The next-generation Lexus IS will offer subscription-free traffic and weather information

Lexus announced that the new generation of the IS, which will be presented at the Detroit Auto Show starting next week, will be the first production model to offer subscription-free traffic and weather information on integrated audio systems.

This feature is made possible thanks to a partnership with iBiquity developer of the HD Radio™ and will be standard on all versions of the Lexus IS with display audio or optional navigation systems.

Source: Lexus USA

Show Press Release

TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2013) – Lexus today announced that it has partnered with iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio™ Technology, to be the first automotive brand to offer subscription-free, real-time traffic and weather information on its integrated audio systems. The all-new Lexus IS sport sedan, which will debut at the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 15, will be the first Lexus vehicle to feature this technology when it arrives in dealerships this summer.

“At Lexus, we strive for partnerships that bring the most advanced connected vehicle technologies to our customers at a great value,” said Sandy Lobenstein, vice president, Connected Vehicle Technology and Planning. “As a result of our partnership with iBiquity, our owners will be the first in the industry to have access to subscription-free real-time traffic and weather data on multimedia systems across our vehicle lineup.”

Lexus will launch two systems integrating HD Radio, digital audio entertainment and real-time traffic and weather information.

For vehicles with available Navigation, Lexus will provide a digital audio and navigation system driven by the first of its kind hybrid technology capable of receiving digital traffic and weather information from both HD Radio stations and the cell phone network, using the driver’s smartphone connected with the Lexus Enform system.

For vehicles without navigation, Lexus will offer a standard premium Display Audio system complete with subscription-free traffic maps and weather information, all delivered by HD Radio stations across the country.

iBiquity will display this new technology in their booth at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev., through Jan. 11.

The debut of the all-new Lexus IS will be webcast live at www.lexus.com and on the Lexus Facebook page at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Jan. 15.

Short News: Ferrari Xezri concept made by Samir Sadikhov

Samir Sadikhov entered the Ferrari World Design Contest 2011 and won the second prize with his Xezri concept. But he was not satisfied and now created the competizione version of his concept.

Below you can first see the "normal" version of the concept followed by the competizione that includes several new aerodynamic components, including a larger front splitter, fender vents, a roof scoop, a new rear spoiler, larger side skirts, larger rear diffuser, and different wheels.

Source: Samir Sadikhov

Mercedes reveals one picture of the E-Class "E63" AMG

Mercedes revealed today one picture to promote their debuts for the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS), which begins on January 14, and "inadvertently" revealed the first image of the E-Class AMG, or if you prefer the E63 AMG.

For the first time the E63 AMG models will be available with a 4MATIC version. This E-Class will come with a 5.5liter twin-turbo V8, that produces 518hp (386 kW), connected to a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission.

Source: Mercedes

Short News: Sales of the Renault Clio RS will start next month

Renault announced that the sales of the Clio R.S. will start on February 14 in Belgium but this date should be the same for the rest of Europe

The engine will be a 1.6liter turbo with 200hp and 240Nm. It will come with 17-inch wheels or the optional 18-inch, stronger and bigger 320mm disc brakes, a sports kit with sports suspension and the optional Cup chassis, an upgraded exhaust system, dual-clutch automatic transmission (EDC) with steering wheel paddles, and the interior comes with sports seats and steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

The Colours available are Glacier White, Platinum Grey, Deep Black, Flame Red and Yellow Sirius.

The polls are almost over!

We are getting closer to the end, only three polls left, and the last two are the best, with the sports and supercars categories. But for now vote for what you think is the best SUV.

Short News: Renault's future crossover, Captur, will be presented this Friday morning [Teaser]

Renault said today that they would show the brands new crossover this Friday morning, which is codenamed the Project J87, but we already know the production version uses the name Captur.

For now we only know it will use the same platform used by the Nissan Juke but is closer to the Clio in an aesthetic level. Will have 4.2 meters long and will be available with two-wheel drive only. It will use the 0.9TCe with 90hp and 1.2 TCe with 115cv, both petrol engines and the diesel 1.5 dCi with 90 and 105hp, and the 1.6 dCi producing 130hp.

Stay tuned next Friday!

Source: Renault

Audi SQ5 now with gasoline (petrol) engine

Until today the Audi SQ5 was only available with the 3.0liter V6 diesel engine with 313hp (230kW) and 650Nm (479.35lb/ft) of torque, but has now been given the petrol version with the 3.0liter supercharged V6 engine producing 354hp (260kW) and 470Nm (346.65lb/ft) that will be available in the following markets: United States, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Ukraine.

According to Audi, this new gasoline SQ5 the gasoline will sprint from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds, which is 0.2 slower than the diesel version, and will reach a top speed of 250km/h (155 mph), while achieving an average fuel consumption of 8.5 liters every 100km (21 US mpg) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) (7.2l/100km or 32.7 US mpg for the TDI), emitting 199 g/km of CO2. An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer allows to put all that power into the road.

As with all vehicles that have the S tag this one was also modified to be more sporty. The changes include a 30 millimeters (1.18in) lowered chassis, tuned springs and shock absorbers for a more sporty and balanced setup, 20-inch wheels with 255/45-series tires and you cal also choose from an optional 21-inch wheels, optional dynamic steering with a steplessly variable ratio with several modes that you can choose from the also optional Audi drive select system.

As for the exterior, this new version is the same as the diesel version and has a gray radiator grille with its horizontal double bars in aluminum, the distinctive S bumpers, the roof spoiler, rear diffuser, side skirts, and exterior mirrors in aluminum.

Inside we have the instruments featuring gray dials and white numerals, the pedals and shift paddles have an aluminum-look finish, standard power-adjustable sport seats are covered with a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, with four different colors of leather optional, the standard inlays are brushed aluminum and you can choose several other inlays, including Carbon Atlas, Piano finish or layered aluminum and wood in Beaufort black.

The SQ5 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the third quarter of 2013 with an extensive list of extras such as xenon plus headlights with LED daytime driving lights, a stainless-steel loading-sill protector and a driver information system with color display, MMI navigation plus and the Bluetooth online car phone provide the Internet services from Audi connect to the vehicle. The price is not available yet

Don't forgot that if you live in Europe you can't buy this version.

Source: Audi