Category Car News

Remember we reported the Mazda RX-8 successor – the RX-9, is coming three year later?

Most of the information in that article still holds, with one exception and it is a good news. Previously we said it will come with a 300hp, naturally aspirated rotary engine; but today we get an update that, Mazda is planning to use a turbocharged rotary engine, which is planned to output around 449hp (335kW).

Rotary engine is more suitable to be paired to turbocharging, reasons are:

1. Using turbocharging, the engine can use less quantity of rotor to achieve the same output;
2. Turbocharging can significantly boost low RPM torque, which is a weak point for the RX-8 previously;
2...

Our Lexus insider told us that, the 4th-generation of the RX, which is scheduled to be revealed next year as a 2016 model, will not only come with the 3rd-row seating option, but also will be equipped with the Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission, for non-hybrid models.

For the current Lexus RX models, only the RX350 FSport has the 8AT.

Please do not be confused this with the 8-speed units in the current IS350/GS350/LS460 models: that 8AT is for RWD platform, and is completely different than the Aisin 8AT units we are talking about in this article, which is for FWD transverse engine layout.

This is not a surprising news, because the redesigned 2015 Volvo XC90 will come wi...

We get the latest news for the BMW F3x models. Starting from the 2016 model year, the current N20 4-cylinder turbo engine will be replaced by the newly designed B48 engine; and the award-wining N55 turbo-6, will be upgraded to the B58 engine.

Therefore, the current N20-equipped models (328i/428i) will be renamed 330i and 430i. The N55-equipped cars (335i/435i) will be designated as 340i/440i.

This is not just a name change, according to our insider source, those two engines will be at least 10% more powerful than their predecessors. More specifically, the 330i/430i will be around 270ps; the 340i/440i will be approx. 330-340ps (depends on options chosen).

Instead of using...

Mercedes-Benz has used the 7G-Tronic transmission for many years, it is time for a renewal.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz has released its successor: the 9G-Tronic 9-speed transmission, and was firstly put in the 2014 E350 BlueTEC sedan, the CLS 220/250/350 BlueTEC and also the CLS500.

Now the factory has decided to extend the new transmission to the latest S500 Coupe. According to Mercedes-Benz, the 9G-Tronic transmission is able to handle torque up to 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm). More information and detailed analysis about this transmission, can be found in our article three month ago:

Insight: the Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic nine speed transmission

Mazda just announced that they will reveal the next generation of the MX-5 Miata, on Sep. 3rd. Below is the image of the current MX-5 Miata.

According to Mazda, the new MX-5 Miata will be around 220 lbs lighter than the current generation. Also from the video on YouTube posted by Mazda, the engine sounds is very similar to a turbo engine. Will the new Miata be offered a turbo engine? Or the rumored Skyactiv-D diesel engine?

Below is Mazda’s press release.

ALL-NEW 2016 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA CONFIRMED
– Fourth-Generation Roadster to Debut via Simultaneous Global Events on Three Continents –

IRVINE, Calif...