Friday, March 26, 2010
The 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be presented to the world at the forthcoming Geneva Car Show. In the Centenary year, the name is a tribute to an automobile myth and Alfa Romeo. The Giulietta is a car that, in the fifties, caught the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying the high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time.
The Giulietta will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines (1.4TB - 120 HP and 1.4TB MultiAir - 170 HP) and two diesel engines (1.6 JTDM - 105 HP and 2.0 JTDM - 170 HP, both belonging to the second generation of JTDM engines). The top of the line will be a 1750 TBi that develops 235 HP with an exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration.
New front light clusters – still with bi-Xenon adaptive cornering headlights as standard – and a fresh-looking iteration of the familiar double-arch Infiniti grille are the main component changes, proving the rightness of the original design. A redesigned under-bumper section with recessed, wide-set foglights (previously the fogs were set into the main light clusters) gives the 2010 G37 Saloon a more purposeful edge to its already striking visual impact.
Maserati has unveiled a limited-edition GranTurismo S MC Sport Line at an exclusive event at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The limited-edition vehicle is designed to portray the sporty DNA of the Trident.
GM has unveiled the U.S. version of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze that will go on sale in the third quarter of 2010.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be powered by a new family of 4-cylinder engine that includes a 1.4-liter turbo and a 1.8-liter. The 1.4L engine is said to offer the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze a fuel economy of up to 40 mpg on the highway. This engine outputs 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm). The larger 1.8-liter engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze develops less than the 1.4 with 136 hp and 167 Nm of torque. The gearbox choices offered by the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze include two 6-speed transmissions, manual and automatic.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension and Watts Z-link rear suspension and will offer a choice between a range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels.
Audi A8 2011 made its public debut at Design Exhibition in Miami. Audi has begun to take the all-new luxury saloon orders for first deliveries in Spring of 2010 with on-the-road prices from £54,760 to £66,240.
Audi A8 is available in three engine options - the 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 42.8 mpg, 250PS and 550Nm of torque (up from 233PS and 450Nm) , the 4.2-litre V8 TDI with 37.2 mpg, 350PS and 800Nm (up from 326PS and 650Nm) and the 4.2-litre V8 FSI with 29.7 mpg, 372PS and 445Nm (up from 350PS and 440Nm).
The 2010 Polo is selected as Car of the Year for 2010. Selection as Car of the Year is one of the oldest and most esteemed awards in Europe. The best of all new car introductions have been awarded annually since 1964. The last time a Volkswagen won was in 1992. The new Polo won with 347 points from 59 jurors from 23 European countries, outpacing the Toyota IQ.
“The new Polo stands for German engineering craftsmanship and superior cutting edge technology. The fifth generation Polo was designed to address customer expectations with even greater uncompromising standards. That is why we are naturally very pleased to see our efforts validated in the form of this award,” says Professor Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Group.
The Renault Twingo Gordini R.S. should prove to be mighty quick, with a 133 hp 1.6-liter engine to twist its 17 inch front wheels, along with an uprated suspension package and brakes.
The 2011 BMW 5-Series powertrain lineup consists of one 8-cylinder and three 6-cylinder gasoline engines, as well as two 6-cylinder diesels. A 4-cylinder turbodiesel with an aluminum crankcase and common-rail direct injection will also be made available for the European market. The new 5-Series sedan bimmer will be available with an optional 8-speed automatic transmission while the BMW 550i will get it as a standard option.
The CTS Coupe will share engine choices with the current Cadillac CTS sedan. Both vehicles use a 304 horsepower (227 kW) 3.6-liter V6 (the base 3.0-liter V6 won't be offered in the Coupe - at least initially), and are available with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
The 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a four-seater that went on sale in Japan in July and have been sold out. It's production will begin in Europe in October 2010. The 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV price for the European market has not been announced yet.
The Toyota iQ surveillance car is currently just a demonstrator, powered by the 1.0-litre engine coupled with the automatic transmission. The Toyota iQ has been chosen as the next surveillance car because it can carry a higher weight - especially two operating officers with all they armor on.
The facelifted version of South Korean manufacturer Hyundai's Santa Fe received its UK price tag today, as the car is getting ready to meet right-hand drive roads. The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe equipped with the 2.2l CRDi engine, Style trim, will be retailed starting from £21,495 (at next year's higher 17.5 percent VAT rate).
The new "R" diesel engine to come with the Santa Fe develops 194 bhp and 311 lb.-ft of torque, meaning a 26 to 27 percent improvement compared with the previous engine fitted on the Santa Fe. The SUV achieves naught to sixty acceleration in 9.8 seconds.
The 2010 Nissan GT-R also comes with an updated logic for controlling the torque distribution to reduce rear-axle 'binding'. The logic the controls the downshift from 6th to 5th in automatic mode has also been updated to come later. The 2010 Nissan GT-R is also able to give a more aggressive downshift pattern from 4th to 3rd, and from 3rd to 2nd gear.
The 2010 Nissan GT-R price for the European market has not been announced yet.
It looks very familiar, but its pretty new. Its the future Citroen C-Zero - a new 100% electric, zero CO2 emissions and zero noise vehicle, set to be released in the last-quarter 2010.
The C-ZERO uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor making 47kW (64bhp) between 3,000rpm and 6,000rpm. Peak power is 180Nm produced between 0 and 2,000rpm. A 330-volt lithium-ion battery comprised of 88 50Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16kWh) feeds the motor. The whole system works with a single-speed reducion gear transferring power to the rear wheels. Performance figures are 15 seconds for the 0 - 100km/h sprint while a range of about 130km (80 miles) is anticipated.
On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.
“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”
The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
BMW X5, BMW's class-leading Sports Activity Vehicle will receive an array of design and engine changes offering even greater performance and lower emissions, whilst also updating its look. The new BMW X5 will be on sale from 5 June. Three new engines will be launched for the xDrive30d, xDrive40d – replacing the xDrive35d – and the xDrive50i – replacing the xDrive48i. All of the new powerplants now meet EU5 standards.
The 370Z Black Edition marks the 40th anniversary in style. Available from April as a coupé only, and in a limited edition run of just 370 units in Europe, it comes in two distinctive metallic shades: black and quartz. Both paints use Nissan’s pioneering Scratch Shield technology, ’healing’ the finish in the case of stone chip damage.
Just over 40 years ago a motoring icon was born. As the sixties moved into the 1970s, the Datsun 240Z was launched on the US market. American drivers instantly fell in love with the car and sales in that one market alone regularly topped 50,000 units annually. The Z legend had begun. Now four decades, six generations and well over a million cars later, Nissan is introducing a special celebratory version of the newest two-seater to wear the famous Z badge – the 370Z. The Black Edition matches the standard 370Z. That means a 3.7-litre 24-valve twin cam V6 developing 328PS and a limited top speed of 155mph and a 0-62 mph time of 5.3 seconds (5.6 seconds for the automatic version). The 2010 model year update means the 370Z is now fully compliant with forthcoming Euro 5 emission legislation.
Seat Ibiza ST 2011 will make its world Premiere at the Geneva motor show next month. SEAT is pushing forward with its product offensive – the Ibiza ST, the third model to join the successful Spanish line-up. SEAT Ibiza ST is compact dynamics with great usability. It has expressive design with pelnty of load capicity and six efficient engines. With a length of 4.23 metres, the Ibiza ST is no less than 18 centimetres longer than the Ibiza.
Kia Sportage 2011 will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2010 next month. Embodying Kia’s new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – in a sleek and urban-friendly design.
Renault Wind, a coupé-roadster, will be unveiled by Renault at Geneva Motor show. Renault Wind is a two-seater coupé-roadster of 3.83 metres in length which features a highly innovative way of opening up. With its novel electric roof that pivots open in just 12 seconds, Renault Wind brings a completely different take on a car for drivers who enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring. Renault Wind is aimed at motorists who lust after a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible yet practical enough for everyday use.
Infiniti FX Limited Edition limited to just 100 units will be available across Western Europe. Based on the already dramatic looking FX37S and FX50S, the Limited Edition features striking Black Obsidian ‘Scratch Guard’ paintwork as standard, with equally distinctive Moonlight White pearl metallic available as an option. Unique 21 inch ‘Turbine’ design alloy wheels are finished in dark Graphite, as are the radiator grille, air vents and roof rails. It has 320PS 3.7-litre V6 or potent 390PS 5.0-litre V8.
Some of the world’s best young designers from London’s Royal College of Art (RCA) have created a series of remarkable ‘Bentleys of the Future’ designs in a unique partnership with the famous British company.
Eighteen Vehicle Design Course Masters students have spent the last few months studying the work of Bentley’s leading designers, including Head of Exterior Design Raul Pires who played a key role designing the company’s new Mulsanne flagship. Drawing on Bentley’s proud design heritage, they have sought to develop a range of striking and futuristic car designs. Now four of the RCA students have been shortlisted to refine their designs with Pires and his colleagues with a winner and runner-up both being invited to join the Crewe-based company for a six month secondment in the Bentley design studio.
Peugeot 408 unveiled this week in China, marks a further step in Peugeot’s objective of increasing its sales in the world’s foremost automobile market - China. Despite only being present in the Chinese market for 5 years, Peugeot sold over 410, 000 vehicles in 2009. The luxurious new Peugeot 408 is designed for the Chinese market and will further reinforce Dong Feng Peugeot's product range in the M1 segment that currently accounts for over 45 % of the total market.
Maserati and Alfa Romeo: two icons of Italy's world-famous automotive industry representing sportiness, technology and elegance.
One hundred Alfa Romeo MiTos produced exclusively for the Maserati service network will soon be seen on roads all over Europe. Maserati has chosen the Alfa Romeo MiTo as the new courtesy car for its customers, connoisseurs of Italian style with a keen eye for originality.
The special-purpose cars will be styled in the exclusive Maserati Blu Oceano (deep Blue), and fitted with a sparky 1.4 MultiAir Turbobenzina engine (170 hp) - the most powerful engine in the MiTo range. The cars will not only be distinguished by their unique color, but also by two other exclusive features: the "Limited Edition" plaque on the air conditioning unit, and the kick plate made from specially treated aluminum, bearing the words Alfa Romeo for Maserati.
Carlsson C25 is the first self-developed automobile from Carlsson and are presenting C25 at Geneva Auto Show this March. The concept of this Super-GT is based on the vision of combining maximum driving performance with an entirely new design and high exclusiveness. The result is a breathtaking and beautiful sports coupé with 753 hp in a limited edition of only 25 cars world-wide. Thereby, each automobile will be as individual as its future owner.
With 753 hp and 1150 Newton metres in 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The performance data of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance aggregate with a motor management optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast acceleration as well as smooth travels at lower speeds. Also responsible for the perfect performance evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless steel exhaust system with ends in four edgy pipes at the back. The power catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically limited to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 352 km/h.
Mitsubishi Outlander GT 2010 comes in four versions, all revised with fresh and aggressive styling. The Outlander line features two four-cylinder models -- base ES and well-equipped SE -- and two V6 models, the feature-packed XLS and the new-for-2010 GT. The ES, SE, and XLS models are available with 2WD or AWC. The premium Outlander GT is standard exclusively with the road holding control of Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). The redesigned 2010 Outlander sees the addition of a distinctive jet fighter front grille, which evokes the sporty history of Mitsubishi’s family line-up. Backing up those looks in the GT is the addition of a blacked out front bumper cover design and a lightweight aluminum roof.
Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced sales of the facelifted Mazda Atenza (known overseas as the Mazda6) for the Japanese market. Available in three body styles — Sedan, Sport (five-door hatchback) and Sport Wagon — Mazda’s globally acclaimed mid-size car has been refined and evolved, and it goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.
The Mazda Atenza has attracted a wide range of customers with its sporty styling and exceptional driving performance. The enhancements for the freshened Mazda Atenza are based on the Zoom-Zoom evolution development concept, and include improvements to its environmental and safety attributes, driving performance, interior and exterior design, and quality levels.
A new facelift version of the popular Mazda6 will make its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. This new, upgraded version enhances the strengths of its predecessor, retaining its fun-to-drive feeling and excellent fuel efficiency; while improving refinement, cabin ambience, environmental compatibility and safety performance.
The new Mazda family face is introduced, along with new headlamps and rear lights, for a more sporty appearance and a clearer, premium identity. Six power units will be available for the Mazda6 facelift, including a powerful new 2.0-litre DISI petrol engine that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions than the 2.0-litre engine it replaces.
Its five-speed automatic transmission was fine-tuned especially for this new petrol engine to deliver an optimal combination of acceleration and fuel economy. Updated versions of the Mazda MZR 1.8 and 2.5-litre engines complete the petrol line-up.
Toyota Auris 2010 is launched with a sharper appearance inside and out, higher quality materials throughout the cabin and a suspension system tweaked for extra ride comfort and stability. New Auris SR with sports styling targets younger customers.
With class-leading load capacity, enhanced practicality, greater fuel efficiency (49.6 mpg) and low emissions from just 150 g/km the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, on sale from 21 January 2010, has set a new benchmark for the premium estate sector.
Mazda5 2011 will make its global premiere at the Geneva Motor show 2010 in March this year. Embracing dynamic and elegant Mazda Nagare Concept design, the new Mazda5 emits approximately 15 percent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” idling stop system, a direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies. European sales of the all-new Mazda5 will commence during fall 2010.
The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible include outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Fundamentally unchanged are each car’s essential attributes of rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available on the Coupe), near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension…all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.
All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the “N55,” this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same “short block” and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement. The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine’s output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox – beloved by North American enthusiast drivers - remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring “pull-style” shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.
BMW 135i Coupe and BMW 135i Convertible are one of the few outstanding performers in the compact segment and beyond. The new six-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and the seven-speed double-clutch gearbox bring out the unique character of these top performers in the compact segment even more and in greater style than ever before. Through their performance alone, the BMW 135i Coupe and the BMW 135i Convertible achieve the supreme standard of a very powerful sports car. And at the same time the driving experience conveyed by both models boasts the agility typical of a BMW 1 Series.
Mitsubishi ASX 2011 will premiere at the 80th Geneva Motor Show 2010 in Switzerland. Mitsubishi ASX, 5-seater compact crossover, is the European version of the Japanese RVR, which is slated to go on sale in Japan from February 2010. ASX will go on sale in Europe in late spring 2010.
Vauxhall Meriva 2011, the first Vauxhall to feature FlexDoors, will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. Initially, back in 2008, Meriva was showcased as a design concept. FlexDoors are rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Rather than having to step back, or to one side, as one would using a normal front-hinged door, the FlexDoor allows unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin, enhanced further by the Meriva’s exceptionally high roof line. On the interior, the designs from Insignia and Astra has been adopted for Meriva.
Audi R8 V10 uses the same 5.2 FSI Quattro used in Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car introduced in 2009. Some technical specs for the car:
- 101 hp per liter
- 525 hp @ 8,000 rpm / 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm
- Max rpm: 8,700 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds for both manual and R tronic
- Top track speed: 196.4 mph
- quattro rear bias: 85% to 70%
- Fuel economy city/hwy/comb: manual 12/20/15; R tronic 13/20/16
- Curb weights: manual 3,715 lbs.; R tronic 3,726 lbs.
- Weight distribution: 44% front / 56% rear
Porsche 911 GT3 R made its world debut at the autosport international show 2010. Porsche 911 GT3 R succeeds the 911 GT3 Cup S and is developed for racing series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations. The starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R was the latest 3.8-litre Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, which will compete in the 2010 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup supporting selected Formula One races. However, the GT3 R - which weighs just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) - has a larger 4.0-litre six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine delivering 480 bhp and other technical developments designed to improve the performance of the car further still.
Nissan 370Z Roadster is finally available to pre-order now with deliveries starting 1st March. Some quick details:
- Sleek hood takes only 20 seconds to convert from closed to open.
- Powered by Euro 5 emissions compliant 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine
- Sprint time from 0 to 60mph in 5.5 seconds
- 370Z Coupe priced from £28,000, 370Z Roadster available from £29,900
Renault Clio S is designed to give sporty look and accessible style with affordable prices (priced from £11,209 to £13,458 on-the-road) and frugal engines. Some cometic changes compared to the successful Clio S from early 90s are a white front bumper insert and white 'GT' rear spoiler. Buyers will have four colors choice : Glacier White, Pearl Black, Capsicum Red and Extreme Blue.
Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept, unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show 2010, suggests a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system. The XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car’s entertainment, navigation and information systems.
The Lincoln MKX 2011, midsize luxury crossover, has a new 3.7-liter Duratec® V-6 engine, delivering best-in-class 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque versus all V-6 competitors – plus unsurpassed fuel economy. The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Oakville Assembly Plant; Ontario, Canada.
Chevrolet New Sail Sedan was introduced earlier today by Shanghai GM, making it the first passenger car created in China by a Sino-foreign joint venture. In addition to being sold in China, the New Sail will also be exported to other emerging markets. Shanghai GM offers five variants of the New Sail with the base model priced around RMB 60,000 (US$8,800). This marks a breakthrough in the under-RMB 70,000 (US$10,300) small car segment, where Chinese brands have traditionally been dominant. Shanghai GM also began taking orders for the New Sail today.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Ford Focus 2011 made its worldwide debut at Detroit Auto Show 2010. The new Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from Ford’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales worldwide of upto two million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX – unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.
Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Hybrid Concept marked its worldwide premiere at Detroit Auto Show 2010. It has sports appeal and sharp styling yet is remarkably elegant - positioned between the Europe’s bestselling sports car, the Scirocco, and the internationally successful CC. Combined fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km* (45 mpg**). CO2 emissions: 98 g/km. Perhaps even more incredible, considering its fuel economy, are its top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) and the short 8.6 seconds it needs for the classic sprint to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds).
Peugeot SR1 Concept Car 2010 embodies a new stronger, more extreme and pure expression of the Peugeot Style of tomorrow and also displays a new look corporate Lion badge. SR1 concept car is 100% electric which incoporates HYbrid4 technology available in the Peugeot 3008.
The Lotus Exige S Type 72 celebrates the most successful F1 car of all time, the Lotus Type 72 Formula One car, which achieved 20 Grand Prix victories between 1970 and 1975.
The Lotus Type 72 was driven by such Lotus greats as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx and won three Formula One Constructors’ Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers’ World Championships (the first being won by Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972).