2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Getting Major Mid-Cycle Refresh

New technologies, an extensive reskin and a new turbocharged V8 are highlights of the mid-cycle facelift. 

While the C-Class sells in big numbers and the S-Class earns the marque big bucks, no other model sits closer to the heart of the brand than the E-Class, appealing to both new and existing customers in equal measure.And for the 2013MY, most of the overly decorative styling cues have been eliminated, with quad headlamps replaced by new single-piece multi-functional headlamp units, while numerous new technologies have also been adopted.

Mercedes-Benz will begin its "Real Design Revolution" in 2014 with the next-gen C-Class and all-new S-Class coupe, while the E-Class sedan is set to go on sale in Europe next spring, the wagon to follow in the summer and the AMG and 4Matic AWD editions to complete the lineup in the fall.A design overhaul includes shedding the rear side panels, quad headlamps and daytime running lights. In comes a brand-new front end, restyled rear side panels and a modified rear view. The only elements carried over are the roof, front doors and windows. The rest will be contemporary and less contrived ensuring the 2014 E-Class regains its elegance.In terms of new technology, the E-Class will have an array of cameras, lenses and sensors to feed the numerous advanced driver assistance systems.These include an improved night vision assistant; a dynamic light assistant, which uses multidirectional LEDs to avoid blinding oncoming traffic; intelligence lane assist; a congestion assistant, which allows drivers to follow the car in front at speeds up to 40mph; a revised magnetic ride control system; an extended head-up display with improved, multicolor graphics; and Car-to-X communication, which warns of hazardous road conditions and approaching emergency vehicles.

As for the powertrains, the only V8 to survive the 2014 facelift is the 537hp 5.5-liter engine for the E63 AMG. The E500 and E550 get a new turbocharged 4.6-liter unit, good for 435hp and 516lb-ft of torque.In order to keep up with the 300hp BMW 535i and 310hp Audi A6 3.0T, Mercedes has boosted the power of the E350's 3.5-liter V6 from 302 to 333hp.For the European market, the E200 gets a Renault-sourced 156hp 1.6-liter engine, which is expected to propagate across Mercedes, Nissan, Renault and Infiniti lineups.On the diesel front, the E300 CDI has been cut, while the E200 CDI, E220 CDI, E250 CDI and E350 CDI (better known stateside as the E350 BlueTec) remain.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Getting Major Mid-Cycle Refresh

Facelifted Aston Martin Vantage to be Released at Geneva

Visually the facelift has been minor, but major changes to handling and performance have taken place. 

Ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin has announced some of the engineering updates and refreshed styling that have been made to the 2012 Vantage range. The facelift itself is relatively minor but changes to handling and performance are significant.The company has described this as the biggest range overhaul since 2008, with the base 420hp 4.7-liter V8 Vantage benefiting from upgrades that were first seen on the Vantage S, such as quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires.
More feedback and agility comes from the installation of a new steering column, revalved power steering and a quicker ratio (15:1 from 17:1).New 380mm, two-piece ventilated cast iron front discs and six-piston calipers enhance braking at the front, resulting in "significantly increased stopping power and pedal feel." Tires are now 10mm wider and a brake-holding Hill Start Assist set-up comes as standard.The standard six-speed manual transmission has been kept although Aston is offering the new seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission as an option.

With the extra gear, closer ratios and refined shift quality, the specially designed gearbox will provide faster and more precise shifts and thus optimize acceleration.Styling changes inspired by both the Vantage S and limited edition Vantage N420 will characterize the 2012 V8 Vantage, which gets a new lower front bumper and air splitter, restyled sculpted side sills and a diffuser-equipped new rear bumper.Both the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster will benefit from these technical and styling enhancements, with entry-level models priced at £84,995.
The 430hp Vantage S comes in£99,995 and gets the news Sportshift II gearbox as standard in addition to a sports exhaust, an aerodynamic styling package described as "motorsport-derived and carbon-fiber detailed," and a hand-stitched leather interior.Also standard is the new integrated Garmin satnav, cruise control and Bluetooth. No changes have been made to the V12 Vantage, while the range-topping V12 Zagato, limited to just 150 units, will be priced at a shade under £400,000 with deliveries to start in Q4 of 2012.

Facelifted Aston Martin Vantage to be Released at Geneva

Nissan 370Z Facelift Unveiled at Chicago

Nissan's much respected 370Z receives a mid-life update, but the changes have mainly been kept to a minimal. 

Although Nissan wasn't confirming anything a few days ago, we suspected they'd be unveiling the facelifted 370Z at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. And we predicted correctly. For 2013, Nissan has updated their infamous Z car that should breathe a bit of fresh life into it until the next generation arrives.But hold on to your Z-loving heads there; the changes are not all that extensive. Scheduled to go on sale in the US in June, the 2013 370Z will once again be offered as a Coupe, Roadster, and NISMO Z.

Exterior updates include a refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights, a red reflector added to the rear fascia, revised 19-inch aluminum alloys for the Sport Package, and newly restyled standard 18-inchers for the base model.

The Sport Package also offers red-finished brake calipers and Euro-tuned shock absorbers. The interior also receives dark-finish fuel gauge trim. Along with two new exterior colors, changes are apparently minimal. The NISMO Z buyers will also be treated to a new Bose Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers. Engine offerings remain unchanged, with the 332hp 3.7-liter V6 coming standard.

It can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic slushbox. The NISMO Z, however, produces 350hp and 276lb-ft of torque thanks to an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and optimized ECM control.Overall, we like the exterior changes, though Nissan seems to have toned down the front fangs in favor of the vertical light design, a la the 350Z.Official pricing hasn't been announced, but we don't expect any drastic changes.

Refreshed SEAT Ibiza Coming to Geneva

A new SEAT Ibiza range will be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show offering better performance and styling upgrades. 

SEAT has given their Ibiza range a facelift in time for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and the most striking change is to the front where the radiator grille has been slightly widened and boasts a horizontally aligned honeycomb design.The bumper has been modified with optional LED running lights and bi-xenon lights. At the rear, the bumper has also been revised with a fresh set of tail lights and optional LED lights and the facelifted Ibiza also boasts a new set of alloys.

Under the hood, there are seven engine choices for the three body-styles (3- and 5-door and family ST) mated to either a manual five or six-speed automatic.A turbocharged 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine rated at 150hp is available for the ST wagon; while efficient options include the 105hp Ecomotive 1.2-liter TSI, which comes with a stop/start system and delivers 48mpg, and a 1.2-liter TDI offering just 75hp but an impressive 69mpg.At the powerful end of the spectrum is a 2.0-liter TDI rated at 143hp and capable of a 131mph top speed.SEAT are offering a range of customization options for the Ibiza range too. These include newly designed alloys from 15- to 17-inches in size and an XDS electronic limited slip differential for the more powerful engines, while the cars come in different trims namely Reference, Style, and FR, adding a selection of colors, options and accessories.

Toyota Aygo Facelift Completes Trio of City Cars

Following Citroen’s latest C1 and Peugeot’s updated 107, Toyota has released details about their facelifted Aygo.

With the Aygo, Toyota is starring in the third and final act of the Franco-Japanese city car restyling show, before new generations take center stage next year and in 2014.Updates are limited to a refreshed fascia featuring a trapezoidal air intake, minimalist grille set and LED daytime running lights, so describing the Aygo as Yaris' little sister is fair comment. New alloys and hubcaps are planned as is new upholstery and a more sophisticated audio system.
Under the hood a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine manages 66mpg and emits just 99g/km of CO2.Set to be unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show this week, the Aygo will be priced at 7,990 Euros. A limited edition, namely a Vibrant Metallic Orange Launch Edition, is also set to launch adorned with a distinctive orange paintjob, aluminum wheels and a spattering of accessories and logos.

Keeping it Quirky: Updated 2012 Citroen C1 Unveiled

The C1 is set for a final round of revisions before the all-new C1 launches in 2013.

The facelifted 2012 Citroen C1 will be on show this week at the Brussels Motor Show. The C1 1.0i's 67hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine has been tweaked to reduce CO2 emissions from 103 to 99b/km and increased fuel economy from 62.8 to 65.7mpg, when equipped with a manual. This makes this version exempt from the London Congestion Charge. An Electronic Gearbox System will also be available, complete with steering-mounted paddle controls to enhance handling and driving pleasure.
Such benefits are countered by a reduced economy of 62.8mpg and increased CO2 emissions of 104g/km.A new front bumper, shorter hood, LED daytime running lights and new 14-inch alloys make up the styling mods. EGS models will boast redesigned leather steering wheels, while manual gearbox versions will benefit from a revised gearstick. Citroen has also revised the shock absorbers and changed the power-steering settings for enhanced ride comfort and low-speed agility.The facelifted C1 should be arriving in the UK in April, although full specs and pricing have yet to be finalized.

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Refreshed for Japanese Market

Toyota has officially revealed its latest Japan-only Land Cruiser 200, which more than likely previews the next global model. 

Take a look at the refreshed version of the Land Cruiser 200, recently unveiled to the Japanese market, as the majority of changes are more than likely to feature on the global variant.A boxier front bumper with new fog lamps has been added, the headlamps have been redesigned boasting integrated LED strips, while a revamped front grille gets chrome slats. New side view mirrors with turning signals, freshened tail lamp graphics and new 18- and 20-inch alloys complete the look.

Inside, the instrument panel's graphics have changed, there's an improved TFT screen flanked by the two main gauges, while the cabin benefits from new colors and trim materials.Technology upgrades include an updated Multi-Terrain Select system used to alter traction control and ABS settings for different driving conditions. 'Craw Control also features, ideal for low-speed off-roading on tricky terrain.Only a single engine option is on the table: a 4.6-liter V8 delivering 313hp and 339lb-ft of torque, mated to an automatic transmission and a 4WD system.Two special packages, namely the 'Luxury SUV' and 'Urban Sports,' add a number of exterior and interior bespoke styling elements, and are available in addition to the regular models; prices for which range from around $56,500 for the 5-passenger GX to $80,900 for the line-topping, 8-passenger ZX.Toyota made no comment about when the facelifted Land Cruiser will hit worldwide markets, but they'll most likely find their way to dealerships sometime next year.

Audi Q7 Widebody by JE DESIGN

A new body kit, alloys, performance enhancements and sports lowering ennobles the Audi sports SUV. More sport and individuality is what car-tuner's JE DESIGN is offering for the Audi Q7 S-line models of the Facelift generation with its multipart bodywork kit.Door trims merge seamlessly with the contours of the Q7 and high-class wheel arches widened the vehicle by 30mm at the front and 40mm at the rear, while fender extensions with vent holes on the rear axle afford the S-Line a sporty look. Designed in a diamond-shape and finished in highly-polished stainless-steel are front-spoiler corners, a rear-apron extension and two double-tailpipe covers.

A dynamic roof wing with side covers completes the styling package, which is available direct from the tuning manufacturer for 7,438 Euros.22-inch SUV Select alloys come with a five-spoke design available in three colors, or the new JE DESIGN SCORPIO wheel set can be chosen. Both are priced at 5,190 Euros. For an additional 1,428 Euros an electronic adjustment of the 'adaptive air suspension' can be made to lower the chassis by 35mm.Numerous performance enhancements are offered for the various engines of the Q7 Facelift, such as the the 4.2-liter TDI.Thanks to optimized programming of the control electronics, power has increased from 335 to 404hp and maximum torque now sits at 660lb-ft. As a result the tiptronic SUV can now sprint from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds.The new control-system software is priced at 1,499 Euros.