El nuevo Citroën C3 para el Mercosur tendrá un diseño diferente al europeo

El lanzamiento regional del nuevo Citroën C3 será en Brasil, en el segundo semestre del año que viene, y la marca francesa sigue realizando pruebas intensas con las versiones preserie del modelo.

Estas fotos de una unidad camuflada fueron tomadas en la ciudad brasileña de Teresina. Las imágenes muestran detalles de la parte trasera de la nueva generación del hatchback chico, que dejan bien en claro que el nuevo C3 será bastante más grande que el actual.

Por estos días, la fábrica de Peugeot-Citroën en Porto Real ya está produciendo cerca de cinco unidades diarias del nuevo C3, en régimen de entrenamiento.

La versión para el Mercosur del C3, conocida internamente con el nombre Ai51, tendrá algunas diferencias en relación a la versión europea. La parrilla delantera será igual a la delCitroën Aircross, con los contornos cromados, formando el logotipo del doble chevrón.

El paragolpes delantero, en cambio, tendrá semejanzas con la versión deportiva DS3.

PSA ya anunció una inversión de 2.100 millones de dólares para ampliar su fábrica de aquí al 2015. La mayor parte de ese monto se destinará al desarrollo y fabricación de nuevos proyectos de vehículos, entre los cuales se encuentra también el Peugeot 208, y la creación de nuevas motorizaciones.

El nuevo Citroën C4 avanza en El Palomar
Se invertirán 455 millones de pesos

Tal como reveló Autoblog en mayo (ver nota), la nueva generación del Citroën C4 se fabricará también en El Palomar. Su lanzamiento está previsto para el 2013, comenzando con una versión sedán y más adelante con un hatchback.

Según informa hoy el diario El Cronista, para el llamado Proyecto B73 se invertirán 455 millones de pesos, de los cuales el 33% serán financiados por los créditos del Fondo del Bicentenario.

A diferencia del actual C4 Sedán, este nuevo modelo ya no se exportará a Europa (ver nota).

Proyección del próximo Citroën C4 Sedán.

2013 Nissan GT-R: Even More Power, Updated Face, More Standard Equipment

If there was a production car we felt was short on horsepower, the Nissan GT-R was not it. Even so, the company’s engineers have managed to coax yet more power from the GT-R’s engine, in addition to adding more standard equipment and updating the car’s appearance.

The big news is that the twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-6 engine now produces 545 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque, up from 530 hp and 448 lb-ft for 2012. The power gain is courtesy of a more efficient intake and exhaust, and a larger intake duct for the intercooler. In addition, a revised shift fork and, firmer flywheel bearings, and motorsports-specification differential oil help make the dual-clutch transmission smoother and quieter.

The 2013 GT-R also is marginally more aerodynamic than the 2012 model, thanks to a new front fascia that cuts the coefficient of drag from 0.27 to 0.26. Black Edition models wear a new handmade carbon-fiber rear spoiler. Inside, the tachometer receives new blue accent lighting. Nissan says that the car’s suspension has been mildly retuned.

In addition, navigation, a backup camera, and Bluetooth connectivity become standard for the new model year. There is one small disappointment: Japanese-spec Nissan GT-Rs can be specified with a new “Track Pack”, which deletes the rear seat and includes two lightweight bucket seats, stiffer suspension, and lighter wheels. That option package won’t be coming to the American market.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R reaches showrooms in January 2012. Expect pricing figures to be announced closer to the launch date.

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2013-nissan-gt-r-even-more-power-updated-face-more-standard-equipment-86015.html#ixzz1d2dKxBJF

Tokyo Show Tease: Subaru Previews Production-Spec BRZ

Enthusiasts can’t be satiated enough – although Subaru already released images of the BRZ STI Concept set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, it just teased the production-spec version of the BRZ sports car that will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in December.

Though we can only see the front corner of the car, it doesn’t look like the BRZ will change much in its transition from concept to production. The main differences include a more trapezoidalfoglight surround with traditional light – instead of the LEDs on the concept – and washer jets for the headlights. The gaping intake and LED-trimmed headlights remain.

It will pack a direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer-four cylinder that will send power to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. No word yet on power output for the BRZ, but it is rumored that it will produce more than the 200 hp in the Toyota FT-86/Scion FR-S that the new coupe shares much of its mechanicals and bodywork with.

Exact dimensions of the BRZ are within a few inches of the Porsche Cayman. The BRZ is shorter by 5.4 inches at 166.9 inches long, only an inch wider at 70.9 inches, and only a tenth of an inch shorter at 51.2 inches tall. The exception to this trend is the wheelbase figure: at 101.2-inches, it’s about six inches longer than the Porsche.. A front-strut and rear double-wishbone suspension setup should also help with handling prowess.

We’ll get a better look at the BRZ STI Concept next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the final production BRZ STI at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/tokyo-show-tease-subaru-previews-production-spec-brz-85999.html#ixzz1d2cfnP3T

Celebrate: BMW Bringing 40 2012 M3 Competition Edition Frozen Silver Cars To U.S.

BMW has released details on the 2012 M3 Competition Edition, which is finished in Frozen Silver paint and limited to just 40 copies. The number of cars available pays homage to the fact that 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of BMW’s M performance division.

The M3 Coupes wears BMW’s unique Frozen Silver finish, which layers a silk matte clear coat over the regular Silver Metallic paint. The result is a paint that has a “rare metallic luster.” To provide contrast, the car’s hood vents, chrome exterior trim, grilles, and exhaust tips are all painted black. The M3 also wears black, 19-inch wheels styled like those on the BMW M3 GTS.

Inside is black leather upholstery with silver accent stitching, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and rear carbon fiber trim for the dashboard and center console. As a reference to BMW’s prowess in racing championships, the steering wheel and door sill plates also feature a special M3 checkered flag emblem, while the handbrake bears a bold “M Power” logo.

The special-edition M3 comes with several options packages as standard: the Competition Package, which includes Dynamic Damper Control and sports suspension with a lower ride height; the Cold Weather Package, which bundles a ski bag, heated front seats, and headlight washers; and the Premium Package, which includes power-folding mirrors, Comfort Access keyless entry, a power rear sunshade, and rear parking sensors.

The 2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition costs $81,060 (including an $875 destination charge). That’s roughly a $10,000 premium over a comparably equipped M3 coupe, which carries an MSRP of $71,075. One car will be allocated to each of the first 40 BMW USA dealerships that became M Certified. Such dealerships have prepared special areas to showcase M performance cars, and have staff who have completed additional driver training at the BMW Performance Driving School in South Carolina.

Source: BMW

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/celebrate-bmw-bringing-40-2012-m3-competition-edition-frozen-silver-cars-to-u-s-85931.html#ixzz1d2bK2tIS