In the news - Nissan pulling Facebook ads over hate speech concerns

The advertising system on Facebook allows companies to target specific demographics with their ads, which follow people based on their personal information. However what these companies have been finding out recently is that this system could lead to their ads showing up on questionable pages. According to Automotive News and The New York Times, Nissan has joined a growing list of companies, which have pulled themselves from advertising on Facebook until the social media site can guarantee that the ads won’t appear on offensive or questionable pages.

This issue came to light as a result of a group calling for Facebook to ban gender-based hate speech that went unchecked on some fan pages. Some of the offensive pages even showed images of abused women apparently.
This issue came about as a result of a group calling for Facebook to ban gender-based hate speech that went unchecked on some fan pages. Apparently, some of these offensive pages even showed images of women being abused. You can find some of these pages listed on the NYT article, though it looks like most of the pages have since been removed. As for Nissan, AN says that the only ads it had at the time were for Nissan UK, and there is no telling how this issue will affect Facebook advertising in the future.

2014 Ford Mustang

The basic make-up of the 5.0 2014 model has stayed the same as the 2013 generation. The 2013 model had seen a number of updates to keep the Mustang fresh until it’s replaced in

2015. So, for its goodby tour, the fith-generation Pony Car which has only seen a few modifications. Modifications such as  a couple of new paint colours (Oxford White and Ruby Red Metallic), trim and wheel revisions and, sadly, the deletion of the Boss 302 from the Ford lineup.

However, while the limited-edition Boss is likely to reappear sometime after the gen-six Mustang makes its debut in 2015, the GT Track Package provide at least a partial solution for those looking for hot laps.

Key stats:

Engine: 5.0L V8

Power: 420 HP / 390 LB-FT

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight: 3,618 LBS

Seating: 2+2

Cargo: 13.4 CU-FT

MPG: 17 City / 26 HWY

Base Price: Around £20,000

Lamborghini Egoista Concept Unveiled For Selfish Supercar Owners

A supercar may not necessarily make you immediately think that the owner and driver of the car is innately selfish, however when you take into consideration that the new supercar concept unveiled by Lamborghini is in fact only a one-seater, you can definitely say that it is a selfish car for selfish people. The megalomaniacal owner of the car would simply not want to share his experience with his friends...

For a selfish owner, Lamborghini's Egoista Concept was unveiled at a private 50th birthday party that the automaker had thrown for itself. Without an official announcement from Lamborghini to go by, all we can glean is that the Egoista Concept has room for a single occupant, is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine and boasts styling said to be inspired by an apache helicopter.

Have a browse of the concept images and say what you think about the supercar:

2015 Mazda3 interior glimpses revealed

In terms of the exterior of the hatchback there is a clear Kodo design influence in terms of the front ends bring to remembrance the new Mazda6. From spy shots of the Mazda3 being tested, a glimpse of the interior has been taken.

Taken from the Autoblog:
“Feast your eyes on the Mazda3's insides, showing a vastly reworked interior that also takes cues from the automaker's most recently refreshed products. We can see that there's a simple, clean center stack with a slim row of heating and cooling functions, and up top there's a large, presumably touchscreen display, with redundant controls found just aft of the shifter.”

The car is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Credit: Images taken from the Autoblog: http://www.autoblog.com/

Economic Car Advice

 

Here are a few tips to keeping the costs of keeping a vehicle on the road down.

Downsize Your Vehicle:

A smaller car is more economically viable to run. They use less fuel, are cheaper to insure and tax, and ten to be less expensive when it comes to servicing and new parts. Now the idea of spending money to save money may seem like the antithesis to tightening the purse strings, but on the long term this is the way to go.

Vehicle Sharing:

For regular commutes sharing your car with colleagues can help save on fuel costs by sharing the costs. Also the environment and fellow road users can benefit from this because there will be less cars on the road.

Make sure to look for the best insurance you can get:

It is very easy just to let your insurance roll over from one year to the next without checking to see if there are any better deals, but trust me, this is where you can make the greatest of savings. Look at price comparison sites and speak to advisors each insurance year-end to make sure you can find the best deal on your policy.

Change the way you drive:

The way you drive your car can make a real impact on the amount of fuel you go through and the amount of wear and tear your vehicle goes through. Aggressive driving, and by that I mean quick accelerations and sudden harsh braking, uses up a lot more fuel in comparison to smooth driving. Changing to a high gear as soon as possible can also help save on fuel.

Also when you’re stuck in a traffic jam switch off your engine to save on fuel. Leaving the engine on just wastes fuel. Keeping your car in good condition is also a good idea. Properly inflated tires will prevent rolling resistance and a properly tuned engine will use fuel more efficiently.

Other things to keep in mind:

You can also save money on all the extras that come with driving. For example, instead of buying coffee at the fueling station, bring a flask with you instead, or wash your own car instead of forking out a tenner to have someone else do it for you. These little things can help turn pennies into pounds.

Mazzanti Introduces Evantra V8

Mazzanti Automobili showed us its Evantra back in December, but this month at the Top Marques Monaco show they unleashed their production beastie. The internals suggest that it will be a great car: all-aluminium 7.0-liter V8, 701 horsepower, 624 pound-feet of torque, 0-62 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, six-speed manual or sequential paddle-shift transmission, bodywork in either aluminum or carbon fiber laid over a steel and chromoly chassis.

Mazzanti hope that the shape of the vehicle is what will make its name. It was designed by founder Luca Mazzanti and by Zsolt Tarnok. They designed it with the idea that the various lines would be a "perfect equilibrium of classical and modern." No matter where it sits on the spectrum, it's busy. Small details have been changed since the initial reveal a few months ago, but items like the tailored leather interior, Tricolore start button, 20-inch wheels on super low profile rubber and Brembo brakes remain.

Below watch its debut video:

Upcoming - Great Wall aims to break into US market by 2015

According to Automotive News, Great Wall Motor Co. plans to sell its vehicles in the US by 2015. The Chinese car company has been planning its expansion for the last two years and has looked at everything from regulatory hurdles to establishing a dealer network, as well as the customers needs and wants.

Although it isn't clear what model car they plan to bring to the US, it is apparent that they have been looking to establish a factory stateside. The Chinese automaker currently sells its wares in over 70 countries and regions across the earth, but has yet to establish itself within the US or within Canada. Great Wall brought 26 vehicles to last weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show, including a stand-alone section for its Haval brand of SUVs.

At the moment, the only Chinese-built cars sold in North America are Honda Fit models, and they are only available in Canada (however, General Motors recently opened the door to importing their own Chinese-built models). So even though Asian car companies have bee promising to deliver their cars to the US, none have exactly been able to as of yet.

That being said, Great Wall is one of China's most respected automakers with lots of experience in setting up global factories and exporting, so it seems inevitable that they will be able to break into the US market in real moment. For now though, there is still debate as to how quickly they will be able to actualise their plans. A recent study by Bernstein Research suggested that Chinese automakers still have a decade or more of development before they will be able to field globally competitive products.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid Car

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the first car to foray into the supermini segment with parallel hybrid technology. The Yaris has the potential to be even than its bigger hybrid brother. It is smaller, cleaner, and cheaper than the hybrid norm. It also has the potential to unlock the untapped market of the petrol-electric supermini.

Toyota counts this car as the world’s first full hybrid supermini. This is doubtless one of the very first ‘sub-compact’ hatchbacks that can run on petrol power, battery power, or a combination of both.

A lot of the mechanical and technological assets of this car have been copied from the second-generation ‘XW20’ Prius making it a pragmatic car, At £14,995, this is the cheapest full hybrid on the market and by building the car at the firm’s factory in Valenciennes, France, means that its price should be immune from the yen-related currency fluctuations.

The 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine has been engineered to produce less friction. In addition 70 per cent of its components have been redesigned. It now produces slightly less power and torque, but Toyota says its thermal efficiency has improved by six per cent.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive is compromised of a downsized E-CVT and a smaller electric motor than you’ll find in a current Prius or Auris Hybrid. The Yaris’s battery is 20 per cent smaller in volume, and 11kg lighter than that in the Auris. It is located beneath the rear seats and doesn’t really intrude into either passenger space or boot space.

Elsewhere, ice-grey soft-touch pads on the dashboard break up the otherwise monotonous colour scheme. The Yaris also swaps its rev-counter for a back-lit battery dial that shuffles between Charge, Eco and Power. Similarly, there are two buttons adjacent to the handbrake, for selecting Eco and EV modes.

Another advantage the Yaris has is refinement. Toyota has taken a lot of the high-rev mechanical thrash out of its petrol-electric power plant.

Toyota may be able to harp about the Yaris Hybrid’s class-best CO2 emissions (79g/km) and claimed fuel economy, but plenty of its rivals dip under the 100g/km VED-free barrier and those same diesel-powered rivals would deliver better economy over an extended driving range.

To extract value for money from the Yaris at the pump, it must be confined to the urban sprawl or driven with the patience of a saint. However, if nothing can talk you into a diesel-engined compact, the Toyota merits consideration.

For urban motorists who feel that that’s exactly where a supermini should be economical, then this could be a perfect car. However those of us who regularly drive out of town will find better economy elsewhere.

New Car - Suzuki SX4 Crossover

The new car, the SX4, is powered by a choice of two 1.6-liter engines – one diesel, one petrol – the former mated to a six-speed manual transmission while the latter uses a CVT with a "seven-speed manual mode" operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles. All-wheel drive remains intact on the SX4, now with four driver-selectable modes and the ALLGRIP name. You can read the car review after watching the promotional video by Suzuki.

Key features

Distinctive crossover styling:

The SUV combines a bold, sporty shape, with strong lines, and a refined distinctive character as well as sporting superb aerodynamics.

More space for people and luggage:

The SX4 Crossover is made a class leader in terms of passenger and luggage space because of its C segment dimensions. This will definitely benefit families.

Next generation 4WD with ALLGRIP technology:

A new four-wheel-drive system has four driver-selectable modes for better performance and safety in diverse conditions.

Some of the lowest CO2 emissions in its category:

Engine refinements, superior aerodynamics, and the high tensile steel used in the bodywork mean that the new SX4 Crossover has remarkably low CO2 emissions considering it’s a C segment crossover.

World's first double sliding glass sunroof:

The panoramic sunroof is the first of its kind. Nice!

Design Summary:

Urban sophistication and SUV ruggedness.

New colours to give emphasis to the styling.

Aerodynamics which improve fuel economy.

Bold, characteristic crossover shape, dynamic lines create a highly distinctive look.

A sharp bodyline, wheel arch mouldings, skid plates and integrated roof rails emphasise the crossover styling.

Exterior Design
Quality:

Quality features include chrome items at the front; LED daytime running lamps in the headlamps; boldly contoured shoulders along the side lines; and two part rear combination lamps.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics are achieved in every area of the design. There are smooth contours across the side of the body, modulated lines running from front to rear, and low drag wheels and door mirrors.

Interior design
Quality:

The contours of the instrument panel overlap the doors and the soft padding is nice to touch. The seats are shaped and stitched to convey a sense of sophistication.

Exterior colours:

A range of 10 exterior colours includes two new options which highlight the new SX4 Crossover's urban credentials.

Performance Summary:

 A blend of all-terrain crossover capability and on road performance.

A powertrain delivering environmental compatibility and great performance

Transmission systems which heighten driving pleasure

Remarkably low CO2 emissions for a C segment crossover

Engines and transmission systems:

The new SX4 Crossover's powertrain technologies ensure environmental compatibility while delivering all the performance needed in a C segment crossover.

Engine:

The engine options are 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel.

Transmission systems:

Transmission systems designed for the new SX4 Crossover help to improve performance and fuel economy.

Environmental performance:

Suzuki developed the new SX4 Crossover to have remarkably low CO2 emissions for a C segment crossover.

An Engine Auto Start Stop (EASS) system further increases fuel economy, limits exhaust emissions.

CO2 emissions:
125g/km with two wheel drive (2WD) manual transmission
125g/km with 2WD CVT
136g/km with 4WD manual transmission
136g/km with 4WD CVT.
The CO2 emissions for the diesel models are

110g/km with 2WD manual transmission
115g/km with 4WD manual transmission.

Safety:

Light but impact absorbing body and various safety features designed for five star Euro NCAP rating

Superior stability and comprehensive active and passive safety facilities.

Cabin and luggage area

4,300mm overall length and a 2,600mm wheelbase allow plenty of cabin space; the distance between front and rear occupants is 814mm.

The rear seat and a luggage board can be repositioned to accommodate different kinds of luggage, making the new SX4 Crossover ideal for families.

Upcoming Car - Tesla Model X

Back in January at the Detroit Auto Show, Tesla showed off its new model electric car, the Model X. The one they showed off was simply called “white” – as you can guess it was in the colour of white. It has an updated interior and new wheels, though whether does wheels make it to production or not is unlikely because they have carbon fibre spokes that are pure flair, not structural.

Considering that this car is not expected to be buyable until 2014, the evolution from its previous design to this updated prototype design (not even beta version which isn’t expect until 2014) we can assume that it is getting closer and closer to its final design.

Inside, the surfaces materials and colours are updated from the silver/grey model unveiled a year ago, with black and white featured in alternating fashion. The big touch screen in the dashboard is the same as in the Model S, but it appears to be floating instead of having a flush design. Below this article you can view a selection of photos of last years prototype.

With the way the pre-orders and production rates are going, Tesla is on track to sell 20,000 Model S vehicles 2013, as in calendar 2013, which by the way Tesla matches the Model to the Year. Simple.

Convertible Car - Bentley Continental GT Speed

Earlier this year Bentley revealed full details and a bunch of images of their new car, the Continental GT Speed.

Just like its GT Speed coupe younger brother, the new GT Speed represents the pinnacle of Continental cars. As a matter of fact, the GT Speed is a all-wheel-drive and has become the fastest four-seater convertible in the world. It has max-out top speed of 202mph and can crack 60mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The super high top speed is thanks to Bentley’s much- respected twin-turbocharged 48-valve 6.0 litre W12 engine, which throws out 616bhp and 800Nm of torque. Now that’s fast. Just to contrast what make this just that little bit more special; the ‘standard’ Continental GT has a power output of 567bhp.

Too make sure that everyone knows that you’ve opted for the GT Speed, Bentley supply the Speed models with unique 21-inch alloy wheels, menacing dark-tint grilles and ‘rifled exhaust pipes. Inside the interior is grandly called the ‘Mulliner Driving Specification,’ which comes as a standard.

GT Speed models get a close-ratio eight-speed 'box, and uprated and lowered suspension. Meanwhile the steering has been re-tuned to give quicker reactions and a much more responsive feel.

It comes in colours other than pink, just to let you know.

New Car - Peugeot 208 GTI

Peugeot are gleefully comparing their new hatchback with the joy of driving a ratty old 205 GTI down a twisty road. Are they finally able to recapture the magic of the 1980s auto legend? If the latest reports are anything to go by then the answer for their new car is yes.

The 206, and 207 were unable to ever get close to replicating the joy of punting a ratty old 205 GTI down a twisting road. It was all the more galling given the fact that Peugeot still had the technique nailed when they sold the 106 and 306 GTIs during the late 1990s.

To some extent though, Peugeot has finally got its groove back. The 208 has moved in all the right directions and is lighter and more fun to drive than the 207 ever was.

The first GTIs that go on sale will be Limited Edition models, and with only 29 of these available, they’ll each cost £20,495. They will each have Satin Pearlescent white paint and 17-inch Carbon Onyx Black alloy wheels.

All the other GTIs thereafter will cost £18,895 and will go on sale from April 2013.

The expectations of this vehicle will be high considering the toughest rival to Peugeot, the Ford Fiesta ST, will begin at £16,995.
The Peugeot 208 GTI will have a 200-horsepower mark from its 1.6-litre turbocharged lump, a few subtle styling additions and some more than suitable interior upgrades. It will also have a six-speed manual gearbox, which is becoming a rare thing in the hatchback market. On paper the GTI certainly looks good.
In conclusion, whether the 208 GTI gets anywhere near it’s ancestor the 205 in terms of thrills will be irrelevant for most people. Since the 1980s the market has changed a lot, however Peugeot’s eagerness to compare the two GTIs has raised the expectations of the 208. We know that the Ford Fiesta ST is likely to be brilliant, so the 208 GTI will have to be even better if it’s to leave its mark.

For a deeper look into the Peugeot 208 you can click here.