Kia Optima Wagon Headed to Production

Kia Optima Wagon Headed to Production
Koenigsegg Sedan Under Consideration
Ford F-650, F-750 Medium-Duty Trucks Revealed
Pagani Huayra Roadster Coming in 2016 With More Power
Mercedes Metris Mid-Size Cargo Van Debuts in North America
2016 Chevrolet Malibu To Debut Next Month With New Style

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The Kia Sportspace concept will head to production within the next 18 months.

After making its worldwide debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, a spokesman for the Korean automaker confirmed to Top Gear that the concept will head to production as the Optima wagon. In addition, the CEO of Kia Motors Europe, Michael Cole, admitted that the company wants to "enter segments that we're not in to support our growth," and wagons sell particularly well in Europe.

As a result, don't expect to see the Optima wagon on U.S. shores anytime soon considering how weak wagon sales are in North America. The European market will likely get to enjoy a performance version of the Optima wagon in the future as well the Korean automaker said. What North American shoppers can get excited for is the idea of a performance sedan that was previewed by the Kia GT concept.

Those hoping to see the GT4 Stinger concept head to production will have to wait a bit longer. Currently the company has no plans of bringing that to production due to everything already on its plate.

[Source: Top Gear]

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Koenigsegg Sedan Under Consideration

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Koenigsegg may have just debuted its first "megacar" but more could be on the way.

Speaking to Top Gear, the Swedish automaker's CEO Christian von Koenigsegg confirmed that a four-door model is under consideration and it could debut within the next few years. Unfortunately details beyond that weren't revealed, but Koenigsegg did spill some future technologies the company is working on including the idea of an engine without camshafts. Without getting too technical, Koenigsegg revealed that he's been working on the technology for nearly 14 years and has eight employees working on it full time for the last few years.

In fact, he expanded saying that it's "getting ready for fruition" and that the automaker is working with "a couple of large OEMs and looking to implement it." As for a competitor in the sports car segment akin to the Porsche 911, don't expect it to come from Koenigsegg anytime soon, if at all. The automaker has no plans to build a competitor to the Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 or even McLaren's new sports cars, calling the segment "a hornet's nest."

At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg debuted the Regera hybrid megacar and imagining that powertrain in a four-door body will surely get supercar enthusiasts salivating.

[Source: Top Gear]

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Ford F-650, F-750 Medium-Duty Trucks Revealed

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Ford has revealed its all-new F-650 and F-750 medium-duty pickup trucks.

Heading to dealerships this summer, the new F-650 and F-750 will be built at the American automaker's Ohio Assembly Plant and will be available with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine. One of the main focuses for Ford when developing its next-generation F-650 and F-750 was to lower noise levels so that owners will have a quieter, more comfortable experience inside and out. According to Ford, the Power Stroke V8 engine is 25 percent quieter inside the cabin at 60 mph than the previous model, with noise levels dropping from 74 dBs to 68 dBs. At idle, the trucks' noise levels are improved by as much as 45 percent, dropping to 48 dBs from 63 dBs.

Three power levels will be available with the diesel V8 engine starting with a best-in-class standard 270 hp and 675 lb-ft of torque. The mid-range setup will have 300 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque while the range-topping V8 will feature 330 hp and 725 lb-ft of torque. The engine will also come with a five-year, 250,000-mile warranty. Those looking for a gasoline powerplant can opt for a 6.8-liter V10 engine with 320 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque mated to a TorqShift heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission.

The medium-duty pickups will be offered in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab styles and in straight-frame, dock-height and an all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy towing applications.

"Our all-new F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks are purpose-built to give our hardworking vocational customers maximum capability," said John Ruppert, general manager, Ford Commercial Vehicle Sales and Marketing. "While the truck is able to work harder, we also made life inside the cab easier. Lowering in-cab and exterior noise levels improves driver comfort and minimizes disturbances while idling at work sites."

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Pagani Huayra Roadster Coming in 2016 With More Power

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With other exotics making waves at the Geneva Motor Show this week, Pagani is taking the time to spread the word about its two upcoming projects, including a new roadster.

According to Top Gear the company is looking first to make a hardcore version of its Huayra coupe. Calling it a special gift for the Pagani fans around the world, the company's founder, Horacio Pagani confirmed that such a car would be detailed by the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, and that only 20 models will be made.

Pagani also confirmed that a roadster version of the Huayra is on the way following the debut of the hardcore coupe. The roadster is set for a 2016 Geneva Motor Show Debut, and will make slightly more horsepower ouf it its 6.0-liter V12 engine than its coupe counterpart. Apparently the roadster will have a different chassis with different front and rear subframes and a new transmission. It's expected to be about 100 lbs lighter too.

This car will also be limited, set for just 100 units and the founder has confidence that the car will be able to hit 200 MPH.

[Source: Top Gear]

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Mercedes Metris Mid-Size Cargo Van Debuts in North America

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Mercedes-Benz is building on the strong foundation its Sprinter cargo van has developed in North America and is now introducing a mid-sized work-van called the Metris.

The van had its global debut today at the 2015 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis and will hit U.S. dealers in October 2015. You may recognize the Metris by another name: "Vito," which remains the midsize commercial van nameplate for all other global markets.

With a starting price of $29,945 for the cargo version and $33,495 for the passenger models, the Metris is longer and wider than the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200. The van will use a four-cylinder gas engine that delivers 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, to the rear-wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission.

While all models come with a crosswind assistance system to help the van drive straight in heavy winds, the Metris also comes with attention assist, that can detect when drivers may be drowsy or distracted. Optional features include an active parking assist system, lane keeping assist, parking sensors, collision prevention assist, blind spot assist, and a rearview camera.

While the new van is a big deal to commercial truck drivers, Mercedes quickly shot down any thoughts that the V-Class luxury van would be hitting North America.

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu To Debut Next Month With New Style

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It's no secret that the Chevrolet Malibu is lacking a bit in comparison to its mid-sized sedan rivals, but the American automaker is looking to change all that with the next generation model, which will debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

Teased ahead of its official debut, Chevy says the new car will be lighter and larger than the last iteration of the vehicle. In fact, the wheel-base will be longer by about 4 inches, which will help to enhance rear legroom and interior space.

Additionally, the car will shed about 300 lbs compared to the last generation model. That kind of weight savings will help improve the cars fuel economy and on road handling.

However the most noticeable change is with the design of the car. While the last model was fairly drab, this generation's profile seems sleek with well sculpted accents. It looks like Chevy is going for a bolder approach in terms of exterior appearance.

More details of the 2016 Malibu will be shared leading up to its debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show and the automaker is expecting that the car will hit showrooms by 2015.

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Car Reviews

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

Kia Optima Wagon Headed to Production

Kia Optima Wagon Headed to Production

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