2013 BMW 7-series Range Priced

BMW’s biggest sedan, the 7-series, was comprehensively updated for 2013 and now we’ve got pricing info on the entire 7er lineup. The 7 enters this new model year with tweaked six- and eight-cylinder engines, a new eight-speed automatic, and a refocused ActiveHybrid 7 model. (We’ve previously laid out the changes to the ActiveHybrid 7 and the rest of the 7-series lineup.) Besides both the six-cylinder 740i and eight-cylinder 750i gaining more power—the twelve-cylinder 760i went unchanged—BMW also added an all-wheel-drive model to the 740i line. As expected, every 2013 7-series costs more than last year—with the exception of the ActiveHybrid 7. Significantly, the hybrid sees a massive price cut relative to the 2011 version—the hybrid took a yearlong hiatus for 2012. Full pricing info below:

740i: $74,195740Li: $78,195740Li xDrive: $81,195ActiveHybrid 7: $84,895750i: $87,195750i xDrive: $90,195750Li: $90,895750Li xDrive: $93,895760Li: $140,200 

Overall, the modest price increases year-over-year for the non-hybrid 2013 7-series accurately reflect the added value BMW built in, but the ActiveHybrid 7’s pricing is pretty interesting. The first ActiveHybrid 7 was positioned similarly to the Lexus LS600h hybrid, with the electric assist intended to give the eight-cylinder sedan the power of a V-12 but with V-8 fuel economy. For 2013, BMW ditched the original system for the same setup used in the smaller 2012 ActiveHybrid 5, which promises to be more efficient.

The switch from a V-8–based hybrid system to a six-cylinder-based one also brings a switch in the 2013 ActiveHybrid 7’s placement within the 7er lineup. Last year, both regular and long-wheelbase versions of the ActiveHybrid 7 were available, starting at $97,895 and $101,895, respectively. This year, the ActiveHybrid 7 is available only in long-wheelbase form and pricing begins at $84,895, placing it between the six-cylinder 740i and the 750i. It’s worth noting that the ActiveHybrid 5 shares an identical spot in between the six- and eight-cylinder models in the 5-series lineup; the new ActiveHybrid 3 is something of an anomaly and is priced higher than all non-M 3-series. 

Look for the 2013 7-series to begin hitting dealerships soon. Buyers looking for more sportiness can indulge in the also-refreshed 2013 Alpina B7, which is priced quite a bit higher than the regular 7, but also gets a ton of built-in, psuedo-M7-like upgrades.

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Kia Blows the Box Open on New 2014 Forte / K3 / Cerato Compact Sedan

As soon as Kia placed the new K3 compact sedan at a mall in its home market of South Korea, we knew it was only a matter of time before the automaker would blow the covers or in this case, the box off the compact sedan model. 

The first thing you need to know about the K3 is that it is a global model with the alphanumeric moniker used only in Korea where it goes on sale this fall.

In the first quarter of 2013, the sedan will begin arriving in North American dealerships as the 2014 Forte and in other markets as the new Cerato, with coupe and hatchback variants to follow in due time. We still do not know if Kia has plans to sell the compact saloon model in Europe.

"Longer, lower and wider than the current car, with an extended wheelbase, the next generation Forte / Cerato will be manufactured with an all-new bodyshell structure," Kia said in a short statement leaving many details up to our imagination. 

However, given its positioning in the market and the styling cues, it is believed that the K3 is based on the visually related European market Cee'd, which made its world premiere in both five-door hatchback and station wagon forms at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. 

We expect more information to become available within the next few weeks, if not sooner. 

 

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2013 Lotus Evora S to Get Automatic

For the first time since the introduction of the supercharged Evora S, buyers will have the option of choosing between the standard six-speed manual transmission and Lotus’s Intelligent Precision Shift six-speed automatic.

The IPS six-speed transmission can be operated in four settings: a fully automatic mode; a manual mode with gear changes selected by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters; a fully automatic sport mode that increases throttle response, quickens shift times, holds gears longer, and raises the thresholds for stability control and electronic aids; and a manual sport mode that gives the driver full control over the transmission using the paddle shifters. 

Although the automatic is new to the Evora S, it’s been available on naturally aspirated Evoras since 2012. The automatic Evora S will be available beginning this October.

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Mazda to Recall 217,500 Tribute SUVs Over Sticky Accelerator

Less than 24 hours after Ford issued a recall of close to 500,000 Escape V6 SUVs from the 2001-2004MY to repair stuck throttles, Mazda followed suite today and announced its own recall of 217,500 examples of the Tribute V6 for the same problem. The two models are mechanically related and were built together by Ford. 

The Japanese carmaker's recall covers more model years of the Tribute fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and cruise control than the Ford, including the 2001-2006MY and some vehicles from the 2008MY (as pointed out by the Detroit News, the SUV was not built in a 2007MY). 

Ford said that the problem exists because of inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which can result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. The Blue Oval notes that the risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used. 

The recall came into light after the government safety agency recieved 99 complaints from owners of both the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute SUVs with V6 engines, including reports of 13 crashes, 9 injuries and one fatality, a 17-year old girl who died in a crash in Arizona in the beginning of the year. 

While Mazda has yet to announce the recall on the NHTSA website, Ford went ahead and posted details saying that, the safety recall is expected to begin on, or before, August 6, 2012. 

"Until then, dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment," said Ford. 

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5-Liter

Fortune magazine’s Alex Taylor has called the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco “the most disliked car of the year (so far).” Chevy’s roll-out of the eAssist Eco mild hybrid six months ahead of the conventionally powered Malibu is to blame. Like too many new cars and trucks introduced recently, the eAssist promises more than it delivers. It doesn’t give the Eco buyer much, if any, real-world fuel economy gains even if it’s helping the automaker meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy goals. In the past, we promised to wait for the new 2.5-liter four coming with the non-eAssist versions of the Malibu before making final judgment. That day is here. The reverse-flow 2.5-liter is from GM’s revised family of large four-cylinder engines, rationalizing North American-spec with the versions on-sale in Europe for some time. 

In the Malibu, it is rated at a healthy 197 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses better than the 2013 Fusion’s base 2.5-liter engine. It is mated to GM’s next-generation six-speed automatic and though not yet EPA rated, Chevrolet predicts 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway fuel economy, which is in the hunt, but shot of the new Altima’s impressive 27/38 mpg. A 2.0-liter turbo Malibu comes a bit later with an estimated 259 horsepower and 260 pound-feet, topping the 2.0-liter EcoBoost Fusion’s estimated 237 horsepower and 251 pound-feet. Chevy estimates a 6.3-second 0-60 mph time for the turbo Malibu. 

It levels out too much, unfortunately, and feels a bit weak in the mid-range. Once in the real world, the streets around Grand Rapids, Michigan, the noises coming from the new engine prove to be its weak point. Geared for fuel economy, if you put your foot into it, the 2.5 whirrs like a Hamilton-Beach appliance and the transmission feels a bit like a CVT. That’s good for smoothness sake, but not very tactile to the driver. The range-topping LTZ trim level, which includes lane depart warning and collision avoidance, offers Buick-overlap interior plushness and quality though some of the chromed plastic parts, especially around the gearshift and power window controls, stand out for the wrong reasons in an otherwise elegant interior. The non-eAssist Malibus are distinguished from the Eco models by the wheels and taillamps. Ecos have rectangular backup lights at the bottom of the taillamp lenses, while the others have square backup lights in the center of the taillamps. 

Handling at Milford felt like a nice compromise between ride and handling, with good body control and moderate understeer. There’s a bit too much front-rear rebound coming off of big road dips, though. In the real world, some sharp bumps in the road made the Malibu’s chassis feel a bit stiff for a midsize family sedan, giving up some comfort for handling. We’ll need a full instrument test to sort this out. Overall, it’s an improvement over the 2008-12 Malibu, which was the first of the model (since it went front-wheel-drive) that we could say is a credible competitor for the creme of the midsize segment, which used to be Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It’s still in the hunt, though this major update doesn’t do enough to make it a surefire contender for the top of its class. 

Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan 2.5L/197-hp*/191 lb-ft* DOHC 16-valve I-4 

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2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta

Within the coral-colored brick walls of Ferrari’s Maranello operations, a new supercar is starting to roll off the line. The replacement for the 599GTB Fiorano and its numerous offshoots, the new F12berlinetta will be Ferrari’s most expensive, quickest, and most powerful model when it goes on sale in the U.S. early next year at an estimated price of $330,000. Its reign as Ferrari’s flagship will be a brief one, as the Enzo replacement is expected to break cover at the Paris auto show this fall and go on sale in mid to late 2013. 

But back to the F12. It’s a traditional Ferrari in that it seats two and has a V-12 mounted ahead of the driver. And yet, tradition isn’t among the reasons that Ferrari gives when asked why the F12 isn’t mid-engined, or why it’s made out of aluminum instead of carbon-fiber composite. As to the latter, Ferrari claims that carbon fiber is much harder to produce and get right, carbon-fiber structures usually make for difficult ingress and egress, and aluminum is easier to repair. This may sound like Ferrari trying to convince us that the world is flat, that drum brakes are better than disc brakes, that bianco is nero, but we expect the F12 to weigh in at around 3800 pounds, less than the 4085-pound Lamborghini Aventador we tested earlier this year.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 3-door hatchback

BASE PRICE: $330,000

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 382 cu in, 6262 cc
Power: 730 hp @ 8250 rpm
Torque: 509 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 181.8 in
Width: 76.5 in Height: 50.1 in 

Curb weight (C/D est): 3800 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 7.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.1 sec
Top speed: 211 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 12/16 mpg

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2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Rendered

Presenting the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe! OK, we present a rendering of what we think the M-badged Gran Coupe will look like. Up to this point, only camo’d versions of the M6 GC have been seen, but BMW recently confirmed the model for U.S. sales in 2013 and so we thought we’d provide an early peek at the car.

As you might expect, the M6 Gran Coupe will get M-specific wheels, aggressive fascias with bigger intakes up front, and M5/M6 hardware underneath. That means a 560-hp twin-turbocharged V-8, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and rear-wheel drive. A carbon-fiber roof panel, like those on the M3 and M6 coupes, is a possibility for the M6 Gran Coupe—and it’s depicted in our illustration—but we’ll have to wait and see whether BMW decides to officially adopt the woven lid.

Given its close relationship to the M5, it’s possible that the M6 GC will have steering, ride, and braking shortcomings similar to those we noted from the über-5er during its recent third-of-three comparison-test finish. If our rendering is accurate, at least the M6 Gran Coupe will look fantastic. 

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2013 Nissan Versa Sedan

Nissan claims the 2013 Versa sedan will see a bump in highway fuel economy from 38 mpg to 40 when equipped with the CVT. The car also will once again be available with a traditional four-speed automatic, which brings the low-buck, lackluster ride’s gearbox count to three; the two self-shifters are complemented by a five-speed manual.The CVT’s 2-mpg increase in highway mileage comes from new engine and transmission programming, and improved aerodynamics by means of a new decklid spoiler and underbody ducting. We’re told that the transmission programming provides a wider ratio range, expanding on both the high and low end. City mileage for CVT models stands at 30 mpg for 2012.

The traditional four-speed auto returns to the Versa sedan’s U.S. lineup for cost purposes, according to the manufacturer. The CVT was the only automatic available for 2012, adding $2130 to the $11,770 sticker of a manual-equipped base model. Pricing for the four-speed auto–equipped Versa sedan will be available this fall, when it goes on sale—when Nissan still offered the four-speed auto in 2011, it was a $1000 option, and we expect a similar cost again. Nissan says its traditional slushbox will be good for 26 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway, while the manual is again rated at 27/36 mpg. Regardless of economy, buyers can be secure in the knowledge that they won’t have a very good car—the Versa finished a quite-distant sixth out of sixth in our most recent small-car comparo. 

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Ram 392 Quick Silver Concept

Not much of a logical, rational case can be made for the Dodge Ram SRT-10. A full-size pickup with a Viper engine isn't a practical vehicle. It doesn't address any unmet need in the market. It's ridiculous, and that's what we loved about it. As it happens, though, OEMs like Ford (F-150 Lightning) and Chrysler (Ram SRT-10) are chasing the off-road enthusiast these days, and as much as we like the SVT Raptor (Ford) and the Ram Runner (Chrysler), we miss the SRT Ram. We've brought the issue up with the folks at Ram and SRT on more than one occasion, but they keep telling us it's not in the cards right now. Someday, who knows? But who wants to wait? Not us, and neither do some of the SRT and Mopar guys. They decided the time was right for a new SRT truck, and after many late nights and weekends, they pulled the cover off the Ram 392 Quick Silver concept at last year's SEMA show. 

The Ram 392 Quick Silver concept is a single cab, short-bed Ram stuffed with SRT's potent 470-hp, 392-cubic-inch V-8. Its 6.4 liters of all-American displacement pump out 470 lb-ft of torque, which normally powers SRT Challengers, Chargers, and Grand Cherokees. Under the Ram's hood, the 392 benefits only from a Mopar cold-air intake and custom headers, prototypes that may show up in a future Mopar catalog. They dump into a modified Mopar 3.0-inch exhaust with electrically actuated cutouts and dual 5.0-inch tips. The rest of the drivetrain consists of the stock six-speed automatic with a high-stall torque converter and a 4.10:1 rear end for better performance. 

So what will an extra 80 hp and 63 lb-ft of torque get you compared with the top-spec 5.7-liter V-8? It'll get you Ram SRT10 performance. At the dragstrip, the Quick Silver hit 60 mph from a stop in just 5.2 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 13.7 seconds at 101.2 mph. The last Ram SRT10 we tested, an automatic transmission-equipped 2005 model with a 4.10:1 rear end, needed 5.3 seconds to hit 60 mph and 13.7 seconds to run the quarter, though it was traveling slightly faster at 102.9 mph. Despite being down 40 hp and 55 lb-ft of torque compared with the V-10, the 392 V-8 had no trouble wearing the SRT badge at the dragstrip. To be fair, the fastest Ram SRT10 we've ever tested was a 2004 with a manual transmission and 4.56 rear end, which hit 60 mph in a blistering 4.9 seconds and ran the quarter in 13.2 seconds at 107.1 mph. With that, you're ready to build your own Ram SRT. Now, if all you want is a big honkin' motor, all you need is a Ram ($24,175 for a base V-8 Ram ST if you don't already have one) and the crate engine, which costs a cool $17,000. 

Naturally, you're going to require some miscellaneous parts and maybe an exhaust shop if you're not a big fabricator, but you could get out the door for around $41,000 if you do the work yourself. If you want to build your own Quick Silver, you'll need a few more dollars. The Quick Silver is fitted with a nice list of Mopar parts, along with a few other bits from other suppliers. Starting with the Mopar parts, you'll want $1375 for the lockable fiberglass tonneau cover and another $422 for the BedRug. To get the right look, budget another $959 for the body kit. Inside, you'll need the Katzkin leather-wrapped SRT seats, which run $749, and don't forget the $119 door-sill guards, the $112 bright pedal kit, and the $71 premium floormats.

For performance, the cold-air intake goes for $420, and the cat-back exhaust system costs another $1500. But what about the bulging hood? For now, it's a prototype, and, like the headers, not approved for production, so you'll have to find another option. Plan to spend around $1300 for a Mopar or similar quality product. All said and done, if you want to build your own Ram Quick Silver, you're looking at nearly $37,000 in parts before paint and any installation fees for work you can't do yourself. Add in the price of the vehicle, and you're looking at about $60,000 minimum to build this truck as it sits. We'd start with the engine, suspension, and brakes and have a killer sleeper, but like any custom build, your imagination (and your wallet) is the limit. Be sure to send us pictures.

Front-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door pickup6.4L/470-hp/470-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 

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2013 Lexus LS460 and LS460 F-Sport Sedans

The wall surrounding the 2013 Lexus LS has completely broken with some 30 or so high-resolution photos of both the regular LS 460 and the F-Sport variant of the same model flooding the web-o-sphere. 

Taking into consideration the fact that the current generation of the LS has been with us since 2006 with Lexus performing a mild makeover in 2009, when the company announced that it was preparing a new model, we believed that it would be just that and not another facelift. 

The exterior redesign is concentrated exclusively on the two ends of the car with the front gaining a version of the Japanese brand's spindle grille, new headlamps (very similar to the ones found on the outgoing Hybrid model), reshaped fenders and a new hood that includes a bulge running along the middle. 

At the back, there are restyled and darkened tail lamps connected with a chrome strip, a re-sculptured boot and a new bumper design. 

Making its debut on the 2013 model is the new LS 460 F Sport edition packing a more muscular appearance thanks to a different front bumper that accommodates chunkier side air vents, a front grille with a mesh pattern, side skirts, a diffuser positioned between the tail pipes and bespoke alloy wheels. 

We don't for know sure yet, but if the F Sport versions of the RX crossover, GS sedan, and CT hatchback are anything to go by, then the LS 460 F Sport will have sportier interior trim and suspension tuning but no engine upgrades. 

While there are no photos of the interior, a close up from one of the rear facing pictures suggests that Lexus has overhauled the center console and added a large LCD screen on top of the air vents. 

The Japanese carmaker has said that the 2013 LS will be available as the LS 460, LS 460 L long wheelbase, LS 600h L hybrid sedan and the all-new LS 460 F SPORT, with the car's debut to take place on Monday, July 30, at which point, we will be able to give you all the details. 

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2015 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Design Study

There is a debate going on right now, as to whether Chevrolet designers should make the next Camaro coupe, expected to be introduced in 2015, look more like a first-generation model (1967-1969) or the second-generation version built from 1970 to 1981. 

But what if GM and Chevrolet were to take a different path and create something with very few, if any, retro touches? 

This is where 22-year-old automotive design graduate from Lawrence Tech in Michigan, Tyler Bame, steps into the picture. 

The young designer, who we first heard about back in April through a conceptual study for a new Ford Taurus sedan, has come up with a futuristic looking concept of the next Chevrolet Camaro coupe. 

We'll let you check the two renderings of the exterior and interior of the car before you hit the comments section to tell us what you think about the design. 

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2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek U.S. Spec

In 1995, Subaru became one of the first manufacturers to jump into the emerging crossover SUV market when it introduced the Forester, which was essentially an Impreza with a new, taller body. Fast-forward to 2012, and Subaru has once again called upon the Impreza to be the bones for an-all new compact crossover, this one called the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The interior of the Crosstrek is nearly identical to that of Impreza, save a few minor differences: the instrument cluster, a plastic cargo tray, and privacy glass. This similarity is hardly surprising -- it's both easy and cost effective to use as much as you can from what you have on hand. You sit in, not on, the firm yet comfortable seats, which have just enough bolstering keep you in place. For such a relatively small vehicle, the Crosstrek has a surprising amount of room inside. I could easily sit behind myself with plenty of headroom. Being 6'2", that's not something I can say about every vehicle. 

We got to sample both transmissions our drive, which consisted of both on- and off-road driving, and found that the five-speed made the Crosstrek much more enjoyable to drive. Being able to row your own makes a big difference in how lively it feels. Since it is neither a hardcore SUV nor a completely on-road vehicle, Subaru had to balance on-road feel with off-road capabilities, a job it accomplished very well. On the highway, the Crosstrek had a smooth feel, and when we hit broken road, the suspension absorbed the bumps nicely -- not too firm, not too soft. We couldn't get a feel for more spirited driving feel, specifically how the Crosstrek felt going through a corner hard, partly because the two-lane roads of Oahu often are clogged with slow-moving vehicles. 

We're guessing it will be similar to the behavior of other Subarus, exhibiting a little bit of body roll with the AWD system pulling you nicely through the corner. According to Subaru, its customers are active individuals who are four times more likely to hike and 3.5 times more likely to bike compared to your average customer. The target buyer is what Subaru calls a "youthful explorer," someone who seeks particular attributes in their vehicle. They want something that can handle all-around adventure, has flexible capabilities, is equipped for fun, and, of course, is safe. Subaru feels it has hit the nail on the head with the XV Crosstrek, and we agree. It's not a sports car by any means, but it is a sporty, capable, and fun CUV that will definitely fill a void in Subaru's lineup.

Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door CUV 2.0L/148-hp/145-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 147/112-135/102 kW-hrs/100 miles 

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2014 Mazda 6 Revealed in Photos

When a photo of the 2014 Mazda 6 leaked on a Russian car-enthusiast website, it raised a few eyebrows. Not because the car looked any different from what we expected, but rather because it came from a Russian site. That all makes a little more sense now, because Mazda has announced that the 6 will make its debut at the Moscow auto show next month, rather than the Paris show this September as had been expected. The company also filled in the gaps between the teaser videos it has been releasing lately, which you can see in a new cut after the jump.

In addition to moving up the 6's debut, Mazda also divulged some details about its new mid-sizer. The 6 will debut with the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s already featured in the Mazda 3 and CX-5. In its current applications, the engine produces 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque while still achieving an EPA-estimated 28-mpg city and 40 highway in the 3 and 26/35 in the CX-5. The 6 also will get the Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission that’s available in the 3 and CX-5.

Along with that, we’ve learned that the 2014 6 will be the first Mazda to use what the company calls i-ELOOP, for “intelligent energy loop,” which is a brake-energy recovery system. When the vehicle is decelerating, a variable-voltage alternator sends power to a supercapacitor. The electricity can then be discharged when the engine stop-start system takes over, supplying juice to the accessories when the vehicle is stopped with the engine off. It’s a take on the clutched-alternator approach that is making its way into other manufacturers’ vehicles.

The 2014 Mazda 6 making its debut in Moscow on August 29 will be specific to the Russian market; since this is a global model, we expect most of the details to carry over to the U.S.

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