2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe To Make Dynamic Debut In Los Angeles

The long awaited 2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe has been revealed in a teaser image ahead of its official world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

What to expect from the 2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

Details are limited to a single overhead shot, however, the teaser image also reveals the coupe will be available with a panoramic glass roof. At the LA Auto Show, the 2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe will debut in production form with few deviations from the C-X16 Concept which was first shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. It will also adopt a stylish design with aesthetic curves and muscular rear fenders taken from the F-Type Roadster.

The same engines and features found in the convertible version of the F-Type are likely to be found in the F-Type Coupe including a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 250kW, a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 279kW and a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine with 364kW.

According to Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, theyve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the F-TYPE Convertible. But for me the purity of creating a sports Coupe is a uniquely satisfying process and I know that both visually and dynamically, F-TYPE Coupe raises the bar yet again.

Full details will be revealed in just a few weeks during the immediate run-up to the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Here are some patent images offering a peek at what the 2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe will look like.

2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe gallery

Rolls-Royce Wraith Drophead Coupe Confirmed For 2015

Rolls-Royce CEO Muller Otvos has confirmed that they are planning to introduce a convertible version of the Wraith in 2015.

The topless Wraith Drophead Coupe

Dubbed the Wraith Drophead Coupe, the car will look identical to the existing coupe model, from the rocker panels to the belt line, however its roof will be replaced by a thick fabric soft top.

The introduction of this topless model is expected to increase the popularity of the Rolls-Royce brand as well as lower the average of customers who would be interested in buying a Rolls-Royce vehicle.

The convertible is expected to get the same V12 6.6-litre engine producing 465kW and 800Nm of torque. While the coupe does the 0-100 km/h run in 4.6 seconds, the convertible will probably be a bit slower due to the added weight.

Look out for official details about the Wraith Drophead Coupe to emerge in the months leading up to its official debut some time next year at a major trade show.

Toyota Reveals New FCV Concept Ahead Of Its World Premiere In Tokyo

Toyota will be displaying a total of seven concepts in its Toyota brand exhibit at the 43^rd Tokyo Motor Show, including a practical concept of the fuel cell vehicle (FCV). As a pioneer in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles the automaker plans to launch a production version of the concept around 2015.

Toyota’s first hydrogen-powered automobile

The FCV Concept is 4870mm long, 1810mm wide and 1535mm tall with a 2780mm wheelbase offering space for four passengers. It has two 70Mpa high-pressure fuel stacks located beneath the body and provides a power output density of 3kW/L and an output of around 100kW. Toyota says it only takes three minutes to refuel the car and will do at least 500km before the fuel is used up.

The vehicles exterior design is said to be one that evokes flowing water, and features air intakes on each side of its front hood, flowing liquid door profile, and a wave-motif fuel cap, while the rear view conveys a catamarans stern.

Toyotas exhibition stand will also feature the i-Road, a personal mobility vehicle which made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, and the FT-86 Open Concept, a rear-wheel-drive sports convertible which we saw at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Toyota FCV Concept gallery

Lexus LF-NX Concept Previews A Production Crossover Model

First revealed in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus is to present its luxury LF-NX Concept Compact Crossover at the Tokyo motor show later this month in a new version equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The Lexus L-Finesse design language

Designed to preview a potential mid-size crossover, the LF-NX Concept is described as an urban-centric vehicle that provides a glimpse of the future evolution of the Lexus L-Finesse design language.

The new turbo engine is said to offer the LF-NX a lower centre of gravity – a quality emphasised by a front spoiler that gives the car a sportier appearance. Covered in Metal Silver, the LF-NX Concept boasts an aggressive front fascia with a massive spindle grille flanked by diamond-shaped LED headlights.

In the cabin it maintains Lexuss reputation for user-friendly advanced technologies. It comes equipped with two-tone leather upholstery, brushed metal trim and elegant contrast stitching, has a full-length centre console, blue accent lighting and a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface that combines a redesigned touch pad with a touch tracer display.

More details on the Lexus LF-NX Concept will be revealed once the Tokyo Motor Show gets underway on November 20.

Lexus LF-NX Concept gallery

Next Generation Volkswagen Scirocco R To Be Launched in 2017

Volkswagen is still working on a revamped version of the 2013 Scirocco R which might be launched in 2017 and could be a global product.

Its rumoured that this redesigned Volkswagen Scirocco will be a full-fledged sports coupe, which means the it could lose its distinctive styling. However, it will remain a four-seater with a large tailgate and ample space in the luggage compartment.

Power can be expected to come from a 1.4-litre TSI engine with 92kW, a1.8-litre TSI with 132kW and a 2.0-litre TSI engine that develops 169kW and 370Nm of torque. There might also be upgraded diesel engines and a range topping Scirocco R with at least 220kW of power.

The 2013 Scirocco R

While we wait for this next generation Scirocco to be launched, you can get yourself a new 2013 Scirocco R Auto for a base price of R464 600. This model features a scowling face, low roofline and tinted back windows as well as signature rear fenders. You also get 19-inch alloy wheels, larger brake discs and gloss black callipers, smoked rear light lenses, a rear diffuser, new side skirts and subtle interior tweaks including piano black finish on the fascia, new sports seats and a touchscreen stereo.

It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 188kW at 6000 rpm and 350Nm of torque between 2500 5000 rpm and is available with a lightning fast dual-clutch automatic transmission. There is also an optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system that allows the driver to change how the car behaves on the road.

2013 Volkswagen Scirocco R gallery

The New Audi S3 3-Door Now Available In South Africa

The Audi S3 nameplate has enjoyed a successful history in the South African market having sold 1944 units since its introduction in 2000. Now Audi has launched the third generation Audi S3 3-door which promises dynamic performance with excellent efficiency.

Lighter and more powerful

The Audi S3 3-door boasts a completely new 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged TSFI engine that weighs less than in the outgoing S3 model and outputs 206kW at 5500 rpm with maximum torque of 380Nm between 1800 and 5500 rpm.

The S3 3-door will be offered in South Africa with both six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmissions. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is completed in 4.8 seconds when equipped with the S tronic (5.2 seconds with the manual transmission).

With a reduced curb weight of 1395 kg, the new Audi S3 is 60 kg lighter than the outgoing version, an the front axle has been shifted forward 52 mm compared with the previous model – a result of the VW Groups modular transverse platform, on which the new Audi S3 is based.

In addition, the S3 3-door has a top speed of 250 km/h and consumes on average just 6.9-litres/100 km of fuel with the S tronic or 7.0-litres/100 km with the manual transmission. CO2 emissions stand at 159 g/km for the S Tronic and 162 g/km for the manual.

The S Line package

Coming to design, the S3 3-door is equipped with the S Line package that features an S single-frame grille, a revised front bumper, Led daytime running lights, updated side skirts and aluminum-look mirror caps, along with quad tailpipes, roof spoiler and a different rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser. It has been fitted with 18-inch 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the athletic design of the exterior carries over into the interior. There are grey instrument dials with white needles, a boost pressure indicator, power-retractable on-board monitor, brushed aluminum pedals and footrest, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and a bunch of S logos.

Audi S3 3-door Price in South Africa

Audi S3 hatch 2.0T FSI quattro manual R 457 500

Audi S3 hatch 2.0T FSI quattro S tronic R 474 500

The new Audi S3 3-door is available with the standard 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.

Audi S3 3-door gallery

2015 Lexus RC Coupe Revealed

After a year of trying to keep it a secret, Lexus has finally revealed its new luxury RC Coupe ahead of its official world debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Performance

Lexus hasnt mentioned any powertrain specs, however its suspected that the two versions of the RC Coupe will be fitted with powerful engines. The RC 350 will be equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, while the RC 300h will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Both versions are 4693 mm long, 1394 mm tall, 1838 mm wide, and come with a 2730 mm wheelbase.

Additionally, the 2015 Lexus RC Coupe is said to form basis of a new range-topping Lexus F model which will be showcased in January at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. This RC F model will supposedly have an aggressive front fascia with a prominent spindle grille that is flanked by large air intakes, and will receive a 5.0-litre V8 that develops approximately 339kW and 543Nm of Torque, making it more powerful than the previous 5.0-litre V8 in the IS F.

Luxurious design features

Visually, the 2015 Lexus RC Coupe hints at the LF-LC and LF-CC concepts, adopting a lower and winder spindle front grille and an overall contoured shape. It features three LED lamps in the triangular headlights and might be fitted with 18-inch five-spoke muscular alloy wheels or optional 19-inch deeply sculpted ten-spoke rims with both of them featuring black and platinum centre caps.

Heavily inspired by Lexus recent concpet models, the interior of the RC Coupe will feature the manufacturers first ever lightning package with illumination reflecting upwards instead of downwards. The upper are of the dashboard will integrate the twin-binnacle instrument cluster and a seven-inch navigation display. The centre console comes with a built-in Remote Touch Interface.

Full details of the 2015 Lexus RC Coupe will be revealed at its Tokyo Motor Show debut on November 20.

2015 Lexus RC Coupe gallery

2014 BMW M3 Fully Revealed In New Video

The 2014 BMW M3 production version is not expected to make its public debut until the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, however, the model was caught undisguised while filming an official commercial.

Aggressive features

BMW has confirmed that the M4 will be powered by an all-new TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering approximately 316kW at 7500 rpm and more than 500Nm of torque.

Plenty of images have also been revealed confirming that the Marina Blue Metallic model will feature leather-wrapped sport seats with an M emblem below the headrest, as well as an M double-clutch seven-speed gearbox with launch control.

When it comes to styling, the M3 looks quite a lot like the concept M4 Coupe with a bulging hood and the wide vented front fenders. However this production M3 comes with an extra set of doors, aerodynamic mirrors, revised side skirts and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. And the whole front fascia is much more aggressive with bigger air intakes and LED fog lights.

Look out for more information on the 2014 BMW M3 when it makes its official debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

*Please note that the featured image is not the 2014 M3, but the concept M4 Coupe of which the M3 is based on.

2014 BMW M3 Video

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S More Powerful Than Its Predecessor

Porsches added a new trim level for the 2014 model year joining the already launched standard Panamera and the Turbo and E-Hybrid derivatives.

The 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S is ranked the fastest Panamera available as it is now 15kW more powerful than its predecessor.

More powerful engine

Power in the 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S comes from the same twin-turbo 4.8-liter engine that can be found in other Panamera’s, however it produces an extra 15kW raising the horsepower to 419kW.

The power boost is available thanks to new turbochargers with larger compressors that improve air flow and combustion. Porsche has also included some sporty enhancements such as active roll stabilisation, ceramic brakes, adaptive damper control and adjustable airbag suspension.

Acceleration from 0-96 km/h takes 3.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 309 km/h.

Updated design features

Styling updates include a revised front bumper with bigger air intakes and reworked LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels apparently sourced from the 911 Turbo ll. The back of the car features a large stretched window within the tailgate, as well as a body-coloured-four-way spoiler, Palladium Metallic exterior colour and an updated bumper.

The sporty feel is upheld in the interior by the two-tone leather furnishings, 14-way power seats completed by the embossed Porsche crests on the front headrests. The 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S is also available in long-wheelbase form and additionally comes with features like thermal and noise-insulated windows with privacy glazing, an interior lighting package designed especially for the rear and a larger rear centre console.

The new top model in the Panamera model line will be celebrating its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show.

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S price in South Africa

The new top-of-the-range Panamera Turbo S is available for order as of now with first units being available in February 2014. The basic retail prices in South Africa for the Panamera Turbo S are:

R2 380 000 with a 3-year DrivePlan
R2 430 000 with a 5-year DrivePlan

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S gallery

Subaru Levorg Concept Teased

Subaru has announced plans to unveil a new sports Tourer concept along with two other concepts at November’s Tokyo Motor Show. The wagon-shaped Levorg Concept serves as a preview for a production model which will be launched next year in Japan.

A new age of touring cars

Subaru says the name Levorg is the result of combining the words legacy, revolution and touring to herald a new age of touring cars. The Levorg Concept will come equipped with an all-new 1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injection boxer 4-cylinder engine. The vehicle will also have an updated version of the brands new EyeSight safety system and the first version of a new autonomous driving feature.

In addition to the Levorg Concept, Subaru will apparently also debut the Cross Sport Design concept which will represent Subarus vision of a next-generation SUV. There will also be the Subaru Crossover 7 concept which will debut with a seven-seat arrangement and a “sophisticated urban look” with tan leather-wrapped seats and a spacious interior.

All debuts will take place on November 20th at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.