2014 Ford F-150 Adds CNG and LPG Option Starting from $7,815

The 2014 Ford F-150 will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7-liter V6 engine, allowing it to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.Ford says the F-150 will be the only CNG/LPG-capable half-ton pickup truck in the market and the eighth vehicle in its range available to run on CNG/LPG. The Blue Oval stated that it expects to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year.
Available this fall, the factory-installed gaseous-fuel prep package includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and rings in order to operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems. The CNG/LPG engine package allows the 3.7-liter V6 F-150 to cover 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) on one tank of gas, depending on the selected tank size. Fuel economy for the F-150 with the CNG/LPG option is rated at 23 mpg highway (10.2 l/100 km).
The CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs approximately $315 (€237) but the customer also has to pay between $7,500 (€5,645) and $9,500 (€7,170) for the fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Costs vary depending on fuel tank capacity and the parts can be installed at a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier.
CNG sells for an average of $2.11 (€1.59) per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and is as low as $1 (€0.75) in some parts of the Unites States. Therefore, savings over unleaded regular fuel, which averages $3.66 (€2.75) per gallon across the U.S., can be significant.
However, the truck's purchase price is also significantly bigger compared to the standard gasoline model. Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager is optimistic that with the money saved using CNG, “customers could start to see payback on their investment in as little as 24 to 36 months.” Obviously, that depends on mileage.
The engine and powertrain have the same Ford limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles (96,560km), while the modifier is responsible for the system component warranty.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Cut Price, 300HP Entry-Level Porsche 911 Blu Edition Rumored to Debut in Frankfurt

If you, like us, cringed at the view of a light blue Porsche 911 Cabriolet with a red soft top and body accents, the good news is that we do not know for sure whether they are real or if they have been doctored through Photoshop.What these images are purportedly showing us is a new limited production version of the 991-series Porsche 911 Convertible dubbed "Blu Edition". The news comes from the Porsche-dedicated forum 911UK, which states that the car was created to celebrate the nameplate's 50th anniversary and will be displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The report goes on to say that the unlike the vintage-trimmed 911 Carrera S Coupe 50th Anniversary that's more expensive than the base model, the 911 Blu Edition will not only be cheaper than the regular 911 Carrera Cabriolet, but also from the current entry-level 911 Carrera Coupe – but with a price in performance.
The article states: "In a move set to put the cat among the pigeons, the launch special is expected to undercut the current 3.4 Coupe PDK by 9,500 euros at an estimated 74,600 euros (£64,750)." We'll have to assume that said price concerns the UK market where the 911 Carrera Coupe starts from £73,413 (€83,864) and not Germany where it begins from €90,417.
The penalty for the lower entry price is said to come in the form of a de-tuned version of the 911 Carrera's 3.4-liter flat-six producing the same peak torque at 287 lb-ft (and not Nm as stated in the piece) or 390Nm, but 50 less horses at 350PS (345hp). With this engine and a standard dual-clutch PDK transmission, the 911 Blu Edition is said to complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) in 5.4 seconds and top out at 266km/h (165mph), or 0.6 seconds and 18 km/h slower respectively than the 991 Carrera Cabriolet.
The car is quoted to return a combined fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg Uk / 36.7mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 152 g/km.
Other notable features of the exclusively rear-wheel drive model include the adoption of stop-start and a new smart charging system, new 18-inch wheels with almost comically tall sidewalls (at least in these pictures) shod in low-rolling resistance tires, a standard composite hardtop weight just 22 kg (48.5 pounds), and instead of an electronic soft top, a removable, single-piece composite fabric roof. It is reported that total weight savings over the regular Carrera Cabriolet total to around 63kg or 139 pounds.
The entry-level 911 Blu Edition will reportedly be produced in a limited number of units, 300 of which are earmarked for North America. We're also told that buyers will be chosen through a lottery system for members of officially approved Porsche Club.
You may want to keep in mind that, at this time, none of the above has been confirmed from Porsche. We'll be sure to post an updated once we learn more.

Story References: 911UK via Germancarscene
Shout out to Toni O. for the heads up!

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Porsche Releases Motivational Video Starring New 911 Turbo

The Porsche 911 Turbo is undoubtedly the quintessence of the German sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart. It is the best you can get from the famed carmaker and a nameplate that has been around for 40 years now.To promote the all-new 2014 911 Turbo, Porsche has released a special video that talks about the daring character of the iconic sports car. Entitled “Breaking New Ground”, the video talks of Porsche’s continued drive to innovate and may serve as a motivational speech for those afraid to experiment new things.
Porsche encourages them to take it to the unknown roads, just as it did and still does with the 911 Turbo. Powered by a 3.8-liter six-cylinder with direct injection, the all-new model develops 513 hp (520 PS) in standard guise, with the 911 Turbo S model boasting 552 hp (560 PS). The latter sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.1 seconds, with its top speed rated at 318 km/h (197.6 mph).
Engine aside, the new Porsche 911 Turbo has new features including a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear axle steering and adaptive aerodynamics, among others. Scroll down to watch the new 911 Turbo video.
By Dan Mihalascu

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Morgan Launches Limited Series Brooklands Edition for Roadster and Three-Wheeler

When we look at Morgan as a company in the context of the modern automotive industry, we wonder how they are still around and under family control. However, when we look at the kind of cars they still make today, we understand why that is, and it goes to show that there is still a market for machines made as they used to. Thus, with a minimal infusion of modern tech, Morgan is still selling the same cars it always has, but with better brakes.There is little they could do to liven up their range in any kind of meaningful way, aside from coming up with another modern interpretation of their design ideals – or just do special editions of the existing models… Regardless why they did so, I'm thankful they thought up the new Brooklands Edition Roadster and Three-Wheeler, because they’re some of the coolest limited production run models I've seen.
Named after the famed banked oval, the 3.7-liter V6-powered Roadster Brooklands Edition gets a unique “Speed Silver Satin” bonnet cowl, as well as other bits of trim turned silver, black alloys, Aero Racing Green front splitter as well as a whole host of other mods.
Inside, these limited edition models have numbered plaques, “new performance sports seats,” more pedal space and a repositioned gear lever. In standard form, it will set you back £40,000 (€46,000) +VAT, but there are a few very expensive options available, if you managed to save up more than the basic asking price
If you don’t mind the loss of a wheel, and four of the cylinders, along with a bit of space, then perhaps the other Brooklands Edition model, the Three-Wheeler may also be of interest. It gets the same kind of treatment as the larger car, including sharing the same body finish, called Jaguar 'Brooklands' green, though here there’s also the optionally-available polished body which gets extra rivets. It too features a black leather interior with numbered plaque, plus a polished engine up front, and the same unique Brooklands steering wheel – there’s also the option of heated seats which has unquestionable utility in colder climates.
Finally, if you were wondering what the numbered plaques were for, they are there to let you know that only fifty of each will ever be made - pricing for the Three-Wheeler has yet to be announced, and the car is set to be launched in September.

By Andrei Nedelea

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Consumer Reports Finds Three-Row Hyundai Santa Fe an "Impressively Fuel-Efficient Bargain"

Consumer Reports is keen to point out the differences between the Hyundai Santa Fe andthe Santa Fe Sport, in their latest review, a quick take on the former. They explain to prospective buyers that while they look about the same, the Sport only comes as a five-seater with four-cylinder power only, whereas the largernon-Sport model gets a usable third row and only comes with a V6.However, they still call it impressively fuel-efficient, despite employing the use of anoutdated (in concept, that is, with all of the downsizing that's been going on recently)naturally-aspirated V6, and also praise it for the quality of fit and finish inside, as well as the clean design.
I would mention though, that after having sat in a Santa Fe Sport immediately after they were launched and were being paraded around, I found the switchgear layout a bit confusing and a bit outdated.
Still, as a package, the Korean brand’s SUV is very attractive, and while this larger model doesn’t have the same sporty visual appeal of the Sport, it is a breath of swoopy fresh air in a class still populated by conservative, boxy shapes. Now scroll down and check out the video in its entirety – it won’t take long, as it’s under two minutes short.
By Andrei Nedelea

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New Audi RS7 Roars to the States Priced from $104,900* [New Video]

The exclusively German high-performance sports sedan category in the USA will soon gain a new member as Audi has released pricing informationfor the RS7 Sportback that arrives this fall starting from $104,900, excluding a destination and delivery fee of $895.Going up against the $113,000 and 552hp (560PS) BMW M6 Gran Coupe and the revised 550HP 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG (sales commence in August), the RS7 is fitted with a twin-turbo'd 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine producing 552hp (560PS) and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of peak torque.
A standard eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission works with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system to transfer power to the road, with the Germans quoting a 0-60 mph (96km/h) sprint time of 3.7 seconds and a "top track speed" (their words, not ours) of 174 mph (280 km/h).
We're still waiting for official EPA figures, but Audi's European division says the RS7 returns an average fuel consumption of 9.8 liters per 100 km, equal to 24.0 mpg US.
Together with the pricing announcement, Audi also released a new video of the RS7, which you can watch after the jump.

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Jenson Button Gives the McLaren P1 "Some Beans" Up the Goodwood Hill

Giving a car “the beans” or “some beans” is definitely something all those who are interested in automobiles like to do when confronted with a new car (or that may just be me).You climb aboard and want to get a feel for its handling and poke, so as to adapt your driving style, and keep both safety (and speed if necessary) up – the kind of hard, edgy driving inferred by the phrases in quotes above is perfectly suitable for the task.
However, if you attempt that on the public roads in a Fiat Panda, you run the risk of ending up in jail, or at least seeing your face reflected in a cop’s Aviator cli-shades at least once. Thus, it is best left up to the professionals, especially in those instances when the vehicle in question is one of the first representatives of the new breed of hybrid-hypercars, the McLaren P1. Many people are watching, most of whom at least have phones and/or tablets capable of shooting HD footage – any slipup would be embarrassing.
Thankfully, for the Woking-based manufacture, at this year’s edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, they had their own F1 driver Jenson Button on hand to do the hooning for them, and do it well.
There is really nothing more left to add at this point, aside suggesting that you scroll down and check out the video of Button at the wheel of the P1, the celebrated culmination of McLaren’s fifty-year existence.
By Andrei Nedelea

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New Citroen C4 Picasso Minivan On Sale Now in the UK from £17,500

If you're looking for a five-seater minivan with unconventional looks, Citroën is proposing the all-new C4 Picasso that is on sale now in the UK with on-the-road (OTR) prices starting from £17,500 and rising to £24,455.While notably more compact (40mm or 1.57 inches shorter in length and 50mm or 1.96 inches lower in height) over its predecessor, the French firm says that, the new C4 Picasso actually offers improved space for both passengers and their luggage (an additional 40-litres to 537-litres with the rear seats pushed back, or up to 630-litres when pushed forward). It’s also up to 140kg (309 pounds) lighter, or about the same as the smaller C3 Picasso.
Citroen states that in the UK, it is targeting two main demographics, the first of which are style-conscious young families with one or two children, and the second group, older couples with grown-up children.
Riding on the French brand's new EMP2 platform (Efficient Modular Platform 2), the C4 Picasso offers a choice of five powertrains including an 89hp (90PS) diesel with or without the micro-hybrid (e-HDi) system, a 113hp (114PS) diesel, and two gasoline units, the 118hp (120PS) VTi 120 and the 154hp (156PS) THP 155.
The most fuel efficient version is the e-HDi 90PS Airdream with the new ETG 6-speed automated gearbox that returns up to 74.3mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 98g/km.
Citroen has also revealed a longer, seven-passenger version of the car named the Grand C4 Picasso.

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New BMW i3 Officially Introduced, Sales Begin this Fall

It must have come as a real shock to some, to find out that BMW confirmed the launch of its ‘i’ sub-brand, back in 2011, while others perfectly understood why the Bavarian automaker thought that it would be a good idea to put a propeller badge on cars with efficiency in mind, while still trying to retain the familiar brand qualities of an excellent drive and very solid engineering.
Now, more than two years after the announcement, we are witnessing the live unveiling of the first i-badged BMW, the i3, which is being simultaneously unveiled in three distinct locations around the world: New York, London and Beijing.
Along with the unveiling, BMW also confirmed some of the tech facts, as well as the pricing information. The i3, which features a pillar-less passenger cell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), will first launch in Germany and other Euromarkets in November of this year, retailing for €34,950 ($46,300) for the solely-electric variant, while the Range Extender option bumps up the price to €39,450 ($52,320). In the U.S. sales will kick off during the second quarter of 2014 with prices starting from $41,350 before any federal or state incentives, plus $925 for destination and handling.
They say the main selling point of the new i3 are its low running costs, which are said to be around 40 percent better than those of the very frugal 320dA (‘A’ meaning fitted with the eight-speed auto which is optionally-available), over a three-year period.
The EV/range-extender can sprint from 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) in 3.7 seconds, while the usual benchmark sprint is dealt with in a very reasonable 7.2 seconds – this puts it close to a Mk. V VW Golf GTI, but the hot hatch will sail past, as the i3 reaches it limited top speed of 150 km/h (94 mph). These impressive figures can be achieved thanks to the car’s low curb weight of 1,195 kg and high power output of 168 hp (125 kW). However, the torque figure of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) is a bit lower than that of some other green rivals – Chevy Volt gets 370 Nm (273 lb-ft), and the original Nissan Leaf got 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) which has been lowered in the more recent models.
Now we’re waiting for the first test drives of the i3, though we hope BMW doesn’t adopt the Renault approach and do an in-house review, because that will just repeat what has been said above (all of the figures) and say it’s excellent in every single way.

By Andrei Nedelea

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Watch New BMW i3 World Premiere Live Now

The time for the world premiere of the BMW Group's first ever series production electric car,the all-new i3, is up, with the Bavarian company to reveal the actual model that will soon go on sale worldwide simultaneously in three continents, in the cities of London in the UK, New York in the USA and Beijing in China, on Monday, July at 2:15 PM CEST.You can watch the live, online stream of the event in the video below the break.
Designed from the ground-up as an electric vehicle, the sub-compact / supermini sized hatchback sports a lightweight construction with a passenger cell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
For its motivation, the five door (with smaller, reverse opening rear doors) model utilizes a 170-horsepower electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack and has a driving range between 80 to 100 miles (130-160 kilometers) in the base version. BMW will also offer a range extender iteration that comes with a motorcycle-sourced 650cc two-cylinder petrol engine to boost driving range to around 180 miles (290 km).
Prices in the U.S. start from $41,350, in the UK from £30,680 OTR and in Germany from €34,950, excluding any government incentives for green vehicles.

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VW Makes 4Motion All-Wheel-Drive Available for Diesel Golf Variant

The new Volkswagen Golf Variant can now be had with the brand's all-wheel-drive 4Motion system in Europe, available for the most powerful versions of the 1.6- and 2.0-liter diesel engines.The Golf Variant 1.6 TDI 4Motion comes with 105 PS (104 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of peak torque available from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm. With this engine and the 4Motion system, the Golf Variant averages 4.5 liters/100 km (52.2 US mpg), thus being 18 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
VW also offers the 4Motion system for the more powerful 2.0-liter TDI engine that develops 150 PS (148 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, constantly available between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The Golf Variant 2.0 TDI 4Motion averages 4.8 liters/100 km (49 US mpg). Both versions are fitted with a standard six-speed manual transmission.
When equipped with the trailer hitch, the Golf Variant 2.0 TDI 4Motion has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) at an 8 and 12 percent slope. The smaller engine version can pull up to 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) at an 8 percent slope and 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) at a 12 percent slope.
The permanent all-wheel drive system is the latest 4Motion version with an advanced fifth-generation Haldex clutch. The system works without an accumulator and VW says it reacts “extremely quickly to all kinds of driving conditions.”
The Golf Variant 1.6 TDI 4Motion starts from €24,400 ($32,360) in Germany for the Trendline trim level, while the 2.0 TDI 4Motion Comfortline is priced from €29,075 ($38,560).

By Dan Mihalascu

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