Monthly Archives April 2014

The 2015 Mini Countryman is a mid-cycle refresh model. No mechanical changes are made to the small SUV. Major feature changes/upgrades are:

– LED lighting (standard on the S and John Cooper Works);

– AWD model comes with underbody guard plate as standard (except JCW models)

– New infotainment system

– Exterior/interior tweaks (styling, layout, colors etc.)

Please note that the AWD version of Countryman (ALL4 system, as shown below), there is an electromagnetic multi-plate clutch to connect the front drive shaft to the rear wheels. This sytem’s default status is 50/50 split power distribution. Under the assumption that front and rear wheels are spinning at the same speed

Today VW announced their new 2015 GTI model information. Here are some highlights to compare the new model with the current GTI.

– Based on Mk7 Golf (MQB platform); while the 2014 model are on the Mk6 Golf (PQ35 platform);

– New model is 2.2 inches longer, 1.1 inches lower and 0.5 inches wider;

– Use the same EA888 2.0L turbo engine that also appears on most Audi cars; this engine uses timing chain, it does not require maintenance to this part for many years, thus saves you money if you plan to keep this car for a long time. The EA888 also solves many reliability issues in the previous EA133 engine, which is used on the current GTI

– Standard engine output 210hp and 258 l...

Ever think of owning an Aston Martin for less than $100k? Now your dream come true.

In this weekend’s 2014 New York auto show, Aston Martin will unveil the 2015 Vantage GT, which comes with a 430hp, 361 lb-ft of torque 4.7L V8 engine. This engine has special valvetrain which will open additional intake valves when the engine rpm is over 3500. Two transmission options: 6MT or 7-speed DCT. Estimated 0-60mph costs 4.6 seconds, top speed is 190mph. Customer can choose either a coupe version or a roadster body style.

The best news: this British luxury vehicle only asks for $99,900 (not including delivery charge)...

According to Ford, it replaced its former Lincoln brand designer Max Wolff, with David Woodhouse. This new HR change happened in last December.

Woodhouse joined Ford back in 1999. Before that he worked for GM. During his previous work in Ford, Woodhouse oversaw the exterior design of the previous-Ford-own luxury brands such as Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover and Volvo.

While we do not know the actual reason why Ford let Wolff step down his post, we know Wolff did make good progress for the Lincoln brand. The model he was in charge of the exterior design, the Lincoln MKZ’s sales gain 36% in the last quarter.

It looks like Ford put a big hope on the exterior design to b...

Toyota is going to release a new mid-size sedan, which is believed to sit between the Corolla and Camry, in the Chinese market.

To see why this makes a business case, first let’s see what the competition in the market right now is. In China, Honda has a model called Crider, which fill the gap between the Civic and Accord. It has a 104.3 inches wheelbase and comes with the 1.8L engine which it shares with the Civic. The Crider has a MacPherson front suspension, and a torsion beam for the rear suspension. A normal Crider carries a MSRP which approximately half the price of an Audi A3 sedan.

Below is the exterior and interior of the Honda Crider.

The Korean auto maker a...