Monthly Archives: July 2012
2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer Premieres Worldwide but Skips U.S.
Sometimes there can be too much of a good thing in the auto world, and intelligent American auto brand Chevroletseems to fully comprehend this fact. Take, for example, the 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer. This vehicle was first introduced to replace the Chevy Trailblazer SUV, which made its U.S. departure in 2009 and was replaced by the Chevrolet Equinox late crossover last year at the Dubai International Motor Show. However, the Trailblazer is now making a comeback in a big way- just not for the company’s home market: the United States.
The new Chevywas made to handle the sometimes tough conditions of the Mideast and is reportedly the brand’s toughest, most luxurious midsize SUV ever created. Like its predecessor, the new Trailblazer is quite roomy, holding up to seven passengers comfortably. And, did we mention it’s quite powerful? The 2013 Trailblazer boasts General Motor’s new 180 horsepower 2.8-liter Duramax turbo diesel engine that comes with a variable-geometry turbocharger to perfectly combine fuel economy and performance or a 150 horsepower four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Of course, the diesel engine could be one feature of the vehicle that’s keeping it away from the U.S. market, which has yet to fully accept the this type of engine. However, Chevrolethas confirmed that a diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruzewill be making its way stateside very soon. Here are some more features available on the new vehicle:
2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer Specs.:
– Roomy interior complete with three rows of seats with second and third rows that fold flat and tumble
– Available five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission options, two- and four-wheel drive available
– On-street ride comfort and extreme off-road capability due to the Trailblazer’s new five-link independent rear suspension
– Excellent towing capacity and a fresh, stylish new look
– Pricing and additional features are TBD closer to the new vehicle’s official release date
The new Chevrolet Trailblazer probably won’t make it to the U.S. market in-full, but it will be available on a global level in several other markets. Of course, we must also note that GM did change its mind in a similar situation about the Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck, which was designed in Brazil and is currently on sale in Thailand in other markets. This vehicle was not originally slated for sale in the U.S. either, but the company relented last fall, stating that it would build and sell a new Chevy Colorado for the North American market as well.
We’d bet on the fact that at least some of the new features of the global model 2013 Chevy Trailblazerwill eventually make their way to the U.S., so stay tuned here for more information about the evolution of this striking model. And, remember, for more in-depth new car reviews, be sure to browse the rest of the site! From Chevrolet to Porsche and everything in-between, reviewitonline.net is your source for all things auto!
Lotus Eterne 2015: The Amazingly Paradoxical Creation!
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show along with five other somewhat ambitious projects, the Eterne is a classic example of exuberant style and luxury. Touted as the ‘next big thing’ in the world of luxury sedans by Lotus executives, the Eterne made several heads turn at the auto show. With a price tag of £120,000, the Lotus Eterne will lock horns with the likes of Aston Martin’s Rapide in the market for sports sedans.
On first impressions, the Lotus Eterne is a vision of elegance and grace. A stylish design replete with smooth curves and sharp angles, a car like this is definitely a traffic stopper in terms of appearance!
Seems like Lotus’ new designer Donato Coco has left no stone unturned in ensuring that his latest venture has nothing lacking in terms of charisma and design. And, the elegance is not only restricted to its looks because performance wise, the Lotus Eterne is aggressive and fiery. In order to make it as fast and furious as possible, Lotus is planning to use extremely lightweight materials. And with considerable utilization of materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium, the basic version will weigh around two tons.
The Lotus Eterne Sedan 2015 Concept Revealed by Lotus at the Paris Auto Show.
“It’s a car of perfect contradictions, it’s compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, relative lightweight yet still reassuringly solid” said Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. And his statement defines the Eterne perfectly! It is a four door sedan with a front engine and seating for four. It will be powered by a 5.0L V8 engine. Lotus is collaborating with Toyota/Lexus engineers to produce an engine design that will give 720NM of torque, 620hp and a top speed of 195mph. And if you take this mean machine for a spin then you can go from 0 to 60mph in just four seconds!
The Eterne will also come with the option of a hybrid engine for those who are ecologically conscious and wish to reduce their emissions. Though the details are still slightly hazy on this, it will possibly feature an electric motor teamed with the existing engine and transmission. Its features will also include the option of either a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Lotus is also planning to equip the Eterne with a regenerative braking system called KERS, which in automotive terms is called the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. All in all, it is a car that will offer thrilling speed, amazing power and highly advanced features.
The luxurious interior of the Lotus Eterne Sedan 2015 Concept will be second to none.
Dany Bahar has proudly stated “The biggest difference between the Eterne and its class competitors is that it’s not an evolution of an existing two-door model, it’s a deliberate and considered stand-alone creation. It’s the ultimate four door sports car”. We will have to wait for the spring of 2015 to know for sure!
Lotus Elise 2012 Thrills The Crowd
The Paris Auto Show 2010 was where Lotus dazzled the world with the first display of their all-new Elise model that is expected to hit the auto-stores in mid-2015. Of all the concept cars that were revealed at the show, including five others by Lotus itself, it was the Elise 2015 model that grabbed all eyeballs and justifiably so. The car is speedy, decked up with new technology and eye-catchy to say the least; a future best-seller if the production retains all the elements Lotus boasts.
The exterior of the Elise 2015 Sports Coupe mirrors the car’s speed and strength. A bold front grille, powerful, sleek headlights and taillights, and slick, almost vertical side-mirrors add to the car’s cool-quotient and sporty look. The two-seater has an elevated posterior and snazzy alloy wheels that seem to have taken inspiration from some elaborate male fantasy. The plush interiors compliment the striking features of the external design. Separated by a rather uniquely designed gear-stick, the two driver-passenger seats seem ultra-comfy with ample room to stretch out and recline. The steering wheel and dash-board are big, broad and sturdy-looking, like the rest of the car. The Elise 2015 is good-looking and luxuriously equipped such that if for nothing else, one may be tempted to buy it, just for the sake of making an impression on any road.
Though the technical specifications have not been confirmed or officially announced by Lotus, rumor has it that it will have a 2.0litre four-cylinder engine that will deliver a whopping 320 Horsepower and 243 pound-feet torque. With a low kerb weight of just about 2414 pounds, the Elise 2015 is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in a matter of 4.3 seconds. The maximum speed will be 167 mph; a racy ride is something that this Elise model guarantees.
The most significant distinction that the Elise 2015 Sports Coupe bears with regard to the current model is its projected fuel efficiency and its ‘mild hybrid technology’. It is to have engine start-stop technology and a dual clutch transmission. As articulated by the CEO of Group Lotus – Dany Bahar, the Elise 2015 will be class-leading in terms of performance and efficiency. The new, technologically advanced version is just a part of the innovation and improvisation initiative that Lotus seems to be focused on.
What is most surprising and rather wonderful is that the expected price is a meek-seeming sum of $55,000; it is not a small amount, but given all that the car has to offer and that Lotus’ competitors have similar cars at much higher price ranges, $55,000 sounds almost economical. Since the Elise 2015 Sports Coupe offers style, speed and fuel-efficiency along with a relatively less budget-blasting price tag, it is no surprise that automobile-lovers are waiting for this car to go into production and hit the roads soon!
BMW Showcases New 2013 BMW 7 Series
BMW has just announced some significant new updates to its 2013 7 Series lineup. The press kit released by BMW on the new 7 Series makes for fascinating reading. It reflects a brand succeeding in combining luxury with practicality and performance. The 2013 7 Series models, will be available in BMW center showrooms in 2012 in late summer, except for the ActiveHyrbid 7 which arrives later in early fall.
Introducing Driving Dynamics Control
BMW introduces the second generation Driving Dynamics Control which now includes ECO PRO. This new system manages the powertrain as well as presetting programs for features that consume extra fuel including heating and air conditioning, heated seats and exterior mirror heating. These presets will optimize energy efficiency while driving. Altogether, BMW claims that the ECO PRO can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent.
How does Driving Dynamics Control Work?
Driving Dynamics allows a driver to program responses for acceleration, engine, power steering and car stability for different types of driving. For example, on the Sport setting, the engine responds more spontaneously to the accelerator. The engine will rev high before changing up a gear with the eight-speed transmission with Steptronic. At the same time the steering and chassis tighten. Switch to SPORT + and increased slip will flow through to the rear wheels. Individual driving programs can be effectively used when driving on bad roads, through stop and start traffic, coasting on highways or if cruising the suburbs with the family. The rocker on the center console allows for ECO PRO, COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. The distinction between the different driving modes is reported to be significant for both driver and passengers.
How does ECO PRO assist with Fuel Efficiency?
ECO PRO alters the accelerator mapping so that longer pedal movement is required for acceleration as opposed to standard modes. With automatic transmission, gearing up occurs earlier on acceleration, and gearing down occurs later on deceleration. It also manages the heating and air-conditioning systems to achieve better fuel efficiency.
A really innovative feature of ECO PRO is the dynamic monitoring and reporting of efficiency and performance that features on the instrument cluster. Drivers can see their fuel consumption performance compared against historical fuel consumption in real time.
ECO PRO also includes coasting mode which makes the engine “freewheel” on deceleration with no apparent braking. This also stores and utilizes the kinetic energy generated by the car movement which can be further used to reduce fuel consumption. Freewheeling is not new but BMW uses it to generate more energy for the car.
Whilst BMW claims that the model 2013 7 Series can conserve fuel by up to 20%, the US EPA mileage data is not yet available.
Dynamic Damper Control and Active Roll Stabilization
In its press release, BMW proudly describes the 7 Series as the “world’s first car to feature an electronically controlled damping system”.This system adjusts the shock absorbers individually based on the condition of the road surface and the driving style. It also includes Active Roll Stabilization which reduces body roll in high-speed corners and sudden changes in direction.
Interior Features
The interior features are a reflection of BMW’s commitment to luxury with leather upholstery in Ivory White or Veneto Beige, individual back seat rest angles and seating positions, as well as head restraints. The passenger seats have two 9.2-inch “floating” screens as well as a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System specifically designed for the BMW 7 Series. The surround sound system contains two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters which all have individual amplifiers.
The Mobile Office
One of the features that really spoke to me was the full speech recognition as part of the navigation system. BMW has smartly adapted this technology for office and communication purposes with a speech recognition dictation system for texting and note taking as well as automatic reading back of the message so the driver’s eyes are not distracted from the road. It is a multilingual system which recognizes six languages including English and Spanish.
Enhanced Active Cruise Control
The Enhanced Active Cruise Control not only maintains cruising speeds, but also moves the car along with flow of traffic including start-stop traffic through its sensors and enhanced front camera systems. It also caters for sharp stops with a two-stage warning system which lowers the thresholds of the Brake Assist system and decelerates to a complete stop if needed.
BMW Parking Assistant
Another feature which really stands out is the Parking Assistant which senses whether a parking space is large enough for parking. This is activated at slow speeds of no more than 22 mph. In addition, it will park the car for you – you should not have to touch the steering wheel, brakes or accelerator!
Hands-Free Trunk Opening
The hands-free trunk lid opening function allows you to stand behind the car and swing your foot under the center of the rear bumper to trigger the opening function. The system will only work, however, if you are holding the key.
Automakers Turning to Luxury SUV Market
It all started when Porscheshockingly introduced the Porsche Cayenne back in 2003. Porsche purists weren’t very happy to learn that the luxury sports car maker would also be building luxury SUVs. After all, wouldn’t this take the brand in a completely different direction? The truth is, however, though the Cayenne took Porsche in a new direction, it also hit a whole new market (the family market) which brought in a ton of new sales and even made it the brand’s bestseller. (The Cayenne also doubled the brand’s overall sales worldwide). Now, other luxury brands like Maserati, Bentley, and Lamborghiniare jumping on the SUV bandwagon, and we can’t wait to see the amazing results!
According to Forbes magazine, high-end SUV sales have flourished, even during periods that were less-than-stellar for other vehicle types. In fact, since 2005, SUV sales have increased 56 percent worldwide- despite the fact that gasoline prices continue to rise in the U.S. and other auto markets.
So, what do luxury automakers have to gain, really? Though these brands must be careful about keeping their image of extreme class, they also know that the SUV has a broad, worldwide appeal.
Recently, Lamborghini showcased its newest concept: a four-door luxury SUV named the Urus. And, though this vehicle won’t be hitting showrooms until 2016 (and it’s not the first SUV from the brand- think of the LM002, a collector’s item after it was discontinued in 1992), it is the first SUV from the brand to have a chance of becoming a best-seller, and the company hopes to sell 3,000 of the vehicles annually after its official production debut.
The Lamborghini Urusis named after an ancient line of Spanish fighting bulls and has an amazing set of angles and curves. Here are some of its other features:
– Large 24-inch wheels
– A powerful 600 horsepower engine
– Side cameras instead of side mirrors (which we hope make it to production!)
– Permanent all-wheel drive
Premium brand Bentley has also crafted its own idea of what a luxury SUVshould be. The Bentley EXP 9 F Concepthit Geneva earlier this year. Here are some specs. surrounding this vehicle:
– Power: six-liter W12 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic AWD transmission
– 23-inch alloy wheels that refer back to the Bentley race cars (as seen at Le Mans) of the 1920s
– Unique exterior styling (which could change considerably before it hits production lines).
Bentley expects to sell about 5,000 of these vehicles this year once production begins in Crewe, England. Pricing has not been announced for the EXP 9 F or the Lamborghini Urus, though pricing is expected to top $200,000 in both cases.
Here at reviewitonline.net, we can’t wait to hear more about these new models. Of course, as new details become available, we’ll be sure to share them with you! In the meantime, why not browse some of our current new vehicle reviews? Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you!
The New Lotus Ethos: High on Luxury, Low on Emissions!
Lotus took the automotive world by storm by unveiling an unprecedented amount of new models at the Paris Auto Show. Of the five shiny new rides presented by Lotus, Ethos is the one which caters to the ecologically concerned citizens of the world. In the words of the Lotus CEO, Dany Bahar, “The new Ethos, part of our tweaked plan to launch five new cars within the next five years, will be tuned to Lotus’ spec and deliver the dynamics and style you’d expect of a Lotus.”
The Lotus Ethos City Car is a hybrid hatchback model that aims to not only reduce emissions considerably but also provide a powerful driving experience. Packed with high tech features and an all new drivetrain, the new Ethos promises to bring about a revolutionary change in the market for hybrid hatchbacks. In fact it will be quite interesting to see how Ethos performs in comparison to its biggest rival, Aston Martin’s Cygnet, when it finally comes out in late 2013.
Lotus is pairing up with the automotive manufacturer, Proton, to create an integrated series hybrid drivetrain for the new Ethos. “It will be built in Malaysia, but the Lotus version will most likely be sent to finishing school in Norfolk”, said Mr Bahar regarding Ethos’ production. The hybrid engine will have single speed transmission that will ensure superlative performance as well as low emissions.
The Lotus Ethos will be armed with cutting edge technology called the ‘Range Extender Technology’ which reduces ‘range anxiety’ thereby increasing the battery life. In other words, Ethos’ hybrid engine will be cheaper and much more efficient than a normal EV, the ideal combination of economy and performance. Its advanced drivetrain will have the option of either the Zero Emission EV Mode or the Flex-Fuel Engine Mode. This means that once you have charted up to 40 miles on the battery mode, you can switch to the petrol engine that will give you an additional 250 miles. Statistically speaking, Ethos will produce around 240NM of torque allowing it to go from 0 to 50km/hour in merely 4.5s. It’s 1.2 L, 3-cylinder engine will provide a top speed of 170km/hour. It is quite clear that this green car is good for the environmentalist as well as the speed racer in you!
Appearance wise, Ethos stands up to Lotus’ standards of class and style! The exteriors have been sculpted with artist like precision and the details are just impeccable. In spite of its curvaceous design, the car looks sturdy with a sporty spirit. The most distinctive feature however is its striking glass panel which not only gives it a funky edge but also helps improve visibility. Moving onto the interiors, Lotus has experimented with a dual colour scheme teamed up with classy leather upholstery. Ethos’ yellow and green interiors spell exuberance and class while the luxuriant materials are a sign of high quality. To sum it up, Ethos is all about doing your bit for nature, in exquisite style!
Spied!: Completely Re-Crafted 2014 Model SUVs from General Motors
General Motorsmight be trying its best to keep its new 2014 models under-wraps, but in the age of the internet, nothing stays secret for long. And, with the interesting new line-up GM is working on perfecting, it should come as no surprise that keen eyes have been on the watch to glean all of the juicy details.
For the 2014 model year, GM will be replacing the ever-popular Cadillac Escalade , the Chevrolet Tahoe , and the GMC Yukon full-size SUVs (along with several other SUVs). The new replacements for these vehicles were recently seen making a sneaky exit from the auto giant’s testing grounds in Milford, Michigan. Reportedly, GM will spend around $331 million to renovate its assembly plant in Arlington, TX to accommodate for the new vehicles, and this expansion could also add production of the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT if they’re brought back for a third generation. The plant will hire around 110 new employees to take on the work that will come along with these new developments.
Originally, General Motors planned to release replacements for these full-size family vehicles for the 2013 model year, but production was pushed off due to legal issues, though the company has been known to surpass deadlines before (such as early production of the GMT900 family of SUVs in 2006- just in time to avoid the 2008 financial crisis and increasing fuel costs).
According to spies in the auto industry, the new SUV test vehicles boast padded, black cladding on their grilles which look quite a bit like the grille of the current Ford Expedition. They also seem to keep their rear axle design and should prove formidable contenders as far as tow rating is concerned, which makes sense since they’re based on GM’s next generation of full-size pickups. We’ve also received word that the new, large vehicles could eventually receive a brand-new line-up of automatic V8 engines and could also get 8-speed automatic transmissions, though six-speed transmissions might be the only ones available when they are originally launched.
The 2014 GM SUVmodels seem to be standard wheelbase models and appear to retain their boxy looks, though several models seem to have received several stylish, streamlined elements to increase fuel economy ratings, including a rather recessed hatchback and a deep chin spoiler. From the small holes located in the bumper covers, we believe that there will also be some kind of radar parking sensors on the vehicles.
The stylish new SUVs are set to make their debuts at either the 2013 Chicago Auto Show in February or the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013, and production will begin at the Arlington plant in October 2013.
Want more updates on the latest auto happenings? Stay tuned here with reviewitonline.net (RIO), and be sure to scan the wealth of information available in our new car reviews. From luxury coupes to fuel-efficient family-haulers, we’re your comprehensive source for all things auto.
Messing with the Almighty or a Makeover Long Overdue?
A car that serviced the military, aided farmers, and accompanied adventurers on a journey through undiscovered lands is ready to step into new shoes, bigger and better!
The Land Rover DC100 SUV Coupe is the new age incarnation of the iconic Defender which has ruled the roads of adventure for 63 long years! Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Director of Design, says: “Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. The DC100 isn’t a production-ready concept, but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century”.
The New Concept Landrover – The Land Rover DC100 SUV Coupe
The world got the first look of this much talked about makeover at the Frankfurt Auto Show and it sure made a stellar first impression! The DC (Defender Concept) gets the ‘100’ from the car’s 100 inch wheelbase that supports a powerful and seemingly indestructible design. Its heavy grille is complimented by contoured headlamps. While its sweeping hood covers a 5L V8 engine, though Land Rover may also opt for a V6 engine in the final design. The classic Defender-like boxy shape is retained and so are the prominent vertical handles that open up to leather covered seats and an elegant dashboard. Gone are the days of mind boggling buttons adorning the dashboard, whose operations seemed like rocket science! The Land Rover DC100 SUV Coupe is equipped with a touchscreen interface which is easy to use and good to look at!
Land Rover plans to arm its DC100 SUV with technological prowess that can give the Batmobile some serious competition! And if you think this is an overstatement, then perhaps the Terrain I will change your mind. It is a forward sensing system that detects obstacles in your path and produces a mathematically accurate model that will help you steer clear off it! Whilst the Terrain I is helping you avoid obstacles, the Terrain Response System automatically selects the most suitable driving mode depending on the terrain. While it’s Spikes on Demand function deploys tire spikes as soon as you touch ice or snow. The Leisure Key wristband option is perfect for the absent minded and extra cautious, a waterproof and shockproof device, it allows you to access the car sans a key! And for those concerned about the fuel economy, the Land Rover DC100 SUV Coupe comes with a fuel-saving option, the Drive Disconnect, a technology that puts the vehicle in a front wheel drive thereby increasing fuel economy by an unprecedented 7%!
Whether all these high-tech functions make the final cut or not, it is quite clear that the Land Rover team is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the Defender’s power packed re-introduction. Land Rover’s Global Brand Director, John Edwards, sums it up by declaring, “The Defender has always been at the heart of the Land Rover Brand and single-handedly defines our go-anywhere, can-do spirit. Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for a global market that remains absolutely faithfully to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21 st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations”. Whether the new Land Rover DC100 SUV Coupe outshines its predecessor or not, only 2015 will tell!
Chevrolet’s Impala Sedan 2013
The past five decades have seen Chevrolet create and innovate with their famed Impala series. 2012 brings in a new 2013 model which is a more dynamic model of the globally acclaimed sports sedan, which now includes brilliant technology and uber-cool interiors, makes for a smooth ride.
Chevrolet has released the 2013 Impala in three versions – LS, LT and LTZ. The foremost of these, Impala LS, provides standard quality cruise control, all-speed traction control and air-conditioning. The LT model is a notch higher in terms of luxury with the added facilities of Bluetooth connectivity, beautiful 17-inch machined aluminum wheels and a remote vehicle starter. But the most exciting of the three is the Impala LTZ, which ups the style quotient of the vehicle with leather seating and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Thus, the 2013 Impala model variety caters to the needs of consumers having distinct utility and monetary constraints.
The highlight feature of this Chevrolet Impala is its improved mileage and engine performance. With a 3.6 liter V-6 and flex-fuel unit producing commendable power of 300 horsepower and 54 pounds-feet of torque. This, combined with six-speed automatic transmission, allows for highway mileage of a whopping 30mpg which is undoubtedly, pretty impressive by any yardstick but especially so for a full-sized sedan.
While the technological specifications are laudable, the interiors are hip, creative and comfy. For those who like to stretch out long, the car provides ample leg-space and seating capacity. The 4-door Impala can seat five to six adult passengers with ease and one can choose from several seating and storage options to configure the interior space for maximum utility. The luggage trunk is roomy as well; 18.6 cu.ft. of trunk-space can be further augmented by the flip-and-fold mechanism of the backseat which can be lowered to create extra space (only in the LT and LTZ models). What is best is that the Chevrolet Impala is a quiet car with a soft, almost unnoticeable purr that makes a journey relaxing and distinctly luxurious.
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala Sedan as featured on suv.reviewitonline.net.
The Chevrolet Impala is not only technically sound and well-designed, but also a rather good-looking car. A striking, elongated front with subtle grille and gentle bonnet-curvature complements the Impala spirit of classic comfort and sporty vibes. The triangular taillights and dual exhaust suspenders make quite a statement giving the car a distinct racing car look. The combination of Impala’s great performance capacity and lovely exterior design is simply irresistible.
It has been observed and corroborated by many that the 2013 Chevrolet Impala provides for several high-tech features at a price that is not too extravagant. Available at a little over US $25,000 with different pricing for its LS, LT and LTZ versions respectively, this car is priced just right. For those looking for a comfortable, well-performing sedan this year, the Impala shall be a suitable option; it is backed by Chevrolet’s remarkable reputation while the designing and features speak for themselves. All-in-all, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala is a fantastic mid-range, full-sized automobile that can serve multiple purposes.
Brand- New Fiat 500X Crossover will Also Inspire New Compact Jeep SUV
Big news is on the horizon for the Fiatbrand, as it recently announced an all-new, full-sized crossover variant of the Fiat 500Xthat’s set to hit the U.S. and Europe by early 2014. Teaser images (supposedly unexpected by the company) were released for a few short seconds when the vehicle was announced recently at the Fiat 500L’s media launch on the U.S.’ Independence Day (July 4 th ) in Turin, Italy. Fortunately for Fiat fans across the globe, the OmniAuto was able to capture the brief a single image on film.
The lone image shows a rather conventional hatchback design, yet with distinctly tall ride height and rugged-looking protective cladding for adventurous types. In Europe, the vehicle will replace the Fiat Sedici, but in the U.S. it will be a brand- new entry in the fast-growing crossover market, which will soon be comprised of the Ford EcoSport, the MINI Cooper Countryman, and the Buick Encore.
The Fiat 500x Crossover is set to hit dealers in early 2014
The new Fiat 500Xwill join several other, more seasoned veterans of the Fiat family, which is currently comprised of the Fiat 500C convertible, the standard Fiat 500 three-door hatchback, the sporty Fiat 500 Abarth, and the Fiat 500L MPV. Added to this list is the recently announced 500L minivan (mentioned above), which will begin production at the brand’s Kragujevac, Serbia plant for the North American market next year and Europe in September.
Production of the 500X will begin in December 2013 at the Miraflorini, Turin plant in Italy. The 500X is based on the Punto subcompact and will be longer than any other Fiat 500 model at 165.4 inches in length. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants are expected. The company is pumping billions of dollars for expansion costs into the Miraflorini plant to accommodate the additional 280-thousand vehicles it will produce of the new model each year. There’s also a battery-powered Fiat 500 Elettra model in the works, which is currently testing at several locations across the United States.
As far as power is concerned, the new 500X will likely feature two gasoline engines (TwinAir and 1.4-liter), as well as a turbodisel engine(1.3 MultiJet II) in Europe, while North America will receive a single 1.4-liter Multiair engine. However, this engine could produce more horsepower than the standard 101 hp and 98 lb.-ft. of torque that the current 500 achieves.
Reviewitonline.net also has received news that a new Jeepmodel will be built alongside of this stylish, rugged new crossover. The new model is code named the B-SUV 500X SUV and will be much smaller than the current Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot .Production of this vehicle is slated to begin in the second half of 2014, and it will be sold in several global markets, including Europe and the U.S. The Jeep model will differ from the Fiat in that it will come with additional premium features and will be trail-rated.
For more of the latest auto world updates, be sure to stay tuned here with reviewitonline.net. When it comes to breaking new carnews, we’ve got you covered!
