Detroit Preview: Mini Countryman Paceman The Concept Of Reducing The Extra Doors

How many ministers are too many? Mini is about to learn that its product portfolio is growing faster than the size of a jilted lover. The tailgate (back) all started and convertible, followed shortly afterwards have since been joined by Clubman wagon and crossover Countryman, WRC and the Dakar Rally versions, walking speed and the cut and over in the production pipeline. But that does not even take into account some of the concept of derivatives that are not (yet) made the production, and it later.

Paceman called, it is primarily a Countryman least some doors. It is set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January as a concept car, but could very well go to the production well. Taking a page from its playbook parent BMW, Mini Paceman call a "Sports Activity Coupe" (a bit like the BMW X6) and argues that it is the first of its kind in the premium segment small. A "first" is quite easy to achieve when you set the category itself, but to our eyes with its sloping roof Paceman White seems to assume the likes of the three-door Range Rover recall, but smaller.

Under the hood, the Mini JCW installed the turbo four is 211 horsepower, coupled to the system is used for traction All4 Countryman. Additional information is available in the press release after the jump, along with the original images in the gallery below. We have a hand at the Cobo Hall to bring clothes from NAIAS impressions, so stay tuned.

Officially Official: 2012 Ford C-Max Presents "mini" To "minivan"

A few days after the Paris Motor Show, we were able to enjoy the Grand C-Max, the latest Euro-spec Ford MPV to North American soil. Other markets around the world are ripe for these mini-van, but here in the U.S., the only C-segment MPV Mazda5 option is very nice. The long wheelbase C-Max will calculate the nomenclature "Grand" when it arrives here in North America, and the public gets its first taste of the 2011 Ford to the Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford C-Max calls the seating configuration "five plus two", which means that the interior design is best suited for five passengers and two rear seats are more used in small people. What's more, Ford offers a unique storage solution for the middle row second seat, when it is folded down and stowed below the bottom of the pillow, behind the passenger-side chair will create a set of two posts of master in the process (see video here). The interior of the remaining C-Max is very similar to what we have seen the 2012 Focus, and we are very impressed with the quality craftsmanship FoMoCo is putting his last period houses.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the 2012 C-MAX is its hands-free door. Much more than a passive entry system, the driver's door, which is the C-Max is a key chain on their person can simply shake their legs on the rear bumper, start the two sensors that will open the door. It 'pretty slick, and Ford says that this technology will make its way to me most of the volumes produced.

Powertrain Bottom C-Max is Ford's 2.5-liter inline four is Fusion. His house MPV, this factory produces 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, paired only with a six-speed automatic transmission. Expensive brand-new engine is a 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four power of 180 hp and 173 Nm of Twist also coupled to a six-speed box. C-Max is available only with front-wheel drive and 17-inch wheels are fitted to all three output levels - S, SE and SEL.

We are very eager mitts on the US-spec C-Max, and we cross our fingers that the American car buyers are more receptive to smaller vans before. Check the 2012 C-Max for yourself in the gallery below and follow the jump for the full suite of retail.

Fiat 500 Art Car Exhibitalia

We would not have taken something like the Art Basel festival in Miami Beach as a showcase for the normal car, but after his car Tesla and art Maybach spearhead the initiative of the sculpture, Fiat became the third manufacturer of strut their stuff at the party from 2,000 artists from around the world.

Fiat Exhibitalia screen was a four-day event, with several famous artists and two groups of students at the University of Miami for its 500 children of their "inspiration and canvas to create their works. Some have created pieces inspired by the sixteenth century, some use the basket, and you could also use the entire car, turning it into an 'art best car BMW could be anything you throw at it. Check out the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

All New 2011 Nissan Leaf

 Body Shapes, Trim Levels And Options 

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric sedan with four doors available on the levels of SV and SL.


Standard equipment on the SV includes alloy wheels, 16 inch, LED headlamps, keyless ignition / entry, full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, driver seat height adjustment, tilt and direction 60 / 40-split-folding rear seats. Also included upholstery fabric made from recycled materials, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, an advanced onboard computer, navigation system and audio system with CD player, six speakers, satellite radio, an audio file and a auxiliary iPod / USB audio interface.


Journal of the SL adds a solar panel mounted on the bumpers, automatic headlights, fog lights, rear camera and cover the load.


In addition, each sheet comes with Nissan connection, remote vehicle access to the data reports battery and can allow climate control through a cell phone. Optional is a home and fast loading cargo from the port, which charges a 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes in a public charging station.

Powertrain & Performance

2011-Nissan Leaf is driven by a 80-kilowatt synchronous electric motor powered by a battery of 24 kWh lithium-ion batteries. Output is 107 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, delivery of an electric vehicle is very different from gasoline, diesel and even hybrid cars, take powers Leaf with a grain of salt.


Nissan says a radius of 100 miles, but it depends on driving style, traffic conditions, cruising and battery age. actually plays the temperature role in determining the navigation area, because extreme temperatures are detrimental to battery performance. EPA has provided a score sheet equivalent energy (e-MPG) to 106 miles per gallon city/92 mpg highway and 99 mpg combined driving range and an estimated 73 miles.

Interior Design And Special Features

Since the battery life of Leaf on the floor seats, rear seat is comfortable enough for adults. Front seat offers enough space for truck drivers, and the seats themselves are quite sturdy and comfortable, even if the vehicle for short-range, thanks to that they would never get to enjoy while traveling by road over long distances. The cargo area is small in volume, however, and even if you fold the rear seats, the load floor is not flat.


Sheet cabin is dominated by a scoreboard on two levels similar to the Honda Civic. The control panel has a touch screen center, which controls the standard navigation system, and special features such as cruise lines. You can even set the start time for the charging system to take advantage of lower electricity rates. interior quality is almost the same as other economy sedans, but in general, and the ending is definitely a step forward

Driving Impressions 

Any person driving, or at least was next to a hybrid that is silent when operating in electric-only mode. It may be strange or cold, depending on your point of view. 2011 Nissan with the blade, never leaves his serenity, and can detect a high-pitched ringing in heavy gases. This quiet creates the undesirable side effect of wind noise and more sensitive way to highway speeds, but overall the movie is awesome silence.

As an electric car, the pedal Leaf benefits from an abundance of torque available from the first touch of the accelerator. Leaf feels alive and gets up to speed without drama - as an urban runabout, it certainly excels. Press the brakes and the pedal is firm and sure, without a little weird, vague feeling characteristic of most brake systems.


Its battery is installed in a small frame and well-tuned electric power steering, we are pleasantly surprised at how the Leaf alternately. Its capacity is typical of that observed in other well-designed cars family compact, and most of the way, Leaf seems normal enough to drive.