It has emerged that the UK subsidiary of Japanese automaker Subaru has slashed the Subaru BRZ price by a good 2,500 GBP. The Subaru Brz Price in UK now starts at 23,995 GBP, for the SE Lux base trim with a six speed manual gearbox. The prices for the automatic transmission equipped variant start at 25,495 GBP. This reduction in the prices for the Subaru BRZ is a result of a favorable exchange rate between the pound and yen. It may be noted that the IM Group is in charge of importing the BRZ from Japan to UK. The entry level Subaru BRZ comes equipped with Alcantara & leather seats, a Torsen rear-axle differential and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles as standard. Powering the Subaru BRZ is the same four pot, 2.0 liter naturally aspirated petrol motor that powers the Toyota GT 86 and the Scion FR-S. This engine has a max power of 200 PS (147 kW) and peak torque of 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). subaru brz price uk 2

The fourth generation model of Lexus’ largest selling nameplate ever has made its international debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show. The Lexus RX has sold over 2.1 million units and accounts for three out of every 10 vehicles the company has sold. In its latest generation version, the model gets a muscular body, completely redesigned interior and a longer wheelbase. Here’s what you need to know

Exterior

The front end has been designed from the scratch with a stronger spindle grille design with a chrome-finished border and triple L-shaped LED headlamps. The front wings have been made more muscular to make vehicle look sportier.

new Lexus RX New York Auto Show 2015 (9)

In profile, the blacked out c-pillars create a floating roof effect. Strong character lines add a sense of dynamism. The slowing roof line creates aids the sporty stance while also reducing rear lift making the vehicle more stable with reduced wind noise. New 20-inch aluminium wheels can be customised with different coloured inserts

new Lexus RX New York Auto Show 2015 (11)

At the rear, new L-shaped taillights wrap around the sides of the vehicle. When illuminated, these create a brilliant glow that extends laterally from the body to the tailgate – a Lexus first.

Interior

On the inside, new trim elements create a high-class feel. Fancy stuff includes optional laser cut wood ornamentation. There is a large head-up display on offer, while the information zone features a 12.3-inch monitor. The position of the instrument panel has been changed to enhance space.

Lexus RX interior

Wheelbase has been extended for more leg and knee-room for rear seat passengers. The rear seats themselves can be equipped with power recline adjustment and heaters. A panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of spaciousness in the cabin.

Lexus RX interior 2

Engines

The new RX will be available with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a 300bhp combined output for the hybrid powertrain, matched to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The car gets an AWD system too.

The entire chassis has been strengthened form a claimed better stability and control through bends. Reduction in engine and road noise levels in the cabin has also allegedly been achieved. Most RX versions will be available with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which electronically monitors and adapts suspension damping and steering.

Safety

Safety features include a stronger body structure, and the introduction of the Lexus Safety System+, which helps avoid or mitigate collisions at a wide range of vehicle speeds.

new Lexus RX New York Auto Show 2015 (5)

Lexus Safety System+ includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which detects and warns the driver of potential collision risks with vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles on the road ahead; Lane Departure Alert (LDA), which triggers a warning sound if the vehicle moves out of its lane without signalling; and Automatic High Beam (AHB), which helps maintain the best forward visibility when driving at night.

The system’s multi-faceted approach to active safety makes use of a millimetre-wave radar that works with a camera to help keep the RX in its intended driving lane, via the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) feature. These elements also support the performance of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Optional features include an Adaptive High Beam System, Panoramic View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor.

RX F Sport

The F Sport version of the new RX will also be made available. It will be available with both powertrains and will benefit from a number of special visual and performance features that will set it apart from other versions in the range.

Over the standard version, the F version will get a lot of enhancements. F-motif mesh on the bumpers, new alloy wheel designs, and a sports steering wheel along with exclusive colour options will be a part of the package.

The Drive Mode Select system adds a Sport S+ mode with Adaptive Variable Suspension in addition to the Eco, Normal and Sports S settings.

Does this Lexus appear any better than the tried and tested German monsters? Do let us know your thoughts

The 2016 Lexus LX570 has been revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance weekend in California on 13 August 2015. The big Lexus gets a significant update, both in terms of appearance and some mechanicals.

Externally, most of the bodywork has been resculpted, with only the door panels remaining the same. The front end looks particularly eye catching, with an evolved, bolder “spindle grille”, and swanky, full LED illumination. The sides and rear also see their fair share of resculpting, along with new LED tail lamps topped off with chrome highlights. The side quarter window now gets a kink.

2016 Lexus LX570 Interior

The interiors are where majority of the changes lie. The dashboard design is all-new and has been groomed well, right in with Lexus’s flagship LS sedan. Taking center stage now is a much larger infotainment screen, now measuring 12.3 inches. The system also runs the latest version of Lexus Enform, which features improved and streamlined smartphone connectivity.

Under the hood, the same 5.7-liter V8 engine from the previous generation is retained. It still makes 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque, but now gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission for company. Towing capacity has been improved, too, with the LX 570 now able to tow up to 7,000 pounds. The new Lexus LX570 also offers adjustable drive modes, which include Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

2016 Lexus LX570 (1)

New safety features include pre-collision detection with pedestrian detection, lane departure monitoring, intelligent high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are now available, as well as a heads-up display that shows information like speed, vehicle information, and safety warnings.

The LX570, in spite of its luxurious appointments inside, will still be at home exploring the Amazon basin or smacking dunes in Dubai. That virtue comes courtesy the traditional body-on-frame construction, a full-time four-wheel-drive system, and a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential that sends 40% of the torque to the front wheels and 60% of the torque to the rear wheels under regular driving conditions. Other computerized assistance comprises of Active Traction Control, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Turn Assist, Hill Start Assist, and Variable Gear Ratio Steering.

Japanese car maker Lexus has unveiled their new Safety Car, the RC F, for Australia’s touring car racing competition, V8 Supercars. Lexus has also introduce the GS 350 F Sport Course Car and the IS 350 F Sport Medical Car for competition. The new RC F Safety Car is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 470 bhp and 530 Nm of torque. The Course Car and the Medical Car, both, receive a 3.5-liter V6 engine that put out 312 bhp of power and 378 Nm of torque.

Speaking about company’s partnership with V8 Supercars, Sean Hanley chief executive of Lexus Australia said, “V8 Supercars is the world’s leading touring car series and our involvement as supplier of vehicles reflects the new energy in our brand and our dynamic model lines. This partnership is also the perfect opportunity to show Australian motorsport fans the new RC F, which is just as suited to driving on a track as it is on the road.”

Lexus RC F GS 350 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport - V8 Supercars - 2

James Warburton, chief executive officer of V8 Supercars added, “We are proud and excited that Lexus has chosen our sport to showcase their high performance credentials. The stunning RC F safety car will be a feature of its own, and together with the IS 350 F Sport and GS 350 F Sport, we are absolutely delighted these ultra-high performance vehicles will be an integral part of V8 Supercars in 2015.”

The RC F, GS 350 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport models would be seen in their role with V8 Supercars at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide from February 26 to March 1.

Porsche have officially revealed the iconic 911’s “991.2” generation Carrera and Carrera S models. The mid-cycle makeover brings in stylistic changes that are few and far in between, and, the first time in 911 history, the employment of turbo-charging across most of the range.

Bodywork updates include a new front bumper that is aerodynamically skimmed, with larger air intakes and horizontal LED daytime running lights. At the back, the revised tail lamps get a 3D-effect look, while the exhausts have been re-positioned to the centre of the new rear bumper. Also, new vanes atop the rear hood help channel air into the traditionally rear-mounted, flat-six motors better.

Engines & Performance

2016 Porsche 911 (1)

Both the Carrera and Carrera S will now feature 3.0-litre engines, downsized from the 3.4- and 3.8-litre engines respectively. Size notwithstanding, twin turbo-charging ensures a revised, 370 horsepower output in the Carrera, while the Carrera S will now manage 420 horsepower – a 20 horsepower gain across the range. The 911 Carrera S produces more horsepower courtesy of turbochargers with modified turbine compressors, a specific exhaust system and tuned engine management.

Maximum torque has also been increased by 60 Nm in each case, with outputs of 450 Nm and 500 Nm respectively delivered constantly from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm in both cases. A maximum engine speed of 7,500 rpm for both makes them rev lesser by 300 rpm than their predecessor; still quite eclectic for a turbocharged engine, and Porsche insists that the “typical sonorous Porsche flat-six engine sound” is intact.

2016 Porsche 911 (12)

With enhanced power, the 911 Carrera Coupé with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds – making it two tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The 911 Carrera S with PDK and Sport Chrono Package achieves the same in just 3.9 seconds (also 0.2 secs swifter). The top speeds of both models have also increased further: the 911 Carrera now has a top speed of 183 mph (an increase of 4 mph), while the 911 Carrera S now reaches 191 mph (an increase of 3 mph).

The optional Sport Chrono Package has been updated, with the 911 Carrera now featuring a ‘mode switch’ on the steering wheel, derived from the hybrid mode switch of the 918 Spyder. The mode switch consists of a rotary control with four positions for the driving settings “Normal”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”. Depending on the car’s specification, the latter setting enables drivers to configure their own individual vehicle set-up; eg Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), PDK transmission shifting strategy and sports exhaust system.

2016 Porsche 911 (13)

In combination with the PDK, the mode switch has an additional “Sport Response Button”. When this is pressed, the drivetrain is pre-conditioned for maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, in anticipation of an overtaking manoeuvre, for example. For a short time, the optimum gear is engaged and the engine management adjusted to an even more spontaneous response.

PASM chassis lowers ride height by 10mm; now standard across range

For the first time, the new PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) chassis, which lowers the ride height by ten millimetres, is a standard feature of every Carrera model, which works in conjunction with new dampers. The 991.2 also rides on newly designed wheels, while the rear tyres of the 911 Carrera S now measure 305 instead of 295 millimetres.

2016 Porsche 911 (7)

The active rear-axle steering that is available as an option for the 911 Carrera S is chassis technology adopted from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3. Apart from aiding high speed handling, enhancing the turn-in behaviour, it also ensures greater manoeuvrability in city traffic thanks to the turning circle reduction of 0.5 metres. For clearing kerbs, there’s also an optional hydraulically operated nose lift system that increases the ground clearance at the nose by 40 millimetres within five seconds.

New features

2016 Porsche 911 (8)

The new 911 Carrera models feature a development of the Porsche Communication Management System (PCM) including Online satellite navigation and voice control as standard, which includes a seven-inch display which recognizes multi-touch gestures. Also new is the option of connecting an iPhone to the PCM to use Apple CarPlay.

New assistance systems include an optional automatic speed control, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)and an optional Lane Change Assist that monitors traffic behind with radar and uses LED lamps in the left and right of the mirror triangle to warn the driver about approaching vehicles in the blind spot. In addition, Porsche increases active safety with the multi-collision braking system as a standard feature.

2016 Porsche 911 (11)

Other standard equipment on every 911 Carrera includes leather interior, sports seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, SPORT button, Bi-Xenon headlights, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Stability Management (PSM), tyre pressure monitoring, Porsche Vehicle Tracking anti-theft system, three year warranty and three year roadside assistance package.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera models are on sale now in the UK and Ireland, and first deliveries will arrive in Porsche Centres in December, with an India launch awaited sometime in 2016.

Days after Porsche dropped a set of official images that preview the face-lifted 911 range, completely undisguised prototypes get caught. To be addressed as the “991.2”, signifying the 911’s (991 Series) mid-cycle makeover, these cars are India bound sometime next year. In the wake of global meltdown and environmental concerns, most of the 991.2 range will get turbocharged AND downsized engines.

For the first time in Porsche 911 history, most of the non-Turbo variants in the range will now feature turbocharging. The Carrera and Carrera S variants are reported to feature 3.0-litre, flat-six engines, downsized from the 3.4- and 3.8-litre engines respectively. With turbocharging however, a 20 horsepower gain is expected on both.

2016 Porsche 911 Targa facelift (7)

Of course, less amount of CO2 will now be spewed, and the purists will still have a manual transmission with 7 speeds, along with PDK for the lazies. Purveyors of natural aspiration now have to settle for the more focussed of the breed – the GT3 and GT3 RS variants will be left alone, with their glorious, flat-six motors free of turbos.

Being a Porsche 911, styling updates are at a minimum. The new front bumper is aerodynamically skimmed, with larger air intakes and horizontal LED daytime running lights. At the back, the exhausts have been re-positioned to the center of the new rear bumper. Tapes at the back hide the revised tail lamps, while even the headlamps receive minor changes. In case of the new Turbo, there are mild bodywork changes too, but the quad exhausts stay in place.

Images: paultan.org

2016 Porsche 911 Cabriolet facelift (3)

The latest generation of Porsche’s ‘Communication Management’ touchscreen infotainment system, also seen on the latest Cayenne range, will also be a part of the 991.2’s interior upgrades. The Targa and GTS line-up is also expected to receive the aforementioned changes. The 2016 Porsche 911 facelift will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015.

2016 Porsche 911 Turbo facelift (10)
2016 Porsche 911 Turbo facelift (9)
2016 Porsche 911 Targa facelift (8)

Porsche have released a set of official images that preview the face-lifted 911 range. These barely disguised prototypes playing around in South Africa represent the iconic 911’s “991.2” generation. The mid-cycle makeover brings in stylistic changes that are few and far in between, and, the first time in 911 history, the employment of turbo-charging across most of the range.

Bodywork updates include new front and rear bumpers, along with a new engine cover at the back. The new front bumper is aerodynamically skimmed, with larger air intakes and horizontal LED daytime running lights. At the back, the exhausts have been re-positioned to the center of the new rear bumper.

2016 Porsche 911 Carrera cabriolet

The new models will also feature slightly altered tail-lamp and headlamp clusters. But the biggest changes will come from under that redesigned engine cover at the back. All, but the hard edged, track focussed GT3 and the GT3 RS variants will benefit from turbocharging and downsized engines, in order to please nature and reduce the fuel bills.

Car and Driver reports that both the Carrera and Carrera S will now feature 3.0-litre engines, downsized from the 3.4- and 3.8-litre engines respectively. Size notwithstanding, forced induction ensures a revised, 370 horsepower output in the Carrera, while the Carrera S will now manage 420 horsepower – a 20 horsepower gain across the range.

2016 Porsche 911 Carrera

Maximum torque rises to 500 Nm, available from as low as 1700 rpm. The updated duo will now sprint to 100 kph faster by 0.1 second, while top speeds remain unchanged. Fuel economy is expected to shoot up north, while less CO2 will now be emitted from those new, centrally positioned tail pipes.

Apart from a horde of new driving assistance systems, four-wheel steering will be optionally available, along with a seven-speed manual transmission. Inside, there’ll be a new 918-inspired steering wheel design featuring a driving mode selector for the first time.

2016 Porsche 911 Carrera cabriolet

The latest generation of Porsche’s ‘Communication Management’ touchscreen infotainment system, also seen on the latest Cayenne range, will also be a part of the 991.2’s interior upgrades.

The Targa and GTS line-up is also expected to receive the aforementioned changes. The 2016 Porsche 911 facelift will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, going on sale soon after with customer deliveries starting early in 2016.