The “Allemande Editing Mainz” reported in advance: “To bring its subsidiary Opel to return to profitability, the U.S. parent company General Motors on the production and management will now apparently also lower in the Technical Development Center in Brussels, the costs dramatically.”

New Zafira Peugeot?
“Spiegel Online” reported that according to the will of U.S. managers, the next generation of family-Vans Zafira not including the engines should be developed in Brussels, but the new French partner PSA (Peugeot / Citroen). Peugeot and Citroen have with 5008 and C4 Grand Picasso in the double-opponent Zafira program.

GM declined to comment on the report. In Brussels, speculation has been rejected. “We have said that co-GM / Opel and PSA in a series of product programs will want what is decided as yet.”

The first joint project between GM and PSA
According to information from “Spiegel Online”, the Zafira’s development, however one of the first collaborative projects, the GM with the French car company Group would agree Peugeot-Citroen. This development center in Brussels had threatened hundreds of currently around 4,500 jobs.

The center enjoys even within the GM-corporate relationship a good reputation. But management wants to save Detroit investment costs and thus share development tasks with Peugeot. An Opel spokesman denied: “Due to its alliance with PSA in the Development Center in Brussels are no jobs lost.”

To Eastern Europe
The shift to Eastern Europe wants to push GM after the reports further. According to the administration in the Brussels Opel’s headquarters are 150-200 jobs were cut and transferred to Poland as a foreign award. The management had repeatedly stressed that the costs at Opel have to be reduced in order to get back into the black. How exactly will happen is yet to be decided according to the data but from Thursday.

To produce the plans of management, the Opel Astra will no longer be driving force in Germany, just since Monday. A decision is still awaited. But in trade union circles is already concerned that the management in Brussels headquarters will be in the future instead of the Astra Zafira run off the line, so as to close the Bloch plant with 3,200 employees, 2015.

Council wants to increase pressure on Opel chief
As the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Editing” (Friday) reported total operating chief wants Wolfgang Schafer-Kluge pressure on Opel’s chairman Karl-Friedrich Strake increase, educating the staff to finally have the savings. Therefore the council has a staff meeting at the headquarters Brussels invited on Monday, which includes the Prime Minister Kurt Beck (SPD) and Volker Bouffier (CDU) is expected.

The invitation states that the employee was given the speculation sour, angry and frustrated and ask for detailed information about the company’s future. The board trying to Brussels to create facts, which threatened the future of Opel.

“Donuts” on historic walls
The promotional event was a crane one developed specifically for the Chinese market special edition of 570 hp Ferrari F458 Italia (see photos) on the 14th Century during the Ming Dynasty city wall built hoisted. Then complete the sports car led to several 360-degree rotations (burnout) – and left it fat black tire marks (so-called donuts) on the ancient stones. A day later, workers tried in vain to track wegzuschrubben.

Special model for 720,000 euros
According to Xinhua, the Ferrari was the equivalent of representative € 9,000 for the event on one of the best preserved sections of the city wall. The car was advertised on a limited special edition of 20 pieces F458 Italia in the value of 720,000 €, which was presented at the Auto China 2012th “A Ferrari for six million yuan for a 600 year old city walls … What do the authorities in Nanking that?” Asked an Internet user. “We can not tolerate that Ferrari used the ancient city gate for a show and ruined,” complained another.

Officials received a complaint
The city administration had “reprimanded” the responsible officials, Xinhua reported on. They have failed to get approval from higher up the event. One expert warned, meanwhile, the Ferrari-driving had caused the tire tread marks possibly deeper damage to the building.

50,000 cars per year
The Nissan job could create around 1,000 new jobs. From 2014 to run annually up to 50,000 cars off the assembly line. The car will hit the market in 2015, says the report. In yesterday’s release Infiniti chief Andy Palmer is quoted as wanting to attract potential buyers in Western Europe. It is the first time that developing an Asian car manufacturer Magna and also can build.

Currently, at Magna include the Mini Countryman , the Peugeot RCZ and the Mercedes G-class built.

Mississauga – Subaru has announced that its new SUV, presented to the public within the last New York Auto Show, will enter the Canadian market this fall. It will be built from the same platform as the Subaru Impure, hence its uncanny resemblance to the latter. It’s a safe bet that it will offer phenomenal off-road capability, because it not only has a 2.0 liter boxer engine of 148 horsepower, but also a symmetrical full series of constant mesh with a clearance 220 mm of soil.

The Subaru XV Cross trek should give new life to the range of small SUVs that are literally absorbed by the crossovers that are better suited to urban environments and more spacious. The SUV of the Japanese manufacturer is not meant to appeal to the latest outdoor enthusiasts, but to reconnect urban dwellers with nature. Its versatility and exceptional off-road capabilities will result from the tendency of people to do more out of major urban centers.

What is he capable?

The Japanese manufacturer’s new SUV is not robust in appearance, as it offers many standard features worthy of the greatest rally cars. In addition to its high ground clearance and wheel drive, the Subaru XV Cross trek 2013 has a four-wheel independent suspension. However, its towing capacity of 680 kg is rather disappointing.

Series, the 2013 Subaru XV Cross trek is equipped with disc brakes front and rear wheels. Moreover, it has alloy wheels of 17 inches. However, these are fitted on all-season tires, a decision that surely will cost dear to Subaru. The XV Cross trek 2013 comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) option. The latter has a mode 6-speed manual with paddle shifters. With an average consumption of 8.2 liters per 100 km city and 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers on the road, the SUV of the Japanese manufacturer will rank among the most economical vehicles in its class.

Safety first.

As Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013 is specifically designed to think outside the box, the Japanese manufacturer has with a host of technology to make it as safe as fun to drive. It benefits including a control system stability and traction system and a torque management all-wheel drive. Moreover, the XV Crosstrek has a system that manages the braking of each wheel individually. However, Subaru has made the mistake of equipping its SUV an ABS braking system, which, in my opinion, night driving enjoyment as well as security, as it prevents the driver to control total of his vehicle.

There are those who argue that it is impractical or is pulled by the ears. But there are those (a hundred, say) that have already made a deposit of U.S. $ 10 000 to be on the list of first driving / flying / owning the Transition.

Prerequisites for doing so? And how! First, you have to be rich: the “patent” will cost a whopping sum of U.S. $ 279 000. Also, another trifle, you must have his pilot’s license for ultra light aircraft.

But if not, admit that the concept, developed by engineers in aeronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is interesting. The weather is beautiful? We drive the transition to the local airport closest, we deploy the wings (in 30 seconds, please) and we went for a nice flight.

The weather morphine? We land, the wings are folded and we travel the rest of the way on land. Slowly but surely.

Richard Gersh, vice president of business development for Terrafugia, ensures that the drivers will be delighted with this mobility: not only they can fly where they want, but once landed, they do not have to worry about a any other means of transport to reach their destination on earth. You should have thought, right?

Between Heaven and Earth
Certainly, it looks simple words like that. Rest is behind the Transition all kinds of contradictions that make an airplane, it’s not a car. And vice versa.

First, a car must not be wider than 2.5 meters from the floor, while an aircraft is much more. This is why engineers have developed for the Transition of retractable wings. When deployed, it is eight feet. Folded, they allow the silhouette does not exceed 2.3 meters in width.

But … Remember when any side vision. Forget even the whole rearview, because instead of a telescope, is positioned … the motor-driven propeller. A camera relaying images back is obviously part of standard equipment.

Another contradiction car / aircraft: aerodynamics. Cars must stick to the bitumen, while in contrast, want the planes take off. Uh … sincerely, for the aerodynamics of the road “vehicle” two meters high and six meters long, will require ironing.

Finally, the weight of a car is shared between all four wheels for better handling as possible, while almost all the weight of an airplane (which has only three wheels) based on its rear wheels, just to facilitate rotation and landing.

Air conditioning and automatic pilot
Verified, the transition has indeed four wheels. And airbags. And retractable mirrors. And flashing. And wipers. And a hand brake. And steering wheel, for that matter.

The flight controls are on the center console, but consequentialness, they will retract. Oh, a parachute can be deployed for all of the aircraft, if they saw things wrong up there.

In? Take a look at our photos and you will find that the cabin has everything from the inside of a prototype, including the steering wheel borrowed, it seems, to a Japanese car of the previous millennium. If there are only two places on board, however there is a luggage compartment that can hold … a golf bag. Among the options include air conditioning and automatic pilot. Seriously.

As for engines, Rotax 912S is one of barely a hundred horses, mated to a CVT transmission, propels it all to the rear wheels. Less powerful? You should know that the transition only weighs 440 kg. Roughly two times less than a Smart fortwo.

In the air, cruising speed reached 172 km / h. On earth, it does not exceed the 105km / h. Fuel consumption “road”? In the 35 mpg – or the 6.7 L/100km. But you guessed right, it will take a while yet before we can test these claims …

End of 2012 … really?
And that’s where the question arises: “But when? “According to the company, the first transition will be delivered at the end of this year. The problem is that this promise, we have heard again and again.

In fact, the very first flight of the Transition in March 2009, the company promised us the first models (built by hand at a plant in Woburn, near Boston) for the end of 2011. Then announced cost: U.S. $ 194 000. We are still waiting.

True that since then, much water has flowed under the bridge. Certifications have been obtained both from the authorities on air and land transportation. Exemptions have been granted, too. Thus, the transition does not meet the standards for automotive emissions, since it is considered also as “airplane”.

Another series of flights was successfully completed in March. And this time it is good, they say.

However, even if developments are continuous, the pitfalls for a real production transition are many. Technology, security (can you imagine the congestion in the sky?), Financing …

Precisely, if the gang showed up at Terrafugia Auto Show New York is to be seen and, ideally, obtain additional financial support. “The development is not easy, Mr. Gersh said. The transition must be able to fly well … and ride well. ”

Not easy to find customers who are: a) convinced of the necessity of the thing, 2) licensed driver and 3) that U.S. $ 279 000 to spend. Mr. Gersh is satisfied him. Boldly enough to ask: “With $ 300 000, do you buy a Lamborghini or a transition? ”

Uh … probably neither one nor the other, if you ask me.

A connected interior.

A CUV without entertainment is like a day at the watersides without water. That’s why Cadillac SRX with a multitude of new technologies that are both practical and fun. The center console now features two additional USB ports, an SD card slot, a 12-volt power outlet and an auxiliary input jack.

Cadillac has made considerable efforts to prevent rear passengers from getting bored. The latter, enjoy an entertainment system of the most complete understanding between other headsets to remote controls, USB port and an SD card slot. The driver is also entitled to its share of new, as the 2013 Cadillac SRX has a new gear shift knob. A new steering wheel and a Bluetooth system easier to use. Nevertheless, all these technologies are far from arousing much excitement among the public that the arrival of the new system CUE.

The CUE system

Standard on the 2013 SRX, the CUE system – a new Cadillac – certainly change the definition accorded by many people in entertainment. Indeed, this system is able to connect via Bluetooth, up to 10 electronic devices in a simplified infotainment system as well as a voice recognition system very sophisticated.

The CUE system is completely customizable, so each user can configure it according to his needs and tastes. It can be controlled from the new 8-inch screen that sits atop the center console.

Safety a priority at Cadillac

After the entertainment, Cadillac has redesigned its security strategy for the SRX 2013. Based on more “control and warning,” safety aboard the luxury CUV will be provided by radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Indeed, the 2013 SRX incorporates new technologies such as lane departure warning, the alert collision avoidance, seats with security alert and a camera with guidance lines.

Nevertheless, it is not all that clashes can be avoided. The 2013 Cadillac SRX thus enjoys a robust chassis, front and side airbags and side curtain airbags.

For better or for worse

The 2013 Cadillac SRX has a long way to go before it is among the best luxury CUV market. Although it is offered with FWD and AWD, the only engine is offered is a 3.6 liter V6 direct-injection 308 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It’s not a bad engine, but a 4 cylinder would be more appreciated by the public.

Aimed at a younger audience in search of sportsmanship, the Scion FR-S is only available in a single version that can be customized. Lovers of “tuning” will certainly charmed by the book offers that option for its new Scion sports. However, from $ 25 990 – not to mention the high price of certain options – the FR-S 2013 is not to wear any budget.

Great performance.

The Scion FR-S is equipped with a 4-cylinder boxer engine of 2.0 liters, a special mechanical and high performance. Indeed, the latter, from Subaru, develops 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm / 151 lb-ft of torque at 6600 r / min. Nevertheless, its performance is far from being limited to the engine. In fact, this is the set of its elements that make the FR-S is as fun to drive.

It has a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. A 6-speed automatic transmission is optional. It is equipped with a suspension MacPherson strut gas at the front and a double wishbone suspension at the rear. In addition, the Scion FR-S has 4-wheel ventilated discs. The 2013 Scion FR-S displays a very sporty road manners thanks to its rear-wheel drive and near perfect weight distribution.

A sporty design.

The 2013 Scion FR-S displays a silhouette that is both dynamic and elegant. Inspired by the BR-Z Subaru, the Japanese manufacturer of sports will not fail to please the fans of blazing fireball. Its front shows his aggressive personality. Its lateral lines are flexible and fluid. In addition, it cuts the air like an arrow through its aerodynamics well calculated.

Is it safe?

The answer is yes, because the Scion FR-S has not only six airbags, but also the security system of Scion Star series. It also has a stability system that includes five modes adjustable to suit our preferences.

A Sporty.

The interior of the new Scion FR-S is definitely up to the expectations. Besides being very comfortable, it displays an ambience that is both sporty and serene. Its dashboard displays its bold lines and center console is available. The shift lever is in the center of a circle adds a sporty touch raw. The dashboard is of incomparable beauty. In addition, the rear seats offer enough clearance to accommodate two adults. The Scion S FS-2013 is a very sporty car and very fun to drive. However, a version with a 6 cylinder engine would be an asset to the model.

Power and a phenomenal versatility.

Upon arrival on the market in 2008, the Ford Flex has created quite a stir among the public, because it stood out boldly from other crossovers, which is still the case today. Designed for both large and small families, the Flex 2013 is by far the most powerful vehicle in its class. Indeed, thanks to its twin-turbo V6 with EcoBoost technology, it can bite the dust in many race cars. This engine offers very sophisticated and durable power of 355 hp at 5,700 r / min and a torque of 350 hp at 1,500 r / min. However, it is only available on the Limited AWD, which displays an outrageous cost base of $ 44 399. In addition, Ford recommends using super unleaded, which is not necessarily good news given the price of gasoline constantly rising.

The other three versions of the Flex 2013 – TA SE, SEL and SEL FWD IT – feature the same 3.5 liter naturally aspirated engine. It develops 285 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, which is not bad. However, these capabilities are far below those of the EcoBoost engine.

The same, but not the same

Although all versions of the Ford Flex are similar in appearance, it shares only very few elements. For example, they have all rights to an automatic transmission SelecShift 6-in addition to being equipped with tires 235 hp range. However, based on price, it shares a range of alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. In addition, version EcoBoost with 255 benefits, giving it a better road grip.

A spacious interior.

The physique of the Flex 2013 provides an overview of the interior space it offers. Up to 7 people and their luggage, the VUM American manufacturer is part of the elite in its class, despite his controversial style.

Its interior is comfortable and secure, but also sophisticated. Indeed, the 2013 Ford Flex offers many technologies as practical as they are entertaining. It offers the MyFordTouch system and a Sony audio system as standard. In addition, it offers a whole trip with DVD. The system Sirius satellite radio is also available. Nevertheless, all the technologies that make up the cockpit, the navigation system voice command is by far the most sophisticated. The 2013 Ford Flex is a CUV that is comfortable, versatile and trendy and very few people do not find their happiness.

The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is one of the marketing tools it will use to achieve its ambitious goal. It could become an interesting alternative for all drivers who want a fuel efficient vehicle which still offers some sportiness.

The most efficient hybrid segment

The VW Jetta is powered by a hybrid engine consists of a 4-cylinder turbocharged 1.4-liter that develops 150 horsepower, a 27-horsepower electric motor and an automatic transmission 7-speed dual-clutch . The combined power of both engines at 170 horsepower; in terms of torque, it stood at 184 pounds-feet. And motor, the VW Jetta hybrid will be able to cover the 0 to 100 km / h in under 9 seconds, which would, according to the manufacturer, the most powerful compact hybrid on the market.

The Jetta has a hybrid all-electric method which allows the driver to drive at 70 km / h without burning a single drop of fuel. The secret of the Jetta is its battery pack lithium ion of 1.1 kW / h to 220 volts. Mounted behind the rear seat, the battery pack is just over 36 pounds. The Jetta hybrid is even lighter than the Toyota Prius.

All to save money

Buyers of a Jetta hybrid will enjoy a fuel consumption of 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers, which puts it at the top of the pack with the Insight and Prius before the CR-Z of this world. Inside, the Jetta Hybrid offers some interesting stuff to allow the driver to fully enjoy the hybrid engine of his car. Was replaced by a tachometer meter that allows to know which way you drive.

Different outside

We recognize a Jetta hybrid to changes made by the engineers in aerodynamics, the changes that have resulted in improved drag coefficient of 10%. Up front, note the logo that has for the first time a blue background instead of a black background. Otherwise, the Jetta Hybrid receives 15-inch wheels and a rear boot sole.

Equipped as a great

In terms of standard equipment, it should be mentioned Bluetooth connectivity, rear lights emitting diode (LED) and Sirius satellite radio. As optional equipment the manufacturer offers headlights with High Intensity Discharge LED daytime running lights, driver seat, electrically adjustable, heated front seats, navigation system, premium audio and a Fender rear-view camera.

Montreal – Presented as part of the Auto Show, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco goes on sale in the summer of 2012. First car in the Chevrolet lineup to benefit from technology eAssistMC, it will be one of the greenest cars in its class. However, it will not be the most economical, because with an average of 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers in town and 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers on the road Malibu Eco consumption displays a slightly higher than that of other hybrid cars currently on the market . Furthermore, it should be mentioned that these data were probably collected in the best conditions. So add one liter per 100 kilometers for bad weather due to harsh winters and another 100 km per liter for motorists how to drive, which is in no way representative of the lead used in the testes.

The system eAssistMC is it really effective?

The only way to measure the effectiveness of such a system is to compare the results obtains the Eco Malibu Malibu with those of the standard. The latter, powered by a 4 cylinder 2.4 liter, a fuel consumption of 9.4 liters per 100 kilometers city and 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers. Considering also the fact that the engine of Malibu is more powerful, it can be concluded that the system is very effective eAssistMC.

The system consists eAssistMC a lithium-ion air-cooled which recovers energy in several ways, especially during braking, and redistributes it as a small electric motor of 15 kW which accompanies the gasoline engine.

A new design.

Besides being a precursor of a new technology, the eighth-generation Chevrolet Malibu has been completely redesigned. Its silhouette is both more muscular and elegant, the front is more refined and rear lights are clearly inspired by those of the Camaro. The new Malibu has a shorter wheelbase of 114 mm. Nevertheless, it still offers great stability.

Among the many aesthetic changes in the Malibu, there are included the addition of a sealing system active, if not hidden in the grille, allows better management of air that is designed to cool the engine and better fuel economy.

A safe and serene interior.

The interior of the Malibu Eco 2013 is specially designed for the family. Both safe and comfortable thanks to its many technologies, it leaves no one indifferent. Among other Chevrolet sedan with its green an electronic correction of the trajectory, a lane departure warning and a warning system before collision. As if that was not enough, the Malibu is offered with the Onstar security system as standard (with a 6-month subscription).