Audi Alloy Wheels

Nissan has released a passel of official photosd of the 2013 Nissan Altima, the sedan it “would like to make #1 if customers agree.” While the new styling might take getting used to, the other changes are all welcomed: it’s lighter, has a revised transmission, will return 38 miles per gallon if equipped with the four-cylinder, and starts at $21,500 before the $760 destination charge.

Now that the Altima and Toyota Camry are known quantities, the pending reveal of the Honda Accord will fill out the field and then we’ll have a better idea of the fight to come. Until then, have a closer look at the new Altima in the photo gallery above.

It takes a fast and agile car to keep pace with MotoGP racing bikes. Fortunately the BMW M division is up to the task, providing safety cars (or what we’d call pace cars on this side of the Atlantic) to the race organizers of the top-level motorcycle racing series.

The most recent vehicles to perform the duties have been the 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M crossover, but now BMW is introducing a the new M6 coupe to the mix. It’ll debut in safety car guise as pictured above at the Nürburgring this weekend.

While it’s unclear whether any modifications have been made to the 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the M6 MotoGP safety car has been upgraded with new spoilers front and rear, special lighting equipment and BMW’s traditional blue, blue and red striping on a white body. And if we were betting men, we’d put our money on some upgrades to the brakes, suspension and tires, too.

Toyota’s Huntsville, Alabama production facility, which makes the company’s four-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines, is getting a couple of big boosts: $80 million and roughly 125 new jobs. When the spending and hiring is complete, the enlarged factory and the plant’s 1,150 workers will raise engine-production capacity to more than 700,000 units, with V6 production more than doubled from 146,000 engines per year to 362,000.

Toyota’s been spending and hiring all this year, with $645 million invested in growth and 1,100 jobs added to the rolls. “This V6 line addition,” said a company EVP, “continues to reflect our growing optimism for an improving North American market.” Toyota’s press release is posted below.

If you need to haul some stuff in a big hurry, you could do a lot worse than the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate wagon. It offers all the power of its coupe and sedan siblings, only with the added cargo space that so many European customers prefer over the betrunked versions. But if the stock 457 horsepower isn’t enough, the good folks over at Edo Competition are glad to help out with an upgrade of their own.

That upgrade, it turns out, is anything but negligible, pumping output up by nearly 150 horsepower to a stonking 600. Torque has also been boosted from 442 lb-ft stock to 501, where that extra single measure of twist makes all the difference.

The boost comes courtesy of new exhaust, headers, cats and filters, supplemented by 19-inch modular alloys riding on suitably low-profile Michelin rubber, with a slew of interior enhancements to make the Edo C63 feel all the more special.

The exterior, however, remains decidedly low-key – all the better for messing with the head of Porsche drivers on the Autobahn while hauling the whole family and all their gear. Check it out in the press release below and the high-res image gallery above.

If you’ve got the cash to place on the hood (or nose cone, as it were), most any Formula One team will sell you one of their old race cars. After all, they’re not using them anymore, and it’s a good way to raise funds to develop next year’s car. But not McLaren. The team from Woking – one of the most successful in the series – doesn’t sell its old cars, though with 176 grand prix victories, twelve drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ titles, you can bet they’d fetch a pretty penny. Instead, it keeps them all warehoused at a facility, location undisclosed, simply called Unit 2.

The warehouse contains some 75 grand prix cars, an untold number of the team’s sports cars from other racing series (like Le Mans, Can-Am and Indy), and various road cars it’s produced over the years, like the legendary McLaren F1, the SLR it built for Mercedes-Benz, and the new MP4-12C. But while none of these cars are for sale, Unit 2 will soon be depleted of much of its stock.

Their destinations? The 35 global dealerships that McLaren Automotive has opened or will open by year’s end, like the one pictured above in Düsseldorf. Each showroom is to get a racing car to display alongside the road cars it has for sale, and many of them will be location-specific. The dealer in Monte Carlo, for example, will display the 1993 MP4-8 that Ayrton Senna drove to victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. The dealer in Brussels will reportedly display the 2004 MP4-19 with which Kimi Raikkonen won the 2004 Belgian Grand Prix. And the Philadelphia showroom will display the 1976 M26 that James Hunt piloted to victory at the US Grand Prix that year.

So if you want to see a piece of McLaren racing history, better call up your nearest dealership and find out when their show car is due to arrive. Just don’t go looking for Unit 2, because even if you can find it, chances are they won’t let you in.

Stuttgart/Ötigheim – The range of new-generation Fuso Canter trucks made its debut following extensive revision of the vehicle’s technology and styling. The range of conventionally rear-wheel-drive light-duty trucks with their high payload is about to get a new variant featuring selectable all-wheel drive.Its off-road capabilities make the Fuso Canter 4×4 the ideal choice for all applications where operation on unsurfaced roads is required, for example on construction sites, in the energy supply sector and in service with the fire brigade. For municipal authorities, it lends itself to use as a winter service vehicle with snowplough and salt spreader. Its width of a mere two metres means that it can also negotiate narrow openings with ease. The Canter 4×4 demonstrates its efficiency well on the construction site, for example, as its all-wheel drive can be engaged to allow it to cope with the loose surfaces.

Its high payload capacity and optionally available start/stop function also make the Canter 4×4 an efficient workhorse.The new Canter model shares the same practical strengths as its predecessors: good manoeuvrability (the 3415 mm wheelbase version has a turning circle of 13.5 m), a space-saving cab-over-engine layout, a robust construction, an ergonomically located shift lever in the instrument panel, enhanced safety thanks to a strong cab design and low brake wear as a result of the standard exhaust brake.

The Canter 4×4, model designation 6C18, will be offered with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 6.5 tonnes, a two-metre wide comfort cab and a power output of 129 kW (175 hp). The all-wheel drive can be selected and deselected during a journey, thereby ensuring fuel-efficient operation. A differential lock for the rear axle is fitted as standard.

Customers will be able to choose from comfortable single cabs or crewcabs
(3 and 7 seats respectively) with wheelbases of 3415 mm and 3865 mm. Payload capacity ranges from 3500 kg to 3735 kg. The vehicle’s approach and departure angles are 35 degrees and 25 degrees respectively (as opposed to 18 degrees and 11 degrees for the Canter 4×2).

Cab: powerful design with long-term corrosion protection
Like the conventional Canter, the new 4×4 model also comes with a completely re-designed cab. One distinctive feature of the new Fuso Canter 4×4 is its dynamic front-end styling which emphasises the vehicle’s off-road functionality and capabilities. The V-shaped radiator grille, with its strong lines and prominent logo, are particularly eye-catching. The dynamic V motif continues above the large headlamps right to the door beading. The new Canter therefore fits perfectly into the brand’s current styling concept.

The painted area has been extended as far as the lower edge of the windscreen to emphasise the Canter’s sturdy, robust nature. The three-part steel bumper is kitted out with practical anthracite-coloured plastic corner sections. Daytime running lamps have been integrated into the fog lamp housings. Fog lamps and daytime running lamps come as standard on all models.

First introduced for the 4×2 model, the new cataphoretic dip priming (CDP) and the powder-coated frame provide optimum long-term corrosion protection. Customers can choose from around 100 colours for the cab, including several metallic and pearl paint finishes; they can also opt for a custom paint colour, all of which ensures that the new Canter 4×4 is distinctively individual right from the moment it leaves the factory.

Cockpit: comfortable and functional
The functional cab-over-engine concept of the new Fuso Canter 4×4 features a two-colour, harmoniously designed cockpit with high-quality materials that are pleasant to the touch. Both driver and co-driver benefit from even better access from left to right through the cab.

Round vents surround the instrument panel. The circular dials are easy to read. The economical range on the rev counter is clearly marked. The multifunction display between the instruments provides information such as time and distance travelled, it also includes a trip computer to calculate fuel consumption, a display which shows the status of the particulate filter and a warning lamp for the fuel level. The operating buttons are arranged within easy reach around the steering wheel.

The storage concept focuses fully on the needs of the driver and co-driver. The centre console contains two DIN slots, a storage compartment with flap and a pull-out drinks holder for two containers. On the co-driver’s side, items can be stored in an open stowage tray and a lockable glove compartment. A stowage facility for documents and a compartment for a mobile phone or small items underline the practical design and layout of the dashboard. Roof stowage boxes, door storage bins and stowage facilities behind and between the seats round off the stowage space options.

Seats: lumbar supports and integral head restraints
Both the driver’s and co-driver’s seats feature integral head restraints. The driver’s seat is equipped with an adjustable lumbar support as standard. A mechanically sprung comfort seat with armrest is available as an option. On the standard-fitted co-driver’s double bench seat, a special feature of the left-hand seat (when viewed in the direction of travel) is the frame-type head restraint for better rearward visibility. The same head restraint design is used for the seats of the rear bench seat on the new Canter 4×4 with crewcab. Even the occupant of the centre seat is assured a comfortable seating position since the centre seat provides the same amount of legroom as the outer co-driver’s seat.

Automated climate control and more effective heating
The heating and air conditioning systems in the new Canter 4×4 are also worthy of mention. The key features include a high airflow rate in the footwell and head areas and an efficient heat exchanger. The powerful air conditioning system is an attractive feature. A fully automatic system is available as an alternative to the manually controlled air conditioning unit.

State-of-the-art Euro V engine with very wide effective engine speed range
The new Fuso Canter 4×4 is powered by a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with Euro V and EEV certification. Only the most powerful version of this 3-litre engine – developing 129 kW (175 hp) at 3500 rev/min – is installed on the all-wheel drive model. It boasts a maximum full-load torque of 430 Newton metres which is available constantly from 1600 to 2900 rev/min.

The modern, long-stroke engine (in-house designation 4P10) brims with the latest technology: namely two robust chain-driven overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, a common rail injection system and piezo injectors for precise fuel metering.

Low fuel consumption – high cost-effectiveness
The increased payload and significantly reduced maintenance costs have both helped to improve cost-effectiveness. The 40,000 km maintenance interval has also resulted in a marked reduction in maintenance costs and further underlines the excellent cost-effectiveness of the Fuso Canter 4×4. To reduce diesel consumption even further, the new Canter 4×4 is also available on request with a start/stop function.

Exhaust gas aftertreatment: SCR plus exhaust gas recirculation plus particulate filter
The new Canter 4×4 is equipped with the most powerful version of the 3.0 litre engine, capable of delivering a power output of 175 hp. This engine features SCR technology with AdBlue injection, a well-proven technology used on Daimler Trucks. This promising combination, which is also used in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, delivers more power for even less fuel. The AdBlue tank in the Canter is located on the left-hand side, immediately adjacent to the fuel tank and holds 12 litres. Thanks to the low AdBlue consumption, this is sufficient for a range of around 8000 km.

In addition to SCR exhaust aftertreatment technology, a combination of exhaust gas recirculation and fully automatic particulate filter regeneration ensures optimum emissions performance. If the vehicle is being used mainly for very short trips, manual regeneration of the particulate filter may be necessary owing to the low engine temperatures. A status indicator in the multifunction display tells the driver whether manual regeneration is required. Manual regeneration can be activated by a switch.

Frame emphasises the body-friendly concept
The uniform hole pattern of the high-payload frame on the Canter 4×4 makes life much easier for bodybuilders. All chassis are available on request with body consoles to facilitate body assembly. Drilling the ladder-type frame is no longer required. To save space, the coolant expansion tank is located under the cab, enabling the body to be moved closer to the rear wall of the cab.

The new Canter 4×4 can be factory fitted with two different power take-off variants, with or without flange. Their output is 31 kW. The Canter is also available ex-works with an external power take-off rpm controller which can be positioned where required. The interface for the controller is located on the rear of the cab.

As an option, Fuso can deliver the new Canter 4×4 equipped with a voltage converter. This ensures that the 12 V vehicle electrical system can be connected to a 24 V interface such as those frequently used by bodybuilders on medium-size truck bodies. To guarantee the power supply, Fuso can also deliver the new Canter with various alternators adapted to the intended use.

Traditional strengths of the Canter also feature on the 4×4
The Canter 4×4 features the same traditional strengths as the Canter 4×2, namely excellent manoeuvrability, a space-saving cab-over-engine design, good visibility thanks to low windows and a short front overhang, a robust construction, a compact joystick shift lever on the dashboard, straightforward maintenance thanks to a tilting cab which provides easy access to the main assemblies, enhanced safety and reduced wear thanks to the standard-fitted exhaust brake.

Safety is paramount
Safety is also of paramount importance on the new Canter 4×4. The doors feature side-impact protection as standard. Airbags are available as optional equipment for driver and co-driver. Like the conventional model, the new Canter 4×4 also features the Fuso RISE passive safety system as well as Brake Override technology which give general priority to the brake signal if the brake and accelerator pedals are inadvertently depressed simultaneously.

Like all Fuso Canter models, the new all-wheel drive variant is also equipped as standard with an exhaust brake. Operated from a steering-column switch and generating up to 50 kW of braking power, the exhaust brake increases safety by protecting the service brake and at the same time reduces costs by prolonging the service life of the brake pads.

We don’t need to tell you why rally racing – though awesome – is incredibly dangerous. As much as we love to watch turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Euro hatches being flung around on dirt, gravel, snow and tarmac, the fact that many of these races go through small towns and wooded trails leaves plenty of room for disaster.

Case in point: This Renault Clio racer went off course during the 2012 Mazowiecki Rally, leaving driver Patrick Osowiecki and navigator Maciej Wrona trapped upside-down in a lake. According to CarScoop, no race officials were near the scene of the accident, but some selfless spectators rushed in to attempt to free Osowiecki and Wrona from their racecar. Scroll down to watch the action unfold.

Automakers are usually pretty decisive. They either build a car or they don’t. But Aston Martin has embarked down a bumpier road with Lagonda.

Aston bought the Lagonda marque way back in 1947, but after operating it as a separate brand for a few years, it let the brand peter out in the 1950s and 60s. The moniker was revived as a nameplate on a handful of Aston Martin sedans beginning in the 1970s, but that was pretty much the last we saw of it until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

That’s when the British automaker unveiled the rather unusual concept vehicle (pictured above) to revive the Lagonda name once again as a separate brand. It was meant to test the waters, and the response was not favorable. So it had appeared that AML was dropping the L from its initials and the entire project along with it. But as a stand-alone niche automaker looking to stay afloat in a rapidly amalgamating industry, Aston needs to produce more than front-engined, rear-drive, two-door GTs. And the Rapide sedan apparently isn’t going to be enough, so it looks as if that the Lagonda project could be back on the table.

According to Autocar, the real impetus, however, could be coming from emerging markets in Asia – particularly China, but also the Middle East and Russia. The timing for a high-end luxury crossover built by a company known for its exotic sports cars, however, could prove to be good timing or poor: Maserati, Lamborghini and Bentley are all entering the segment in the coming years, so if Aston wants to get a slice of that lucrative pie pioneered by Porsche, it had better get those wheels in motion.

The annual “Car Wars” report by Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy predicts that, despite their seizing of U.S. market share over the last few tumultuous years, Korean brands Hyundai and Kia will give it all back and then some to companies like Ford, General Motors and Toyota by 2016.

Murphy bases his predictions not on tea leaves or crystal balls, but rather the rate at which automakers launch new products. Ford will replace 26 percent of its product line over the next four years, a number that represents 46 percent of its volume, while General Motors will replace 25 percent and Toyota 24 percent. On account of these new product launches, Murphy says Ford can expect to add 0.8 percentage points of market share, General Motors will recover 0.5 points and Toyota will add another 0.3 points.

Other automakers that won’t be so aggressive in turning over their lineups with new models include Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and the European brands, which Murphy surmises will all remain flat in terms of market share.

Hyundai and Kia, meanwhile, will be introducing fewer new models than the rest and therefore, Murphy predicts, will see a 0.5 decline in U.S. market share.

Of course, these are all just predictions and can be blown to bits with the next unforeseen economic crisis or natural disaster, just like the last three years were. And there are other factors that might affect market share for each automaker during the next three years, including the availability of raw materials, exchange rates, union contracts, recalls and a million another minor things that might grow to become big things, not the least of which is consumers deciding they actually like all those new products being launched.

There was nary a peep of discontent about the looks of the Subaru Advanced Tourer concept revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. But when everyone was clamoring for Scooby to transfer the Advanced Tourer’s looks to a production vehicle, never once did people ask for that transfer to be foisted on the WRX. A report in Motor Trend, though, says that’s what’s happening: the concept “was actually an early look at the next-generation Subaru WRX.”

MT‘s sources said the front end Advanced Tourer’s front end will go onto the WRX, with other aspects of the concept made more aggressive to suit the personality of Subaru’s rally-ready racer. And if the concept also presages the next WRX’s dimensions, then you can expect the next-generation sedan and hatchback to be larger (though in truth we don’t anticipate a big gain in footprint).

Notice the name “Impreza” hasn’t appeared anywhere in our discussion yet. Subaru is reportedly dropping the name in an attempt to get more ‘Likes’ for the WRX by making it more approachable, so the next model will relinquish its association with the Impreza line and be more performanced focused even as it is receives a better interior and is morphed into a “more-mature sporty grand tourer.” Engine choices are still being debated for the car due in 2015; the rumored options include 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders and a hybrid version of the 1.6-liter.