Motor Authority - blog Tag: facelift

The next 12 to 18 months will be very busy for Chrysler as the company adjusts to working under the Fiat Group corporate umbrella and prepares a raft of all-new models and updates. Major introductions include the next-generation Chrysler 300 sedan and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV but according to a new report there will be five other facelifted models released within the next 18 months.

Chrysler is also planning to rehire workers and schedule overtime to ensure all five updated models come in on time. Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly wants facelifts within 18 months for the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans...

The next 12 to 18 months will be very busy for Chrysler as the company adjusts to working under the Fiat Group corporate umbrella and prepares a raft of all-new models and updates. Major introductions include the next-generation Chrysler 300 sedan and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV but according to a new report there will be five other facelifted models released within the next 18 months. Chrysler is also planning to rehire workers and schedule overtime to ensure all five updated models come in on time. Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly wants facelifts within 18 months for the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans and the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot crossovers. Such extensive updates typically take two to three years but Marchionne wants the changes in 18 months. Interestingly, Chrysler also plans to update its PT Cruiser, although no timeframe has been reported. More information should be forthcoming once Marchionne submits his five-year plan to the presidential auto task force next week. [AutoNews, sub req'd] Read More

Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards. Today we have images of a prototype for the updated Coupe rolling around the streets of Munich ahead of its expected unveiling at this month’s Frankfurt auto show.

Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for...

Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards. Today we have images of a prototype for the updated Coupe rolling around the streets of Munich ahead of its expected unveiling at this month’s Frankfurt auto show. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track. The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8 inch LCD display and an optional 80 Gb hard drive music and navigation system. Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the new Coupe include a brake energy regeneration system, an auto stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance. Read More

Though some find the Lexus LS series a bit on the plain side for a premium executive luxury sedan, there are also those that just can't get over its pleasing lines. Whatever camp you fall into, you're unlikely to change your mind for the 2010 model year, as official images revealed today show little is changing. Likewise, the GS and IS lines get minor cosmetic upgrades but largely carry forward their current design cues, though a much-needed performance element is being added to the IS-F.

Updates to the LS are primarily visual, with previous leaks confirming the grille will be tweaked to match the newer HS250h,  along with updated...

Though some find the Lexus LS series a bit on the plain side for a premium executive luxury sedan, there are also those that just can't get over its pleasing lines. Whatever camp you fall into, you're unlikely to change your mind for the 2010 model year, as official images revealed today show little is changing. Likewise, the GS and IS lines get minor cosmetic upgrades but largely carry forward their current design cues, though a much-needed performance element is being added to the IS-F. Updates to the LS are primarily visual, with previous leaks confirming the grille will be tweaked to match the newer HS250h,  along with updated side-mirror turn signals, new wheels and a slightly modified rear bumper/taillight combo. The latest photos show updated headlights, while Lexus promises major upgrades to the equipment specifications and seating configuration inside the car. Driving dynamics are also said to be improved. For the GS line, a similar set of updates are shown, with the hybrid getting more unique elements to set it apart from the rest of the GS range. New audio and navigation systems, an updated color range and enhanced safety features round out the GS updates. The IS stays true to the theme of minimal styling changes and updated interior features, with a new F-Sport package (shown here) and new nav and audio systems now available. The big news for the IS range, however, is the addition of a limited-slip differential (LSD) to the high-performance IS-F. Full details and information on the updated LS, GS and IS ranges will be revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 15. [Lexus] Read More

German tuner Arden has a penchant for taking British cars and tuning them into performance powerhouses, and we've already seen the work it’s engineers have done on Land Rover, Mini, Bentley and Jaguar models. It is this last brand, Jaguar, that the company really specializes in, and while it has previously worked on the Jaguar XK Coupe the company has just released a new tuning package for the 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible.

The package includes a range of performance and styling upgrades - not that the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 powered XKR was lacking in performance already, or in style. Under the hood, Arden’s engineers have... German tuner Arden has a penchant for taking British cars and tuning them into performance powerhouses, and we've already seen the work it’s engineers have done on Land Rover, Mini, Bentley and Jaguar models. It is this last brand, Jaguar, that the company really specializes in, and while it has previously worked on the Jaguar XK Coupe the company has just released a new tuning package for the 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible. The package includes a range of performance and styling upgrades - not that the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 powered XKR was lacking in performance already, or in style. Under the hood, Arden’s engineers have managed to liberate some horses from the engine thanks to a new exhaust system. Featuring sport catalysts the new exhaust lifts power by 30 horsepower, bringing the final power output to a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera-toppling 540 horsepower. At the same time the torque figures are pushed up from the standard 461 pound-feet to 498 pound-feet of torque, enough to propel the Arden XKR Convertible to a top speed of 200 mph flat. In terms of styling upgrades, Arden customizes the XKR Convertible with a new chrome grille up front, and modified air intakes. At the rear, a new diffuser houses the custom-installed quad-exhaust pipes from the new exhaust system. At the corners, 21 inch Sportline alloy wheels that also featured on Arden’s previously tuned XKR Coupe can be found. Other upgrades for the Coupe, such as big brakes, a leather sports steering wheel and a lowering system will likely be available for the Convertible as well, although Arden hasn't given any official word to that matter yet.2010 Jaguar XKRArden 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible Read More

Joining the updated RDX for the 2010 model year is a revised MDX SUV, which like its smaller sibling gets a series of styling, performance, and technology updates. For 2010, the MDX features a fresh new exterior look, a revised powertrain that includes a new 6-speed automatic, chassis refinements, more comfort, and improved technology and a longer standard equipment list.

Visually, the 7-passenger 2010 MDX receives more aggressive styling in the form of new front and rear bodywork, a new front grille and numerous new trim enhancements. Other details include a revised hood, new side sills, polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, and revised... Joining the updated RDX for the 2010 model year is a revised MDX SUV, which like its smaller sibling gets a series of styling, performance, and technology updates. For 2010, the MDX features a fresh new exterior look, a revised powertrain that includes a new 6-speed automatic, chassis refinements, more comfort, and improved technology and a longer standard equipment list. Visually, the 7-passenger 2010 MDX receives more aggressive styling in the form of new front and rear bodywork, a new front grille and numerous new trim enhancements. Other details include a revised hood, new side sills, polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, and revised taillights with brighter LED lights. Under the hood, the MDX receives a more refined 3.7L V6 engine that teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ride and handling have been enhanced as a result of a revised power steering system, stiffer rear trailing arm mounting and body rigidity improvements. Acura’s Super Handling AWD (SH-AWD) remains standard. The major change to the 2010 MDX’s specifications include the introduction of the new Advance package, which gets a revised active damper system and 19-inch wheels and tires. Inside, the 2010 MDX benefits from the expanded use of Milano leather, a new thicker sport steering wheel with racing-inspired paddle shifters, new gauges, optional ventilated front seats and upgraded interior trim. Some new features include AcuraLink real-time weather and traffic updates, an 8-inch navigation screen, a reversing camera, and a 15GB hard-drive multimedia system with USB and iPod connectivity. For 2010 the MDX receives a new 3.7-liter VTEC V6 engine that boasts an output of 300hp and 270lb-ft of torque. To widen the powerband while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency, the latest V6 engine features variable valve adjustment of the intake valves, revised high-lift camshafts, a computer controlled dual-stage induction system and an electronic drive-by-wire throttle system. Internally, the new 3.7L V6 makes use of special heavy-duty components including a more rigid cylinder block, high-strength crankshaft, heavy-duty connecting rods, high compression-ratio pistons, cylinder heads with improved cooling, and new intake valve springs. The EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy comes in at 16/21mpg - an improvement of 1mpg city and 1mpg highway over the 2009 model. Part of this fuel saving comes from the addition of a new 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox along with a new multi-clutch torque converter. With comparatively short gearing in the first five forward gears, acceleration is enhanced- while fuel efficiency and quiet cruising are optimized with a relaxed sixth gear ratio. The transmission offers two automatic shift modes, or can be operated manually via F1-inspired steering wheel paddle shifters. To support the MDX's 5,000 pound towing capacity, a special front-mount transmission fluid cooler is employed.2010 Acura MDX Read More

It's been six years since the Mazda RX-8 came on the scene and brought with it a sublime combo of handling, equipment, features, and pricing. Whether you're a rotary engine fan or not, you have to recognize the job Mazda did tuning the car's chassis. But now reports are beginning to break that an updated model may be on its way to this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

A facelifted model was released for the 2009 model year in the U.S., along with a slightly revised version called the RX-8 R3. For more on that car and how it stacks up to the competition, check out our review.

But the new report says a new RX-8 is coming, though it will be based... It's been six years since the Mazda RX-8 came on the scene and brought with it a sublime combo of handling, equipment, features, and pricing. Whether you're a rotary engine fan or not, you have to recognize the job Mazda did tuning the car's chassis. But now reports are beginning to break that an updated model may be on its way to this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. A facelifted model was released for the 2009 model year in the U.S., along with a slightly revised version called the RX-8 R3. For more on that car and how it stacks up to the competition, check out our review. But the new report says a new RX-8 is coming, though it will be based around the same chassis and engine. Aerodynamics and appearance pieces will likely update the front fascia to the 'smile' grille that's been adopted by much of the rest of the Mazda lineup, and for Europe at least, the 192hp version of the 1.3L rotary engine will no longer be available. Instead, only the 231hp version Americans are more familiar with will be on sale, reports Auto Motor & Sport. Other updates include a Bluetooth hands-free system, updated instrument cluster, higher-quality interior materials including leather Recaro seating and a new Bose audio system. More details of the updated car will no doubt be coming over the next weeks as the show draws near, so stay tuned for the latest on the updated RX-8.2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Read More