2014 Mercedes Benz CLA

The aggressive lines of the all-new 2014 CLA aren't merely for show, however -- they also help create aerodynamics worthy of a supercar. Likewise, alluring form and superior function come together in the sculpted headlamps, available in Bi-Xenon with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights, and standard LED tail lamps. 

An even greater degree of visual ferocity can be achieved with the available Sport Package, with chiseled sport body styling that includes a larger front apron with massive air inlets, as well as flared side skirts and a sleek rear diffuser. The Sport Package also includes the diamond-pattern version of the front sport grille -- boasting brilliant, silver-tipped studs instead of black -- not to mention 18-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels and sport front brakes with perforated rotors.

Key Highlights                          

• Aggressive, four-door design with studded sport grille
• Turbocharged, 208-hp inline-4 engine delivering 258 lb-ft of torque
• Advanced dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles
• Front sport seats and three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel
• mbrace2 in-vehicle technology suite with available Internet access
• Full Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and hands-free calling
• Available iPod/MP3 Media Interface, harman/kardon surround-sound system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with Traffic and Weather, and navigation with voice control
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Available Driver Assistance Package featuring DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
• Optional Sport Package includes sport body styling, 18-inch wheels and front sport brakes
• Available limited-production Launch Edition

photo: Kayode Ojo at the Chicago Auto Show

Peugeot Onyx Concept supercar

On the occasion of the 28th International Automobile Festival held in Paris on 29th January, Maxime Picat, Director General of Peugeot Automobiles, Gilles Vidal, Director of Peugeot Design, Guillaume Couzy, Director of Marketing and Communications, received for Peugeot the prized accolade for ‘The Best Concept Car Design’ with Onyx.

The Peugeot Onyx Concept supercar was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September and has already been voted ‘Favourite Concept Car’ in the World by readers of Auto Plus and customers of RTL and also seduced the jury of the International Festival and Enthusiasts Automotive Design, winning the prize for the ‘Best Concept Car of the Year’. 

A Trendy Africa Motoring (carliners) Report.

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