10/28/2010
2011 Subaru Forester S-Edition
Subaru has today unveiled the Japanese-market 2011 Subaru Forester tS.
Virtually identical to the Forester S-Edition concept unveiled by Subaru in Sydney earlier this month, the Forester tS offers a glimpse of what we might see in the carmaker's Australian line-up early next year.
As with the S-Edition concept, the Forester tS is powered by the same turbocharged 2.5 litre boxer engine featuring in the automatic-equipped 2011 WRX, producing193kW and 347Nm of torque (up 24kW and 27Nm on the Forester XT).
Labels: 2011 Subaru Forester S-Edition, Subaru
2011 Audi Q7
Audi has added a new and especially efficient member to its Q7 family. The Q7 3.0 TDI offers 150 kW (204 hp) while consuming an average of just 7.2 liters of diesel per 100 km (32.67 miles per U.S. gallon) – better than all direct competitors. At the same time, a 3.0 liter V6 drives this large SUV powerfully and smoothly. An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive round out the luxurious drivetrain.
The new V6 TDI in the Q7 is a high-tech engine. It weighs far less than 200 kilograms (440.92 lb) and extensive measures minimize internal friction. Innovative thermal management – a new feature of many Audi engines – is particularly complex in the 3.0 TDI. The crankcase and the cylinder heads have separate cooling water circuits; coolant is not circulated within the block while the engine is warming up.
A common-rail system with lightning-fast piezo injectors provides injection pressure up to 2,000 bar; the turbocharger and the camshafts' control times have been optimized for maximum efficiency. A start-stop system deactivates the engine as soon as the vehicle comes to a stop, and an energy recovery system – standard for the entire model line – stores energy during deceleration.
The EU 5 classification for this new entry model in the Q7 family will come as no surprise, just like its high fuel efficiency. On average, it needs 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 miles per U.S. gallon). And its CO2 equivalent is just 189 grams per km (304.17 grams per mile) – no other large SUV from a European brand boasts such a low value. The efficient TDI delivers 150 kW (204 hp). Its maximum torque becomes available just above the idling point: 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) remain constant between 1,250 and 2,750 rpm.
This large SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.1 seconds. In the version with an optional air suspension, it reaches a top speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph); with steel suspension, 202 km/h (125.52 mph).
The Q7 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) offers the same power transmission as all other models in this line. The new and efficient eight-speed tiptronic – with its high overall gear ratio – delivers torque to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which has a sporty rear-end bias. Double wishbones made of aluminum guide all four wheels; the chassis delivers great agility and stability. An off-road mode and a hill-descent assistant aid off-road driving.
With a wheelbase measuring 3.00 meters (9.84 feet) and an overall length of 5.09 meters (16.70 feet), the interior offers plenty of room. Audi offers the Q7 with five, six or seven seats. The luggage compartment offers as much as 2,035 liters of capacity (71.87 cubic ft). This new entry model's standard equipment package includes two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, a high-beam assistant, and an MMI radio multimedia interface.
Options include climate-controlled comfort seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, an electric tailgate, and a load-securing kit with rails for cargo. Sophisticated driver-assistance systems and a system of ultramodern infotainment modules round out the offer.
Despite a generous equipment package, this model line's new entry model costs just 51,800 euros in Germany. This basic price makes the Q7 more affordable than all of its direct competitors.
Labels: 2011 Audi Q7, Audi
Hyundai ix35 SUV
Hyundai ix35 SUV powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi power plant, the Santa Fe boasts of an engine that returns 197 bhp and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Labels: Hyundai, Hyundai ix35
2010 Fiat 500: European Version
2010 Fiat 500 European Version vehicle are an extreme point adaptation of the democratic European adaptation of the Fiat 500,
Labels: 2010 Fiat 500, Fiat
Fiat 500 TwinAir
Fiat 500 TwinAir has CO2 emissions of just 95g/km CO2 which means you don’t have to pay any congestion charge in London! And as for fuel consumption, it does a brilliant 68.9mpg.
Labels: Fiat, Fiat 500 TwinAir
2011 Volvo V60
The 2011 Volvo V60 is equiped with a new 1.6-litre GTDi engine, which is available in two versions: 1.6 GTDi (T3) with 150 horsepower and T4 with 180 horsepower. The 180 bhp engine offers maximum torque of 240 Nm from just 1500 rpm all the way up to 5000 rpm. During short-term overboost, it provides an impressive 270 Nm of torque.
The 2.0T, T5 and T4 are available in combination with Volvo’s automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, while the T3 comes with a manual gearbox.
Labels: 2011 Volvo V60, Volvo
Nissan Recalls 2 Million Vehicles
Nissan is recalling 2.14 million vehicles worldwide including the popular March and Mycra subcompacts for an ignition problem that may stall the engine – its third-largest recall ever.
No accidents have been reported that are suspected of being caused by the defect, according to Yokohama-based Nissan Motor Co. The recall affects cars in the the United States, Europe and Japan.
A problem was found in an ignition-system part called the relay for vehicles produced from August 2003 through July 2006, including small cars like the March, Cube and Note, and about a dozen other models, such as the Tiida sedan, Titan pickup and Infiniti QX56 luxury model.
In extreme cases, the engine will stall and won't be able to start, said Nissan spokesman Mitsuru Yonekawa.
Of the recalled vehicles, nearly 835,000 were produced in Japan, 762,000 in North America, and 354,000 in Europe.
10/21/2010
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium
Labels: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium, Subaru
2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Pic
SPECIFICATIONS: 2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited
Base Price : $ 28,295
Price As Tested : $ 30,015
Engine Type : double overhead cam horizontally-opposed
aluminum alloy 24-valve 6-cylinder
with variable cam phasing
Engine Size : 3.6 liters / 221 cu. in.
Horsepower : 256 @ 6000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) : 247 @ 4400 rpm
Transmission : 5-speed automatic with manual-shift mode
Wheelbase / Length : 108.3 in. / 186.4 in.
Curb Weight : 3557 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower : 13.9
Fuel Capacity : 18.5 gal.
Fuel Requirement : 87 octane unleaded regular gasoline
Tires : P225/50R17 Bridgestone Turanza EL400
Brakes, front/rear : vented disc, dual-piston calipers /
solid disc, ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, TCS
standard
Suspension, front/rear : independent MacPherson strut /
independent double wishbone
Drivetrain : longitudinal front engine,
full-time all-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed : 18 / 25 / 21
0 to 60 mph : 6.5 sec
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Power moonroof : $ 995
Destination charge : $ 725
Labels: 2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, Subaru
10/20/2010
2012 Nissan GT-R
Nissan unveiled the GT-R in Japan with the announcement that the car would also be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Very few details were released regarding the GT-R, shown here in Aurora Flare Blue Pearl. The supercar, which has an expected base price of just over $100,000, also comes in Meteo Flake Black Pearl.
Nissan has made changes to the body's GT-R structure, setting it apart from previous models. No performance details were officially released. However, Inside Line today reported the GT-R will deliver 523 horsepower and 451 pound-feet of torque--over the 2011 GT-R's 485 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. The site also reported that the car's fuel economy has gotten 20 mpg, on average, on Japanese road tests.
Source
Labels: 2012 Nissan GT-R, Nissan
2011 Hyundai Equus Price
It's official: The 2011 Hyundai Equus will be the most expensive Korean vehicle in the U.S. market when it goes on sale in December. Hyundai on Tuesday said the base Equus Signature model will start at $58,900, while the uplevel Equus Ultimate will start at $65,400. Prices include a $900 destination charge.
Labels: 2011 Hyundai Equus, Hyundai
Volkswagen Reveals 2011 Volkswagen Eos Facelift
Horizontal lines dominate the front of the car with a prominent new grille complete with chrome highlights that create the impression that the Eos is wider and lower than the car it replaces. A set of new headlight units, similar in shape to those fitted to the Golf, features the option of integrated LED daytime running lights to lend the revised Eos an elegant new look.
Part of the facelift is also revised front bumper featuring new airdams and fog lights is joined by a reprofiled bonnet. At the back of the car a set of new tail lights, drawing on the look of those fitted to the new Passat, creates a distinctive new appearance.
Inside, new trim finishes enhance the interior of the Eos which is both comfortable and extremely well equipped. Highlights include a leather multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, a powerful eight-speaker CD stereo system and sports seats.
The new Eos will be available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines when deliveries commence in the UK early in 2011. These include a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 122 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI unit producing 210 PS as well as a refined 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 140 PS. This unit, with BlueMotion Technology modifications including automatic Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, can return a combined economy of 58.8 mpg.
Source
Labels: 2011 Volkswagen Eos, Volkswagen
2011 Volvo S60 Mark
Styling: 8 out of 10
The 2011 S60 is especially rakish and sporty-looking for a Volvo, but not especially daring in its class. The stunning interior, on the other hand is one of a kind. See details and best of the Web.
Performance: 8 out of 10
With 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the 2011 Volvo S60 has serious sport-sedan chops. Softened powertrain response and the lack of (expected in this class) paddle-shifters are the only letdowns. See details and best of the Web.
Quality: 9 out of 10
Considering its compactness, the 2011 Volvo S60 is surprisingly spacious inside, with an adult-sized backseat, and it doesn't sacrifice any comfort for its sporty driving response. See details and best of the Web.
Safety: 9 out of 10
The 2011 S60 offers more safety features than any other car in its class, but it's a little disappointing that, from a brand built on safety, not all of them are standard. See details and best of the Web.
2011 Volvo S60 Mark
You can get some of the best entertainment and tech features in this class in the 2011 Volvo S60; add more than a few, though, and the price can hit the $50k mark. See details and best of the Web
Green: 6 out of 10
The 2011 Volvo S60 is quite fuel-efficient for a 300-hp sport sedan, but against other luxury vehicles its size it's unremarkable.
Source
Labels: 2011 Volvo S60, Volvo
Volvo Trucks Initiates Field Testing of Liquid Gas
This is a revolutionary step in the development of gas use in heavy vehicles, since trucks running on liquid gas combined with methane diesel technology has up to four times longer driving range compared to most traditional gas trucks.
Three Volvo FM trucks with 13-litre engines are currently being field tested. The technology is based on Volvo's proven Euro 5 diesel engine, which has been converted for gas operation.
The field test trucks are equipped with special tanks for liquefied methane gas. Liquid gas is the optimum fuel for methane diesel technology. When liquid methane and diesel are used in a ratio of 75--25, a truck performing long haul or intercity duties has an operating range 500 to 1000 km, depending on driving conditions. This is twice the operating range of methane diesel vehicles running on compressed gas and four times that of gas trucks with Otto engines.
The field test vehicles are being operated by transport companies DHL, Gotene Kyltransporter and Renova. The start of the field tests coincides with the inauguration of Sweden's first public filling station for liquefied methane gas at Stigs Center in Goteborg. The station is a collaborative project between Volvo Trucks, Fordonsgas Sverige and Goteborg Energi.
Filling stations have previously only existed for CNG (compressed natural gas). If methane gas is cooled down to minus 160 deg C instead of being compressed, it becomes liquid and its volume is reduced by half. In this case, it is called LNG (liquefied natural gas), or LBG (liquefied biogas) if it is a biogas. Both these gases are also called LMG (liquefied methane gas).
Source
10/12/2010
The Next Nissan Sedan: Nissan Tiida (Pulsar)
. It is the second product after the Nissan Micra to be built on Nissan’s versatile ‘V’ platform.
The new Global Sedan will have its premiere at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition in December 2010.
Labels: Nissan, Nissan Tiida
2011 Nissan Murano Crossover SUV
The 2011 Nissan Murano features a refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content refinements. Also offered is a new exterior color, Graphite Blue and the more enhanced Nissan Navigation System.
Other interior upgrades include a new white meter color, new center stack colors and added equipment to various trim levels like driver’s seat with power lumbar support (SV), RearView Monitor (SV), 7.0-inch color monitor (SV), heated steering wheel (SL) and so on.
Prices have risen appreciably throughout in the Murano lineup. The base front-wheel-drive Murano S now has an MSRP of $28,500—that's $450 more expensive for 2011 than 2010—while the top-of-the-line Murano LE all-wheel-drive model is now priced $960 higher than last year, now at $39,140.
The Murano SL model, meanwhile, moves several thousand dollars upscale with the addition of last year's Premium, Leather, Moonroof, and Technology Packages as standard equipment.
Labels: 2011 Nissan Murano, Nissan
Mazda MX5 Night Race
Labels: Mazda, Mazda MX-5
10/01/2010
BMW Recall 350,000 Luxury Cars
BMW announced it would recall about 350,000 luxury cars worldwide due to a problem with signing brakes.The German said the recall was due to failure of the braking system, but no cars were not safe The recall covers cars and V8 V12 of the BMW 5, 6 and 7 lines, and a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce BMW built between July 2001 and November 2009, the total of 11,427 cars, including Rolls-905 Royce in the UK and 198,000 worldwide United States, BMW 348 000 are affected, plus another 5800 Rolls-Royce. decision “voluntary”.
BMW will recall around 200,000 to repair leaks that may develop in the brake system. The recall includes the BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series cars with V8 and V12 made since 2002. There were no reports of accidents or injuries, according BMW.LOS ANGELES (Lalat) – The BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series has a race today, affecting nearly a quarter million models. Recall for 2010 BMW news announced at the end refers to the eve of a leakage of the brake system. The leak, said BMW, if not fixed could lead to a loss of vacuum and reduce the braking operation.
There have been no reports of accidents or injuries, according to BMW.
Labels: BMW, Recall, Rolls-Royce