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Thursday, December 31, 2009
These are the first teaser images of the Toyota Etios, a new small car for emerging markets.
The car, which will be unveiled as a concept at next month’s New Dehli motor, won't be a Nano rival, however, as it's set to cost around $10,000 (£6000). Instead, it will challenge one of India's other best-selling cars on price, the Maruti Swift.
The Etios name means 'the origin of', and the concept car is said to be 90 per cent production reality.
Toyota will showcase both the hatch and notchback body styles in Delhi, with the latter set to go on sale first, followed three months later by the hatch.
Toyota wants a gradual ramp-up in production to ensure that there is no compromise on its quality and hence wants the hatch, which will sell in larger volumes, to come later.
Toyota is understood to have squeezed out costs wherever possible to ensure that the Etios is as price-competitive as possible. That means limited sound-proofing, a hard but durable interior, basic seats and one windscreen wiper.
The Etios will come with two engine options — a 1.4 diesel which powers the Yaris and a 1.2 or 1.3-litre petrol. Toyota already has a 1.3 (K3) engine but it is not clear if that motor will be further downsized to under 1200cc to meet small car regulations.
It will be sold from the end of 2010 in markets including India, Russian and South America, and it is likely to be built at Toyota’s new Indian factory from late 2010, with production also earmarked for Brazil in 2011.
Toyota will display the car alongside 13 other concept and production vehicles at the New Delhi show, which begins on January 5.
Thanks to: Autocar
These are the first pictures of the production version of Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid sports car, according to reports on Japanese websites.
The pictures are reported to be taken from a promotional video for the car, and confirm that visual changes from the concept are minimal – only different front and rear lights and alloy wheels, as well as minor modifications to its front feature. LED front and rear lights will make production.
Details have been scarce so far on its tech features, but a leaked sales brochure recently confirmws that the production Honda CR-Z will be powered by the 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox seen in the concept. It produces, according to the brochure, 113bhp at 6000rpm and 107lb ft at 4800rpm.
Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist electric motor adds a further 13bhp at 1500rpm and 58lb ft at 1000rpm. The brochure also claims the CR-Z will get from 0-62mph in 9.7sec.
The interior will glow three different colours depending on which mode is selected: Econ, Normal or Sport.
Dimensions have also been revealed in the brochure. The Honda CR-Z will have a 2435mm wheelbase, a length of 4080mm, a width of 1740mm and a height of 1395mm.
The production car will be launched at next month’s Detroit motor show before sales start in April with a price tag of around £18,000.
Thanks to: Autocar
That's not to say Toyota will scrap its edgy rear-drive FT-86. Far from it. Co-developed with Subaru, the FT-86 will employ a Subaru platform, 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine with revised Toyota head unit, and a six-speed manual gearbox from the Impreza. It will also have a Subaru twin brother -- albeit wearing a slightly different body. The survey results also show that there is a definite and growing market interest in hybrid sports cars along the lines of the CR-Z. Interestingly, Toyota has had one on the drawing board for some time. Spotted circling Germany's Nurburgring way back in 2005, draped in heavy black camouflage, was a hybrid prototype employing a widened MR2 platform. At the time, the MR2 prototype was powered by a mid-mounted, 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid driving the rear wheels and electric motors propelling the fronts. And at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota collaborated with ItalDesign to create the Alessandro Volta concept car, powered by a 3.3-liter hybrid and said to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds. While Toyota dropped the MR2 in 2007 (the car was also known in Japan as the MR-S), rumors of its revival have been heating up recently, with a hybrid version reportedly heading the list. A rear drive, hybrid-powered sports car with MR2 roots would fit in perfectly with what new Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda has been saying of late. "We want to design cars with more exciting exteriors and handling," he stressed at a recent gathering of Japan's Car of the Year jurors. To help it tap into what the market really wants, the world's biggest carmaker will create Toyota Marketing Japan Ltd in January next year. No doubt topping the division's to do list will be developing a plan for a CR-Z fighter combining solid performance, high fuel economy and low emissions -- all wrapped up in a excitingly styled body. Calling it MR2 -- a name familiar to enthusiasts around the world -- would seem to be a solid fit, although Prius Coupe could also be a possibility. We should know much more as 2010 unfolds.
Toyota may need to rethink its sports car plans. According to survey results that just came to light in Japan, the Honda CR-Z generated far greater interest among the media and the public at October's 2009 Tokyo Motor Show than Toyota's FT-86 Concept. One of the main reasons given was that the CR-Z is ready for the market and will land in showrooms in Japan by February 2010, while the FT-86 won't appear until late 2011 and potentially will have a revised design.
It's 2010 now!!! I just wanna say Happy New Year. Hoping all things will be better. I hope the automotive world will shine again. And I hope my blog will be better. Thanks readers for visiting my blog. Keep visiting my blog.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
GM has canned tomorrow’s deadline for the closure of Saab and announced that production lines will roll again to fulfil orders for the new 9-5 and 9-3 Cabrio the company has announced.
However this does not mean that GM has abandoned plans to sell off its troubled Swedish outpost and is still considering offers after a failed bid from Dutch car maker Spyker. "We are preparing a wind-down process . at the same time we are open to options to bids that come in," a Saab spokesman said.
GM is thought to still be in talks with potential buyers for Saab. A revised Spyker bid is thought to still be on the table, as well as the American company Merbanco Inc. General Motors is also believed to be considering continuing making the soon to be launch 9-5 saloon, albeit with Buick branding.
Thanks to: Autocar
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Mahindra & Mahindra has launched a new variant of the Xylo with a heart transplant. Christened as Xylo D2, the MPV gets a 2.5-litre mDI CRDe engine – a combination of M&M’s direct injection and common-rail diesel technology.
The engine complies to the BSIII norms and this ensures better fuel efficiency figures. The 2.5-litre mDI CRDe motor produces a max power of 95bhp which is 17bhp less to the existing Xylo. Torque too has gone down by 2kgm and the new engine churns out 22kgm of max torque at 1600-2600rpm.
Available only with black bumpers, there are no significant changes on the outside to differentiate it from the existing Xylo. Interiors remain the same and the D2 will have seating options for seven and eight passengers.
With just one variant on offer and retailing at Rs 7.28 lakh, on-road Mumbai, the D2 will be available in three colors - Gold Shimmer, Mist Silver and Fiery Black.
Thanks to: Autocar India
Audi will launch its first hybrid model, the Q5, at the end of 2010, the company has confirmed.
The Audi Q5 hybrid is likely to be powered by a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine in combination with a pair of electric motors housed within the gearbox and a lithium-ion battery pack.
In an interview with Autocar last year, Audi's R&D chief Michael Dick said the firm had postponed development of a hybrid Q7 in favour of the smaller Q5.
“We are looking to make the Q5 our first true hybrid model, and the plan is to have it ready for lithium ion technology,” said Dick in the exclusive interview.
The hybrid Q5 had been tipped to be launched at this year's Frankfurt motor show, but Audi said it will be unveiled later in 2010 with sales starting in early 2011.
The Q5 will be one of a number of new models Audi is planning to introduce before 2015. The firm said in a statement it wants to increase the number of models it offers from 34 to 42, with next year also seeing the arrival of the A1, A7, A8 and R8 Spyder models.
Thanks to: Autocar
Monday, December 28, 2009
Fiat SpA's purchase of a majority holding in Serbian car-maker Zastava looks set to go through before the new year.
The 1bil EUR joint venture between Fiat and the Serbian government was originally planned to go ahead in 2008. The global economic slowdown put paid to that, but since a meeting between Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne and Serbian President Boris Tadic last week, the deal is expected to be finalised within days.
Fiat is expected to make its new Topolino city car, a three-metre two-seater based on the Panda, on the Serbian company's production lines. The car will be positioned below the Panda and the 500 on price, and is expected to use Fiat's new 900cc 'MultiAir' engine in 65bhp, normally aspirated form.
In addition to its Corvette targa top recall, two of GM's newest crossovers -- the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain -- have also made this week's recall list, with 59,031 vehicles being called back in all by the automaker to fix a faulty computer module that can disable the climate controls, radio, center stack illumination and the defroster.
While the problem can affect nearly all aspects of the center stack, the NHTSA is most interested in the defroster for safety reasons. Should the defroster be disabled, the vehicle's windows could fog up and make it hard to see out, possibly leading to an accident.
To keep owners' windows fog-free, your local Chevrolet and GMC dealers will replace the bad computer module in the center stack for free under NHTSA Recall ID No. 09V489000 and GM Recall ID No. 090298. The recall is expected to begin in January 2010 alongside the Corvette recall.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
Corvette buyers who opt for the removable targa roof are no doubt enticed by the idea of being able to enjoy open-air motoring when desired as well as having the security and comfort of a hard top when needed. Some of them may be getting a bit more than they bargained for, though, as GM is recalling thousands of targa top Vettes to replace roof panels that are coming apart.
The recall covers 22,090 model-year 2005 through 2007 Corvettes and model-year 2005 and 2006 Corvette Z06s equipped with the targa roof to replace the removable roof with a new design. Roofs that came with the cars have shown an unfortunate tendency to have the adhesive holding the actual roof panel on the removable roof to its frame fail. Failed adhesive leads to a loose panel that can cause wind noise, poor roof fit and water leaks. Should the adhesive fail completely, the roof panel can separate from its frame and come off of the car, possibly while driving and possibly causing an accident with vehicles caught in the path of the flying roof panel.
Chevrolet dealers will replace the entire removable roof with a new unit that has a different design that will eliminate the adhesive problem. The recall will begin in January 2010 under NHTSA Recall ID No. 09V491000 and GM Recall ID No. 090230.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tis' the embargo breaking season, and various outlets on the Web have given Mustang fans a bright red Christmas present: the first official photos of the the 2011 Ford Mustang GT in advance of its world debut at the 2010 Detroit auto show. Pictured here is the first shot of the car, with the 5.0 badge proudly adorning its flank, along with our first look at the engine bay.
The engine itself features an aluminum block with lined cylinders that, along with the four-valve cylinder heads, are all new for 2011. Variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust cams, a counterweighted crankshaft, and new tubular headers are part of a package that, Ford claims, can still achieve 25 mpg. Available transmissions will be the 6R80 six-speed automatic, or the MT82 six-speed manual.
The 2011 Mustang GT's extra oomph should help it to stay competitive among its archrivals. The Chevrolet Camaro SS pumps out 426 horses in its top spec form, while the Dodge Challenger SRT8 makes 425. The 2011 GT doesn't exactly blow those numbers away, but its lighter curb weight and cornering prowess could give it an advantage.
We'll have all the complete details on the new Mustang in the next few days, or before if the embargo dam continues to break.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Hey readers! I just wanna say Merry Christmas to you who celebrates it. Hoping all your hope will be answered. Keep visiting my blog and enjoy your holiday!
We may see the fruits of Ferrari's F1 experience with the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) in production by next year. According to Italian automotive magazine Quattroruote, Ferrari is readying a 599 GTB Hybrid that may debut at the Geneva auto show in early March.
IT’S official – Volvo is heading into Chinese hands. Ford has agreed to sell the Swedish manufacturer to Chinese giant Geely. In a statement, the Blue Oval said that it still had ‘some work to do to complete the deal’ but it is likely to be finalised in the Spring.
Toyota’s new small car for emerging markets will be called the Etios, according to Autocar India sources. The car, which will be unveiled as a concept at next month’s New Dehli motor, won't be a Nano rival, however, as it's set to cost around $10,000 (£6000). Instead, it will challenge one of India's other best-selling cars on price, the Maruti Swift. The Etios name means 'the origin of', and the concept car is said to be 90 per cent production reality. Toyota will showcase both the hatch and notchback body styles in Delhi, with the latter set to go on sale first, followed three months later by the hatch. Toyota wants a gradual ramp-up in production to ensure that there is no compromise on its quality and hence wants the hatch, which will sell in larger volumes, to come later. Toyota is understood to have squeezed out costs wherever possible to ensure that the Etios is as price-competitive as possible. That means limited sound-proofing, a hard but durable interior, basic seats and one windscreen wiper. The Etios will come with two engine options — a 1.4 diesel which powers the Yaris and a 1.2 or 1.3-litre petrol. Toyota already has a 1.3 (K3) engine but it is not clear if that motor will be further downsized to under 1200cc to meet small car regulations. It will be sold from the end of 2010 in markets including India, Russian and South America, and it is likely to be built at Toyota’s new Indian factory from late 2010, with production also earmarked for Brazil in 2011. Toyota will display the car alongside 13 other concept and production vehicles at the New Delhi show, which begins on January 5. Thanks to: Autocar
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Earlier today, we reported that a Chrysler-badged Lancia could turn up on Chrysler's stand at the Detroit show next month and speculated that it could be the Delta. Now sources are telling Automotive News the same thing and that it will be joined by an all-electric Fiat 500.
Chrysler recently told reporters it wouldn't be holding a press conference at the 2010 Detroit auto show next month because it has nothing to show. Or does it? Rumor has it that Chrysler may be planning to unveil a Lancia rebadged as a Chrysler at Detroit.
Reports are starting to spread across the 'net that Fiat is planning to jumpstart the American company's aging lineup with an Italian Lancia rebadged as a Chrysler. Numerous anonymous sources told Bloomberg News that the vehicle will be shown in Detroit and will demonstrate how Fiat products can be integrated into Chrysler's line. Fiat is also reportedly looking at using the Chrysler name on Lancias in other parts of the world.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Cadillac has revealed that a V-Series high-performance variant of the new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe will share the spotlight with a new concept at the Detroit auto show next month. The concept is believed to be a pre-production version of either the ATS or XTS small and large cars that Cadillac has been teasing over the past year or so.
The car, which is expected to be built in India and Thailand, is currently being referred to as the "New Small Concept".
It will be sold in emerging markets, but Honda insiders have suggested it could be sold in the West
The new Nissan Micra is being developed in much the same way; it is the first car to be built on a new global small car platform, designed to be cheap enough to build and sell in developing markets but also sophisticated enough for Western Europe.
The Honda concept will be launched in Delhi on 5 January - the same time as Toyota's clow-cost city car, which is codenamed EFC, or Entry Family Car. It is expected to be given a different production name, however.
A production date and target price for the Honda city car will be revealed at the Delhi show.
Dutch supercar maker Spyker submitted an 11-point proposal on Sunday, giving GM until 5pm Eastern Standard Time (10pm UK time) on Monday 21 December to accept. GM had said on Friday that it had ended talks, and would begin closing Saab down.
“We have made every effort to resolve the issues that were preventing the conclusion of this matter and we have asked GM and all other involved parties to seriously consider this offer,” said Muller.
“We are very confident that our renewed offer will remove the impasse that was standing in the way of an agreement on Friday, and this would still allow us to conclude the deal prior to the expiry of the deadline originally set by GM of 31 December.
“Despite our collective eleventh hour set-back, we are returning to the table with a renewed offer, that addresses every known issue brought to light during the initial negotiations and that has the full backing of the Saab management.
"The new offer eliminates the need for an EIB loan approval prior to year end, for example, which will allow the deal to be concluded within GM’s deadline.
"Our efforts are based on our passion for saving an iconic brand that we would be honoured to shepherd, and the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of loyal Saab employees, suppliers and dealers around the world."
Sweden's unions have urged GM to consider the new offer, with If Metall chairman Stefan Loefven saying: " I understand the frustration felt by everyone who is dependent on Saab, to be thrown between hope and despair is terrible. GM must now respond with a serious examination of the new bid."
Saturday, December 19, 2009
GM’s European president Nick Reilly said no deal could be reached with the sole remaining bidder, Spyker Cars.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Looks like Audi is attempting to get N'Sync with younger customers! This amazing spyshot has been leaked onto Facebook by an unknown user showing what's believed to be the first undisguised image of the production-ready Audi A1.
Snapped during what appears to be a promotional video shoot, the front-end of the MINI-rival can be clearly seen. The similarity to the graffiti-style sketch in the teaser video (click here) is also uncanny.
If you were wondering why Justin Timberlake was being filmed alongside the newcomer, as the recently announced Audi A1 ambassador, Timberlake will be featured in a series of advertisements for the new supermini, which is set for a debut at the Geneva show in March. For more details click here.
So it’s only natural, then, that the Acadia would poach the Denali tag from the Yukon catalog as well. According to GMC, nearly half of all Yukon sales are loaded-to-the-brim Denalis, which makes a Denali version of the Acadia full-size crossover a “logical extension.” (Guess when you’re being run by the government you try to avoid the term “no brainer.”) Like the Yukon Denali, the Acadia Denali will be showroom shorthand for “I’ll take one with everything, please,” or maybe “Give me the one the most like an Escalade.”
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Power comes from BMW’s twin-turbo inline-six, which in this application makes 315 hp at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at a low 1600 rpm. Keeping track of BMW’s turbocharged sixes is becoming more complicated by the day; this represents a higher state of tune than the 300-hp twin-turbo version used in the 1-, 3-, and 5-series, which is separate from the high-output, 335-hp version recently announced for the Z4 sDrive35is, which is also different from the new single-turbo unit that also makes 300 hp and is debuting in the 5-series GT this spring. The engine will be backed by a six-speed automatic in the 7-series. The sixed 7 will look just like its V-8 siblings and will likewise be offered with a short (740i) or long (740Li) wheelbase as well with the full menu of packages and standalone options.
If we’re going to have to deal with downsized engines, at least the one sliding into the 7 is a sweetheart, and this car sure does make a lot more sense than the ActiveHybrid 7. Fuel economy hasn’t been disclosed, but we can safely expect mileage slightly better than the 15 mpg city/22 highway that the twin-turbo V-8 750i achieves, but not quite as good as the 535i’s 17/26 ratings. Let’s say maybe 16/24.
When the models launch in the spring of 2010 as 2011 models, it will have been 19 years since the U.S. was offered a six-cylinder 7. Mercedes hasn’t sold a six-cylinder S-class since the end of the car’s last generation, so, at least for now, the 7-series will own the six-cylinder (non-hybrid) luxury-sedan market.
Based on the 1-series coupe, the Concept ActiveE will see limited production and distribution of the sort that put the Mini E into the hands of consumers for a brief lease. BMW says, however, that it intends the ActiveE project to exceed the 500 units the Mini E dispersed. The next step, according to the company, is an electric production vehicle that will enter the market in the first half of the next decade under a yet-to-be-announced sub-brand. Currently, BMW is referring to the project as the Megacity Vehicle.
Like the Mini E, the ActiveE will place an electric drivetrain into a current body shell with no major external modifications. The Concept ActiveE of course boasts bespoke 18-inch wheels, a rear fascia devoid of any exhaust outlet, and environmentally friendly blue accent trim inspired by electronic circuitry on the doors and side panels. What would normally be the fuel filler cap is now a translucent blue panel covering the charging port. Matching blue and white trim is found inside.
All we saw before was a picture of a styling mockup that resembled a first-semester design student’s effort to apply the Aston Martin styling language to the iQ. The task was achieved not by a philosophical analysis of the bigger, Henrik Fisker–styled models and an original application onto a smaller platform. Instead, the styling department has grafted shrunken variations of the well-known Aston headlight contour, air intakes, and side scoops onto the iQ at what seems to be minimal cost.
Now we see the final product and, alas, it looks exactly like the design proposal. We also get treated to a picture of the rear; the Cygnet gets a unique rear bumper and taillights, and—we still find it hard to believe—the Aston Martin logo. The wheels are exclusive to the Cygnet as well.
The interior of the Cygnet is a spiced-up version of the iQ’s; there is leather and beautiful stitching everywhere, the instrument graphics are altered, and the iPod touch prominently featured on the dashboard hints that Cygnet drivers probably have many things in mind which are more important than serious motoring.
The interior shot also betrays the transmission used: Toyota's Multidrive box, a continuously variable transmission which is just perfect for buzzing around town in a Japanese minicar. Mark it down as another first for Aston.
Toyota will deliver iQs to the Aston Martin factory in Gaydon, where they will be completed. Likely to be priced in the equivalent of the $35,000 to $42,000 range, they have already been met with eager interest by current Aston Martin owners, the company claims. And you need to be one of those to qualify for buying the tiny Cygnet—at least for the time being. Not a bad marketing ploy.
"Launching in 2010 is our target," says an Aston Martin spokesperson, adding that "Continental Europe and the U.K. are our priorities now, but we won't rule out a U.S. launch.” We can hear it now: “Daddy, can I have one?”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Crossover concept featured one of the weirdest collections of doors since Escher stopped sketching: two regular doors on the passenger side, a sliding rear driver-side door, a side-hinged rear hatch, and a sliding roof. Rather than fix that and present a more production-ready solution, Mini just lopped them all off this time around Jeep Wrangler–style, while the sliding roof stays. Half of a tailgate remains, holding a faux external-spare cover that the company recommends packing with the periphery of your active lifestyle. We think a bunch of MaMa Rosa’s frozen pizzas would fit—and probably thaw nicely over a campfire.
The purpose of this paucity of body work is supposedly to remove anything that would “limit the intensity of the occupants’ encounter with their surrounding world,” but that statement just seems insincere to us. An oak tree caving in your face is pretty frickin’ intense, after all; but for some reason the Beachcomber has seatbelts.
"We're looking at a hybrid version of a compact car for Europe and it will come on the next Golf, and an EV version," R&D head Ulrich Hackenberg told media at the recent Los Angeles motor show.
Details are scarce, but it's rumoured the next generation will be a revolutionary affair, rather than evolutionary as the last couple of generations have been.
It's a mark of the industry's desperation to keep up with political and legislative change that it's coming pretty soon, too -- Auto Express reports the company has it scheduled for release in 2012, reducing the just-released sixth-generation's lifespan to around half that of its predecessors.
The new platform could incorporate a diesel hybrid option, too -- an interpretation of the Up Lite concept's combination of a two-cylinder, 800cc oiler generating 38kW with a 10kW electric motor.
To accommodate the extra bulk -- the Up Lite weighs a tiny 685kg -- it would be upsized to a bigger burner and a 30kW spindle. Hackenberg told Autocar such an arrangement is "easily achievable".
Called the 300 CDI the new model is expected to be powered by the E250 CDI’s 201bhp turbodiesel, pushing out 384lb ft of torque.
Mercedes' R&D boss Thomas Weber admitted that downsizing the S-class diesel was an engineering challenge.
"The issue is NVH [noise, vibration and harshness]," he said. "Getting refinement to S-class levels was difficult and we had to change engine mounts and add additional body stiffness".
A year ago, we reported that the Durango was not dead after Chrysler gave us a sneak peek of a very early mock-up. Now, while these shots prove Dodge will have an entry in the full-size SUV segment, we hear reports that the vehicle may ditch the Durango moniker, used since 1998. The new name will be attached to a unibody crossover that will grow in length and significantly drop in ride height, partially due to the loss of its body-on-frame construction.
With camouflage obstructing many of the updates, there isn’t much we can glean from these shots. But we expect this CUV to be riding on a lengthened version of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cheroke platform, which was developed alongside the next Mercedes-Benz ML. The front fascia will be distinctly different from that of the current Durango, with an even larger surface area including the notable presence of a hefty chin. Although the front-door length appears to be similar in size to, if not longer than, the current model’s, the rear doors are definitely stretched, as is the rear overhang, pointing to what we hope is a roomy third row.
As far as engines are concerned, expect to find the new corporate Pentastar V-6 underhood with some 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 will be available for power-hungry customers or those looking for added utility. An all-wheel-drive option is a given.
By the time this next Durango—or whatever it’s called—hits the market sometime in late 2011 or early 2012, the full-size crossover triplets of GM, including the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, should be due for a hearty freshening, while Ford’s next Explorer will also be out in crossover form. Even though Dodge will be late to the party, it is picking an opportune time to make an entrance.
Just 900 examples of the Alfa Romeo Brera Italy Independent Special Edition will be built. An Alfa source told Autocar that the model is likely to be launched in the UK next year.
The new model gets black leather sports seats with red stitching, a leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals. The interior is also trimmed with materials including linen, Kevlar, carbonfibre, Alcantara and cashmere.
Power comes from either the 2.2-litre JTS unit or the 3.2-litre V6, which puts out 256bhp.
The car will be used on a tour of fashion boutiques across Europe, including in Rome, Zurich, Paris and London. The first unit was delivered last week to a founding member of Italia Independent.
A UK price for the model has yet to be revealed, but prospective buyers can take it for a virtual test drive on the Xbox’s Forza Motorsport 3 game.
The new turbocharged 2.0-litre motor, badged STCi, delivers 200bhp and 221lb ft, taking the S-Max to 62mph in 8.5sec; that’s over 2.0sec faster than the 2.3-litre model it replaces.
It’s also 25 per cent more powerful than the outgoing unit, with CO2 emissions cut 19 per cent to 189g/km. Combined fuel economy is 34.8mpg, while all STCi models get Ford’s Powershift dual-clutch gearbox.
Both models get new lights, including LED tail-lights, while more expensive S-Max models will feature LED daytime running lights as standard. Styling changes include new fascias, bonnets and lower grilles on both models, while the Galaxy also benefits from new fog lights and roof rails.
Inside, Ford has boosted quality by offering new materials and colours. Both vehicles come with Ford’s Fold Flat System for the second and third rows of seats to increase load capacity.
New technology on both models includes a rear camera, Ford’s blind spot information system and a speed limiter device.
The two new models will be revealed at the Brussels motor show on 13 January and will continue to be built alongside the Mondeo at Ford’s Genk plant in Belgium. Prices have yet to be revealed.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Despite its new name, this cab follows the formula of CLKs past, being as it is based on a mix of E- and C-class mechanicals. Chopping the top off the coupe required reinforcements baked into the pillars and bulkheads to resist chassis flex. M-B claims the convertible gains roughly 150 pounds in the transformation, but we expect the real-world difference to be closer to 250 pounds. The E convertible carries over some nice features from the coupe such as a pass-through in the rear center armrest for skis, a nice touch lacking on many convertibles, and because M-B designed the current E platform with the droptop in mind, trunk space goes surprisingly uncompromised by the seven-layer softtop.
As you’d expect, the styling is similar to the coupe’s. Even the raked rear window carries over to the cabriolet, surprising, since such elements usually are left behind in the transition from coupe to convertible. The new E’s aggressive, boxed-off fender flares remain at the rear, as does the massive three-pointed star in the grille. The car is pretty handsome top-up or top-down, although we note that it resembles a Toyota Camry Solara from the front-three-quarter view.
Sadly, we only get the two gas engines found in the E-class sedan and coupe: a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 for the E350 and a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 for the E550. Europeans get their choice of six diesels, too, one of which is scheduled to hit American shores in the E-class sedan in June; it won’t make it into U.S.-spec droptops. An unblinking German stare was the only response when we asked about an E63 cabriolet—do you think that’s a good sign? (Nah, us either.)
The E-class coupe carries what Mercedes claims is the lowest drag coefficient of any production car, ever: 0.24. The convertible slips by at a slightly worse 0.28 with the top up. Drag increases to 0.33 with the top down. The most fascinating bit of tech debuting in the E convertible is a wind deflector Mercedes has dubbed Aircap. The system will be standard on U.S.-bound E-class cabs. Going beyond the typical large piece of mesh behind the front seats, the Aircap involves a deployable spoiler that lives on the top of the windshield frame; it raises 2.4 inches above the header and redirects air higher and further back over the cabin than it would normally flow. If it sounds simple, think again: There are a total of 211 parts in the thing.
We have yet to drive the E convertible, but M-B did set us up in its wind tunnel in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim to experience Aircap for ourselves. We were subjected to “speeds” of 50, 62, 75, and 87 mph in both the front and back seat. The effect could be felt at all the speeds, and it is convincing. In the back seat with Aircap deployed, wind hits the top of your head rather then the middle of your forehead. In the front seat, Aircap basically eliminates wind buffeting. Don’t be surprised if you see this on all Benz convertibles to come.
But there is a price to pay for not feeling the wind in your hair (but isn’t that the point of convertibles?). The low drag coefficient rises to 0.38 with your jaunty little Aircap in place. That, believe it or not, is essentially the same as that of a 2004 Dodge Durango (0.39). Official fuel-economy numbers haven’t been disclosed, but expect them to be 1 or 2 mpg worse than those of the coupe, which stand at 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the V-6 and 15/23 for the V-8.
The 2010 E350 coupe starts around $49K, the V-8 around $55K. Expect to pay about a $6000 premium for a comparable convertible version when they go on sale in May. The cars debut at January’s Detroit auto show.
Toyota will debut another dedicated hybrid vehicle at next year's Detroit Auto Show, the automaker revealed today. Although details have yet to be announced, it's speculated the new concept will utilize Toyota's latest Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Just when we thought BMW’s convoluted naming scheme couldn’t get any longer, the company resurrects the “is” suffix and tacks it onto the sDrive35 badge. We're surprised the company didn't call it a Z4 M. Until this year, BMW M cars all had engines distinct from those in standard BMWs, but the X5 M and X6 M—which share the guts of their V-8s with more pedestrian BMW models—have already crossed that line.
Transmission options number one; the sDrive35is will be available only with BMW’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission. Here, it features a dual-mass flywheel to handle the increased power. The programming is also unique to the model. Gear changes can be effected either via the console selector or wheel-mounted paddles. Launch control is part of the package, as well.
BMW estimates a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds—we’ve seen 4.8-second runs from a standard sDrive35i and wouldn’t be surprised if the sDrive35is can manage the task in something closer to 4.5 seconds. (Incidentally, that would put it ahead of the now-defunct, 320-hp Z4 M roadster’s time of 4.6 seconds.) Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. What’s more, BMW expects the 35is car to match the EPA mileage rating of the 35i with dual-clutch transmission—17 mpg city/24 highway. We expect real-world mileage will suffer a bit, though, especially with our feet on the pedals.
The Z4 35is gets unique, sporty programming for its electric power steering system. We’ve derided this system in the standard car, calling it vague and lacking in feedback. Hopefully the new programming will bring back some of the feel as claimed. Driving Dynamics Control, included on other Z4 models, allows the driver to adjust between normal, Sport, and Sport+ settings for shift speed, throttle sensitivity, and the adaptive M suspension, which also comes standard on the sDrive35is.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
In an exclusive interview Kia design director Peter Schreyer told Autocar that the Kee wasn’t in the European product plan for the next two years, but also confirmed that he is very keen to bring added strength and desirability to the Kia brand with such a car.
“The next two years are about replacing and renewing our current line up of core models,” he said. “Before the end of 2011 we will launch an all-new Picanto, a replacement for the Rio and a new Magentis.
“These are naturally our priorities because they are proven volume sellers. And the problem with Kee is that no one – not in Europe, the USA or Korea – can say with confidence what numbers the Kee would sell in.
“We are not like Audi or Porsche. We are not in a position to just create something and then announce to the market that it’s the perfect kind of sports car.”
Schreyer also told Autocar that Kia’s Korean executive management board is habitually conservative and pragmatic. meaning that, unlike Lexus with the IS-F, Kia would never invest in a sports car before a watertight and profitable business case was made.
“When you’re making cars like this, it’s important to make them with a great deal of confidence,” he went on. “So I think the Kia brand has to grow a little more in stature before the time will be right for Kee.”
“Assuming Kia’s European fortunes continue to improve at the rate they are now, we could be ready in, say, five years for a car like Kee. We could spin it off the Cee’d or Magentis platform, but for me, it would be important for the Kee to be rear-wheel drive. And there is, of course, already a rear-driven platform within the Hyundai-Kia group that we could look to use, if our timing was good.
“We would have to aim to rival the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota’s new rear-driven coupe. The car would not need to be very fast or very powerful, but it should be compact, affordable and fun – a true sports car.”
“Personally, I have to say that I’m very excited by the idea, and very enthusiastic to make it happen.”
