Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) have two major types: one does not use a belt to transmit power, such as Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which uses mechanical gears; another type of CVT uses belts connecting two pulleys.

The first type has the advantage of real mechanical hard connections, high efficiency and high capacity (can handle large torque), but one limitation is that the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, its mechanical structure can only be used in hybrid powertrains, that transmission will not work in a traditional internal combustion engine powered car.

For the belt type CVT, it can be used in all cars with different types of power sources, and it has unlim...

For the current MINI Cooper’s John Coooper Works (JCW) series vehicles, they are using a turbo-charged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine which outputs 208 hp, code name “Prince”, jointly developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën.

The 2015 model year JCW models will see a completely new engine, which is based on the BMW B48 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine. The B48 series engine is not new for the MINI family – the current MINI Cooper S, has already used it for the 2014 model year, with output tuned to 189 hp with 207 lb-ft of torque.

On the 2015 JCW models, the B48 engine increased its boost and the final output is said to be around...

Today we got the unofficial price for many trims of the redesigned 2015 C-Class (W205). Unfortunately it is for China market only, but we can still get a brief idea of how Mercedes-Benz is going to price their latest compact sports sedan. From the leaked pricing info, it is also the first time we get the more details and confirmation that the C450 will also be made, and long-wheel-base version will be offered on all trims.

Pricing info (in RMB. 1 USD = 6.21558122 RMB):

2015 Mercedes-Benz C Class (W205)
C180L:    313,000
C200L:    339,000
C260L:    372,000
C300L:    445,000
C400L:    528,000
C450L:    627,000

For your reference, below is the 2014 C-Class (...

According to a latest media interview with Kei-Ichi Nishiyama, the assistant chief engineer of the Lexus NX, Lexus is considering design the next-gen RX to be a three row CUV, which means the redesigned RX will grow in size.

The reason is quite obvious: with the Lexus NX introduced, it will fullfill the role of the current RX; and currently Lexus also lacking a 3-row CUV that can compete in the $35k – $45k price range, which is dominated by competitors such as the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 etc.

The redesigned Lexus RX will be officially revealed in the second half of 2015, as a 2016 model. Below is image of the current RX.

Remember when Dodge officially announced the 2015 Challenger more than one month ago, it said the SRT model will come with “600-plus horsepower”.

Today it turns out the “600-plus” figure is way too conservative, because Dodge officailly released the final number: 707 hp, with 650 lb-ft of torque.

This is surprising, because 707 is excessively more than “600 plus”.

But this is not surprising too, because with the help of force induction you can achieve whatever level of output you want, theoretically speaking. Since Mercedes-Benz can pump out 360hp from the 2.0L displacement engine in the CLA45 AMG, why should not Dodge get 707hp from a displacement of 6...