2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab SLT 4x4

Chrysler is reportedly having a hard time ramping up production of its 2013 Ram 1500 According to The Detroit News, only 16 of the 58 vehicles at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant were built in the first model in the final hours. During the final quality in the course of the day a little more than half of the shares on Thursday set up for the transmission allowed improved. Even with workers ordered to stay up late, their mistakes were some 1,078 units outside of the apparatus with defects. The problem, the workers in the factory, is moral.

According to the report, Chrysler recently the shift schedule in the factory and the workers are not happy with the new situation. The new plan requires employees divided into three teams, each of four 10-hours a day. With the staggered layers, some employees now have to work at night and on Saturdays. Some people are so angry that they made to protest, but the movement is not sanctioned by the United Auto Workers. Meanwhile, Chrysler is that internal problems at the start, but the company were able to contain them. A spokesman said, "Plans to improve quality indicators."

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2013 Honda Accord Sedan

Honda is being closely monitored by automotive journalists from around the world. And it's hard to doubt that there is something wrong with the Japanese company, especially after the ninth-generation Civic was heavily criticized just miserably in the first years of production, and they have recently launched a heavily revised model 1 year after the original debut. Not to mention, it seems many automotive journalists have agreed that Honda lost a few of its customer requirements-a biggie seems to have been that the lack of an S2000 successor. That is, to rationalize overtime, journalists would try here and there, what exactly is wrong with Honda, like Bill Visnic from Edmunds Auto Observer in 2010 and, more recently, Travis Okulski of Jalopnik.

But there is always so strong evidence that the beating heart of the encapsulated activated H still. In touch with his roots Recent receipt of the last of the ninth generation Accord is on par with chords from the past, maybe even a few. It also seems the height of the ninth generation Civic to have a dramatic difference in comparison with the original. And a brighter light on Honda way to illuminate potential repayment has, the company announced that it. Executive revision for Honda North America.

Current CEO of Honda is Tetsuo Iwarmura remain in position while Hidenobu Iwata, the President Brand production remains in its position. The new dates begin in the production, based on the locations of the plants in this great continent. "This organizational change accelerates decision-making and improve operational efficiency," Tetsuo Iwamura said in the press release. "Our global customers want new, exciting and affordable car, motorcycle and power equipment products, and these changes will respond to our ability to respond quickly to our customers to bring their dreams to the market."

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2014 Range Rover Evoque 9-speed Auto

Land Rover demonstrates the world's first nine-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The ZF 9HP Transmission is designed for cross-applications and is one of the most efficient and technologically advanced transmissions ever in a production model. Land Rover is the lead partner in this project with ZF. Increasing the number of gear steps 6-9 will help to improve emissions and efficiency. Smaller ratio steps give a better answer if the acceleration, with improved shift quality and sophistication. A higher top gear improves efficiency by reducing the speed boost comfort and reduces noise while driving on the highway.

The 9HP is fairly robust and complements the off-road capability of a Land Rover vehicle to be expected, while an exceptionally high performance and efficiency. The lowest rate was in the 9HP is lower than the existing six-speed gearbox and is for off-road use, developed towing and road conditions such as steep slopes. While the existing six-speed transmission allows downshifting sequentially 9HP has a skip-shift function for much faster switchover to emergency braking requirements. When the driver requires a downshift instructing when the vehicle is traveling too fast to the selected gear, the transmission of the request, and storing the offset, when the speed to an appropriate level. "Fast-off" mode measures the speed of the gas release provides further requests the driver for high performance, keep the gear, if necessary.

The torque converter with a multi-stage damping system for a smoother and provided improved pull configuration. An innovative adaptive shift fits the mood of the driver within seconds, great during the grinding disk and then seamlessly switches to an economic program if you ride at a relaxed approach. In addition, "Curve" mode detected acceleration / deceleration forces and the position of the pedal all control upshift timing. The 9HP is expertly packed and despite the additional three courses is only 0.24 inches (6 mm) longer and actually weighs 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg) less than the previous six-speed transmission. The compact packaging achieved by using a number of innovative design features: Replace a new compact hydraulic vane pump, two patented jaw couplings bulky conventional clutch plates and a nested programs.

Land Rover and ZF current partners in transmission development, together fully integrated solutions for data transfer in the Range Rover, Land Rover LR4 and Range Rover Sport have developed. The new nine-speed transmission is produced in Gray Court ZF plant in South Carolina, USA.

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2013 Land Rover Electric Defender

Land Rover UK continues to champion innovation and cutting-edge automotive technology by unveiling seven new electric Defender models on the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The research vehicle emissions while retaining its tough, go-anywhere ability. "Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of our company and our engineering teams are working hard to develop innovative new technology, promote sustainable solutions," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

The standard diesel engine and the gearbox in the 110 defenders were by a 70kW (94bhp) 330Nm electric. Using a 300-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 27kWh, which replaces a range of more than 50 miles sister city in typical low-speed off-road use, it can last for up to eight hours before recharging. The battery can be fully charged by a 7kW fast charger in four hours or a portable 3kW charger in 10 hours.

The electric vehicles (EVs) reserve the Defender legendary four-wheel drive and differential lock. Since the electric motor with a maximum torque from the time when it starts, there is no need for the switching and the transmission consists of a belt speed, 2.7:1 reduction gear in connection with the existing Defender wheel drive system. A modified version of the Land Rover Terrain Response ® system is also included.

The vehicles were developed by Advanced Engineering Team Land Rover after successful testing of the Defender-based electric car, Leopard first The vehicles' option has been tested under extreme conditions and environmentally sensitive and shows features that are not shared with the conventional way EVs. Studies include pulling a 12-ton "truck" a 13 percent gradient and wade to a depth of 800 mm.

In accordance with Land Rover "green travel" philosophy of the smooth, low speeds, the electric motor, the electric Defenders makes it particularly suitable for climbing obstacles without damaging the surface unnecessarily. The battery weighs 410kg and is arranged in the front of the Defender instead of the diesel engine. Curb weight is 100 kg more than a Defender 110, ranging from 2055kg to 2162kg depending on the type of construction is a pick up, hard top or caravan.

All major components of the electric drive - including the battery, inverter and motor - are air-cooled or water-cooled, whereby a significant amount of weight and complexity, and adding robustness. Regenerative brakes in such a manner that the motor HDC 30kW of electricity used optimized. Since the battery technology can quickly recovered with a speed of up to be charged double the capacity 54kW without the battery almost all regenerated energy and stored. Up to 80 percent of the kinetic energy in the vehicle can be collected, depending on the circumstances.

"This project will be assessed as a rolling laboratory for Land Rover on electric vehicles, even in the toughest off-road conditions. It gives us to develop an opportunity to test a range of technologies that could one day be introduced in the future Land Rover models, "said Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover's head of research. While there are no plans for the all-terrain electric Defender series production run, are the seven electric vehicles specialized in operating real world studies will go later this year.

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2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

A Californian court on fuel economy claims for the 2013 Ford C-Max was first reported in December. Based on the many reports we have not by disgruntled owners to their cars EPA fuel economy ratings will not hear on the C-Max and 2013 Fusion Hybrid, we suspect there would be more to this story. The Detroit News reports that two California law firms combine their lawsuits against Ford in this case for "false and misleading" claims.

It states that there are hundreds of C-Max and Fusion Hybrid owners who have joined the lawsuit, but the problem is not limited to customers. In December, Consumer Reports tested both the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max, and found that both hybrids significantly worse than their EPA conducted claims. All this comes just a few months after the Hyundai and Kia the unprecedented step of lowering the fuel consumption increased ratings for all its 2012 and 2013 model year vehicles.

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2014 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

The MC Stradale is the star on the Maserati stand, in addition to all the new Quattroporte versions as they 27th their European debut, Modena February 2013, to make. From the moment that the viewer is the new series - starting to make with the new Quattroporte, on its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show - Maserati luxury sports models, which also renews the foundation for the growth of the brand. In line with this philosophy, Geneva see the world premiere of the new four-seater GranTurismo MC Stradale, which combines optimal expression of the sportiness of a coupé with the luxury in Modena. Although the new Maserati Quattroporte is the first on the new Giovanni Agnelli factory in Grugliasco (Turin), the GranTurismo MC Stradale is in fact built on the historic factory in Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena be built.

Like the previous two-seat version of the new four-seat GranTurismo of the racing version which competes in the Maserati Trofeo Championship is inspired, the perfect combination of sportiness, luxury and elegance, comfort and style, function and dynamics - to be now can be enjoyed by four people. The new aesthetic, with its clean racing edge, the new carbon bonnet which frames a central air intake and two rear extractors and the new forged 20 "alloy wheels marked. The new GranTurismo MC Stradale has a cabin that comfortable with four seats and interior with new materials and style.

The new GranTurismo MC Stradale also the 4.7-liter, 460 hp V8 engines that debuted in the Gran Turismo Sport and now is secured to the entire 4.7-liter GranTurismo range. In combination with an MC Race Shift 6-speed automated manual transmission, this engine ensures excellent performance - with a top speed of 188 mph - which can be enjoyed in this new four-seater version. The safety of the vehicle is guaranteed by the Brembo carbon-ceramic brake discs. The new GranTurismo MC Stradale also comes from the work on the latest range of engines to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

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2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Seen a revised methodology in the preparation of its annual report cards Consumer Reports Car Brand Lexus award its top overall ranking in 2013. For the first time in history, broke the institute individual brands their larger enterprises umbrellas, meaning that automakers like Lexus and Scion were independently reviewed by the parent company Toyota. This strategy worked well for Lexus as the luxury brand achieved the highest rating of 79 reports for the model year 2013. The Institute has tested every one of the Lexus models to date, and said that the company's products won thanks to "a foundation of plush and very reliable car."

Meanwhile, Mazda and Subaru tied for the second highest score report cars, with scores of 76. Subaru deserves praise for sporty models like the GT, apparently CR testers had fun riding (of course), while the Mazda products were praised for their blend of functionality, sportiness and efficiency. Both of the Japanese brands offer good handling, fuel economy and versatility, says Consumer Reports.

Acura and Toyota rounded out the top five with two scores of 74 points. A full eight of the top ten brands were Japanese companies with Audi (eighth place) and Mercedes-Benz (tenth place), the only European company. With top scores CR noted that the Euro-brands were inconsistent this year, losing ground with Volkswagen and Mini with the worst of everything from European brands, with 20 of the 26 total.

Domestic automakers do not particularly good, either. Cadillac was on the peaks of the General Motors portfolio, but was still only hampered average reliability, and not loves at CUE complex CR "controls", a complaint that we have heard. Ford and Lincoln have been dinged for its infotainment systems and reliability, but also for EcoBoost engines that do not deliver the promised fuel economy ratings. Chrysler brands were the worst off, but only with the Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 and Chrysler 300 V6 are recommended by the publication. Scroll down for the full list of Brand Report Card scores, as well as the Consumer Reports press release, or visit the website to read the CR on the functionality and explore the detailed information behind each of the brands.

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Bertone Aston Martin Rapide Shooting Brake

Bertone showed that the Aston Martin Rapide Shooting Brake, which planned at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show debut in March. The concept is quite different compared to normal Rapide. The C-pillars are bent and to the muscular wheel arches and large. This results in the perception of motion, even when the car is stationary. There is also a full-length LED strip on the back and the acute-angled tailgate.

The interior is 2 +2 seating with individual seats for each passenger. The new body has plenty of space for rear passengers. The rear seats can be folded flat to increase luggage space. There is aluminum, wood and two-tone leather interior. No words about the performance, but probably the Rapide Shooting Brake will be the same engine as Rapide S - a 6.0-liter V12 with 558HP (410 kW) at 6750 rpm and 620 nm (458 lb-ft) torque at 5000 revolutions per minute. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

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2013 Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition

A special Mazda MX-5 will venture edition to the end of March 2013 in the UK available. The roadster is priced from £ 18,895 for the 1.8-liter version. The highlights include a new set of 17 "Bright Finish alloy wheels, heated leather beige sport seats, beige leather door panels and (on the soft-top model) has a tan fabric shade a choice of four exterior colors will be offered -. Brilliant Black, Copper Red Mica, Meteor Grey Metallic Mica and Stormy Blue Mica - plus venture edition badge.

The 1.8-liter produces 126PS (93 kW), while the powerful 2.0-liter version has 160hp (118 kW). Both are coupled to a manual 5-speed transmission. The 2.0-liter Venture edition Roadster £ 22,295 fixed.

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