Sunday, September 30, 2012

Holden Thunder Ute & Thunder Crewman

Holden Unleashes Thunder Ute and Crewman with 235 & 355 Hp engines

GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden, is keeping the muscle-car flame alive even in its Ute range as the Auzzies unveiled another version of their popular light commercial model, based on the Commodore (which is actually based on the Opel Omega & Cadillac Catera…)

The special edition “Thunder” models for the 2door Ute and 4door Crewman represent up to $3500 (2.480 US $) in extra value and are available on S Ute, SS Ute and SS Crewman. They will be in Holden dealerships by April 2006.

The Thunder SS models are powered by Holden’s new Gen 4 V8 engine which delivers 260kW or 355 Hp of peak power at 5600rpm and 510Nm or 56 kgm of peak torque at 4400rpm. The Thunder S Ute boasts the advanced 172 kW or 235 Hp Alloytec V6 engine made at Holden’s Port Melbourne engine plant.

“Thunder” Ute and Crewman additional feature highlights:

Exterior

Sports Hard Tonneau – S Ute, SS Ute

Hard Tonneau – SS Crewman

17-inch alloy wheels – SS Crewman (alloy spare)

18-inch alloy wheels – S Ute (steel spare), SS Ute (alloy spare)

Special edition 'Thunder' badging

Interior

Colour Coded Leather Seats – SS Ute

Anthracite Leather seats – S Ute, SS Crewman

Recommended Retail Pricing:

Thunder S Ute: Manual $33,990 (24.100 US $) automatic $34,990 (24.800 US $)

Thunder SS Ute: Manual and automatic $42,490 (30.110 US $)

Thunder SS Crewman: Manual and automatic $48,690 (34.500 US $)

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2007 Suzuki XL7 & SX4

Suzuki officially announced that it is going to stage the World Premiere of it’s all new XL7 SUV model and the North American Debut of it's SX4 compact SUV at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. Although Suzuki hasn’t given us any photos –yet, of its midsize SUV, we get some preliminary specifications of the car as its body size and the engine that will equip the 2007 XL7, a 3.6 V6 DOCH motor.

PRESS RELEASE: Suzuki XL7

In the creation of the XL7, Suzuki leveraged its SUV heritage and expertise to design an all-new vehicle for the midsize SUV crossover segment, providing style, room and adaptability for mobile lifestyles. The 2007 SuzukiXL7, equipped with a 3.6-liter, V6 DOHC engine, defines the new direction of the midsize SUV crossover market and is one of the first entries to combine room for family and cargo with performance, style and comfort not previously associated with midsize SUVs.

The all-new XL7 has cargo and seating flexibility for all aspects of active lifestyles, on-road performance capabilities, sleek and distinctive style and advanced safety features that provide a confident feeling of being in control in any condition. Suzuki's new generation midsize SUV crossover is slated to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2006.

2007 Suzuki XL7 Specifications:

Wheelbase: 112.4-in./ 2,857mm

Overall width: 72.2-in./ 1,835mm

Overall length: 196.6-in./ 4,995mm

Overall height: 68.9-in./ 1,750mm

Suzuki SX4

Globally introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006, the SuzukiSX4 compact sport X-over with AWD will make its North American debut at the NYIAS. The all-new SX4 features a versatile, rigid five-door design, a standard all-wheel-drive system and for the U.S. market, a sophisticated fuel-sipping 2.0-liter DOHC engine.

The Suzuki SX4's advanced intelligent all-wheel-drive system (i-AWD) sends power to the rear wheels as needed with no additional input necessary from thedriver. Called the Three-Mode Switchable AWD system, it features a selector switch on the center console that allows the driver to select from three modes: 2WD, AUTO (AWD High) and LOCK (AWD Lock). Customers in the United States will have a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission.

With its contemporary styling, high-output engine, the security of AWD and ABS and five-door versatility, the all-new Suzuki SX4 delivers the bold attitude and performance designed for those who live an adventurous life. TheSX4 is slated to go on sale in the United States in the third quarter of 2006.

2007 Suzuki SX4 Specifications

Wheelbase: 98.4-in./ 2,500mm

Overall width: 69.1-in./ 1,755mm

Overall length: 162.8-in./ 4,135mm

Overall height: 63.2-in./ 1,605mm

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2007 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 V6 US Version

Mitsubishi announced that it will debute the North American market version of the Outlander SUV model at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Launched in Japan in October last year, the US Outlander will be powered by a 3-liter V6 MIVEC coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to change gear manually without having to take his hand off the steering wheel.

The new Outlander offers two drive formats: the electronically controlled 4WD system and a front-wheel drive version tailored to the North American market.

Like the Japanese model, the new Outlander will use a newly design high-rigidity platform that realizes improved impact safety and an aluminum roof panel that lowers center of gravity and reduces roll inertia for improved handling performance and ride.

As for its utility performance, the Outlander has a split tailgate ("Flap-fold tailgate") that facilitates the loading of different sizes and weights of luggage. But most important for the US market, it will be available with a 7-seat layout that features two occasional-use third row seats stored flat under the floor ("Underfloor-stowable compact 3rd row seat")

Technology hallmarks of the new Outlander, include a standard Bluetooth(R) hands-free cellular phone interface, advanced FAST-Key access system, and optional 650-watt Rockford Fosgate(R) audio system and DVD entertainment. A new hard-drive navigation system will be available as an option

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Saturday, September 29, 2012

Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept

Making its world premiere at the Stockholm Motor Show today, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept delivers zero CO2 emissions with enhanced performance by combining the use of pure bioethanol fuel and electric power generation for the first time.

Packing formidable pulling power from its 260 bhp (191 kW) 2.0-litre turbo BioPower engine and 53 kW electric motors, the BioPower Hybrid Concept is equipped with an with automatic transmission accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, a substantial improvement against 8.8 seconds for the equivalent petrol model. Even more impressive is 80 to 120 km/h acceleration on 'kick-down' in only 5.5 seconds.

The all-aluminum 2.0-litre BioPower engine is modified to run on pure E100 bioethanol fuel, giving zero CO2 exhaust emissions, and operates in tandem with the electrical power system. This offers fuel-saving stop/start functionality, torque boosting electric power assistance on demand, an electric-only 'Zero Mode' for city driving and regenerative braking.

It should be mentioned that the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is the first project to be announced under a joint investment programme between General Motors R&D (Research and Development) and the Swedish Government.
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2007 Lexus LS Hybrid to Make World Debut at New York

Lexus will unveil its all-new LS luxury hybrid sedan next month at the New York International Automobile Show. Arriving next year, Lexus's hybrid version of the upcoming model-year 2007 LS sedan will introduce impressive new standards in styling, engineering, technology, safety and performance.

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EU & US file WTO complaint on China over auto parts


The United States and the European Union, initiated a World Trade Organization complaint on Thursday against China, alleging that Beijing is unfairly blocking foreign-made auto parts.

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said: "Consultations will allow us to clarify the legal issues and find a mutually satisfactory solution. It remains my strong preference and intention to seek an amicable solution to this issue".

A statement from the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said China's taxes on imported auto parts "discourage automobile manufacturers in China from using imported auto parts in the assembly of vehicles." The USTR said this is inconsistent with China's WTO commitments.

The EU first raised the issue of its tariffs on car parts in 2004. The EU requested action to address the problem at the EU-China Joint Trade Committee in October 2005. The European Union had then urged China to eliminate trade restrictions harming companies from Arcelor SA to Volkswagen AG and threatened to bring its first World Trade Organization complaint against the communist nation.

What is the issue?

The EU believes that Chinese tariff laws for spare auto parts are WTO-incompatible. Chinese rules apply the tariffs for "whole vehicles" to the import of spare parts making up 60% or more of the value of a final vehicle. The EU believes that this may contravene China's WTO obligations not to impose obligatory "local content" rules: to avoid the "whole car" tariff rates a car-maker has to source 40% or more of the spare parts by value in China. The EU believes it may constitute an internal tax on imported goods - because the tariff is levied on a finished product constructed with imported parts and the same rates are not applied to cars produced with local spare parts.

This can be problematic for EU producers in China who are not able to import parts from their own factories in Europe without unfair tariffs. The EU has about 20-25% of the car production market in China.

What does China say?

China claims that the measures are designed to avoid circumvention (ie, the prevention of the importing whole cars as spare parts to avoid the higher tariff rates for whole cars). However the WTO has found in the past that the objective of measures does not justify their form - and in this case the measures appear to the EU to be WTO-incompatible. At the time of its WTO accession, China committed itself not to treat parts as whole cars.

What happens now?

The request for consultations has been filed with the WTO in Geneva today. China has 10 days to respond to the request and is obligated by WTO rules to enter in consultations in good faith within 30 days. If the issue cannot be resolved in consultations within 60 days then the parties have the option of requesting a WTO panel to hear and rule on the dispute.

What does this mean?

The chances are that the EU & US will win this case, thus meaning that American & European automanufacturers will be able to create a super low price car part bin, by shopping from the cheapest possible sources around world. Then, they will go to the world’s lowest paid labor hand country -China, assembling these parts into a real car....Genius

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Friday, September 28, 2012

Lotus AFD Concept

Lotus Cars presents an all new Elise based pick-up concept that is intended to go in production later in 2006

Press Release: The Lotus AFD is an Elise-derived flatbed concept that seeks to secure a slice of the ever-growing worldwide market for sportscar-derived pickup trucks.

Utilising a Briggs and Stratton pull-start diesel engine, uniquely supercharged by Lotus's own engineers, the AFD is the first Lotus to marry advanced 4-wheel drive technology with the Lotus design philosophy of 'performance through lightweight'. A useful 5kg payload, together with an optional towing hitch offering a further 10kg of load-hauling capacity, ensures the new Lotus will be equally at home carrying a small bag of sugar as an expanded polystyrene surfboard.

With carbon fibre roof rails and perforated aluminium bull bars ensuring the new Elise derivative looks the part without compromising performance, hopes are high that 0-60mph acceleration is less than 3 seconds, and will have flatbed fans reaching for their chequebooks.

An active payload management system, linked to the engine's oil pressure control module, optimises ride and handling round even the sharpest bend, while big chunky tyres increase ground clearance to an all-terrain-conquering 4 inches.

Trevor Houghton-Berry, Lotus Head of Commercial Operations looked to the future 'The AFD is our first move into the lucrative LCV market and certainly lives up to the Lotus philosophy of 'change the rules'.

We like trucking and we like to truck!'

Mark O'Shaughnessy, Lotus USA Sales and Marketing Director commented, 'We can no longer ignore Lotus's big opportunity in the pickup market - we want a slice of the action and are gunning for a 0.0026% market share this year and 0.0027% next. The AFD will be known as the F1.50 stateside and we are set to take the market by storm. 200 Lotus Elise F1.50's in the first year? Bring them on

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Kia Carens MPV 2007

Exclusive pictures of the new seven seater Kia Carens MPV which will be sold in the US as the Rondo is going to make its world premiere at Madrid Motor Show

A day after the official release of the Carens MPV sketch, some very interesting pictures came up, revealing the production form of Kia’s new MPV. Although the pictures show us a more…“sober” MPV than Kia promises us, the European version -Grey coloured car, seems to draw closer to the sketch than the Korean version-purple coloured car. thanks to its restyled front end (lights, bumper & mask).






OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Kia Motors has announced its all-new Carens compact MPV (to be named ‘Rondo’ in North America), and confirmed that this model will make its world premiere at the forthcoming “Salon International del Automovil de Madrid”. The Carens will be revealed to the world for the first time at the bi-annual Spanish motor show, held in the capital’s Parque Ferial Juan Carlos 1 exhibition complex from May 25.

Longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces, the all-new Kia Carens will be available with seven seats for the first time in Europe. The rear seats fold down flat into the boot floor when not required.


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Zagato Ferrari 575 GTZ

Yushiyuki Hayashi is a famous Japanese car collector, who owns numerous cars of great historical value, including several Ferraris such as the 166MM, the 250 Spider California, two Daytonas ­ a coupĂ© and a spider ­ and the Enzo.

In the classic tradition of the keen purchaser of exclusive cars who stimulated the creativeness of Italian coachbuilders in the 1950s and 1960s, Yushiyuki Hayashi asked Zagato if it would be possible to create a body for his 575M, in the style of the famous 250GTZ berlinetta.

When Zagato received this request, it informed Ferrari of the project, which would be a good opportunity to celebrate the model's anniversary, and then created a car that harked back to the 250 GTZ, built around the Ferrari 575. Like its forebear, the 575 GTZ has an all-aluminium body, and, as a tribute to Ferrari and to two-seater Italian sports cars, it has joined the exclusive group of cars that are the fruit of the tradition of custom-built cars.

Like the 250 GTZ, it sports two-tone paintwork with styling cues and volumes that explicitly refer back to the 1950s, and sublimates the character of the many cars built by Zagato to clothe original engineering, with the pure style of traditional sports cars.

For Zagato, the project represented an opportunity to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of the Ferrari 250 GTZ of 1956, one of the most outstanding GT cars, which has already gone down in history.

The model, which was also commissioned by a gentleman driver and collector, in the best Zagato tradition, is a sublime synthesis of prestige and performance, elegance and sportiness, to the point that it can boast the highest value of any car in the luxury period sports car market. The 250 GTZ has won numerous competitions and concours d'élégance, and it represents a dream come true, because experts and fans consider it one of the most beautiful cars in the world.

The new 575 GTZ has the Ferrari prancing horse on its bonnet and the Z of Zagato on its side, an expression of eternal Italian excellence in its form and content. It is a winning combination, linking the most powerful, famous engineering in the world with the most refined, fascinating sporting style, both made strictly in Italy.

The concept of sporty elegance, functional design that does not merely follow the trend of the moment but strives for pure performance, and the ultra-light aluminium body are Zagato's strengths which become a universally recognised value. Just as in the 1956, the 250GTZ was showed at the most important concours d'elegance, 50 years later, the 575GTZ will be presented in a world premier at Villa D'Este Concours D'Elegance, Cernobbio (Italy) April 22 th -24th

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Thursday, September 27, 2012

Pontiac G6 GXP Show Car

Pontiac revealed the first official pictures of its G6 GXP concept car that will make its public appearance in the upcoming New York International Auto Show. The styling enhancements give the G6 GXP a dramatic look, with a hint of the Nismo Nissan 350Z when looking at it from a ¾ rear view. Under the hood, the G6 GXP uses a slightly tuned 3,9 liter V6 engine that produces 270 hp. According to Pontiac, if the G6 GXP grabs the public and media attention, it may go in production later this year.

PRESS RELEASE

Seeking to build on the 25% retail sales gain by the G6 so far this year, Pontiac is revealing a new G6 GXP coupe show car at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Designed to augment the G6’s sleek styling with a more aggressive appearance and stance, the new GXP show car will test both media and public reaction before any final decision on production is made.

Although the GXP performance series has been very successful in the past, we’ve never attempted to introduce a GXP on our largest volume vehicle and we want to be sure we do it right,” said Dennis Maraone, Pontiac product director. “We believe the package of exterior, interior and performance enhancements we’ve put together on the G6 GXP show car should appeal to 2+2 coupe enthusiasts.”

Highlighting the exterior styling changes is a redesigned front fascia, featuring an integrated lower air dam and an aggressive chrome treatment of Pontiac’s signature twin-port grille, as well as a twin air scoop hood. Around back, the new rear fascia shows off the dual chrome-tipped exhaust and unique “hammerhead” spoiler. Side rocker panels, 19-inch wheels, vented cross-drilled brake rotors, and a 25-mm reduction in suspension height finish off the GXP’s ground-hugging appearance.

Inside, red accents give the GXP a sportier flavor than a standard G6. The red chrome trim on the instrument cluster, center stack and door controls augments the red leather seat and door panel inserts.

Under the hood, the G6 GXP uses a modified 3.9-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Linking a ram air induction system with K&N air filter to a cat-back free flowing exhaust helps boost engine output to 270 horsepower (202 kw) and 259 lb.-ft. of torque (358 Nm).

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Geiger Cars SC524 Kompressor –Chevrolet Corvette C6

German tuner company Geiger Cars which specializes in American autos, released the new SC 524 Kompressor model which is basically, a tuned up Chevrolet C6 that produces 524 hp -120 hp up from the normal version. The tune-up contains of an Eaton supercharger, a free-flow intake air guiding with sport air filter, special exhaust manifolds, steel bed catalysts, four large chrome exhaust tips and a special mapping for the ECU. The sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h is reduced to about 3.7 seconds while maximum speed is increased to about 327 km/h.

The designers also developed a front spoiler edge to fit on the standard apron which reduces the lift on the front axle. Its aerodynamic counterpiece is a diffuser to fit on the rear apron. Geiger Cars technicians developed a high performance brake system and a suspension tuning with custom spring struts that replace the standard transverse springs to achieve more dynamic handling. The Corvette also gets new multipart chrome alloys (front :255/30, rear 305/25)

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Yes! Roadster 3.2 & 3.2 Turbo

Funke&Will AG introduced the second-generation Yes! Roadster at the Auto Motor International Show in Leipzig. The new Yes! Roadster 3.2 and 3.2 Turbo keeps the same approach of an "uncompromising driving machine" which results in "pure driving pleasure".

Like its predecessor, the Roadster 3.2 is being built around an aluminium spaceframe chassis with GRP panels. The whole car weighs just 900 kg. It is powered by a new Audi-sourced 3.2-liter V-6 engine, capable of 255 hp. The result is an acceleration time of 4.9 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint. The 3.2 Roadster Turbo has a max speed of 281 km/h, courtesy of its turbocharged 355 hp engine.

Safety is a key aspect of the car. Optional equipment includes airbags and ABS. Convenience features include chrome and leather trimmed interior and a hi-fi sound system. Each car can be customized according to the buyer's wishes. Compared to the original Yes! Roadster, the new 3.2 has a longer wheelbase, more front and rear overhang.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Mazda CX-9 SUV


Mazda announced its going to exhibit its all new 7seater SUV named CX-9, at the New York International Auto Show. The CX-9 will start its career in North America in early 2007 where it will be offered with a new 3.5 litre V6 engine driven through a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

PRESS RELEASE

As a larger sibling to the Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV, unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Mazda CX-9 is the second vehicle designed and engineered specifically for the North American market.

"The all-new CX-7 and CX-9 were engineered specifically for North America to help us fulfill ambitious goals. The CX-9 has traits only a Mazda SUV could have: strong performance, agile handling, precise steering and superior quality and craftsmanship.", emphasizes Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North America.

The seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the US market. Engineered with Mazda’s “Soul of a Sports Car” signature, Mazda CX-9 blends a sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. It has a unique Mazda design and Zoom-Zoom performance; along with high levels of interior quality, space and versatility.

Mazda CX-9 is powered by a new MZI 3.5L V6 engine driven through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Final drive is through either front- or all-wheel drive.

More detail on specific model content will be available closer to launch, but standard features on all trims include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, and six airbags. To help avoid accidents, all CX-9s are fitted as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). An optionally available power-operated lift gate provides one-touch opening and closing access to the cargo hold.

The Mazda CX-9 will be produced at the Ujina Plant located near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan and is expected in North American showrooms in early 2007.

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NOBLE M15

Noble unveiled its new lightweight supercar, M15, equipped with a 3.0 V6 Twin Turbocharged engine that pumps out 455 bhp. The M15 will remain faithful to the company’s M14 concept as a user-friendly supercar –with 300 litres of luggage space divided between the front and rear compartments, but will have an all-new chassis, drivetrain configuration, interior and body - as well as more power.

With a guide price of £75,000 the M15 represents a major departure from Noble’s current models. It will target buyers who are seeking a more exclusive and driver-focused alternative to mid-engined cars in the £110-130k price bracket, while also tempting those who are eyeing up the 2007 Lotus Esprit.

“The M15’s fresh styling and engineering emphasise our desire to present a genuinely all-new car to the market,” said Lee Noble, Noble’s MD and design chief. “While the Noble M12 series continues to win us accolades for its performance and dynamics, we’ve worked hard to ensure that the M15 is in a different league altogether. As before, this has been achieved without us having to resort to big, heavy engines or trick electronics. The M15 will be nothing less than a pure-bred driving machine.”

Noble M15 Technical Specifications:

With a 455bhp version of the tried and trusted three-litre twin turbo V6 engine Noble has come to rely on, this is the quickest car ever to emerge from Barwell, Leicestershire. With the complementary figure of 455lb/ft of torque, all in a car that weighs slightly more than 1200kg, the M15 is devastatingly fast.

The M15 accelerates from 0-60mph in less than 3.3 seconds and 10 100mph in less than 8s. It keeps going all the way to 185mph, too, and has been tuned for rapid acceleration throughout the range rather than an easily achievable 200mph top end speed.

Weigh distribution has also improved over the existing model to 42:58 per cent, front:rear, due to the engine and gearbox assembly being moved forward by 300 mm

Noble M15 highlights:

  • Dry-sumped engine with 455bhp/455lb ft of torque
  • In-line drivetrain using a new, bespoke gearbox
  • New, 57 per cent stiffer spaceframe chassis
  • Generous boot space, front and rear
  • New interior with high levels of standard equipment


Noble M15 Price:

The M15 will sit above Noble’s current models from launch, leaving the completed range as follows:

Noble M15: £75,000 (est)

Noble M400: £55,995

Noble M12 GTO-3R: £49,950

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