Despite their good intentions, the 280 horses of the Lotus Evora was a bit thin to honor its outstanding chassis. Hethel today reveals an S version with 350 hp range, and take this opportunity to propose an automatic transmission on Evora “short.”

Praised by the press worldwide for its exceptional dynamic qualities, the Lotus Evora was lacking a little punch to rival its competitors in terms of mechanical sensations. Its V6 3.5, always brave from a Toyota Camry, now inherits a new “S” version pushed to 350 hp (7000 rpm) to 400 Nm (4500 rpm, 350 Nm cons in 4700 on the Evora 280hp). Even if Lotus does at the moment no detail about the method used, it is probable that it is a compressor, as the four-cylinders (also original Toyota) Elise and Exige for most powerful.

The fact is that this training allows the muscles to reposition berlinetta English comfortably in the pack of its main competitors: Porsche Cayman S (320hp) Nissan 370Z (331 bhp) Audi RS TT (340 hp) and other BMW 135i (306 hp to 326 hp Performance Pack). The performance is not progressing dramatically since the Lotus wins “only” two tenths over the 0 to 100 km / h (4 “6). It must be said that the Evora, which had already a little distant from the” Light is Right “dear Colin Chapman, still takes a little quintal in the case (1437 kg).
Power is Right

I just have to hope that the six-cylinder engine nippon, shy on Evora wins as in force in nature. To do this, Lotus announced a magic button “Sport” switch on the V6 mapping module responsive and vocalizations of the exhaust for a more dramatic soundtrack, while the ESP is less authoritarian. Aesthetically, the Evora S will differ, however, that by mirrors and windshield amounts of black, and a rear diffuser largest over an exit exhaust system.

Along with this sassy Evora, Lotus will unveil at the Paris version intended instead to driving enthusiasts casting. The Evora “basic” because now propose a six-speed automatic transmission, called IPS (intelligent precision shift) probably also from the organ bank Toyota. No double clutching to the program, but the paddle and a sport mode supposed to “allow the driver to feel every gear change and have full control on the transmission.” This version is primarily intended for calm in the U.S., the Middle East and Asian markets.

These two new versions of the Evora, however, should consitutes an appetizer before the arrival of one or more real news on the stand of the Lotus World. There have been rumors including a descendant of the Spirit, even on a four-door model …

The Ford Mondeo is now one of the deans on the family segment, where heavyweights such as the Peugeot 508 and the new generation Volkswagen Passat about to disembark. To better cope, ellle today benefits from a significant restyling, presented the show in Moscow.

In three generations, the Ford Mondeo has become a safe bet among the family. The latest, which arrived on the market in spring 2007, and is still among the larger cars and chassis sharpest segment. But now the wheel turns and Ford has since been joined by the Renault Laguna, the Citroën C5, the Opel Insignia, pending the Peugeot 508 and Volkswagen Passat in the World.

To defend its position against such formidable opponents, Ford has given its large sedan (4.78 m) a relatively deep facelift. To this end 2010, the Mondeo has indeed entitled to be treated strictly identical to that already applied to the duo S-Max/Galaxy . As the two vans, the front bumper gets a “mouth” trapezoidal more voracious, a prominent lip spoiler and an array of LEDs above the fog. At the back, drawing fire is a little less tense to accommodate also the inevitable LEDs.
Stay in the know

As is often the most important is invisible. Beyond some minor trim in the cockpit, the Mondeo indeed inherits new blocks at the top of the range. In essence, the popular five-cylinder 230bhp 2.5 Turbo Volvo replaced the original (like the S-Max) by the new four-cylinder 203 hp 2.0 ITRS. The same family has the exclusivity of a 240 hp variant of the latest 2.0. Side Diesel, 1.8 and 2.0 are replaced by the current 2.0 Duratorq new versions 115 hp, 140 hp and 163 hp. Unlike the S-Max, the Mondeo will also be powered by a 2.2 TDCi 200 bhp.

These blocks can enjoy (as standard on petrol engines) for the excellent Powershift box and seven-speed dual clutch, already seen on the S-Max. At the same time, the Mondeo is reviewing its entire arsenal of passive safety. BLIS blind-spot warning, rearview camera, lighting and self-adaptive alert Lane and will be in the game. Chapter ecological also optimized consumption and emissions on each new block of the catalog, Ford

Following the concept presented at the last Paris Motor Show in 2008, Chevrolet unveiled its final Orlando. This “crossover family,” as defined by the manufacturer, will serve as the first compact MPV range, in addition to the Captiva and its 7 seats.

After the Cruze and the Spark, Chevrolet continues the renewal of its range with Orlando’s new small crossover family. Very close to the concept presented in 2008 in Paris, he will address the lack of real estate or MPV catalog brand.

The Orlando was designed on the platform of the Cruze, stretched 7 inches particular advantage to the wheelbase and more space habitable. Indeed, despite its compact appearance, the Orlando provides 7 seats, as the brother Captiva 4×4.

Simple and spacious

Like the concept, we found the front became a feature of the mark. The gate barred the badge bow tie is thus framed by headlights with more rounded shapes on the concept, giving it a softer look and less aggressive than the prototype. The stern is also changing in favor of imposing more fires spilling over the tailgate.

Finally, if the general line is generally maintained, the production model is less muscular than expected. The fault in particular cover less original than the concept, which, more aggressive, revealed a split between the hood and windshield and ribbed wings. More family than ever, however, the seven-seat Orlando will therefore spread over three rows of stadium seating so that passengers enjoy the best forward visibility.
Four innovations at the World?

Logically, Chevrolet will resume for its compact MPV 1.8 16v petrol unit the 141 hp of the Cruze, but will also offer two diesel engines of 131 and 2.0 163 hp. Available in three trim levels, the Orlando propose series from the entry-level electronic stability control, six airbags, air conditioning and power mirrors.

The production of Orlando will begin next October – and its marketing in early 2011 – following the Paris Motor Show where it will unveil its rates, probably very aggressive. In addition, three other Chevrolet presentations are expected to Porte de Versailles. Including probably the new Aveo, and why not, the new Captiva. In total, the same seven products that Chevrolet will unveil over the next 15 months.

The new generation of Maybach 57 and 62 and two new models are expected in 2 years. The German manufacturer seems full renewal of its catalog.

Based on the platform of the new Mercedes S-Class, the four future models will hit the double m not surprised … but also more efficient hybrid! The new versions of the Maybach 57 and 62, in addition to being fitted with the current 6.0 V12 revisited the biturbo will develop an electric motor of about 25 hp and a thermal block. The 1000 Nm of torque will be maintained and the automatic transmission 7 rapports.Outre these improvements, little sisters could have their name followed by a proud “Zero emission” and likely will arrive in 2012.

The company will also rely on the emergence of a new sedan and a convertible four-door inspired by the prototype Mercedes Ocean Drive. The range is expanding so so pleasant, however it will it be enough to see him return to the sweet land Maybach profits?

Volkswagen has had great success with its diesel-powered Race Touareg 2, earning wins in both the 2009 and 2010 Dakar Rally. For the 2011 event, however, a brand new race truck will be entered, mimicking the changes made to the road-going Volkswagen Touareg for the 2011 model year.

Cosmetically, the Race Touareg 3 gets new LED running lamps up front, as well as a new grille, rear clamshell, window line and a different set of 16-inch wheels wrapped in 235/85 BF Goodrich tires. It still looks mean as ever, and new improvements to the roof-mounted cooling systems won’t affect airflow at higher speeds out on the dunes.

Power will still come from a twin-turbocharged 2.5-liter TDI engine, producing 296 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen says that the diesel powerplant has been tweaked to give slightly better fuel economy without sacrificing power, and the Race Touareg 3 will be capable of reaching 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 117 mph.

Will the Race Touareg 3 be able to secure another win for Volkswagen in the 2011 Dakar Rally? We’ll have to wait until next year to find out. Hit the jump to read Volkswagen’s official press release and scroll through the gallery below for high-res shots of the new race truck.

There was said to be some tussling going on between Porsche and Audi over which brand would provide the platform for the Volkswagen Group’s future sports cars. A report in Automobilwoche declares that Porsche is the winner. No one should be surprised at Porsche, now a Group company, winning such a competition.

The real coup, however, is in what Porsche plans to provide: a Modular Standard Platform that will place the engine directly over the front axle and fit both longitudinal and transverse engine arrangements. The MSB, as it’s called, will be put into use for the next Porsche Cayenne and Panamera as well as a future Bentley, and its flexibility could quickly see it spread throughout the Volkswagen portfolio of brands. Group CEO Martin Winterkorn called it an advantage that would put VW “years ahead of the competition.” But let’s get to the real question: Does this get us any closer to the BlueSport? Bueller… ?

On another note, the same report states that Porsche has fast-tracked development of the 918 Spyder, with plans to produce 918 of them and have them appearing at the end of 2012, not 2014 as previously reported.