2013 Toyota Venza: Preview

2011 Toyota Venza

A refreshed version of Toyota's Venza crossover is due to be introduced at the New York Auto Show next month, and while Toyota hasn't yet given us a good look at the new Venza (other than this teaser photo above), it's now released enough details about the upcoming model so that we have a pretty good idea where it's headed. The 2013 Toyota Venza will be reshaped to some degree, including a new upper and lower grille, different fog lamps, a new taillight design, and a new 19-inch wheel design. And to freshen the look, three new colors will join the palette: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica. Based on the teaser image, the headlights and grille will likely more closely match the designs introduced in the latest 2012 Toyota Camry and Toyota Avalon models--but differences, really, are slight.
Before we get a closer look at the new Venza, the biggest news is probably its bolstered connectivity and infotainment features. The 2013 Venza will gain Toyota's Entune suite of multi-media features, as well as a revised feature list and option packages. Specifically, Entune comes with the middle Venza XLE trim on up, and top Limited models will get Premium hard-disk-based navigation and JBL sound in conjunction with Entune.
As before, the Venza will be offered in four-cylinder or V-6 form, in base LE, mid-range XLE, and top-lux Limited trims—again with the Limited model V-6-only. But each level adds some other new features for 2013. LE models get new Display Audio systems (comparable to those that made their debut in the 2013 Camry), plus a blind-spot side mirrors, puddle lamps, and outer turn signals. Venza XLE models get a memory power driver's seat, reverse-tilt outside mirrors, and navigation—in addition to Entune. And at the top of the line, all Limited models now get LED daytime running lights plus the JBL/nav/Entune combination.
Outside of these feature revisions, as well as a tweaked exterior and interior design, we don't expect the 2013 Venza to change all that significantly. Since the model's original debut, for 2009, it's occupied a middle ground between crossovers, like the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge; station wagons; and 'alternative' more fastback-like vehicles such as the Honda Accord Crosstour (now just renamed the Crosstour). It both looks and drives like a middle ground between the Camry mid-size sedan and the Highlander utility vehicle—aiming at those who want a higher seating position and easier entry, without a trucky ride or off-road ability.
Over several drives, we've found the Venza to be strong and smooth, but not all that inspiring from behind the wheel. Its seats are indeed comfortable—and its earned excellent safety ratings—but we've noted that some of the current Venza's hard-plastic interior trim to be a bit disappointing, so we hope Toyota improves on that.
See our full review of the 2012 Venza for more information about the current model. Also, stay tuned for live pictures and other info about the 2013 Toyota Venza by following our New York Auto Show coverage.

Mercedes-Benz GL Grand Edition

Mercedes-Benz has presented the most abrupt version of off-road car GL. This car has received designation Grand Edition. Smart GL Grand Edition will be possible to distinguish simply enough on road. This monster has received a new bumper with the light-emitting diodes, a new radiator enclosure with three powerful "edges", tinted head lights, 20-inch wheel disks. Plus is special color of a body, glass with protection against an ultraviolet (thanking it interior doesn't heat up almost even under the sun) and many other things. The interior is capable to amaze even traditional buyers of Mercedes-Benz who have got used to luxury.

The front extension housing, door panels, armrests and other elements of an interior are sheathed by an excellent skin or expensive tree. Certainly, «the clothes of animals» are used and at furnish of seats, which here, by the way, the original.

Engines standard, as well as a pneumatic suspender which on Grand Edition goes already in base. In Germany GL Grand Edition will cost from 80 206 euros for model 350 CDI 4MATIC. BlueEFFICIENCY with diesel V6 up to 99 127 euros for petrol version GL 500 4MATIC.

2013 Volkswagen CC prices start at $31,070

  about two grand more than the 2012 model.
For 2013, the coupe-look sedan will offer six trim lines: two sport, two luxury, an R-Line and the 4Motion Executive.
The new CC gets slightly restyled front and rear ends, bringing it inline with the new Passat and Jetta. Bixenon headlights and LED taillights are now standard.
Power will continue to come from the company's 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine that makes 200 hp, or the 3.6-liter VR6 engine delivering 280 hp. A six-speed manual is standard on the Sport models, while the Luxury editions get VW's six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. VW's dual-clutch unit is also offered on Sport models.
The CC comes very well equipped from the factory, with options such as 17-inch wheels with self-sealing tires, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic climate control, a touch-screen audio system and leatherette seating. Top-of-the-line models get paddle shifters, massaging seats and parking sensors.
Look for the 2013 Volkswagen CC to arrive in showrooms before the end of March.

Carlsson upgrades the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG for the Geneva motor show

If supercars had a spiritual home all to themselves, it probably would be the Geneva motor show. This year we'll see the new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and the Aston Martin V12 Zagato. But it's not only the home of production supercars; the tuning companies come out to show their wares as well.
Carlsson is one such company. It will hit the Swiss city with the range-topping CK63 RS, based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.
The 6.3-liter hammer in the CLS makes 550 hp with the Performance package, meaning it's no slouch in any company. But with a curb weight of more than two tons, well, it's still fast.
Carlsson massages the V8 engine with tuning software, adds a multiflow stainless-steel exhaust and drops in a new transmission-oil-cooling system. The result is 652 hp with 737 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Carlsson sticks with AMG's Speedshift seven-speed automatic transmission. All of this allows the CK63 to get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
For the ride, Carlsson ditches the AMG Ride Control suspension in favor of its own springs that lower the car by 30 millimeters. The company installs nine-inch wide, one-piece wheels in front and 10.5-inch-wide wheels in the back, all four of which are 20 inches in diameter. The lightweight wheels are offered in titanium, graphite and brilliant surface finishes.
Elsewhere on the exterior, Carlsson adds a front spoiler and an RS front spoiler lip. Black stainless-steel inserts are added to the front, while the rear gets an integrated spoiler and apron.
Inside the upgraded CLS, Carlsson adds its signature line with full leather interior including a compilation of brown Alcantara and mocha-brown napa leather. The company also expanded the infotainment system to include high-speed Internet access. The interior is rounded out with Carlsson floor mats, door-sill panels, and door-locking pins made from polished aluminum.

Mazda seeks $2 billion as it targets return to profitability

Mazda is seeking to raise more than 160 billion yen ($1.87 billion) as is fights to emerge from financial hardship and secure its future as a strong and competitive global automotive manufacturer.
The announcement follows an admission from Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi last week, who said he was “considering every option” to generate more capital for the company, which is staring down the barrel of its fourth consecutive annual loss and its worst financial result in 11 years.
Under its new ‘Structural Reform Plan’, Mazda plans to launch eight new vehicles based on its SkyActiv technology, beginning with the Mazda CX-5, and has a goal of expanding the percentage of SkyActiv-equipped vehicle sales to 80 per cent within the next four years.
A significant part of Mazda returning to profitability relies on achieving a healthier cost structure in the face of the strong yen. It plans to increase production outside of Japan to 50 per cent by March 2016, focusing on vehicle production in Mexico, SkyActiv engine production in China, and local production in Russia and Southeast Asia. Unspecific “restructuring measures” could see production shifted out of North America and Europe to Japan and other regions.
As suggested by Yamanouchi, Mazda will also “actively pursue” global alliances, with agreements potentially involving the sale of SkyActiv technologies.

Trillions of shares will be on the table as Mazda seeks to raise money from the public offering of new shares and through third-party allotment of shares.
Mazda will invest 40 billion yen ($469 million) in construction of vehicle and engine assembly factories in Mexico, Russia and Southeast Asia.
Thirty billion yen ($351 million) will be channelled into Japanese manufacturing facility investments for environmental and safety technology under the brand’s SkyActiv strategy.
The final 92.8 billion yen ($1.09 billion) has been earmarked for research and development of next-generation environmental and safety technologies, focusing on expanding into electric vehicle technology as well as improving internal combustion systems.
Mazda will also take a subordinated loan of 70 billion yen ($820 million) as it seeks to repay existing interest-bearing debts, with a portion of the funds to be invested into emerging countries. Borrowed from six banks, the loan has a due date of July 20, 2072.