Kahn Design’s love for the Range Rover is still plowing full steam ahead in the new year, illustrated by the British tuning firm’s very cool special edition based on the Land Rover Range Rover. The new package is called the Dorchester Edition and, as usual, includes some exterior and interior updates with no changes in performance. The new Dorchester edition is available in petrol and diesel models and in right hand or left hand drive, but prices haven’t been announced just yet.
Kahn Design started their work on the exterior of the Range Rover by putting in a new front bumper, a new rear bumper, and new side skirts. The SUV now rides on a new set of 22" Kahn RS alloy wheels in a matte pearl grey finish and combined with brake calipers finished in a heat resistant red paint and a Kahn stainless steel quad exhaust system. In typical Kahn Design fashion, the interior can be customized in any color and material combination the customer so chooses, but the tuner is also offering a billet steering wheel, machined aluminum pedals, bespoke door handles, Kahn mats, front and rear park assist, heated front seats, a rear entertainment system, and a welcome ambient illumination package.
The third model in Acura’s display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show - next to the NSX Concept and the ILX Concept - is the 2013 RDX. The company is calling it a prototype, but we’re pretty sure the production version - scheduled to arrive in Spring 2012 - will be identical.
The 2013 Acura RSX is powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that now delivers a total of 273 HP - an increase of 33 HP over the current model. This engine will be combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter that will ensure a fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Exterior changes include a longer, sculpted hood, a longer wheelbase and wider track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system. For the interior, the company will be offering new sweeping shapes, a matte surface trim, and generous use of leather. The 2013 RDX will also offer larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume, and a power rear tailgate.
The list of standard equipment includes Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera.
Ultra luxury brands beware, another one of your comrades is falling down the shame spiral and building a - gasp - SUV!
Sure that’s a little dramatic, but so are all of the people that are scoffing at the fact that Bentley has now confirmed a new SUV scheduled to hit their lineup sometime in 2015. If everyone remembers correctly, these are the same people that were horrified that Porsche decided to build the Cayenne and look how well that turned out for them. Now, with a 37% increase of sales in 2011 (to 7,003 vehicles sold), Bentley is looking to double this number by the time this new SUV comes out by making it "the world’s most luxurious 4x4" SUV and targeting growing SUV markets like the US and China. The "luxurious" title will also match the price; Bentley is stating that the starting price for their future SUV will be $140,000, making the $48,200 starting price of the Porsche Cayenne look like it belongs on a Kia Sportage.
So what constitutes the jumbo price tag? Other than the supposedly tremendous amount of luxury built into the future SUV, it has also been stated that it will be powered by the next generation W12 engine delivering up to 600 HP. For markets like Europe, Bentley will also offer a 6.0-liter V12 TDI engine with an output of about 500 HP.
Bentley is taking a big step with its improving sales by giving an SUV a chance to flourish. Does the world need a strong competitor for the Porsche Cayenne? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean that high-end customers with deep pockets won’t be writing out checks for a chance to wallow in the luxurious nature promised by Bentley.
Ford took its opportunity at the 2012 Auto Expo to announce the globalization of its new EcoSport compact SUV - the second of eight new vehicles that Ford plans to offer worldwide. The new model will combine best-in-class design, technology, quality, and safety to aim itself towards a new generation of consumers.
The new Ford EcoSport will be powered by the newest and smallest-ever 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and uses twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to further improve performance and economy.
"EcoSport has a tough, robust attitude that says ‘I can play with the big boys’," said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer, Ford Motor Company. "But it also makes you want to play. It’s friendly and sociable, and this unique mix is its secret formula. That’s why it is so appealing. EcoSport is perfect for crowded urban streets and it inspires you to seek adventure away from the city too."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Ford EcoSport.
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Volvo will come at the Detroit Auto Show with an innovative petrol plug-in hybrid: the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept that previews a production version vehicle set to be offered in both Europe and North America. The concept combines a 280 HP four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor producing 70 HP.
The concept offered three modes of operation: Pure, Hybrid or Power, with the Hybrid one offering a fuel economy of over 100 mpg. This system will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds
"The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.
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