Chevrolet Captiva Videos
Exterior view with the sporty and dynamic appearance Captiva'nın Sports sub-cover, the mirror can be folded and 18 "alloy wheels complete the look as strong.
Captiva 5 and 7 seats as internal hardware option is offered. This is a great advantage for large families. Even more than the 7 seat option in the price does not change. Also 2 different hardware level Captiva LT LT Medium and High options to the customer is presented with style and comfort. A nice view of the car in the sun light is green phosphorous. Leather seats and steering wheel offers customers a high comfort.
Vehicle noise level is too low. Stop your vehicle is waiting at a red light may think. Adequate viewing angle and the mirror. Using this tool instead of a long journey to the hotel if you might want to sleep in the car.
Volume 1991 cc 150 hp engine power and maximum torque is 320 nm. 0-100 km / h 12.4 seconds to accelerate the Captiva completed 100 km 11 lt. fuel is consumed. In normal use the front drive wheels to the back of the Captiva is needed to transmit power.
Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX
After a series of spy shots and a handful of teasers, Acura has finally given a name to its BMW X6-fighting crossover: the ZDX. Due to arrive in concept form at next week's New York Auto Show, the all-new ZDX is described by Acura as a luxury four-door sports coupe "with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility." Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, says the "ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen from Acura." From Acura, yes. From BMW...
The Acura ZDX evolve from a lightly-veiled "concept" into a production model slated to go on sale this fall. Powertrains haven't been revealed yet, but we'd suspect either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 to be available at launch.
PRESS RELEASE
All-New Acura ZDX to Debut at New York International Auto Show
Acura announced it will debut a prototype of the all-new ZDX luxury four-door sport coupe at the New York International Auto Show. The prototype features striking coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility to define a new luxury category.
"The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. "The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand."
The production version of the ZDX prototype will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup when it arrives at dealerships this fall and offer the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety.
The ZDX prototype will be introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Acura booth.
Dodge Challenger SRT-8 vs planes and trains
The guys over at Garage 419 are shamelessly ripping off Top Gear, but they not only admit it, they also added a third element. While Top Gear challenges usually pit a car against one form of mass transportation, these guys are putting a Dodge Challenger SRT8 up against a plane and a train.
Gov't rejects automaker restructuring plans, new deadlines set
President Obama has just finished his press conference on the government's determination of the viability of General Motors and Chrysler, and the gist is that both automakers have failed to convince the feds that their business plans deserve further investment. Obama and his task force will give GM enough working capital to survive another 60 days and prove its viability, though no dollar amount was given. Chrysler, meanwhile, is being given another 30 days and working capital up to $6 billion to finalize a partnership deal with Fiat. If a deal can't be made and another partner is not found, Chrysler will get no more federal aid. Also, Fiat won't be allowed to take a majority stake in Chrysler until the automaker repays all the money it has borrowed from the government so far.
Perhaps the biggest news from the press conference is that the U.S. government will now fully back the warranties on vehicles sold by General Motors and Chrysler in the hopes that buyers will continue to consider their products amidst these tumultuous restructuring efforts. Also, the President has pledged to work with Congress to find funds to pay for a U.S.-version of the Cash for Clunkers program that has been so successful in Germany.
GM RESPONSE
GM Statement on Auto Industry Restructuring
Today's announcement by President Obama begins a new era for the U.S. auto industry. It also marks a defining moment in the history of General Motors.
The U.S. Treasury will provide working financing capital for GM for 60 days while GM completes a more accelerated and aggressive restructuring to put the company on sound long-term financial footing. We understand the historic opportunity this presents, and we are fully committed to successfully completing the reinvention of GM.
As President Obama said today, the success of this reinvention is vital for GM, for the U.S. and global economies, and for the millions of employees, suppliers, dealers, retirees and others who depend on the company.
During the next 60 days, GM will address the tough issues to improve the long-term viability of the company, including the restructuring of the financial obligations to the bond holders, unions and other stakeholders. Our strong preference is to complete this restructuring out of court. However, GM will take whatever steps are necessary to successfully restructure the company, which could include a court-supervised process.
The men and women of GM, including our dealers, suppliers and other key partners, know what we must do to accomplish this task. We are fully committed to making this successful. We owe that to the GM community, to our customers, and to the U.S. taxpayers, who are providing support during this exceptionally challenging time.
Quotes attributable to Fritz Henderson, GM CEO
"The U.S. Treasury has said that it strongly believes that a substantial restructuring will lead to a viable GM. Over the next 60 days, we will work around the clock, with all parties, to meet the aggressive requirements that have been set by the Task Force, and to make the fundamental and lasting changes necessary to reinvent GM for the long-term."
"We have significant challenges ahead of us, and a very tight timeline. I am confident that the GM team will succeed, and that a stronger, healthier GM will play an important role in revitalizing America's economy and re-establishing its technology leadership and energy independence."
"The administration has made it clear that it expects GM to expand and accelerate its restructuring efforts. I want the American people to know that we understand and accept this guidance. The road is tough, but the ultimate goal – a leaner, stronger, viable GM – is one we share."
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 243,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
GM is the majority shareholder in GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. of South Korea, and has product, powertrain and purchasing collaborations with Suzuki Motor Corp. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan. GM also has advanced technology collaborations with Chrysler LLC, Daimler AG, BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp. and vehicle manufacturing ventures with several automakers around the world, including Toyota, Suzuki, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. of China, AVTOVAZ of Russia and Renault SA of France.
Genuine GM Parts and accessories are sold under the GM, GM Performance Parts, GM Goodwrench and ACDelco brands through GM Service and Parts Operations, which supplies GM dealerships and distributors worldwide. GM engines and transmissions are marketed through GM Powertrain.
CHRYSLER RESPONSE
Nardelli responds to president's plans
Dear Employees,
Today's announcement by the Administration represents an important step forward on our path to viability. The Administration, U.S. Treasury and the President's Auto Task Force have recognized Chrysler's viability as an important part of the U.S. auto industry and overall economy, and have provided a critical vote of confidence in our alliance with Fiat S.p.A.
We are appreciative that the government has supported a global alliance with Fiat. By providing Chrysler with product and platforms, technology cooperation and global distribution, the alliance with Fiat strengthens our ability to create and preserve U.S. jobs; to give U.S. consumers more choices of environmentally advanced vehicles; to give our dealers more of the products they need to succeed; to help stabilize the supplier base; and to pay back government loans sooner.
While the Administration's findings released today recognize our progress in reducing structural costs and improving quality, the report also cites the challenges that continue to face Chrysler in the areas of scale, quality, product mix, manufacturing and geographic concentration. However, the important point is that the task force concludes that the Fiat alliance will go a long way toward addressing these concerns. Going forward, the Administration has committed to provide working capital for the next 30 days as we achieve the necessary stakeholder concessions, and further our restructuring efforts.
So while today's news is a step in the right direction, we need to continue to manage our business through the current downturn. We need everyone to focus on controlling costs while improving quality and customer satisfaction. There also is much work remaining to achieve required concessions from important constituents to reach the restructuring targets that the government has established.
In addition, as we add more exciting, fuel-efficient vehicles to our showrooms it will be important that our customers have access to credit. That's why we continue to advocate further government support for Chrysler Financial in order to make reasonable loans available to many more consumers.
I want to thank you for the hard work and dedication that you have given to Chrysler during the past 18 months. While we know our quality is not yet where it needs to be, our improvement is clearly evident in the 30 percent reduction in warranty claims over the last 12 months, and the fact that Chrysler reported the fewest safety recalls of any major manufacturer in 2008. We also have continued to advance important new vehicle programs such as the all-new Dodge Ram, the electric-drive vehicles under development by our ENVI organization and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee that we will showcase next week at the New York Auto Show. We have continued to improve the fuel economy of our lineup, with 73 percent of our 2009 models offering improved fuel efficiency compared with the previous year's models, and we are well positioned to meet the more stringent fuel economy requirements coming in 2011.
I want to personally assure you that Chrysler will operate "business as usual" over the next 30 days. While we recognize that we still have substantial hurdles to resolve, Chrysler is committed to working closely with Fiat, the Administration, U.S. Treasury and the Task Force over the next 30 days to secure the support of necessary stakeholders. If successful, the government will consider investing up to the additional $6 billion requested by Chrysler to help this partnership succeed.
BMW Z4 pricing announced (U.S)
BMW has announced prices for their new Z4. Prices will start at $46,575 for the entry level sDrive30i and $52,475 for the high-performance sDrive35i.
Both models receive a new folding-metal retractable roof and noticeable gains in performance but these enhancements come at steep price of $9,875 price increase compared to the 2008 Z4 3.0i, while the 2009 sDrive35i features a $8,400 increase compared to the 2008 Z4 3.0si.
A lengthy options list is available like a $1,000 cold weather package features heated steering wheel and heated seats and the premium package boasts auto-dimming rear-view mirror and door mirrors, electric seats, ambient lighting and BMW assist. For $2,300, owners can specif their new Z4 with a sports package that comes with 18" light alloy wheels, adaptive M sports suspension, sports seats and a higher top speed. Another notable option is the $1,525 7 speed double clutch transmission which is only available on the Z4 sDrive35i.
Power for the sDrive30i comes from a naturally aspirated 3.0 litre V6 engine which produces 255bhp and 200 lb-ft of torque while the sDrive35i uses a turbocharged 3.0 litre engine that pumps out 300bhp and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Motorshow: 2009 AMI Leipzig
The Leipzig motorshow is popular, but not as it's Frankfurt autoshow counterpart. Volkswagen unveiled their Golf GTD which has been in development since 2006. This produces 170bhp and returns 53mpg combined with CO2 emissions of 139g/km. German prices start at €27,470 with the vehicle on sale now. UK will receive the Golf GTD in July.
Ford revealed the all-new Mondeo LPG and Audi showed the TT RS roadster.
Via Autobild
Related links:
GM CEO Wagoner out at Obama's request
Tom Krisher of the Associated Press reports that General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner will step down from his post immediately, based on information given to him from an unnamed source. The news comes on the eve of President Obama's expected announcement of a deadline for General Motors and Chrysler to finalize their restructuring terms or enter government-backed, pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy. There's no official confirmation from GM at this time. The only announcement the automaker made today was a brief, two-sentence statement in response to the anticipated Obama announcement, saying that they continue to work with the President's automotive Task Force.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the move was specifically requested by the Obama administration as part of the rescue plan that will be announced tomorrow. Wagoner reportedly agreed, and COO Fritz Henderson would appear to be in line to be the new top guy at the RenCen. No official word on that so far, either.
[Source: Associated Press, Freep]
Kia VG concept leaked
So, what happens when you build a Kia based on the Azera's architecture? You get Kia's upcoming flagship sedan. The Kia VG concept has leaked onto the web and will debut at the Seoul Motor Show later this week. It's one of these concept-in-name-only deals, so look for the production version to hit South Korean showrooms in September, with a North American arrival in Spring, 2010. Power for the front-driver will range from the 2.4-liter four we'll be seeing a lot of in the coming months, to the 3.8-liter Lambda V6 in what's likely to be the range-topping torque-steer special. Looks nice, too. Kia's increasingly-formidable, value-priced lineup gets better with each new announcement. We've gone from the likes of the Sephia to this? Impressive. We'll have more on the VG concept once it makes its debut this week.
[Source: The Car Blogger]
BMW Z4 priced from $46,575
The BMW Z4 is all new for 2010, and the updated roadster will be ready for production later this spring. BMW gave the Z4 sleeker sheet metal, a folding hard top, and upgraded powertrains, but the biggest change could be to its price tag. Buyers looking for a new Z4 can expect to plunk down $46,575. That's a big jump from the base $36,700 of the 2008 Z4, which packed less power and less road presence. The 46 large is also exactly the same price as the Z4's nemesis; the Porsche Boxster. The 2010 model will net you a 258-horsepower inline six capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The base Bimmer will also come standard with leatherette seating surfaces (upgrading to Kansas leather tacks on another $1,250).
The 306-horsepower, twin-turbo Z4 sDrive35i will cost a whole lot more, with a starting price of $52,475, including destination and handling. The 2008 Z4 M was a bit cheaper at $50,400 and carried more power, but the 2010 car's higher torque numbers make for an equally-quick droptop, as evidenced by its 5.1 second 0-60 time with the dual-clutch gear box.
Options abound for the Z4, and they're both expensive and confusing. Bundles include a Premium package at $3,900, or $2,800 when also ordering the $2,300 Sport package, which is $1,900 when also going premium. You can also get a performance 19-inch tire and wheel package for $1,200, but only if you purchase the sDrive35i and the Sport package. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be had on the 35i for $1,525. For complete pricing options
check out BMW's Z4 pricing sheet.
[Source: BMW Blog]
UK pilot breaks wind-powered car speed record
Britain's Richard Jenkins has just broken the world land speed record for a wind-powered vehicle. The high-tech contraption he used is called the Greenbird, which is the fifth wind-powered ride Jenkins has built. The resourceful Brit designed Greenbird himself over the course of a decade and built the machine almost completely from carbon fiber. Interestingly, Greenbird was sponsored by Ecotricity, the company currently working to build an electric Lotus that will be charged using wind-generated juice.
On a dry lake bed in Nevada, Jenkins managed to get Greenbird up to an amazing 126.1 miles per hour, handily breaking the old record of 116 mph, which was set in 1999 by Bob Schumacher, an American. According to Jenkins, the feat itself was rather uneventful, saying, "things couldn't have gone better."
Now that Jenkins has successfully broken the elusive record on land, he's reportedly turning his attention to the ice, where he plans to break the record for that surface using a second, different Greenbird. The ice vehicle exchanges wheels for blades and has a symmetric layout, with outriggers extending from each side of the fuselage, unlike the land car's asymmetric design, "There's still some debate as to whether traveling on ice or land will be faster," he said. Should be interesting to find out, no?
[Source: BBC]
Tesla Roadster 2 Video and Picture , info
Tesla Roadster, 0 to 100km / h speed 3.9sn 'can reach, and about a special electric motor with 250HP power running. One charge that can go with 300km'ye nearest road vehicles, 160km / h maximum speedboat can reach. Engine volume produce work that is zero during the 160km / h fast even when you do not hear a sound other than the tire volume. Especially strong is the tug of a great experience in terms of driving pleasure is. Personally, a tool that can navigate the world because of what heryerini nor the performance of engine has the sound of weakness. Each aspect is great tool for people who cut out unaccommodating. Super cars and the price is between $ 80,000 level of free will. Give and receive a $ 200,000 Lamborghini Gallardo and performance given him much more flexible than that to get this tool that will be his wife. From the back and 2 forward gears with pushing the car, you can reach 13.000RPM era. 3.5 hours with fully charged battery of the car with 100,000 miles life is available. As battery type, mobile phone Li-ion battery that is familiar to. Nearly 100% efficiency of the engine only a portion of electric energy as heat is out. In addition to that the need is not something to oxygen to work, that is only charging enough. Can be used without any problems for years, simple structure with a motor vehicle of the future of automobile technology is seen as a pioneer.
.
Tesla Motors test-drive event in Miami, Florida .
2009 Brawn BGP 001 : F1 Pictures
Almost all the 2009 F1 cars have been unveiled, we just have to wait for the Toro Rosso—which I presume will look very similar to the Red Bull RB5, and the newly named Brawn Racing.Today though, I bring you the very first pictures of the new Brawn Grand Prix BGP 001 F1 car, formally the Honda F1 team.
The car currently supports a white livery, with fluorescent yellow lines running from the nose to the rear. This will obviously change when the car reaches Melbourne later this month, and will hopefully feature some sponsors.
The car is running a Mercedes engine, currently being used by Force India and of course McLaren
Brawn GP Fantastic Team Debut in Formula One First Season
Brawn GP take dramatic one-two victory in Melbourne :Not since the French Grand Prix in 1954 has a team new to Formula One racing finished one-two on their debut. That day it was Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling for Mercedes-Benz. This afternoon it was Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello for Brawn-Mercedes after an extraordinary ‘race of two halves’ in Australia.
Button led from pole as Barrichello bogged down when his car activated its anti-stall device, and the Brazilian was then embroiled in a first-corner clash with BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld, Red Bull’s Mark Webber, Force India's Adrian Sutil and McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen.
Button streaked away from Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull, Robert Kubica’s BMW Sauber, Nico Rosberg’s Williams and the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen. But the face of the race changed on Lap 19 when Kazuki Nakajima crashed his Williams heavily, bringing out the safety car until the end of the 24th lap.
By then Button had watched a 47.7s lead reduced to nothing, and began to struggle to generate heat in his tyres. But he got his head down and opened a gap to Vettel again. As the Ferraris faded, Kubica found his BMW Sauber getting better and better on the harder Bridgestone tyre and gradually began to put Vettel, on the softer option tyre, under serious pressure in the closing stages.
Going into Turn Three on the 55th lap - with three left to run under a setting sun which made driving conditions very difficult - Kubica got alongside Vettel but they touched. Both spun, but continued. But not for long. Vettel had lost his front wing and crashed heavily just as Kubica, further down the road, did the same thing. Out came the safety car again.
Incredibly, that melee had promoted Barrichello back to the second place, despite his first-lap incident and a later touch with Raikkonen which damaged his Brawn’s front wing. It was changed during his first pit stop on the 18th lap. As the race finished under the safety car, he admitted that he had never expected a one-two after all his dramas.
Jarno Trulli started from the pit lane after Toyota’s rear wing infringement yesterday, but hauled through to take the final podium finish, while a very determined drive brought a hugely valuable fourth place for McLaren's Lewis Hamilton. The world champion was briefly third in the dying stages after Trulli ran off track behind the safety car, before the Italian subsequently retook the place - an infringement which prompted stewards to subsequently add 25s to his race time, later dropping him to 12th.
In the second Toyota Timo Glock came home fifth. The German survived a spin while battling from his own pit lane start, when he and Fernando Alonso tangled.
The Spaniard brought his Renault home sixth, while seventh place came as a bitter disappointment to Rosberg. The German was running fourth with six laps to go and had set fastest lap, but had used up his Bridgestone option tyres and was simply in no position to defend the place. By the finish he had rookie Sebastien Buemi thirsting after him as Toro Rosso’s Swiss driver scored a point for eighth place on his debut.
Neither of the Ferraris finished. Both struggled with tyre wear, and as Massa suffered a mechanical problem late in the race, Raikkonen spun and subsequently retired.
Sebastien Bourdais was ninth in the second Toro Rosso, ahead of Adrian Sutil, who survived a brush with Force India team mate Giancarlo Fisichella. They were separated by Heidfeld, who was consigned to a recovery race after the first corner fracas, while Fisichella further delayed himself by missing his pit marks in his first stop.
Webber, another in recovery mode, was the final classified finisher, ahead of Vettel, Kubica, and Raikkonen. The retirements were Massa, Nelson Piquet who spun his Renault after the first safety car restart, Nakajima and Kovalainen.
Button’s great victory marked the 200th for a British driver.
"It's not just for me but for the whole team,” he said, “a fairy tale ending really to the first race of our career together and I hope we can continue this way. We are going to fight every way we can to keep this car competitive and at the front. This has got to continue and this is where we want to be. Bring on Malaysia!”
Source : http://www.formula1.com/
Button led from pole as Barrichello bogged down when his car activated its anti-stall device, and the Brazilian was then embroiled in a first-corner clash with BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld, Red Bull’s Mark Webber, Force India's Adrian Sutil and McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen.
Button streaked away from Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull, Robert Kubica’s BMW Sauber, Nico Rosberg’s Williams and the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen. But the face of the race changed on Lap 19 when Kazuki Nakajima crashed his Williams heavily, bringing out the safety car until the end of the 24th lap.
By then Button had watched a 47.7s lead reduced to nothing, and began to struggle to generate heat in his tyres. But he got his head down and opened a gap to Vettel again. As the Ferraris faded, Kubica found his BMW Sauber getting better and better on the harder Bridgestone tyre and gradually began to put Vettel, on the softer option tyre, under serious pressure in the closing stages.
Going into Turn Three on the 55th lap - with three left to run under a setting sun which made driving conditions very difficult - Kubica got alongside Vettel but they touched. Both spun, but continued. But not for long. Vettel had lost his front wing and crashed heavily just as Kubica, further down the road, did the same thing. Out came the safety car again.
Incredibly, that melee had promoted Barrichello back to the second place, despite his first-lap incident and a later touch with Raikkonen which damaged his Brawn’s front wing. It was changed during his first pit stop on the 18th lap. As the race finished under the safety car, he admitted that he had never expected a one-two after all his dramas.
Jarno Trulli started from the pit lane after Toyota’s rear wing infringement yesterday, but hauled through to take the final podium finish, while a very determined drive brought a hugely valuable fourth place for McLaren's Lewis Hamilton. The world champion was briefly third in the dying stages after Trulli ran off track behind the safety car, before the Italian subsequently retook the place - an infringement which prompted stewards to subsequently add 25s to his race time, later dropping him to 12th.
In the second Toyota Timo Glock came home fifth. The German survived a spin while battling from his own pit lane start, when he and Fernando Alonso tangled.
The Spaniard brought his Renault home sixth, while seventh place came as a bitter disappointment to Rosberg. The German was running fourth with six laps to go and had set fastest lap, but had used up his Bridgestone option tyres and was simply in no position to defend the place. By the finish he had rookie Sebastien Buemi thirsting after him as Toro Rosso’s Swiss driver scored a point for eighth place on his debut.
Neither of the Ferraris finished. Both struggled with tyre wear, and as Massa suffered a mechanical problem late in the race, Raikkonen spun and subsequently retired.
Sebastien Bourdais was ninth in the second Toro Rosso, ahead of Adrian Sutil, who survived a brush with Force India team mate Giancarlo Fisichella. They were separated by Heidfeld, who was consigned to a recovery race after the first corner fracas, while Fisichella further delayed himself by missing his pit marks in his first stop.
Webber, another in recovery mode, was the final classified finisher, ahead of Vettel, Kubica, and Raikkonen. The retirements were Massa, Nelson Piquet who spun his Renault after the first safety car restart, Nakajima and Kovalainen.
Button’s great victory marked the 200th for a British driver.
"It's not just for me but for the whole team,” he said, “a fairy tale ending really to the first race of our career together and I hope we can continue this way. We are going to fight every way we can to keep this car competitive and at the front. This has got to continue and this is where we want to be. Bring on Malaysia!”
Source : http://www.formula1.com/
BRABUS turns 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class into AMG-hunting beast
If you must have the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and can't wait for the AMG version, BRABUS has something to show you. The German tuning firm has launched its new program for the redesigned luxury sports sedan, the highlight of which is an enlarged 6.1-liter version of the V8 found in the E550 that now produces 462 hp compared to the original's 382 hp.
BRABUS clearly didn't stop there, fitting an aero package to the new E-Class that replaces the front bumper with a new design that reduces lift and incorporates LED daytime running lights and fog lamps. The exterior also features new fender vents, rocker panels, a spoiler and rear apron housing a pair of chrome tailpipes. The entire look is rounded out by new BRABUS Monoblock wheels that can be had up to 20 inches in diameter.
Additional performance hardware includes an augmented braking system with larger rotors and more powerful calipers, an optional limited-slip differential and BRABUS-tuned sport exhaust. The interior, likewise, can be fitted with optional equipment like illuminated BRABUS sill plates, a different "sport" steering wheel and complete mastik and alcantara leather interiors.
[Source: BRABUS]
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder
Once Lamborghini upgraded the Gallardo to the LP 560-4, the roadster followed suit. While the styling didn’t change that much, something much more important happened: a 40 hp upgrade. It’s now powered by a 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers 560 hp and over 380 lb ft. of torque to all four wheels. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and can go up to 201 mph.
While it may be hard to tell how much faster the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is in this video, it’s still a great Italian beauty to kick off the weekend.
Jaguar/Land Rover needs £500 million from the UK government to prevent layoffs
Ratan Tata bought Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) expecting to pick them up and help them fly. Instead, as with nearly every other car manufacturer, he's having to dig them out of a deepening hole. From last December through next month, 1,800 employees have either been laid off, released or asked to leave. According to Tata, if the UK government doesn't give JLR £500 million ($715 million USD) in loan guarantees, more people will have to go.
The government appears to be passing on the request, having already given Land Rover a £27 million ($38 million USD) loan to help it create the LRX. Even as the government is continuing to help JLR secure bank financing, the line on JLR's new request for loan guarantees is that "the primary responsibility for short-term financing or longer-term restructuring rests with the parent company."
[Source: Automotive News]
Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG returns as F1 safety car for 2009
AMG has been involved in Formula 1 for well over a decade now, starting with a Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG serving as the safety car back in 1996. Most recently, the SL63 AMG earned the spot last year, and it is returning for 2009 to set the pace at each F1 race this year. To ensure that it's capable of performing its duties in any situation, the car has been fitted with quite a few upgrades, including an upgraded coilover suspension system, a three-stage traction control system, massive composite brakes – 15.4 inches up front and 14.2 inch in the rear – and additional coolers for the oil, transmission, coolant, and power steering. The overall weight of the car has also been reduced by 485 pounds thanks to carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body components and the removal of the convertible top mechanism.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
Audi Q5 commercial
Ads aren’t always very clever, but this one for the Audi Q5 crossoverdefinitely had a few creative minds at work on it. It was made for the South African market, and the slogan is "Everything happens on cue", get it?
FIAT 500C pricing announced (UK)
Fiat UK has released prices for the 500C. The entry-level 500C 1.2 litre Pop will cost £11,300 with the flagship 1.3 litre MultiJet Lounge hitting the showrooms with a price tag of £14,100 – both of which come at a £3,200 premium over the comparable hatch.
Fiat has also said that the UK will be the first country to get the new 500C when it goes on sale in the Summer. Pop and Lounge versions of the 500C will be available from launch. All models get an electrically operated hood, air-conditioning, 7 airbags, remote central locking, CD player and electric door mirrors. Lounge trim adds stability control, climate control, rear parking sensors and front foglights. Fiat's hands-free entertainment and communications system, Blue&Me, along with its eco:Drive technology, which helps owners drive more economically, is also standard on all Lounge models.
The 500C will be available in 11 colours, with three for the roof: red, ivory, or black. Pop interiors can be specified with either ivory or black finish, and red or grey cloth seats, while Lounge offers an ivory or black interior, with black or brown cloth seats. Leather seats are also an option. Engine choices are the same as in the hatchback: a 75bhp 1.3 litre diesel, 69bhp 1.2 litre and a 100bhp 1.4 petrol engines. The engines all have Fiat's fuel-saving Start&Stop system as standard.
Fiat 500C price list in full:
1.2 Pop - £11,300
1.4 Pop - £12,500
1.3 MultiJet Pop - £12,700
1.2 Lounge - £12,700
1.4 Lounge - £13,900
1.3 MultiJet Lounge - £14,100
Press Release:
FIAT REVEALS PRICES FOR 500 C
Fiat has just announced prices for the eagerly awaited convertible version of its iconic 500 city car, some 15 months after the widely acclaimed supermini's UK launch.
Starting at just £11,300 OTR, the new Fiat 500 C, which goes on sale here in the summer, represents notable value for lovers of soft-top motoring, and positions the new car comfortably below its benchmark rivals.
Topping the top-down range, a highly specified Lounge version with a larger engine costs £14,100 - an OTR price that includes automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels as standard equipment.
"The sophisticated new 500 C is a faithful yet thoroughly modern ‘take' on the rich heritage of our sought-after 500, which highlights its strong, attractive personality," says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. "It is a car for people who want to express themselves and demonstrate their own personality. I am sure 500 C will make a host of enthusiastic new friends!"
In recognition of British drivers' enjoyment of convertibles, the UK is the first country in Europe to receive the new 500 C - the car arrives here even before it goes on sale in Italy.
Pop and Lounge versions of the new 500 C will be available at launch. An electrically operated hood, air conditioning, remote central locking, radio/CD/MP3 player, seven airbags and electric door mirrors are standard on all cars, while climate control, ESP stability control, foglights and rear parking sensors are among the principal features incorporated in Lounge models.
Blue&Me, Fiat's hands-free entertainment, information and communications system, along with eco:Drive, the computer technology which monitors a driver's style and gives tips on how to save fuel and reduce emissions, is also standard on Lounge versions.
Available in 11 colours - including the newly-created Tech House Grey and Ragga Muffin Red - the 500 C comes with red, ivory or black roof colours. Pop interiors can be specified in either ivory or black finish with red or grey cloth seat colours. Lounge specification offers an ivory or black interior with black or brown cloth seats. Frau Leather is also available as an option.
The new Fiat 500 C is powered by the same frugal, ultra-low emissions and Euro 5 range of engines as are already available in the 500, including 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100 bhp 1.4-litre petrol units, and the 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel.
Power is delivered through manual or Dualogic (automatic) transmissions while Fiat's fuel-saving Start&Stop system, which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again, will also become available.
Full price list for the Fiat 500 C range is as follows:
1.2 Pop £11,300
1.4 Pop £12,500
1.3 Mjet Pop £12,700
1.2 Lounge £12,700
1.4 Lounge £13,900
1.3 Mjet Lounge £14,100
Yamaha Mio “Rp40 juta” menang Kontes Modif di Bali
KUTA, SUNDAY - Yamaha Mio property I Made Ambara successfully carry predicate Best of the Best in the event modifications motor matik, Cuzztomatic 2 which was held in the parking lot Central Kuta, Bali, Sunday (30 / 3). Mio color vacillator the full sound system this past champion to successfully carry audio category modification.
Now, after six champion selected to matik modification six categories, motor home modification besutan moto-one (M-1) Denpasar is considered as the best. With the victory, the Mio Ambara that it reserves the right to represent region I (Bali, Nusa Tenggara and East Indonesia) to fight in Cuzztomatic 2 akan national level which was held in Jakarta in mid-year, in Arena Pekan Raya Jakarta.
This event memperebutkan akan melancong the main prize to the land of white elephants, to exchange knowledge with modifikator the powerful in Thailand. Meanwhile, in the contest in Bali, Ambara has mengantongi a number of gifts that is, the money Rp1, 2 million as the top category audio. Then, a unit of Yamaha Mio Soul, and 1 set of Yamaha fashion design Oscar Lawalatta worth Rp 1.7 million as the prize citation for Best of the Best.
So what advantages Mio Ambara other than the champion? One thing that is most surprising, "discotheque walk" has been modified spend more than Rp 30 million, not including the price motornya. Be calculated a number of fantastic considering the price of Yamaha Mio in the range of Rp 12-13 million per unit.
According Ambara, Rp 30 million was spent to install all the audio and completeness vacillator chrome finishing. "To my headunit discussion JVC, with 12 inch subwoofer brands JL, 7 inch screen sentru brands, two JBL speakers, two power brands teklin 2 channel and 4 channel accoustic," said Ambara.
In addition, at the stern of the motor is built for three days this also been a camera, connected to the monitor screen. "So if we are in the way, we can see the situation clearly on the back," said Ambara again.
"And that is also unique, I use an antenna minimoto. As in the car. So if the radio is turned on, antene akan naik is automatically, "said shop owner modifications bermarkas Mulyawan Mountain Road in the East, the Denpasar.
In the peak events in Bali, the Yamaha also watching the events with the Spanish MotoGP racer dijuarai by Repsol Danny Pedrosa Honda, Yamaha and Valentino Rossi are successful finish in second place. After this, the Yamaha motorcycle modification event will be held in Yogyakarta, on 12-13 April, to get the motor matik modif best in the area of Yogyakarta and Central Java.
source: kompas.com
Yamaha Mio Low Rider from Malang
JAKARTA, Wed - Malang Demand was again low rider. See Rohman Fatkhur only works on Yamaha Mio 2004. Skubek the concept dimodif low rider have a new breakthrough. I not only elongate arm swing, but also widen sokbreker front wheel axis so that the long term, "said graduate engineering alumnus Universitas Islam Malang (Unisma) that.
Interestingly, the concept is quite simple elongate wheelbase. only add that arm position as the front wheels so sokbreker. Also followed with a capsize sokbreker front, so that the position of the disc brake was on the right hand side so on the left. This technique takes the risk because the holder kaliper the original on the back tube sokbreker right now so in the future sokbreker left. "Installation of kaliper quite difficult, therefore need to add 50 mm along the plate so that there is room for kaliper holder," said Fatkhur.
Other risks, the standard sokbreker so soft due lengannya sweep. Bakan time in the test road, sepatbor mentok iron triangle. The solution sokbreker add oil. Wrong with the front legs, back and turn a simple garapannya more. To extend the swing arm pivot arm to swing with the help of make a kind of bridge. To be strong, iron box construction made kopong such as stairs.
Once completed, Fatkhur feel his work has not been back sempurna.Konstruksi original monosok not strong. that it is, motorcycle Suspensi too soft and mantul. So change it so sokbreker ganda on the left side. How, under the quasi-holder remains in the original position using the machine, only the holder under shock reducer made new. And look balanced now.
So that the Mio could invite more attention, the color was blue motor changed kunig inspired from the Jazz. Kelhiat not so plain, on the back of the ornament plus airbrush skull thin red lights garapan crow Airbrush.Trus poop on the CCTV camera be placed behind the brake lights. Cool, abis
2009 Mazda6 s Grand Touring
With a tagline like "Zoom Zoom", Mazda has given itself the mandate that every one of its vehicles must be fun to drive. While that standard is more easily met with dedicated sports cars like the RX-8 and MX-5, infusing the essence of Mazda's marketing pitch into CUVs, economy cars and family sedans is easier advertised than done. Mazda runs the risk of damaging its message if each iteration of the CX-7, CX-9, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6 doesn't measure up.
And so the 2009 Mazda6 arrives with a new design, more room and more power as the brand's all-new offering in the hotly contested mid-size sedan segment. Being a Mazda, the new 6 will be compared just as much to the sedan it replaces as to competitors from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Chevrolet. The prior version was the driver's choice among this field of vanilla four-doors, and the 2009 model must scream Mazda's mantra just as loudly while appealing to more customers.
For 2009, the Mazda6 comes in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels with two available engines. The base mill available in all trims is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 170 hp at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, while a big 3.7-liter V6 making 272 hp at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm is available in every trim except the base SV. The starting price for a 2009 Mazda6 i SV is just $19,220 including destination charges, while our range-topping s Grand Touring V6 starts at $28,260 and finishes at $32,790 with the optional nav system ($2,000) and Moonroof & Bose Package ($1,760). Surprisingly, the base MSRP of a 2009 Mazda6 i SV is $590 less than the least expensive 2008 model, though our top-shelf tester starts $1,315 higher than last year's.
Just as its price has expanded in both directions, the Mazda6 has grown in every measurable exterior and interior dimension except for rear headroom, which remains the same at 37 inches. The Mazda6 is now one of the largest mid-size sedans on the market, slotting just below the Honda Accord in size, which itself is now classified as a Large Car by the EPA. Those larger dimensions are wrapped in new curves that do things we haven't seen before in this segment.
| Dimensions: 2009 Mazda6 vs. 2008 Mazda6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Model | 2008 Model | Difference | |
| Length | 193.7 inches | 186.8 inches | +6.9 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 70.1 inches | +2.3 inches |
| Height | 57.9 inches | 56.7 inches | +1.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 inches | 105.3 inches | +4.5 inches |
| Curb Weight | 3,547 lbs. | 3,378 lbs. | +169 lbs. |
| Headroom F | 39 inches | 38 inches | +1 inch |
| Headroom R | 37 inches | 37 inches | Same |
| Legroom F | 42.5 inches | 42.3 inches | +0.2 inches |
| Legroom R | 38 inches | 36.5 inches | +1.5 inches |
| Trunk Volume | 16.6 cubic feet | 15.2 cubic feet | +1.4 cubic feet |
Take the front fenders, which jut far out from the hood that angles in as they travel down to the leading point of a shield-shaped grille. Those fenders should look familiar – the RX-8 has been wearing them for years. They've been grafted onto other Mazdas like the CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda5 to create an expressive brand identity across the lineup. It's a look that is most at home on the 6 sedan, with its low and wide front clip suspended between 18-inch alloy wheels like an F1 car for the family.
Cat-like headlights with Xenon projector lamps are placed on the forward facing side of the front fenders while a long, thin intake connects a pair of fog lamps at the outer edges of the front end. With a big Mazda badge front and center, the face of the new 6 looks both familiar and more beautiful than before. We suspect it will win Best Dressed compliments from most buyers, especially in the Onyx Black color of our tester which looked like an Armani tux rendered in sheetmetal.
Around back, the Mazda6 is more conventionally shaped, but the designers' avoidance of straight lines continues with a rounded rear trunk lid and tail-lamps shaped to echo the front headlights. The dual exhausts at the bottom of the rear apron spew hydrocarbons through a pair of faux tips embedded in the bumper, a somewhat disturbing trend we've noticed on many new cars that make their dirtier bits appear prettier than they actually are.
While the Mazda6 looks better from any angle than most mid-size sedans, its profile reveals a few wrinkles. Seen from the side, the sedan's larger size cannot be hidden behind sinewy curves and organic shapes. Though its wheelbase has grown by 4.5 inches, the overall length of the Mazda6 now stretches 193.7 inches – a full 6.9 inches longer than before – which means its front and rear overhangs are that much more noticeable. The benefit is a larger trunk that can swallow an extra 1.4 cubic feet of stuff and an engine bay large enough for Ford's 3.7-liter V6. The downside is that while the car's substantially larger dimensions are subdued by its exterior design, the added size and heft can be felt from behind the wheel.
Whereas the exterior is the very definition of designing outside the lines, the interior of the 6 holds no surprises. Though the dash design is all-new, it's similar in most respects to the prior model and again divided in half by a line that sits at the top of your knees. You won't find wood trim here, but the 6 does sport a high-end accent material that looks like smooth piano black lacquer at first, only to reveal a wavy bluish-silver thread element upon closer inspection. It's a good compromise between the organic feel of wood and industrial presentation of aluminum or carbon fiber, and since it's unique, no one can say it looks like faux-anything.
All the controls fall readily to hand and are easy to use, including the three HVAC knobs that sit below the navigation screen, offering a well-oiled, expensive feel when manipulated. Below those, you'll find a chintzier pair of heated seat switches and the car's optional push-button start, though there still remains an ungainly plastic panel covering the hole where the standard ignition would have been on the steering column.
The DVD-based navigation system was unremarkable, which is to say it gets you to Point B no better or worse than the competition. The seven-inch touchscreen also interfaces with the Bose ten-speaker, 333-watt surround sound system. Six CDs can be inserted behind the screen, and it also tilts up a few degrees to reduce glare on sunny days. The large tach and speedo are also easy-to-read and jump out with orange-on-blue backlighting.
There is a small LCD screen that sits atop the center console, but it attempts to convey more information than its real estate can comfortably handle. About the size of a ruler, this display can show the time, inside temperature setting for both zones, fan setting, air flow and audio source information. It also acts as trip computer and show miles per gallon, average mpg, range and average speed. Some of this info can also be displayed on the nav screen, which makes the smaller display seem unnecessarily cluttered and somewhat redundant on higher-spec models.
We do give the new 6 high marks for comfortable seats befitting such a big car, with plenty of thigh support from the long lower cushions up front and loads of legroom in back. The front seats, however, did feature less side bolstering than we expected from a Mazda – they seemed better suited for long haul comfort than holding you steady during a decreasing-radius bend.
So far, we've chronicled everything new about the Mazda6 that doesn't have to do with "Zoom Zoom", so the question remains whether those changes have interfered with what made the last model special. There is one obvious casualty. Mazda canceled the high-performance Mazdaspeed6 model for the last generation's final 2008 model year, and it has not returned. With its lightweight yet extremely potent 2.3-liter, turbocharged, direct-inject four-cylinder producing 270 hp and 280 lb-ft coupled to a torque-splitting all-wheel-drive system, the Mazdaspeed6 had no true peers in the family friendly sports sedan segment.
The new 6 offers a larger V6 producing slightly more horsepower (272) and marginally less torque (269) in a vehicle that weighs about 169 pounds more. All-wheel drive is also off the menu for 2009, which means there's no new 6 that comes close to what the Mazdaspeed6 offered in terms of performance and handling. All is not lost, however, as Mazda engineers have ensured that what remains is still among the sportiest four-door family sedans on the market.
In lieu of all-wheel drive, Mazda asks that you place your faith in its Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System. These two electronic nannies should help keep the 6 pointed in your intended direction and aid forward movement on slippery surfaces. While there is no replacement for the grip of all-wheel drive when carving corners, DSC and TCS provide similar levels of sure-footedness during normal driving. However, the DSC is defeatable for those who wish to experience the full force of this front-wheel drive sedan's understeering potential.
That big V6 does provide enough grunt to move the 6 without fuss. S models mate it to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual controls on the shifter – no paddles. Lesser i models get a five-speed auto. Unfortunately, there is no Sport mode for the transmission, which means shifting to manual control gets you gear changes that take just as long as when the computer is in control. The engine already has the extra weight of a larger car working against it, so it's a shame that the transmission doesn't help out by offering a mode with a more aggressive shift pattern. Instead, it generally tries to parse out the engine's power as efficiently as possible, which results in EPA estimated mileage numbers of 17 city and 25 highway. Those aren't bad figures for such a big engine in a large car, but without the payoff of more engaging performance, buyers may gravitate more towards the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that, paired to the five-speed auto, returns 21 city and 30 highway miles per gallon.
What does save the 6's sporting credentials is its suspension. Independent at all four corners with high-mount double wishbones and stabilizer bars front and back, the coil springs and dampers are tuned for a firm ride that returns flat, stable handling when attacking twisties. Grip is prodigious with big 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels wearing P235/45 all-season tires that are intimidated by neither crumbling streets or curvy roads. The speed-sensing power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, for its part, is excellent, offering just enough resistance at speed to feel the fight between the road and those big radials, only to faithfully dial back up the assistance when you're inching along looking for a parking spot.
For a family sedan, the 6 is remarkably taut and even nimble, certainly more so than most of its competition that compromise in this respect. The tradeoff is a degree of stiffness to which some spouses might protest, but others may not notice this in the face of the car's other attributes. And there's the rub. The 2009 Mazda6 offers more of what most people want in a four-door family sedan, namely interior space. It can haul four people more comfortably than before and accommodate more of their stuff. As such, it should be more appealing to the mainstream that passed on the previous version.
Has Mazda signed a deal with the Devil to sell more units, though? Has sacrificing some of this car's sporty character doomed it to be just one more Toyota Camry competitor? Not quite. Mazda's exterior designers have guaranteed that will never happen. Still, much of the Mazda6 that we loved from before has been gobbled up by a bigger body, and the powerful V6 makes acceleration effortless rather than exhilarating. For the moment, it's enough that we have to amend Mazda's tagline where it applies to the new 6. We're lopping off a "Zoom" from "Zoom Zoom". That still leaves one, which is still more "Zoom" than the other cars in this class.
[Source: Autoblog]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
