Monthly Archives July 2014

Our Mazda insider told us that, the Japanese auto maker is planning to build the next generation of the CX-9 SUV, in China.

Please do not be confuse that, Mazda will still assemble the CX-9 in Hiroshima, Japan, for other markets in the world, including the US. Currently the plan is to make the CX-9 for Chinese market only. It is the first time that the Mazda CX-9 be build outside of Japan.

Mazda has two factories in China: one is the FAW Mazda Motor, another one is the Chang’an Ford Mazda, both are joint ventures between Chinese auto companies and the Mazda Motor Corporation...

On July 25th, the last unit of the Lexus IS-F rolled off its assembly line at the Lexus Tahara plant.

During its 7-year life span, approximately 12,000 units are build. Currently there is no successor model planned for the new generation of IS series. However with the brand’s ambitious V8 engine plans, and also upcoming new F-variant models, I believe the IS-F will be revived for the new IS sedan.

Review Index:
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 1 (Exterior)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 2 (Interior)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 3 (Chassis and Suspension)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 4 (Powertrain)

The GL450 is equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s M278 engine.

The M278 is Mercedes-Benz’s latest direct injected, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, with 4.7L displacement. Basically speaking, M278 is the turbo version of the M273 V8, plus fuel direct injection. This same engine can be seen on many Mercedes-Benz vehicles such as the S-class, CL-class, CLS-class, E-class, M-class etc, but with different tunes to generate different level of outputs...

Today Kia released details about the 2015 model year of the Cadenza. There is no major mechanical changes, and the updates are mainly in electronics and functionality:

– 8-way power adjustable passenger seat standard on all trims;
– Technology package: added Rear Cross Traffic Alert system;
– New on the Limited trim: new grille and exterior styling tweaks; enhancements in interior such as an analogue clock, chrome bits, surround view monitor etc.

Among the several issues which hinder electric cars becoming more popular, one is the battery capacity, another one is the battery charging problem.

In US currently there are three major charging standards. The first one is called CHAdeMO. Its full name is CHAdeMO – JEVS (Japan Electric Vehicle Standard) G105-1993. Several major automakers have implemented and used this standard, for example you can see this on the Nissan LEAF.

The second one is called “SAE J1772 Combo”, which is used by GM and BMW.

The third standard is implemented by Tesla, the one used in Tesla’s Supercharger. Currently the Model S is the only vehicle that supports this charging standard.

Originally...