TRD Spices up New Toyota Aqua / Prius C Hybrid with Sport Package in Japan

Toyota is losing no time in pushing out its aftermarket proposals for the all-new Aqua hybrid that will be marketed as the Prius C in markets outside of Japan and which will make its North American debut at the forthcoming Detroit Motor Show in January.

On the same day that the regular Aqua went on sale in its home market, Toyota's TRD racing and performance division announced a slew of tuning upgrades for the sub-compact hatchback.

Starting with the exterior package, TRD's offerings include a new front apron with additional air vents and optional LED daytime running lights, matching side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear apron that incorporates a diffuser in a matte black finish.

For the interior, there's a new TRD push-button start while performance mods are limited -for the time being- to a sports exhaust system with a pair of chrome tailpipes, larger alloy wheels and a suspension package with new springs and shock absorbers that lower the car's ride height.

TRD said that it will release more styling accessories and performance mods in the near future.

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Audi: The Low-Down on the R8's Upcoming Facelift and 2014 Replacement

The first true supercar to be created by Audi, the R8, has won universal praise thanks to its handling, quality, every day usability and, in the V10-equipped model, performance numbers.

Despite the fact that it wouldn’t seem out of place if it were launched today, the truth is that Audi’s mid-engined wonder is already five years old, having been introduced in 2006.

Therefore, its replacement is already being developed and is due in 2014, with the open-top Spyder model to follow the next year.

But first, the current R8 will receive an update in 2012. According to Car Magazine, the refreshed R8 will get a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox replacing the sequential six-speed unit, while the upgraded V10 will receive a small bump in power and the interior will sport the latest MMI multimedia interface.

The big news, as far as the first-generation R8 is concerned, is the launch of a limited-production electric version towards the end of 2012.

The British publication reports that the second generation R8 will differ in many ways from its predecessor. For one, the aluminum bodywork and chassis will be replaced by a new architecture which, while still aluminum-based, will also feature carbonfiber for the transmission tunnel, the B-posts and the rear firewall.

Total weight will be reduced by around 100 kg (220 lbs), while torsional rigidity will increase by 13 percent.

On the engine front, we won't see many changes as Audi is said to continue with its two naturally aspirated units. The base version will still be powered by a 4.2 V8, with its output bumped from 420 to 450HP, and the top version by a 5.2-liter V10 with 550HP.

However, down the road Audi may switch to the new turbocharged V8 that was recently unveiled in the Audi S7 and Bentley Continental GT, probably with a hike in power to 600HP.

As previously reported, the second generation R8 and the Gallardo's replacement will make use of Audi's MSS (Modular Sports car System) architecture, while the third generations of both models will employ a new platform developed primarily by Porsche.

Story References: Car Magazine

 

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2011 Bentley Continental GT Facelift Revealed, Gains 4.0-liter V8

Introduced in 2003, Bentley Continental GT is officially the oldest model in the range of British car manufacturer. It was time for a facelift? Bentley think too much. Conti 2011 has been updated with an interior and exterior have changed more in line with Mulsanne flagship brand, while a new 4.0-liter V8 will join the W12 refined in 2011.

Most notable on the front is the jewel headlights look from behind the wings recently passing the hole on the front panel Fender / bumper down. Moreover, the grille officially become a part of the lines of Hood and now houses the front as well.

You can see a similar project on the back of a Bentley Mulsanne use the "double horseshoe" theme. On either side of the trunk, the rear fenders are a little 'more definition and the car's rear lights are slightly out of square. The total package adds a front track width of 41 mm and 48 mm rear.

Now the good part: the engine (now plural). Offered under the hood now two forms of propulsion: 1) as usual, a large 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, which creates 575 horsepower and Nm 700 / 516 lb-ft of torque and is compatible flex (up to E85), and 2) for the first time in the performance of the model, a 4.0 V8 that comes later in 2011 with Bentley claiming emissions 40% lower than the W12.

With the extra 15 horses (and the car's weight reduced by 65 kg), the W12 is good to begin with 0 to 60 mph (96km / h) in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph / 318 km / h . Bentley kept their lips sealed about leaving 8-cylinder, for now, but they say "high efficiency", so expect loud.

Set the power range of the sidewalk, revision 6-speed automatic allows the "double scaling", and still use all four wheels, 20 - or 21-inch rollers now have 40/60 front-rear power distribution (compared to the outgoing model, which was 50/50).

Seating is arranged a script, a unit of information and entertainment touch screen with a 30 GB hard drive (15 GB for music in particular), and redesigned, the interior, while still clearly continental, it is updated before offering an additional burden rear of 46 - mm of legroom. The sounds are presented by 11 speakers of Nain, and there are TV / DVD / phone / iPod / etc connectivity, almost everything you expect from a Bentley.

Generally, Bentley was able to update his livelihood while keeping very clear and identifiable. Expect to see off the Mulsanne, in Paris, and as soon as there are some official figures on the V8, you will know. Now back to your regular dreams.

By Phil Alex

 

 

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