Toyota Sequoia

Toyota's redesigned Sequoia full-sized SUV rides on a new chassis and fresh looks inside and out.

Joining the 4.7-liter, 276-hp V8 and five-speed automatic transmission combo is the 5.7-liter, 381-hp V8 also found in the Tundra pickup, with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The six-speed's torque converter allows for lock-up in fourth, fifth and sixth gears. A tow package with rear axle 4.3:1 ratio that replaces the standard 3.909:1 enables the Sequoia to tow 10,000 pounds.

Four-wheel-drive variants have a two-speed transfer case with a lockable limited-slip differential. Both front and rear differentials are larger and stronger than their predecessors.

Toyota promises the new Sequoia has improved ride quality, handling and stability thanks to a new suspension. An adjustable air suspension package and active variable suspension is also available. Larger 18-inch tires are now standard with 20-inch units available.

Spied: Audi A4 allroad

Audi A4 allroad is the all terrain version of new Audi compact sedan. The car looks really tough, with full plastic protection kit and off road suspension.

Probably Audi A4 allroad will hit the market only with the upcoming Avant version: this A4 allroad sedan should be only a test mule. Engines and transmission will be the same seen on new Audi A4 four door, but suspension may have electronic variable suspension like in the "bigger sister" Audi A6 allroad quattro.

Source: infomotori

Ford Kuga

We got our first look at the Ford Kuga in concept form at September's Frankfurt Motor Show and it looks like the production model won't be straying very far, stylewise. The Kuga should land in European Ford dealerships in spring 2008 powered by a variety of engines, including Ford's latest 2.0L turbodiesel. With the Escape bearing much more of a resemblance to Ford's truck lineup, if the team in Dearborn really wants the Mercury Mariner to be more upscale they would bring this design over as its replacement. Hell, just make this the new Escape and forget about Mercury. The Kuga will probably debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March alongside the Fiesta/Verve.

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

Ford’s new Fiesta family

The wait is over... it’s the new Ford Fiesta – at the double! Our spies caught both three and five-door versions of the sleek new hatch being put through their paces for the first time. And they confirm how close the roadgoing car will be to Ford’s Verve concept, which debuted at the Frank­furt Motor Show earlier this year.

As you can see, its distinctive features include new Mondeo-style head­lamps and a large lower air intake, complete with chrome trim.

The sporty three-door also hints at the look of the hot ST model. Bigger alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and heavily profiled door sills help to provide it with a truly purposeful stance.

Inside, the Fiesta replacement will use high-quality soft-touch plastics, while a stylish layout sets it apart from rival superminis. Hi-tech features include a panoramic glass sunroof and the firm’s new Sync system. This has been developed with computer giant Microsoft. It will provide user-friendly connectivity for MP3 players and Bluetooth mobile phones.

However, uncertainty still hangs over the name of the new hatchback. Only last week, Auto Express reported on how the Fiesta badge was set to continue. But a spokesman for the blue oval denied the Verve name had been completely ruled out. “We haven’t decided yet – the jury is still out,” he claimed.

The all-new model shares its platform with the Mazda 2, which looks set to provide Ford’s supermini with some stiff in-house competition. The lightweight Mazda has already proved a big hit, but the Fiesta is expected to be even better to drive.

Ford has forged a reputation for producing vehicles with sparkling dynamics, and the new model is set to raise the standard. The firm’s engineers have tuned the car’s suspension to provide sharper handling and agility than the current Fiesta. The supermini will also be the first in a new generation of lightweight models.

Ford boss Allan Mulally spelled out the company’s plans to reduce the weight of future models at the Los Angeles Motor Show last week. The strategy will help the firm lower vehicle emissions across the line-up. And from 2012 to 2020, Ford aims to cut bet­ween 125kg and 375kg from its cars without compromising safety.