Cars Guide

At a press conference at Nissans Yokohama plant on Monday, the Japanese carmaker announced that the re-born Datsun Brand is set to return to South Africa, with the first passenger car to be launched onto the market at the end of 2014.

The announcement follows a global decision in 2010 to re-introduce the Datsun brand as part of the Japanese companys "Nissan Power 88" mid-term plan, which calls for an 8 percent global market share and 8 percent operating profit by fiscal year 2016.

Currently, Datsun sales are planned for four major markets, including South Africa, India, Indonesia and Russia, during the course of 2014.

"Following Infinitis launch last year, we are delighted that South Africa is also a destination of choice for Datsun vehicles," commented Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan South Africa (NSA).

"Datsun enjoyed a proud heritage in the country after the Bluebird made its debut at the Pretoria Show in 1958, the 120Y and SSS models were household names, before going on to become the number one brand between 1976 and 1978."

In addition to the announcement, we also found a teaser rendering showing the front end of Datsuns first production model that will be a compact passenger car. Were not sure if this image has gone public before, but this is the first time weve seen it.

In December, it was revealed that the Datsuns new low-cost family cars will share their underpinnings with Russias Lada, which in mid-2014, will pass into the ownership of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Articles Source : Carscoop

The Ford EcoSport is about to start marketing in Europe , but before his arrival , Ford will sell 500 units of the special edition Ford EcoSport Limited Edition, first on Facebook

Ford is giving all these days in the consumer technology show in Berlin , IFA 2013 , considered the most important in Europe . In fact, here I am checking first hand the important efforts of Ford to integrate into their models so interesting applications for their clients as Event Seeker , Spotify , Hotels.com or welt.de. But also, the brand wanted to realize the large window that represents this event to make an unusual announcement : The Ford EcoSport will arrive in the coming months the European market.

But ,wait! , If you want to make and one of the few units that come to Spain Limited Edition Ford EcoSport going to have to rely exclusively on Facebook . As I hear , the 500 units EcoSport reach Europe Limited Edition by exquisite book will first come in ( www.facebook.com / FordSpain ) .

For the Spanish market no more than 30 vehicles , which will be sold at 17,500 euros , including PIVE3 plan . This model in question can be fitted with the 1.0 EcoBoost 125 hp or a 1.5 dCi diesel 90 hp . The Ford EcoSport is a compact SUV , called utility for the brand, which will compete directly with the Opel Mokka . One of the keys in which Ford hopes to base its success is in its AppLink technology , which takes voice commands one of the most innovative utilities .

Perhaps , in the Ford EcoSport will still Fords effort to create an open source platform in working with various technology partners because the model does not have a giant screen in full color on the dashboard , but the fact is that voice recognition commands numerous works , almost , as it should. Which is a major leap .

The 2012 Subaru Forester is one of the latest version of 2012 Subaru. A 2012 Subaru Forester is the 4-door sports car, utility, which seats five passengers. New Forrester is accessible in 3 models, the model entry level 2.5 X 2.5 X L.L. All models come well-equipped full-time (AWD) all wheel drive. 

An entry level 2.5 x model is being powered by the 2.5-liter engine H4 which is rated 165 horsepower. Fuel economy rating of 2.5 x model are 21 mpg on city streets & 28 mpg on the highway. A 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5 x model is well equipped with 5 speed manual transmission.

Some discussions regarding the 2012 Subaru Forester changes said that the 2012 model would be a way more comprehensive in re-designing and would positively have the CVT as its automatic transmission option. The 2012 Subaru Forester comes with roof rails, front seats, which are heated, handkerchief, and a music system with subwoofer and 7speakers. All versions of 2012 Subaru Forester well-equipped with ABS, while XS and XT models come with brake disk return, active head restraints, as well as side Aero effect. Expect a 2012 Subaru Forester base price of $21,500 -$ 31, 500.

The news coming from the worlds oldest car magazine (yes, thats the same one that had the Auto Cars Concept on the Alfa Romeo 4C), is that BMW Ms division is committed to rear wheel drive.

BMW M boss Friedrich Nitschke spoke to the publication about the matter during last months Detroit Auto Show: "Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution," he said. "xDrive brings an 80-90kg weight penalty and the M differential is the industry’s best rear-drive set-up."

Well, we guess neither Nitschke nor Autocar have ever heard about the…BMW X5 M and X6 M, or the M135i xDrive, M550d xDrive and the X6 50d xDrive (granted; the Bavarian company describes the last three as "Powered by M" and "M Performance" models, but they still carry the "M" nameplate anyway).

During the interview, Nitschke added that the M brand will continue to offer manual gearboxes as long as theres demand, and that there are no "imminent plans" to offer an M3 version of the new 3-Series Gran Turismo.

Articles Source : Carscoop

The Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo , Fiat group member member, announced in recent days that his model 4C, which will be marketed this year in our markets, has been awarded "Best Sports Car 2013" in the fourth edition of the competition organized by the prestigious business newspaper, the Economist. Thus, the Alfa Romeo 4C has reached more than 50% of the votes cast on the web, surpassing other prestigious rivals

The Alfa Romeo 4C, although not yet released, has depth and deep into the hearts of motorists worldwide. In fact, the model is derived directly from the concept car that already surprised at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, and won three prestigious awards: the award prize "Auto Bild Design" (2011, Germany), the "designfor Concept Cars & Prototypes" (2012 , Italy) and the prize "Most Exciting Car of 2013 - What Car" (2013, Britain).

Since the own automobile company have been very satisfied with this new award and have pointed out that the Alfa Romeo 4C "represents the true essence of super compact and carries in his heart the Alfa Romeo DNA: Behavior, Italian design and technological excellence, offering so, the maximum driving pleasure in total safety. "

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a fascinating two-seater coupe that uses technology and materials derived from the 8C such as carbon or aluminum and incorporates among other features, the new 1750 Turbo Petrol engine with direct injection and aluminum block, the sophisticated automatic dry double clutch "Alfa TCT" or the Alfa DNA selector with unprecedented way "Race". This contributes to improving its sportiness and dynamism.

Furthermore, with a length of approximately 4 meters and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 meters, this model offers a power / weight ratio of less than 4 kg / HP, which is the value of true supercar