere of the movie. It will then be on display at special events throughout the summer and fall, including the National Finals Rodeo and State Fair of Texas, before being auctioned off for charity at a later date.

The Dark Ceramic Gray truck features a high-gloss black roof with Anodized Red grille accents, created from a durable 14-coat paint process. It has forged-aluminum, satin black 17-inch off-road wheels, Superman logos on the front grille and rear tailgate and a custom, one-off vehicle wrap inspired by the crest and texture of Superman's suit. The wrap highlights a tone-on-tone interpretation of the iconic Superman S-shield, and helps unify themes found on the interior and exterior of the truck.

Interior features include custom mesh seat inserts reminiscent of Superman's own suit with integrated Superman logos on the seats and console; Pewter leather seats; and Anodized Red paint trim accents on the doors, steering column, radio cluster and seats. There also is "Man of Steel" logo badging on the glove box and a "Man of Steel" screen backdrop and start-up screen on the radio cluster.

The television ad will run in network and cable entertainment, news and sports programing beginning June 4. The spot and print ads were created by the Dallas-based The Richards Group agency.

About 'Man of Steel'
From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes "Man of Steel," starring Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Superman, under the direction of Zack Snyder. A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

"Man of Steel" also stars Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni and Russell Crowe. The film is produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters serve as executive producers. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Zack Snyder Film, "Man of Steel." Opening beginning on June 14, the film will be released in 2D and 3D in select theaters and IMAX®, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. "Man of Steel" has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language. www.manofsteel.com

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

Autos : Check Out The All New 2014 Toyota Corolla

Depending on who you ask, the best-selling car in the world is either the Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla. Not surprisingly, Toyota claims it's the Corolla. Either way, we're talking around a million individual units per year, and over 40 million over the car's lifetime on the market, so the redesign of Toyota's compact sedan is big-time news for the Japanese automaker that it needs to get right.

The Toyota Corolla was last redesigned way back in 2008, meaning the 2014 model is a long-overdue update to the C-segment sedan. Its age shows when compared to newer rivals like the Honda Civic, Chevy Cruze, Hyundai Elantra and the aforementioned Ford Focus when comparing technology features, fuel mileage and interior roominess. In an effort to solve those demerits, Toyota has added nearly four inches to the 2014 Corolla's wheelbase and will offer a new continuously variable transmission with seven simulated gear ratios.

Engine choices consist of two available 1.8-liter four-cylinder units, one with 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, and another more efficient version that uses Toyota's new Valvematic technology to offer 140 horses and 126 lb-ft of torque. Eco and Sport modes will be selectable by the driver.

Fuel mileage jumps to an estimated highway rating of "over 40 miles per gallon," says Toyota, when properly equipped. We take that to mean the CVT, as the base L model is still saddled with an old-as-dirt four-speed automatic. At least a six-speed manual gearbox is optionally available on certain models. Efficiency is surely aided by a low curb weight of under 2,900 pounds, made possible through the use of high-strength chassis stampings.

Official pricing information and final fuel economy figures are not yet available, but you're welcome to peruse the complete press release down below for all the details Toyota has so far decided to share.

 

Press Release

The Unexpected: Toyota Reveals the Stunning Next-Generation Corolla Sedan

The 11th Generation Corolla is distinguished by a more expressive, chiseled exterior design
Upgraded interior styling, premium materials, and roominess reposition Corolla in the compact segment
Improved efficiency with an available "7-speed" CVTi-S and available Corolla LE Eco trim level that targets over 40 mpg estimated highway fuel economy rating

TORRANCE, Calif. (June 6, 2013) – The all-new 2014 Corolla will include dramatically amplified elements of style, design, quality and craftsmanship, while building upon the stellar Corolla reputation for reliability, efficiency and function, making Toyota's newest compact the most surprising and capable Corolla yet.

Corolla for the World: 47 years, 154 Countries, Built in 16 Locations, Immeasurable Impact
With nearly 40 million units sold, the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car nameplate on the planet, and this year marks its 47th year on the market. Since the Corolla first appeared in Japan in 1966, it has played a major role in the motorization of Japan, and its global popularity has had a significant impact on transportation throughout the rest of the world. The global scope of Corolla now finds it manufactured in 16 locations and sold in 154 countries. The Toyota Corolla's appeal as a global car is rooted in a product philosophy set forth by Tatsuo Hasegawa, the first Corolla's chief engineer, who sought "to develop a car that brings happiness and well-being to people around the world."

As a result of more than 40 years on the market satisfying consumer needs, this compact car has developed into a pillar supporting Toyota's famed reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. The Corolla, maybe more so than any other Toyota sold globally, has been the answer for consumers in the market for a reliable, efficient, and affordable compact vehicle.

In developing this new 11th generation of Corolla, Toyota designer and engineers relied on exhaustive consumer feedback to help shape key elements of the product on a global scale. Customers emphasized the overwhelming importance of vehicle design on product perception in the marketplace. The all-new 11th generation Corolla makes a much stronger design statement, with more compelling exterior and interior executions that challenge the pre-conceptions about Corolla. The next generation Corolla continues the Toyota brand's recent momentum set forth by design-focused product launches such as Avalon and RAV4. The 2014 Corolla will remain appealing to the current consumers while helping the world's most popular car grow in appeal with youthful car buyers.

Unexpected Exterior Design is Expressive, Chiseled
The all-new Corolla makes an immediate visual impact with a more expressive, chiseled exterior design that elaborates on the "Iconic Dynamism" theme first seen on the Corolla Furia Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show. The new Corolla is distinguished by its tauter, more athletic proportions that ride on a longer wheelbase (+ 3.93 inches/ +100 mm compared to current model). With the wheels pushed out toward the corners, compact overhangs, and more tapered front and rear expression, the new Corolla communicates a more dynamic compact sedan form, even at a standstill. The new sedan is 3.90 inches (99 mm) longer overall and yet presents a more compact appearance than the current model thanks to a basic shape that tapers at the front and rear of the vehicle to help emphasize the wheel arches and wheels-to-the-corner stance.

The new Corolla features an expressive front fascia with sharper, more pronounced details above a large trapezoidal grill that rests beneath a thin intake inlet below the hood.

The front view of the new Corolla reveals a continuation of the design themes seen in recent Toyota sedans such as Camry and Avalon, and it creates a sleeker, more assertive impression of a Toyota compact sedan with its more precisely sculpted surfaces.

Among the challenges presented by the new Corolla's original design concept was the need to execute more deeply rounder corners to achieve the desired sleeker image. The thick structure of conventional headlamps would hinder the appearance of deeply rounded corners. Sleek, compact LED lamp assemblies were adopted to reduce the corner mass and help accentuate the Corolla's tapered, rounded-corner, front- end design theme. In addition, the low heat generated by the LED lamp enabled the use of a lighter weight PES resin lens instead of conventional glass. Corolla is the first compact sedan to offer standard equipped LED headlamps.

2014 Corolla
Basic Exterior Dimensions Compared to Current model (change in parenthesis)
Overall length 182.6 in. (+3.90 in.) 183.1 for S-grade 4639 mm (+99), 4650mm for S-grade
Overall width 69.9 in. (+0.63 in.) 1776 mm (+16)
Overall height 57.3 in. (-0.39 in.) 1455 mm (-10)
Wheelbase 106.3 in. (+ 3.93 in.) 2700 mm (+100)
Front Overhang 37.7 in. (+0.90 in.) 958 mm (+23)
Rear Overhang 38.6 in. (-0.94 in.) 981 mm (-24)

Heightening the exterior design's attention to detail, the new Corolla's athletic profile reveals door handles that have been sculpted into the body to align with a character line that spans the length the door surfaces, utilizing a vertically asymmetrical door handle design. The new Corolla's C-pillar features a "faster", longer sloping angle that blends in to the rear deck more athletically. The rear view is highlighted by large, sharply-sculpted rear taillight assemblies. The new Corolla is available with a subtle rear deck-lid spoiler that accentuates the sportier nature of this new compact.

Elevated Interior Experience With a Greater Sense of Craftsmanship in its Design
The new Corolla's interior continues the "Iconic Dynamism" theme to create a stylish, highly functional, and inviting interior space with a greater sense of craftsmanship in its design, use of materials, and attention to detail. A horizontally oriented dash structure helps enhance the interior's sense of spaciousness while providing a more wide-open, intuitively functional space for interface with vehicle controls. The interior offers a premium aesthetic with its use of piano-black gloss trim highlighted by metallic ornamentation and trim that conveys an upscale yet sportier image.

Depending on interior color theme, blue, black or amber pinstriped accents are used in conjunction with the dash and door panel ornamentation to enhance the premium appeal of the interior. Ornamental stitching along the leading edge of the dash pad adds a sense of craftsmanship to the interior's upscale nature. An available decorative boot with ornamental stitching surrounding the shift lever adds a sporty, premium look.

As a result of the 3.93 inch increase in vehicle wheelbase, the new Corolla's interior package has been dramatically improved in terms of passenger comfort, gaining considerable legroom for the rear seat occupants. Compared to the outgoing model, the rear seat hip point has been moved back 2.95 inches (75 mm), and additional leg-room was gained by adopting a slim front seat back. The rear passenger floor was also made flatter by re-routing exhaust pipes beneath the vehicle to offer better middle position foot room. Rear seat comfort is also enhanced with the use of denser urethane pads and foam inserts within the seats.

The 2014 Corolla elevates the compact car's interior experience by treating occupants to a high level of cabin quietness. Environmental noise, in addition to road and engine sounds entering the cabin, are mitigated by an acoustic glass windscreen, improved floor carpet insulation, an instrument panel seal between the cowl and the windshield, a fender sound insulator, and an inner dash silencer pad.

Corolla's front seats include a longer, more supportive lower cushion and an improved bolster design, while offering a 0.59-inch (15-mm) increase in the seat's range of adjustment to help accommodate a wider range of physiques. The effort required operating the Corolla's front seat slide, reclining, and lift mechanisms has also been greatly reduced.

Corolla's standard gauge cluster offers three dials with sharp image detail and clear blue illumination, surrounded by chrome trimmed rings. Within the speedometer dial is a multi-information display that shows odometer, trip odometer, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, cruising distance and average vehicle speed. The S-grade meter cluster offers a high technology feel with a 3.5-inch black and white TFT display that rests between two large dials.

The new Corolla offers an expanded range of interior choices with seat fabrics that create an appealing contrast with the piano black and metallic-accent surfaces. Depending on the Corolla trim level, the seating surfaces are trimmed in premium, detailed fabric or a durable, upscale SofTex™ material.

Four Distinct Grades; High-level of Standard Equipment
The 2014 Corolla is available in four distinct grades: L, LE, S, and the new LE Eco grade. While each grade offers its own equipment level, all Corollas feature LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, an in-glass AM/FM antenna, color-keyed outside door handles, color-keyed outside mirrors, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power windows with driver-side one-touch up/down, air conditioning with pollen filter, standard Bluetooth connectivity and eight airbags.

Other popular features available for Corolla's trim levels include Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, auto air-conditioning with pollen filter, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth hands-free phone voice-command controls, SofTex™-trimmed heated front seats, and a range of audio capability that will offer navigation and Entune™ apps accessible through the head unit. Much more will be shared regarding Corolla's grade level content, capability, and price structure closer to on-sale timing in the fall.

Drivetrain and Aerodynamics Maximize Efficiency
The Corolla has always prioritized delivering outstanding fuel economy and the new 2014 model maintains that focus. The new Corolla LE Eco model targets an estimated EPA highway fuel economy rating of over 40 mpg. The Corolla LE Eco is a new grade that enhances the fuel economy with the help of aerodynamic underbody covers, color-keyed rear spoiler, a more efficient 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic technology, low rolling resistance tires on 15-inch wheels or available 16-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, and an efficient CVT.

Efforts to reduce wind resistance have helped the new Corolla achieve a drag coefficient of 0.28, which places it near the top of the compact-sedan class. Careful attention has been taken to refine airflow and reduce turbulence over the front and rear edges of the car. The Corolla's underbody features a smoother, flatter smoother design to help reduce turbulent airflow. Both the LE Eco grade and S grade offer strategically placed vehicle under covers located below the bumper fascia, engine, front floor, rear floor, and fuel tank to help manage airflow under the vehicle for improved efficiency.

The 2014 Corolla offers two efficient 1.8-liter, all-aluminum four-cylinder engines. The base 1.8-liter unit with VVT-i is available on the L, LE, and S grades and is rated at 132 horsepower. The Corolla's new LE Eco trim level is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic , a valve train technology which appears for the first time in North America with Corolla. Valvematic offers a broader range of continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) to provide optimal intake valve (not on exhaust side) operation relative to engine demands. Valvematic offers more than a five-percent improvement in fuel economy and engine output (140 horsepower).

The 2014 Corolla also offers improved fuel economy thanks to its advanced Continuously Variable Transmission. This CVTi-S (i for intelligent, S for shift), which will be available on the LE, S, and LE Eco Corolla models, features several enhancements to improve its efficiency and driving performance with discrete shift points that help create a sensation more similar to a traditional hydraulic automatic transmission.

While the efficiency and reduced weight inherent in a pulley-type CVT would seem an ideal solution for vehicles emphasizing fuel efficiency, the characteristic CVT "rubber band" driving sensation of the engine winding to its power band upon acceleration has earned detractors. With Corolla's new CVTi-S, Toyota's engineers improved the drivability of the new Corolla by adapting discrete stepped "gears" or shift points, into the car's acceleration and deceleration curves. The Corolla's new CVTi-S even mimics the familiar characteristics of hydraulic automatics creating a sense of positive shift engagement. On the Corolla S trim, up to seven shift-points can also be manually actuated from the shift gate or steering wheel paddle shifters.

As the first pulley-style CVT product offered by Toyota in North America, the engineering effort prioritized making the new CVTi-S' operation and power application more appealing and familiar to North American drivers. Corolla's engineers maximized the fuel saving design inherent in a pulley CVT while enhancing its operation to provide a more "direct feel" to pedal inputs through careful analysis of traditional automatic transmission operation. The new CVTi-S will provide a more linear connection between pedal effort and acceleration feel compared to previous CVT designs.

Toyota engineers addressed challenges presented by typical CVT design such as the high level of hydraulic pressure CVT's require for operation, and the optimization of the pulley ratio range to offer the best performance and fuel economy. Typically, CVT hydraulic-fluid pumps are driven at the same rate as engine speed; as a result, the pump wastes considerable effort, hurting transmission efficiency at higher engine speeds as the pump moves more fluid than necessary to lubricate and sandwich the CVT's belt. With this new CVTi-S, hydraulic pressure was reduced to an optimal point to protect against belt slippage, while conserving drive effort to limit excess pumping losses. The Corolla's new CVTi-S is fitted with an oil pump that features a coaxial 2-port design that enables a 25-percent reduction in pump drive torque compared to other pump designs, and results in a greater efficiency with its reduction in parasitic engine loss.

For a belt-driven CVT, the range of speed ratios is determined by the diameters of the input and output pulleys. The greater the disparity in size between these two pulleys, the greater the range of gear ratios, efficiency and performance the transmission can offer. The clearances within the Corolla's CVTi-S exterior casing and between internal components have been enhanced to better accommodate the most optimally sized pulleys within the compact transmission case. The CVTi-S offers a forward gear ratio range of 0.396 to 2.480, which works well for acceleration, cruising speeds, and fuel-conscious driving with a 4.761 final drive ratio. The new CVTi-S includes a transmission fluid warmer is used to help get fluid to optimal temperature faster.

The Corolla's new CVTi-S is uses a lower viscosity CVT fluid that protects all of the transmission's internal parts while helping reduce parasitic loss to enhance efficiency and performance. The CVTi-S also offers extremely quiet operation from a compact, lightweight case design that adds reinforcing ribs and an optimal shape to help suppress vibration and noise.

ECO and SPORT Drive Modes Add Efficiency and Excitement
Corolla models equipped with CVTi-S offer the capability of either an ECO or SPORT driving mode. On the Corolla LE Eco, the ECO driving mode makes accelerator control become non-linear to suppress the vehicle's response to choppy driving and contain acceleration from standing start to help reduce fuel consumption. The accelerator pedal's communication is the same as Normal-mode after 50-percent throttle. In ECO mode, the air conditioning operation is controlled in the interest of efficiency with compressor power reduced, the utilization of recirculation mode, and extra time allowed to attain a desired interior cabin temperature.

As equipped on the Corolla S, the new CVTi-S offers a SPORT mode that helps deliver a more dynamic driving experience with software tuning that alters shift points, creating transmission behavior during acceleration that enhances the sporty character of the S-grade. SPORT mode is not a track focused mode, but rather a transmission setting that, along with unique electric power steering programming, helps create a sportier driving sensation during normal road and freeway driving. On the Corolla S equipped with CVTi-S, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters allow drivers to make fast, sequential, stepped shifts through "7-speeds" to help enhance the driving experience. The Corolla S console shifter also offers a manual gate (M-position) that also allows drivers to make brisk upshifts or downshifts using the shift lever. The next shift step will automatically be engaged if the engine revolutions become high enough or down shifted if they become low enough. The M modeactivity is displayed in the black and white display of the Corolla S combination meter. The Corolla's Sport mode was developed and evaluated on roads within the key global markets to help ensure a more energetic drive across a broad range of conditions.

The base model Corolla L is offered with a four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed manual is also available in the Corolla S.

Rigid Unibody and Tuned Suspension Offer Engaging Handling
The new Corolla offers improved handling and steering thanks to a rigid unibody that can take advantage of improved suspension tuning to offer a more engaging, better handling, more dynamic car. The Corolla's unibody makes extensive use of high-strength steel to improve the rigidity of the structure, but also keeps vehicle curb weight under 2,900 pounds for all grades, which helps fuel efficiency. The use of high tensile-strength steel allows for reduced thickness and optimized shape of structural panels while increasing strength to help improve collision performance. Corolla is expected to perform very well in collision safety ratings test. The new Corolla features additional unibody bracing (tunnel brace and rear floor brace) to help increase platform rigidity over the current model.

The new Corolla's suspension uses a Macpherson strut design for the front with a new, more rigid control-arm design. A rear torsion beam arrangement is used for the rear. Both suspension layouts have been designed to take advantage of the additional body rigidity to provide improved handling responses and steering control. While the spring rates on Corolla have been optimized for ride comfort, the S-model equipped with 17-inch wheels includes unique coil, damper, and bushing tuning to help offer a sportier driving characteristic. The rear torsion beam's attachments points are now fastened to the body at a slanted, diagonal angle for its bushings as opposed to the straight attachment orientation of the previous generation vehicle. This diagonal attachment point layout contributes to improved rear handling, grip, and stability.

The new Corolla is equipped with an electric power steering system that offers enhanced feel and 'weight" in the hands of drivers, while increasing its sense of directness with little effort. The use of an electric rack and pinion system eliminates an accessory driven hydraulic steering system, which would represent parasitic loss to the engine. The lightweight and compact components of the tilt, telescopic steering structure are designed to help enhance steering rigidity, while reducing vibration. A more structurally rigid steering intermediate shaft help improve the directness of the new Corolla's steering. The new Corolla's steering measures 3.19 turns from lock to lock.

The braking system includes a 10.82-inch (275-mm) ventilated front disc, and either a 10.19-inch (259-mm) solid rear disc (available on S-grade) or nine-inch (229-mm) rear drum (all other grades). Like all Toyota models, the 2014 Corolla will feature Toyota's Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. An electronic tire pressure monitoring system is standard equipment.

Corolla offers a broad range of wheels ranging from 15-inch wheels with covers (L and LE Eco grades), 16-inch steel wheels with covers (LE and S), 16 inch aluminum wheels (LE), a 16-inch aluminum design unique to the Eco grade and 17-inch alloy wheels unique to the S grade. The wheels help emphasize the character of each Corolla model, with the most fuel-economy-focused Corolla LE Eco wearing 15-inch wheels with covers shod in low rolling resistance 195/65R-15 rubber. At the other side of the Corolla spectrum is the sportiest grade of Corolla S that wears impactful available 17-inch alloy wheels covers in more performance oriented 215/45R-17 rubber. The 16-inch wheels used for the LE (both the steel and aluminum) and the 16-inch aluminum aero-wheel for the LE Eco model all use a 205/55R-16 tire.

The 2014 Corolla will elevate the consumer's experience for the world's most popular sedan with modern, expressive styling, a more premium interior experience, improved fuel economy and performance, and a strong menu of available features. Vehicle pricing, final grade content, and option packages will be made available closer to launch timing.

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : First Mercedes-Benz CLA rolls off the production line in Hungary

 

Mercedes-Benz announced the start of production of the CLA at its Kecskemet plant in Hungary.

The CLA is the first model exclusively built in Kecskement and the plant’s second product after along with the B-Class. To mark the production of the first CLA, plant manager Frank Klein welcomed Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán and Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, who both had also attended the plant’s grand opening in March 2012.
“The CLA is based on the Concept Style Coupe, which we introduced last year. The most frequent comment by far was ‘Please put this car into series production.’ That’s precisely what we are doing now,” Zetsche said, who also congratulated the team working in the plant. “More than 40.000 B-Class vehicles built here prove that you know how to build great cars. You are doing a first-class job here at the plant,” Mercedes-Benz CEO added.
Last year, the Kecskemét plant had reached the first goal to produce more than 40.000 vehicles as planned, thus making an important contribution to the B-Class’ best-ever annual sales (worldwide sales of 145,649 units, more than 11 percent over the previous sales record in 2006).

Rides : 2014 Nissan GT-R squeaks in under $100k*, Murano CrossCabriolet priced, too

Another year, another price hike for the ridiculously awesome Nissan GT-R. When the GT-R was introduced for the 2008 model year, it had a starting price of $69,850, increasing steadily each year up to $96,820 for 2013, and now Nissan has announced that the 2014 GT-R will have a base sticker price of $99,590 (*not including the destination charge, which has not been announced yet).

More than just a simple price hike, the 2014 GT-R gets some upgrades, continuing the model's other longstanding tradition – continuous improvement. While there has been no increase in power, Nissan says the 545-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 now has better response in its mid- and upper-rpm ranges. Nissan has also improved the car's handling, giving it different shock absorbers, springs and a reworked front anti-roll bar, along with "increased body rigidity," though it doesn't specify how the latter is accomplished. The changes are said to lower the coupe's center of gravity and further improve its (already spectacular) handling. A few styling tweaks include the addition of a Premium Interior Package offering hand-stitched red leather seats, a color pattern for the steering wheel on the $109,300 GT-R Black Edition and an engraved aluminum plate showing the owner who built their car's engine.

Along with the announcement of the 2014 GT-R, Nissan also released details for the 2014 Murano CrossCabriolet. The big – but not surprising – news is that Nissan has lowered the price of its slow-selling crossover convertible to $41,995, representing a price drop of just over $2,500. Aside from price, model year changes include two new exterior colors and redesigned 20-inch wheels.

Scroll down for the press release for both the GT-R and the Murano CrossCab.

 

 

Press Release

• GT-R Premium $99,590 USD
• GT-R Black Edition $109,300 USD

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, now in its fourth model year, features a unique combination of open-air motoring in an all-wheel drive crossover. For 2014, the MSRP has been lowered by $2,545 USD. Enhancements include a revised exterior color palette and a new 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet include:

• Murano CrossCabriolet AWD $41,995 USD

About the 2014 Nissan GT-R
Following performance enhancement last year that upped the horsepower and torque of the GT-R's advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 to 545 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque, the development and refinement of Nissan's legendry supercar continues for the 2014 model year.

Among the notable modifications are improved engine response in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges, increased body rigidity and specification changes to the shock absorbers, front anti-roll bar and springs that result in a lower center of gravity. The result is improved high-speed handling and more refined ride comfort. As in previous years the GT-R engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room – for 2014 an aluminum nameplate is added to each engine showing the name of the individual engine builder.

Other changes include the addition of a new Premium Interior Package, which features hand-stitched Amber Red semi-aniline leather appointments (front seats only). A new red-accented steering wheel is added to Black Edition models.

The interior again features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position and a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder. A specially designed 11-speaker Bose® sound system – which provides sound quality suitable for a supercar, is standard – along with a RearView Monitor.

The 2014 Nissan GT-R is offered in two models – GT-R Premium and the GT-R Black Edition with special lightweight black aluminum forged RAYS® wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats and a unique dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

About the 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
The 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet continues to provide a unique, all-season perspective on driving as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. The Murano CrossCabriolet's designers rethought the convertible experience by rethinking the trunk – giving it an extraordinarily engineered, fully automatic cloth convertible top that folds to about the size of a 2-seat roadster top. As a result, there's ample room for four adults and plenty of cargo space with the top up or down.

Two new exterior colors are offered: Midnight Garnet and Gun Metallic, along with carryover colors Super Black and Pearl White. The standard 20-inch split 5-spoke titanium finish aluminum-alloy wheels have also been redesigned.

Inside, the luxurious interior starts with the foundation of the top-of-the-line Murano LE AWD and takes it to the next level of standard features and convenience. Premium materials are used throughout, with standard leather-appointed seats, unique wood-tone trim tuned to match each of three available interior colors (Black, Cashmere and Camel), and available premium double-stitched pattern leather-appointed seating. Every CrossCabriolet also comes with standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Bose® premium audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor. An advanced Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Voice Recognition and 7-inch VGA touch screen is also available.

The Murano CrossCabriolet shares its drivetrain with the hardtop Murano – starting with the proven "D" platform and standard 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a second-generation Xtronic CVT® with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for sporty response and smoothness. All 2013 Murano CrossCabriolets include Nissan's intuitive all-wheel drive system.

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, front seat Active Head Restraints, and Dual Pop-up Roll Bars for rear passengers.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : First production 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray draws $1.1 million bid for charity at Barrett-Jackson

Barrett-Jackson has a long and storied history with the Chevrolet Corvette. For instance, back in 2008, Chevrolet auctioned off the very first of its new Corvette ZR1, earning a cool million bucks, and just last year the first 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible crossed the auction block for $600,000.

For the 2013 event, Chevrolet brought along the very show car we all fawned over at the Detroit Auto Show – the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Bidders got to look at this car as they fought for the right to order the very first C7 that rolls off the showroom floor, and they'll get to pick the color and options. We figure it'll be loaded.

After it was all said and done, C7 Corvette numero uno sold for $1.1 million, with 100-percent of the proceeds going to benefit College for Creative Studies. Check out the car as it crossed the black carpet in high-res beauty above, and then read its official description below.

Press Release

Barrett-Jackson Lot: 3016 - 2014 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY 2 DOOR COUPE

Return of the Stingray - The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. This all new Corvette Stingray is the perfect balance of technology, design and performance. The lucky winning bidder for this 2014 Corvette Stingray will receive the first retail production vehicle of this seventh-generation Corvette - a Vin ending in #0001. The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450hp (334 kW) and 450ft/lbs of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel efficient Corvette, exceeding EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model. The all new Corvette Stingray incorporates an all-new frame structure chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs. Highlights include: An interior featuring real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices - each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support - and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens. Advanced driver technologies, including a 5-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver's environment and a new 7-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time. An all-new 6.2 Liter LT1 V8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel. Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel, composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio. A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability. An available track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability. **ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES** **WILL BE SOLD DIRECTLY FOLLOWING LOT 5041 ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2013**

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : 2014 Kia Cadenza Coupe rendered

 

The 2014 Kia Cadenza Coupe has been recently rendered and the images posted below might provide a first glimpse into the model, if the carmaker decides to produce it.

The South Korean based automaker Kia didn’t announce anything official on a possible Coupe version of the new Cadenza but that doesn’t mean that the model will never see daylight and, even if it doesn’t, there’s nothing wrong in letting your imagination do the work for you. The two images posted below are revealing the 2014 Kia Cadenza Coupe and they are renderings posted by theophiluschin.com.

As a quick reminder, the 2014 Kia Cadenza has been officially presented to the public during this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The model is getting a new front fascia, chrome trim, LED taillights, a dual exhaust system and some other tweaks. The cabin has received an 8-inch touch screen display, dual-zone climate control, leather seats and more. Power is being provided by a 3.3 liter GDI V6 engine, which is developing a total output of 293 BHP (218 kW) and 345 Nm of torque (255 lb-ft). The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The model will go on sale later on this year in the United States.

Image Source: theophiluschin.com

Rides : New Maserati V8 Quattroporte Priced at Around $130,000

The new Maserati V8 Quattroporte sedan will reach US dealerships in the following days with the price of about $130,000.

According to CEO Harald Wester, Maserati plans to increase global sales from the current 5,000 units to 50,000 by 2015 by expanding in segments were potential volume is larger. The Quattroporte will also be available in a cheaper V6 version, besides the $130,000 V8 model.
The automaker also plans to introduce a smaller and cheaper ‘entry-level’ Ghibli in 2013 and the Levante SUV in 2014. The Redesigned Maserati will reach European dealers in February and the US dealers in June. Maserati will sell the Quattroporte V8 in Italy with the price of 149,000 euro ($199,200) and the V6 four-wheel-drive version for 110,000 euro. The previous Maserati V8 version was sold for 135,000 euro.
The 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 unit is able to offer a total output of 530 BHP (395 kW) allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 307 km/h (191 mph). the smaller 3.0 liter engine, able to produce 410 BHP (306 kW) and being mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, will allow the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds, before reaching a top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph).

Rides : 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray for Gran Turismo 5 available tomorrow for free

Even though you can't yet mosey down to your nearest Chevrolet dealer to snag a 2014 Corvette Stingray – the on-sale date will be sometime in the third quarter of 2013 – you don't have to wait much longer to pilot one in the virtual world. Starting tomorrow, January 14, Gran Turismo 5 owners will be able to download the new 'Vette for free from the PlayStation Store.

The C7 Corvette has been available in prototype form, complete with form-fitting black camouflage, for over a month in GT5, and the prior six generations of the Corvette are also all available to drive in the game. Now, though, the full Stingray experience will allow gamers to peer at the newest 'Vette in virtual high resolution inside and out, hit 60 miles per hour in under four seconds and pull more than 1g on race tracks all around the world, including the world-famous Nürburgring.

Check out images of the 2014 Corvette Stingray in GT5 below, then scroll down below to watch a video and read all about it in the press release.

Press Release

2014 Corvette Stingray Hits the Track in Gran Turismo®5

DETROIT – As Chevrolet takes the wraps off the all-new Corvette Stingray, fans of Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system will have the first chance to push the car to the limits in the critically acclaimed Gran Turismo®5 racing game.

Nearly 500,000 people have driven the camouflaged Corvette prototype since it was introduced to the game in November of last year. Chevrolet and Polyphony Digital Inc., the developers of the Gran Turismo franchise, collaborated to provide an authentic driving experience in the Corvette Stingray – the seventh generation of the iconic sports car.

"Getting behind the wheel of the all-new Corvette Stingray – the most powerful and sophisticated standard Corvette ever – is sure to be a thrilling experience," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "Through this unique collaboration with Gran Turismo, Chevrolet is able, for the first time, to give performance car enthusiasts access to such an exclusive driving experience the day after the Corvette Stingray's world debut."

During the creation of the virtual Corvette Stingray, careful attention was paid to the tiniest details of the new design inside and out, as well as to the enhanced performance driving characteristics – down to the shift schedule for the seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching.

The Corvette Stingray will produce an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and will achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It will also be the most fuel-efficient Corvette ever, expected to exceed the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

"The Polyphony team has had an unforgettable experience getting to know the Corvette Stingray, inside and out, and bringing it into Gran Turismo 5," said Kazunori Yamauchi, president of Polyphony Digital Inc. "We're excited to share our experience with fans and let them feel, explore and drive the Corvette in a way that wasn't possible until now."

All six previous generations of the Corvette have been available to players of the Gran Turismo series. The Chevrolet nameplate remains one of the most popular vehicles to race.

The Corvette Stingray will be available as a free download through the PlayStation® Store on PlayStation®3 on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and can be driven on some of the world's renowned race tracks, including the Daytona International Speedway and the Nurburgring – one of the track surfaces used to evaluate the new Corvette Stingray's driving dynamics.

The Gran Turismo series has sold more than 68 million games since its inception and remains the highest-selling PlayStation-exclusive franchise of all time.

For more information about the all-new Corvette Stingray, visit www.one13thirteen.com. Enthusiasts can join the conversation about the next-generation Corvette and keep track of new announcements on Facebook (facebook.com/corvette) and Twitter @Chevrolet (#Corvette).

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About the Gran Turismo® Franchise

With more than 68 million units shipped worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo® franchise for the PlayStation®, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®3 and now PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulator ever created due to its true-to-life graphics, authentic physics technology and design. Since the inception of the Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today. His offerings provide the most realistic driving simulation in the industry and a unique medium for automotive manufacturers to showcase their products.

 

Credit : Autoblog