Scion Readies New FR-S and tC Monogram Series Editions for Detroit Show

  

We all like some added features at a lower cost when buying a car, and these usually come in the form of so-called special editions. Scion is certainly no stranger to this type of marketing promotion to increase sales, and at the upcoming2014 Detroit motor show, it will debut the limited run Monogram Series for the tC and FR-S coupes.

Both models are set to go on sale across the States in February, with the FR-S production limited to 2,000 units and the tC to 2,500 cars.

The rear-wheel drive FR-S Monogram Series is priced at $27,400 for the 6sp manual model and $28,500 for the 6sp automatic, with Scion claiming savings of more than $1,900, thanks to additional standard features such as leather seats with Alcantara inserts and a higher-end audio with integrated navigation system.

Those who choose the front-wheel drive tC Coupe will pay $21,400 and $22,400 for the manual and automatic versions respectively, which Scion says represents a value package of over $1,500. Among other added features on the Monogram Series tC are the leather seats, rear spoiler and navigation.

More details on the equipment features of both models can be found in the lists below.

Scion FR-S Monogram Series Specifications

• Leather seats with Alcantara inserts
• BeSpoke Premium Audio with navigation and connected services
• Smart Key with push button start
• HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control system
• Heated front seats
• Heated outside mirrors
• Frameless rearview mirror
• Color-keyed rear spoiler
• Rear-seat center armrest
• Carpet cargo mat

Scion tC Monogram Series Specifications

• Leather trimmed seats with perforated inserts
• BeSpoke Premium Audio with navigation and connected services
• Smart Key with push button start
• Heated front seats
• Leather shift knob
• Rear window wiper
• Color-keyed low-profile rear spoiler
• Carpet floor and cargo mat
• Upgraded center console lid with accent stitching
• Upgraded interior door trim

SCION FR-S MONOGRAM SERIES

SCION TC MONOGRAM SERIES

Read More

2015 Audi Q3 Compact SUV Coming to the U.S. This Fall

The growing interest in smaller SUVs and crossovers combined with the fact that German luxury rival BMW is already offering the X1 and Mercedes-Benz will soon launch the GLA in the States, has convinced Audi to move ahead and bring its Q3 to this side of the Atlantic.

Audi said it will host the U.S. premiere of the Q3 compact SUV at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week before it goes on sale as a 2015 model this fall at an, as of yet, undisclosed price, but surely less than the bigger Q5 that starts at $37,300.

The Q3 will launch with a single engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four with 200-horsepower paired to a standard six-speed Tiptronic transmission driving the front-wheels or optionally, all four wheels through Audi's 'quattro' system.

“Coming off the recent A3 family announcement we are now for the first time entering into the premium compact class of SUVs with the introduction of the Audi Q3 into our line-up,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Our growing SUV family will now offer three distinct products in the premium SUV category; and like the successful Q5 and Q7, the Q3 will continue with the established standards they started with regards to utility, technology, craftsmanship and performance.”

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Porsche Confirms New 911 Targa for Detroit, Drops First Video Teaser

Porsche has confirmed the world premiere of an all-new 991-generation 911 Targa at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Although it offers no information about the car or photos, we’re expecting the new 911 Targa to look similar to what we’ve seen in the leaked patent images last month.

There is, however, one supposedly leaked photo (featured above), said to have been scanned from the latest issue of Quattroruote magazine, and which came to our attention via Inautonews. We don't know if it's real or not.

It shows that, unlike the previous 997 generation, the new 991-based 911 Targa will go back to its roots, sporting a folding soft top replacing the previous model’s glass roof that slid under the rear window, a thick B-pillar and a wraparound glass rear window – a tribute to the original 911 Targa from the late 1960s (pictured below).

As usual, the 911 Targa will be the choice of those who want something halfway between the 911 Cabriolet and the coupe.

The new Porsche 911 Targa is expected to offer two engine choices, a base 345hp 3.4-liter flat six and a more powerful 395hp 3.6-liter unit in “S” guise. It’s uncertain whether the new model will be offered only with four-wheel drive as the previous 997 model or if it will be available with rear-wheel drive as well.

Besides the 911 Targa, another Porsche world premiere in Detroit will be the Cayenne Platinum Edition. Scroll down to watch the…unrevealing video teaser of the new 911 Targa.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Dodge Announces New Dart Blacktop Package for 2014 Detroit Show

The Dart compact sedan is joining the growing list of Dodge models to be offered with the Blacktop package that adds a blacked-out styling treatment for an affordable premium, which in this case, stands at $295.

What you get with the Blacktop package is unique 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, Gloss Black side mirrors, plus black and ruby or black and light Tungsten cloth interior with ruby accent stitching, stripes and accents on the seats, doors, center console and instrument panel.

Exterior color choices include Redline Red, Header Orange, Blue Streak, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver, Pitch Black and Bright White.

The 2014 Dart Blacktop package is based on the SXT model with the Rallye Appearance Group that now comes as standard with the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark inline-four engine producing 184 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Lexus will Launch RC Coupe with a New Four Base Coat Red Paint

When the all-new Lexus RC Coupe will launch in 2014, it will be available with a striking red paint that brings more brightness and contrast thanks to an entirely new painting process.

Using a two-color base of both silver and red, the luminous red paint is achieved through a paint process using four base coats of paint, which are then baked twice.

Lexus says layers of colored and clear coating are used to control some of the color’s reflections and “establish a balance between the brightness and depth” – two elements that usually work against each other.

To prepare the color, the factory starts with a base coat of silver and then applies a clear coat that is covered by a translucent red coat, which is topped with another clear coat. The four coats of paint are then baked twice to set the color.

Thanks to this process, light hitting the paint reflects off the red layer and off the silver layer below, adding depth and a metallic highlight to the red coloration. Before using this new procedure that will debut on the Lexus RC Coupe, the factory used base coats with the same color tone (red and red).

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More