Monthly Archives May 2014

We got some updates from our VW source.

In autumn this year, VW will release the wagon version of the Passat sedan, called “Passat Variant”.

In engine and drivetrain technologies, VW will announce its 10-speed double clutch transmission (10-speed DSG) and also a 1.0L turbo engine.

The 10-speed DSG can handle a maximum torque of 369 lb-ft, rumors said the future Tiguan will be the first candidate to use this new transmission; and the first model to receive the new 1.0 TSI engine will be the VW Polo.

We got some insight about the next generation BMW 5-series, especially the M5, from our BMW insider.

– It will be the first time for a BMW M car, to use a 4-wheel-drive system;
– To offset the extra weight of the AWD system, the new M5 will use more advanced light-weight materials in the construction. The body-in-white will be 176 lbs lighther than the current M5;
– Turbo V8 engine, output will be more than 600 hp.

These news are within our expectation, because previously we know that BMW is bringing the AWD Alpina B6 Gran Coupe to US market (which is unusual because previoulsy BMW never sold any Alpina model in US market if there is already a same M model is for sale); a...

Two days ago we reported the W205 C class wagon will be released in this year’s Paris Motor Show in October.

Today we bring you the good news that, if you are waiting to buy the new C wagon your wait is shorter now: Mercedes will announced the new wagon two weeks later, on May 23.

But we are not sure whether Mercedes will bring this model to US side, so this may be good news only for European readers at this moment.

Below are the spy shots of the W205 C class wagon.

The current Jeep Wrangler is due for a refresh in 2017. Here is the information we know at this moment for the new Wrangler:

– Aluminum car body panels (however the body frame will be still made with steel);
– Live axle suspension will be replaced by air-spring independent suspension (not confirmed);
– Upgrade to the part-time four wheel drive system;
– Soft top can be folded by electronic motors

We will report back once more information is avaialble.

The Honda S2000 is a legendary sports car that was discontinued after the 2009 model year.

Currently all Honda products (including the Acura brand) are front-wheel-drive platform based. While such design is suitable for daily driving vehicles, it does not fit the profile of a performance car or luxury car, especially for its Acura branch.

So for Acura, Honda engineers are currently busy working on the next generation of the NSX; For the Honda brand, the new S2000 is also in the plan. Our latest information is the rear-wheel-drive S2000 will be equipped with the same engine which will also be found in the new Civic Type-R, output is estimated to be between 280 and 300 hp.