New from Honda: 2013 Civic and 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

Honda announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show that the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will be available for retail sale and lease beginning January 15 in California and New York, with an MSRP of $39,780.  The 2014 Accord Plug-in has been rated by the EPA with a maximum all-electric EV mode range of 13 miles, and a fuel-economy rating of 47/46/46 mpg (city/hwy/combined). The Accord Plug-in is the first production car in America to meet the more stringent new LEV3/SULEV20 emissions standard, and it will also qualify for single-occupant carpool-lane access in California.

The 2013 Honda Civic debuted today at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show sporting extensive interior and exterior design upgrades, enhanced dynamics, and a host of new standard features. Honda also announced that the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid earned a class-leading EPA-certified 115 MPGe rating and will go on sale in New York and California on January 15 with an MSRP of $39,780. The 2013 Honda Civic Sedan, the nation's best-selling compact car which celebrates its 40th anniversary in America next year, goes on sale today with extensive changes to further reinforce its market leadership.

While still maintaining all the efficiency and value that has made the Civic an automotive icon, the 2013 Honda Civic Sedan receives all-new front and rear exterior styling, while all Civics sport extensive interior upgrades including more luxurious finishes, and a host of new standard equipment. 

by Carliners. A Trendy Africa Media Production

2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS Unveiled

Chevrolet today opened a new chapter in its storied racing history, unveiling its eagerly anticipated 2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS race car. Powered by the legendary small block V-8 engine, the rear-wheel drive performance sedan will be Chevrolet’s newest entry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, beginning with the 2013 SpeedWeeks in Daytona, Fla.

The new NASCAR race car closely resembles the all-new rear wheel drive V-8 Chevrolet SS performance sedan that will debut early next year.

The Chevrolet SS will be a derivative of the award-winning global rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden’s upcoming VF Commodore. The limited production version of the Chevrolet SS will be a 2014 model and will arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2013. It is the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the United States. 

by Carliners. A Trendy Africa Media Production

Aston Martin to Race in North America

Aston Martin's new portfolio of race cars; Vantage GTE, V12 Vantage GT3 and V8 Vantage GT4 will be seen in domestic competition in North America from next season after TRG (The Racers Group) were today appointed by Aston Martin Racing as an official partner.

Under a new partnership; TRG-Aston Martin Racing North America, LLC (hereafter;TRG-AMR), the two companies will work together with the aim of bringing Aston Martin race cars to all of the major sports car racing series' in the United States.

California-based The Racers Group (TRG) has a legacy of motorsport success that dates back to the 1990's with extraordinary wins and championships that include the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (four times, once overall), the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Petit Le Mans and two Grand-Am championships amongst a host of podium finishes.

By Carliners. A Trendy Africa Media Production

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe – a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers.

Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the US. The Twin Power Turbo inline 6 powered 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives early this summer.

Later in the summer, the Twin Power Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range.

A Trendy Africa Carliners report

LEXUS NEW HYBRID SPORTS COUPE

Lexus has unveiled a new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a driver-focused vehicle that displays a possible future design direction for the premium manufacturer.

Introducing the concept, Karl Schlicht, General Manager, Lexus Product and Marketing Planning
Division in North America, said: "We are in the middle of the biggest change in Lexus's history,
inspired by a new generation of distinctive design.

"The new GS embodies this with its sculpted spindle grille as our symbol of change. And now, the
next chapter of Lexus evolves with this coupe design concept. With its striking looks, this
concept hybrid 2+2 hints at the design cues that are coming in a wave of new Lexus models over
the next two years."

A Trendy Africa (Carliners) Report. By Tosan Aduayi

Rolls Celebrates Historic Sales

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has revealed record sales results for 2011. 3,538 cars were sold globally during the year, a 31 per cent increase on the 2010 total of 2,711 cars. The figure represents the best sales result in the company’s 107-year history; the previous record of 3,347 cars having been set in 1978 during the Silver Shadow II era.

                                                                                                                            

Strong sales growth was reported across the globe, with notable results seen in Asia Pacific (up 47%), North America (up 17%) and the Middle East (up 23%). China and the United States were the most significant individual markets for Rolls-Royce. The United Kingdom performed well, reporting 30 per cent growth in the year. In Continental Europe, Germany and Russia were the largest growth markets, each more than doubling sales compared to 2010.

 The company’s portfolio includes the pinnacle Phantom family products - Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé - and the more recently-launched Ghost range. Demand for all variants was strong. Interest in Ghost - including Ghost Extended Wheelbase, launched to wide acclaim in April - accounted for the lion’s share of 2011 growth.

1904 Roll Royce 10 hp 

2011 also marked a record for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke personalization programme, a service with Rolls-Royce’s legendary hand-craftsmanship and attention to detail at its core. Nearly every Phantom family model leaving the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood came with some element of bespoke personalization, from unique paint colors, interior detailing and embroidery, to exquisite whole vehicle designs including champagne sets, humidors and picnic sets.

CEO Rolls Royce Motors, Torsten Muller-Otvos

Highlights

-          3,538 cars delivered to customers in 2011, up 31 per cent on previous year’s 2,711

-          Highest annual sales in the 107-year history of Rolls-Royce; previous best was 3,347 cars sold in 1978

-          Sales growth reported across all regions with Bespoke content at highest-ever levels

-          Increase in sales across both Ghost and Phantom model families

-          -Royce reaffirms position at pinnacle of the ultra luxury segment

A Trendy Africa (Carliners) Report. By Tosan Aduayi