Superior Car - Automotive Reviews

Nissan Z will get a German diesel and hybrid power plant

2010-11-06T00:40:00.000-07:00

Nissan has plans to expand the range of engines for automobiles family Z next generation.

As applicants are considered Daimler diesel engines and even a hybrid propulsion system of the sedan Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid, which the German company will provide Nissan in an alliance concluded between the two manufacturers.

In the hybrid Mercedes-Benz S-Class used power plant, which includes six-cylinder petrol engine volume 3.5 liters and power 279 horsepower and a 20-horsepower electric motor that helps the car during acceleration, and acts as a generator during braking.

In addition, the applicant for the installation of a new sports car Nissan Z series is another hybrid plant, which will soon become offered for Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It includes a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and electric motor the same as that of the S 400 Hybrid.

Also, Nissan is considering the installation on this model is a three-liter diesel V6 from Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI, or six-cylinder power unit of its own production.

Currently, a model Nissan 370Z is equipped with 3.7-liter six-cylinder petrol engine weather capacity of 330 horsepower.

Note that in accordance with an agreement on cooperation between Renault-Nissan Alliance and concern Daimler, the German four-and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be used to model the premium brand Nissan – Infiniti.

via: Auto World

Electric Sports Car from BMW

2010-11-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Electric Megacity, which is German premium car maker BMW plans to launch the serial production in 2013, may be sports cars, said the head of the company’s sales and marketing, Ian Robertson.

He also said that this car will not create a new brand, and Megacity will be produced under the brand BMW. Currently, the company picks a name for the electric vehicle. According to Robertson, this should be the same recognizable name, like BMW M.

Also the head of the company’s sales and marketing, said that the main feature of the Megacity to become his low weight, so the car will be built almost entirely of carbon fiber. According to experts, cost electric car from BMW will be expensive, at least because the company spent a lot of money to develop it.

via: Automotive Blog

Audi R5 On Its Way

2010-11-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

If we are to believe a report from Britain’s Car magazine, Audi is planning to introduce a mid-engined sports car called the R5.

Said to be positioned between the more mainstream TT and the flagship R8, the R5 is believed to be based on the VW Group’s forthcoming MiMo (as in “MittelMotor”) mid-engine sports car platform, which will also be used on future Porsche and VW models.

The same inside sources imply that the R5 will be available in both coupe and convertible forms, with styling cues borrowed from Audi’s E-tron and E-tron Spyder concepts.

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Lamborghini and Callaway Golf Create a New Carbon-Fiber Material

2010-11-06T00:20:00.000-07:00

Fancy cars and golf sort of go hand-in-hand; just ask a valet at any swanky country club. But when we think “golf enthusiast,” we tend to picture badges like Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and Audi, not a primo supercar like Lamborghini.

And yet Lambo and golf-gear manufacturer Callaway have made a literal connection between links and track laps, having collaborated since 2008 on a new carbon-fiber material known as Forged Composite, which boasts nanoscale construction and the strength and light weight that that implies.

And, when you think about it, the needs of Lambo and Callaway aren’t that different: Decreased weight with the same power — be it human- or engine-driven — means more speed. For Callaway, that means faster club-head speed from clubs made with Forged Composite, which translates into greater striking distance. For Lambo, cutting chassis weight means faster laps around the track from any given engine.

Of course, all that aside, the two make a fairly odd corporate couple. Perhaps now Lamborghini will have to build a model that actually has enough trunk space for a set of clubs?

via: Automotive Blog

New York Auto Show: 2011 Kia Sportage U.S.-spec

2010-04-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

The North American debut of the all-new 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV was made today at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

As you may know already, the new CUV is based on the Kia Kue Concept revealed back in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and promises to offer a more urban and fluid silhouette than its predecessor. The 2011 Sportage will be available in two trim levels: LX and EX. The LX trim level offers 16-inch wheels wrapped in 215/70R16 low-rolling resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, adjustable side mirrors with side mirror turn signal indicators, and tinted glass.

The EX trim level offers 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55R18 silica tires, standard body-color heated side mirrors, roof rails, a rear spoiler, chrome body trim and door handles and a chrome-accented radiator grille.

The LX models will feature air conditioning, power windows, 12-volt power outlets in the front and cargo areas, dual sun visors with vanity mirrors, tilt-adjustable steering wheel and height-adjustable front seats while the EX models will come as standard with a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic folding rear seat, keyless entry with alarm, a dual temperature control air-conditioner with ionized filtration, illuminated and cooled glove box.

Also as standard we will find AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. The new 2011 Sportage, will be the second model from Kia, after the 2011 Sorento, to offer the UVO powered by Microsoft, the brand’s advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (standard on EX models). For those who don’t know, the UVO enables drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

Under the hood we find a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-value four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Value Timing (CVVT), capable to offer more power and better fuel economy comparing it to the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine. Kia promises a more powerful engine in the 2011 model year. The Sportage is available with -wheel (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations paired to either a six-speed manual transmission (base) or a six-speed automatic transmission.

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New York Auto Show: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo (2.0T)

2010-04-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Besides the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai has also revealed today its new 2011 Sonata 2.0T, at the New York Auto Show. The 2011 Sonata is the first Hyundai model to feature a GDI technology and a turbocharger combined, both part of “Hyundai Blue Drive,” the company’s environmental initiative to continue industry leadership in fuel efficiency and sustainability.

The car is fitted with a brand new 2.0L Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, providing the perfect mix between power and fuel saving, capable of 274 hp and an estimated 34 mpg highway rating. The surprise in here is that you can have great performance without necessary using only premium fuel.

The turbocharged engine is features a twin-scroll turbocharger which raises the power when combined with the GDI tech.

The new 2.0T engine will be available on the SE and Limited trim level, the last one offering also some other optional features such as panoramic sunroof, 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels, dual exhaust system and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

“The Sonata 2.0T is a great example of what our Blue Drive product strategy is doing for consumers,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO.

“Think about it – more horsepower than any of our V6 competitors, with better gas mileage than any competitive 4-cylinder model. We’re not fans of compromising at Hyundai, and the Sonata really demonstrates this aspect of our business approach.”

New York Auto Show: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

2010-04-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Subaru of America revealed today at the New York Auto Show the all-new 4-door version of its 2011 Impreza WRX STI. The new car promises to offer new styling as well as a revised suspension and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.

Regarding the design of the new car, this features sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the “wide and low” profile, a newly designed front grille with black base, newly designed fenders (for the 4-door models) and a big rear trunk spoiler.

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI features a major chassis tuning and changes include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension, improving in this way camber and toe stiffness.

The newly designed 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 17.6 lbs. less than the previous standard wheels. As an option, Subaru offers the 18 x 8.5-in. BBS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, which further reduce unsprung vehicle weight (highlighted by silver high-luster paint for 2011). Also, Subaru installed a Brembo Performance Brake System which uses ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Under the hood we find the same turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder Boxer engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and capable to deliver 305 hp. The STI also features Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with three “Auto” modes, as well as a manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking settings.

New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. Trim panels, the steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic. Also, a new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player is available featuring Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and XM/SIRIUS satellite radio (subscription is extra).

The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer.

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Redesigned 2009 BMW 7 series luxurious, quick, user-friendly

2009-08-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Any company’s flagship model is going to get close attention, especially when changes result. After all, a flagship is by definition “the finest, largest, or most important” vehicle in a company’s arsenal.

That model at BMW has been the 7 series, launched more than two decades ago to compete with such established luxury sedans as the eminent Mercedes-Benz E Class.

While not the top-selling BMW, the 7 series is the head of the class in terms of fine design, comfort and style. The four-door, from 2002-08, offered popular, praised models that nonetheless took some barbs for a complicated navigation system and a wide, less-than-streamlined look.

BMW went to work and introduced the 2009 version this spring. A late arriving ’09 model, the first editions were the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li.

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Honda's Insight hybrid stalls in sales race with Toyota's Prius

2009-07-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

When it debuted in March, Honda Motor Corp.'s retooled Insight hybrid looked to be the first serious challenger to the Prius, Toyota Motor Corp.'s ecological wunder-car. Graced with a low price, 40-mpg-plus fuel economy and the Japanese automaker's reputation for quality, the Insight even looked like the Prius.

Instead, all the Insight has delivered is a flurry of bad reviews and four months of dismal sales capped by a thorough battering at the hands of the Prius, whose third generation was launched in the U.S. last month. Increasingly, the Insight is looking like the latest in a series of hybrid frustrations for Honda.

"We're all pretty disappointed. We thought we had the next hit on our hands," said Don Marino, general manager of Honda of Santa Monica.

Marino said he was selling five to 10 Insights a month, far less than the 30 or so he expected to move.

Throughout the country, Americans bought 2,079 Insights in June, bringing total sales of the streamlined hatchback since March to 7,524, according to Autodata Corp. At that rate, Honda will sell less than a third of its goal of 90,000 in the first 12 months.

By comparison, the higher-priced Prius was snapped up by 12,998 drivers last month. Since March, Toyota has sold 40,398 of the gas-sippers.

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Mugen Honda Civic Type-R

2009-06-23T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Honda Civic sold in Europe is a very different beast to the mundane version sold here in the United States, and in some guises is even pitched as a performance model. The car is aggressively styled and comes with a space-age look that really makes it stand out from the crowd.

Hot-hatch fans across the pond can already order it in Type-R spec, which sees it fitted with a punchy 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine rated at 198hp and 142lb-ft of torque, but soon they will be able to order an even more potent Mugen-enhanced version. For the uninitiated, Mugen is Honda’s official in-house tuner and performance accessories division and has close ties with the automaker’s racing efforts.

Set to go sale in the UK in the third quarter of the year, the Mugen-enhanced Civic Type-R comes with a 237hp and 160lb-ft of torque version of the 2.0-liter mill, as well as uprated shocks and springs and Mugen’s new 'I-TCMS' tire monitoring system. Brembo has also been called in to supply huge (for such a small car) 12.6in slotted discs up front and 11.1in units in the rear.

The main aim of the game, however, is weight reduction and in the case of the latest Mugen Civic Type-R engineers have removed the rear seats and added lighter carbon-fiber accessories. New lightweight 18in alloys and a pair of Recaro bucket seats also make the cut.

Production will be extremely limited, with only a few dozen cars planned. Its prime competitors are a couple of other punchy hot-hatches that we Americans can only dream about, such as the Ford Focus RS and Renault Megane RS.

TheCarConnection via: Car

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On Sale: Bentley Continental GTC Speed

2009-06-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Bentley’s Continental GTC Speed is its fastest convertible yet. And the introduction of its Speed version, distinguished by a 15% increase in torque, is expected to account for two-thirds of the GTC’s sales worldwide.

Bentley chief executive Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen said the addition of the GTC Speed “broadens the appeal of the GTC to customers who demand a more focused, open-top driving experience”.

An average buyer is going to have money to burn. At £153,400, it’s not a hasty purchase.

But the Bentley Continental GTC Speed still holds the status that all Bentleys have, but it will also please performance-seekers, too. It has 600bhp and reaches 200mph with the roof up. With the roof down its top speed is 195mph.

It can reach 60mph in 4.5secs and 100mph in 10.6secs. The 15% increase in torque on the standard model means an output of 750Nm (553lb-ft).

The car feels as luxurious as you would expect with leather seats, laser-cut wood veneers, rear parking sensors and a range of information options in the central console.

Sitting in the car is like being in a cocoon of opulence. As the foot hits harder on the open ground, the engine purrs and you can’t help but smile.

And nothing will catch people’s attention quicker than this car: AM’s test version was pearlescent white. Driving with a female friend for company, almost everyone we passed turned to look at us.

Even a cyclist stopped concentrating on the road ahead to take a look. A police car also followed us for a while, no doubt before finding out it was not missing from a gentleman’s extensive garage.

Fuel economy isn’t great – the official figure is 17mpg. But when you’re driving a car like this, who cares?
Performance car equivalents include Ferrari 430 and Lamborghini Gallardo. These are definitely the racier choice.
But those who opt for the GTC Speed will get some of the race-car feel along with the refined grandeur which the Bentley badge brings.

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Review: 2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV

2009-06-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Automotive: “The 4-Door Sports Car” says Nissan’s tag line for the new Maxima. They’ve used that line for the last four generations of this mid-size sedan, now in its seventh iteration since 1981. That may be a bit of a stretch semantically but the Maxima is sportier than many of its competitors.

Historically, the Smyrna, Tennessee-built Nissan Maxima has projected more style and panache than most of its rivals. There was even a version with extra cladding and trim in one of the earliest generations that made it look, if not necessarily perform, like a real sport sedan. Since then I’ve always looked for Maxima to be something a bit special.

And, look special this one does - from the stylish, squinty headlight assemblies and Z-Car-like grille to the broad-shouldered flank to the bobbed tail featuring large, sloping taillights and a modest wing.

Large dual exhaust tips peek out from below the bumper and brash, 5-double-spoked alloy wheels complete the picture. The best view is from inside looking out over the swoopy hood. It’s not just a smooth dome like most. Rather, the Maxima’s hood angles down from each fender then up in the middle, reminiscent of an old Corvette. Built on the Altima platform this new-for-09 Maxima is a great improvement aesthetically from the last one.

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Vw Touareg Bluemotion Goes on Sale

2009-06-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

Although the Touareg SUV comes with great off-road capabilities, to make it a much greener variant, the German carmaker VW has reduced its ride height by 25 mm to effectively lower drag.

Furthermore, the Touareg BlueMotion is equipped with a highly efficient, but less powerful variant of the regular 3.0-liter V6 TDI common rail diesel powerplant that come with 222bhp, coupled to a six-speed automatic tiptronic gearbox.

The carbon dioxide emissions of the vehicle, which was originally 244g/km, was cut down to only 219g/km. Fuel efficiency have also been enhanced from 30.4mpg to 34mpg.

With the lowered emissions figures, the BlueMotion Touareg qualifies for a band K road tax amounting to 215 Pounds annually, a savings of 190 Pounds from the standard Touareg model 3.0-liter V6 TDI. The entry level BlueMotion Touareg SUV is priced at 34,150 Pounds and for the SE version it is 37,545 Pounds with September set for initial deliveries.

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Spy Shot: BMW 6-series Cabriolet

2009-06-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

BMW’s sleek six has been caught earning its stripes at the Nurburgring in Germany. And despite the psychedelic livery, there’s plenty to be learned about the all-new 2011 model.

As you can see from the shots, the styling of the next BMW 6-series will be a gentle evolution rather than a complete overhaul – much like the recently introduced 7-series. Shorter overhangs, a lower roofline and an 80 millimetre increase in wheelbase will give the car a lower and more muscular stance, while every panel has been redesigned.

However the overall appearance will be instantly famiiliar, even the fins on the back of the convertible’s fabric roof will be carried over – something BMW has tried to hide with the fake rear windscreen you can see in the pictures.

You might be wondering why we’ve scooped the convertible variant before the Coupe, but our sources have revealed that the rag-top will actually go on sale six months before the Coupe – in a bid to take advantage of the 2011 Spring sales boom.

by: Jack Rix / Photos: Lehmann

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First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte

2009-06-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

KIA has renamed its core small-sedan model the Forte to signal a new beginning for the brand in this segment, and it only takes a glance at the new model to understand why. It’s a really good-looking car.

While the Spectra that preceded the Forte certainly wasn’t a bad car, its anonymous styling didn’t win many friends and its feature set was far from exciting.

Like the fashionable 2010 Soul, the 2010 Kia Forte merits a new trip to the Kia dealership and perhaps a new look at Kia, as the brand is quickly shedding its reputation for dowdy vehicles.

The Forte has many of the elements and features of much more expensive cars, yet it’s still one of the least expensive small sedans.

Thank Kia’s new design studio in California for creating such clean, assertive, and attractive look for the Forte. With smooth, clean sheetmetal and an uncluttered look in front and in back, the new Forte doesn’t go over the top and it’s likely to age well; even more to the point, they got the trim proportions right. The svelte 2010 Kia Forte doesn’t have any awkward angles, and a nice wide stance from the front and back somehow matches the flowing, elegant roofline. Inside, the look is simple, with a smoother, more organic version of the teardrop center stack used in the Forte.

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Driven: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

2009-06-02T00:45:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin may have been spun out of the Ford orbit, but a decade's worth of Ford investments in the British brand reveals itself the instant you open the doors to the 2009 Vantage roadster, an anti-Porsche 911 sports coupe or convertible with finesse and verve equal to its gorgeous custom-built aluminum body.

Aston provided a new Vantage for us to drive in Southern California recently, and within a few cloud-covered miles tooling away from LAX, the differences with other vaguely competitive supercars drew themselves neatly. The 911's heft, the Maserati Gran Turismo's lushness and the Nissan GT-R's raw ambition contrast heavily with the Vantage, down to its airliner-style bonded-aluminum body, to the LED lighting on the glovebox button. The Aston's unique in the group--a little less expensive and a little less fast than the 911 Turbo, a little pricier than the Maserati and the Audi R8 supercar. More a testament to exclusivity and understated details than unadulterated power, it's classically British, reserved but only to a degree.

There's plenty of power and great handling on tap, for the times when that reserve runs out. An upgraded 4.7-liter V-8 generates 420 hp of thrust, through a manual six-speed or automated manual gearbox. The Vantage's 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds trails 911 Turbos and GT-Rs, but makes sensual whirring noises to compensate. Our tester had the latter--and it's a half-step behind the times, like the old BMW SMG gearboxes that are being superseded by better dual-clutch trannies. While waiting for that upgrade, we're happy with the Aston's blend of user-selectable settings for steering, throttle, suspension and shifts. In either Comfort or Sport mode, the Aston bends pleasingly into canyon curves and needles through traffic with a fluid grace that's missing from just about any of the other cars in the range.

Nissan Recalling Nearly 363,000 First-gen Murano Crossovers

2009-05-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

Nissan has announced that they are recalling some 360,000 first generation Murano CUVs because of an engine stall risk. Apparently, the material they used for their air intake ducts is prematurely aging and shrinking, causing a separation risk in the system. That separation can cause an engine stall, "increasing the risk of a crash." The affected models are the 2003 through 2007 Nissan Muranos.

Anyone with one of those models should contact their Nissan service rep to arrange a free inspection and/or repair. Customers can also call Nissan directly at 1-800-647-7261. The parts for the recall should be available in great enough quantity by July 6, when the recall officially begins. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's full press release is after the jump.

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

2009-03-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Chopping the top off a car isn't as easy as it sounds, especially when the fixed roof is replaced with a folding one of the steel variety - the panels and system of motors and hinges add significant weight. Worse, in order to get the whole mess to fit in the trunk, folding hard tops often require a bubbly, arching roofline and an ungainly, long rear deck. If you've had the displeasure of studying a Volkswagen Eos, you know what we're talking about.

Now, Infiniti - which hasn't produced a droptop in ages - has created a hardtop convertible G37 that has lost almost none of its elegant coupe sibling's visual appeal. And although the retractable roof and robust structural bracing add some 450 pounds to the car's mass, the G37's driving experience also has been largely preserved. That means blistering acceleration, brilliant ride and handling, and a cockpit that's among the prettiest in the business.

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2009-03-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

When Volkswagen hopped up a Golf back in 1976, it invented a niche that came to be known as the Hot Hatchback segment. With just 100 horsepower, it’s difficult now to think that was hot…but it was. Hey, it was 1976 and polyester, John Travolta and the BeeGees were cool, too.

With leisure suits now just a bad dream, the new sixth-generation VW Golf GTI that hits our shores in October as a 2010 model, is just as hot. That makes it pretty cool.

The new GTI , which will make its formal U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show in a couple of weeks, is no longer the power player in the segment if all you’re counting is horsepower. No, the MazdaSpeed3 cranks out 273 hp, while the new GTI makes 200 hp from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder.

You’re correct if you say that this car has the same power as the outgoing model. What makes this new GTI worth talking about is the refinement VW engineers have worked into the car’s handling, not to mention the updates to the interior and exterior.

Unfortunately, U.S. buyers will not be able to get several features available on European-spec cars, like Dynamic Chassis Control that allows for three settings-- comfort, normal and sport--of the car’s shock absorbers. Other items like dynamic cruise control will also not make it to the States. HID headlights, standard on the outgoing model, will be optional on the new car.

The U.S. VW folks say they kept the standard equipment list limited in order to keep down the cost of the three- or five-door hatch (the five-door is a $500 option). But the standard feature list is quite high, so don’t think all the models we get will be strippers. Official prices were not released at our initial test drive, but expect the car to start around $24,000, making it relative bargain in the front-drive sporty market.

So while this new GTI looks much like the fifth-generation car, every body panel (save for the roof) is different. The interior, likewise, is further refined with a better-looking center stack and chrome-trimmed gauge cluster. And yes, the plaid cloth seats are still part of the package. Some things from the ’70s just never go out of fashion.

The base transmission is a six-speed automatic with a six-speed dual-clutch tranny as an option. VW says a seventh gear, available on other VW models, is not necessary here because of the engine’s 207 lb-ft of torque. We sampled them and like both for different reasons. But if we're headed to our garage, we’d save the $1,200 (approximately) on the DSG and spend it elsewhere…the six-speed manual is damn good.

On our initial test drive of the car, we found it to be quick and fun to drive, which has long been the GTI’s trademark. A decent rumble is emitted from the twin tailpipes, and while 200 horsepower may seem anemic amidst all the 500-horsepower ground beaters available today--the car doesn’t lack for oomph.

The sixth-generation car features subtle changes from its immediate predecessor but can easily trace its lineage back several decades, and is a worthy successor to the hallowed GTI badge.

To read more visit the AutoWeek New car news, road tests, blogs, pix and expert insight section.

By: ROGER HART, via

Photo: NyTimes

GPS Car Finder

2009-03-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I have no sense of direction at all. They shudder in fear when we end up in gigantic parking lots which designate spaces something like this: "Galactica Building 13D, level 8, color rose, section lemon, aisle 19, row 799, space 17837a 12 rose." Coupled with the fact that I'm always running late, there's no time to jot down those complicated space designations. Result? At least half an hour of running around looking for the car, and once or twice, a false report to the police about my stolen car.

I also have to admit to being one of those obnoxious people who intentionally hits the alarm button on my car remote just so I can find my car. And there's a dog-paw ornament on my radio antenna, another distinguishing mark. And still I spend far too much time looking for my car. One day I will invent the ultimate car finding gadget.

For now, though, there's the little key-chain sized GPS Homing Device. This simple little device has just one function: it helps you find your way back to where you came from. It has a real GPS chip that locks down your location within 5 yards and when you're ready to go back, an on-screen arrow works with the built-in compass to guide you back. It's great for campers (not me), concert-goers looking for their seats after a beer run, or finding your blanket on the beach. I should never go anywhere without one.

Best part? Unlike the spy-gadget GPS devices that you attach to cars of suspected philanderers or teenagers, there's no setup, no service plan, no need to look up the location through the Internet (not that I know anything about those invasive spy devices, of course).

The GPS homing device is just $79.95 and available from Hammacher.

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze - First Drive Review

2009-03-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

We’ve had our share of Daewoo-engineered cars in North America. There was the late-1980s Pontiac LeMans, the forgettable Suzuki Reno and Forenza, and Chevrolet’s uninspired Aveo econobox—all products of the Korean automaker. And don’t forget the actual Daewoo-badged cars that were sold here. Why give the Korean company another chance?

Unfazed by criticism of previous Daewoo-designed cars, GM gave the Koreans design leadership for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact car. A true world car to be sold around the globe, the Cruze will take the place of the Cobalt in Chevy’s U.S. lineup. Moreover, the Cruze is the first iteration of GM’s Delta II platform, which will host a number of new, global vehicles, including the Chevrolet Orlando MPV, the next-gen Opel/Vauxhall Astra, and an upcoming Buick version of the Astra.

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2009 Dodge Ram

2009-03-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

There are some amazing deals on 2008 Dodge Rams right now. That’s because dealers are trying to clear floor space to make room for the new 2009 Dodge Ram truck.

Ram trucks are currently available with up to $7,500 worth of incentives, according to Edmunds.com. That figure includes the value of low-rate financing deals as well as manufacturer-to-dealer incentives that won’t be seen directly by consumers.

That’s a lot of money. But keep in mind that the 2009 Ram truck will be loaded up with a slew of improvements that could make it worth waiting for, especially when you consider that those features will likely drive down the resale value of the 2008 model.

Besides optional RamBox lockable, water-tight storage bins built into the bed walls, the ‘09 Ram also features a revolutionary coil-spring rear suspension. Other trucks on the market have leaf-springs, which have been standard for years. Using coil springs results in a nicer ride and better handling.

The 2009 Ram also features a much-improved interior with richer-looking materials and a nice solidly-built feel, not to mention even more cleverly designed storage spaces inside to hide away more stuff.

Estimated Price: $21,270 - $43,240

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The History of Ferrari

2009-03-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ferrari SPA is one of the leading Italian sport car manufacturers, with its headquarters in Maranello, Italy. Established in 1928, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company was named after Enzo Ferrari, its founder. The company started its operation by sponsoring drivers and started manufacturing race cars later on. It began the production of street-legal vehicles in the year 1947 only. Today, Ferrari is one of the established names in Formula One racing.

Interesting Information On Origin Of Ferrari:

With its headquarters in Modena, Scuderia Ferrari was established by Enzo Ferrari to sponsor the amateur drivers. Until 1938, Ferrari sponsored many drivers to race in Alfa Romeo cars. In the same year, Enzo was offered the position of the head of the motor racing department by Alfa Romeo. In 1941, Fascist government of Benito Mussolini took over Alfa Romeo, because of the Axis Powers’ war effort. Although Enzo’s Scuderia was not affected by the confiscation, its contract for racing was prohibited for the next four years.

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2009 Toyota RAV4 LTD 4X4 Review

2009-03-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Toyota RAV4 is a well-designed crossover/mini SUV that offers a great deal in a smaller package. For example, we found that the RAV4 offered roominess all around – the front sweats, the second row seats and the cargo area. Since we used the RAV4 for some extensive long-distance commuting, we found the ride quality to be excellent.

New to the RAV4 lineup this year is a 2.5-liter inline four cylinder engine that’s rated at 179 horsepower. While we felt the engine was peppy enough for most driving situations, and was strong enough to make entering highways a non-threatening situation, we fe lt the overall economy was poor. We drove more than 900 miles with more than 75 percent of that on Interstates, yet we could only achieve 25.1 mpg overall. Granted, this was close to the EPA estimate of 27 mpg highway, we still felt it was lower than we expected. We all expect fours to be noisy on acceleration, but this engine had a buzz to it most of the time.

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2010 Lexus RX 450H Review

2009-03-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a day in northern California testdriving the new Lexus RX 450h, and as you might expect, it's a rolling encyclopedia of new-car tech. We'll do our best to explain it all in thumbnails, but suffice to say, it's a capable and civilized alternative to your run-of-the-mill crossover rigs.

The heart of the RX is the time-proven Toyota 2GR 3.5L V-6 (a variant of which Lotus will be using next year on its GT4 Supersport race cars), which has been refined for this application with the addition of an EGR system for improved emissions and cooling, and an exhaust heat recovery system to aid in quicker heat-up times (i.e., cold-start conditions). The motor also runs an Atkinson-style combustion cycle (the power stroke is longer than the compression stroke), which helps to achieve greater fuel economy and thermal efficiencies at the expense of horsepower. How to remedy? In the RX's case, two ways.

Chevrolet Aveo LT 1.4

2009-03-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

You know what this car reminds me of? The girl at school who was virtually invisible in class, wore clothes five years behind the fashions, and spent her weekends doing jigsaw puzzles. Little Miss Average. I’m sure she was perfectly pleasant; it’s just that nobody wanted to be her friend. I bet you knew someone like that. Feeling guilty that you didn’t pay her more attention? Well, here’s your chance to make up for it. Buy a Chevrolet Aveo, the automotive equivalent of Little Miss Average.

Based heavily on the Daewoo Kalos, the Aveo is, well, pretty average really. But then there are many drivers out there who just want to get from A to B, without too much hassle and too much expense. There’s nothing wrong with that - it enabled Daewoo/Chevrolet to sell over 440,000 Kalos models in Europe since 2002. The Aveo looks okay, with the old Kalos lines brought slightly more up to date with styling touches taken from the Chevrolet Epica and Captiva. Pick one of the jaunty colours such as Highway Yellow and, at a quick glance, it looks like it was really quite trendy about three years ago.

Inside the LT version we tested, there’s been a distinct upgrade from the poor finish of the Kalos but it’s all still a little plasticky, dark, uninspiring and way behind the standards seen elsewhere in this sector. It’s a comfortable ride, if a little soft and unresponsive once you steer it away from the city, and there’s a reasonable amount of space for passengers, even long-legged ones. You’ll struggle to get loads of luggage into the 220-litre boot - but superminis aren’t meant to be great load-luggers.

2009 Mazda Tribute

2009-03-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

For the Mazda Tribute’s 2008 redesign, its largest to date, the theme seemed to be more for less — more power, more handling and more standard features, all for less money.

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, Mazda seems to be paying plenty of attention to its customers. The 2009 model features some nice revisions over the 2008.

Out goes the 153-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder that has been the staple Mazda engine in a good chunk of its lineup, in favour of a new 171-horsepower, 2.5L four-cylinder. The 3.0L V6 sees power jump from 200 hp all the way to 240 hp.

Despite the power boosts, both engines produce a slight increase in fuel economy, primarily because of the new smooth-shifting Ford six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on the V6 and optional on the I4.

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2009 Mazda 6 Review

2009-03-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

All is can say is ‘NICE! When I first laid eyes on the newly redesigned, midsized, family sedan, I was intrigued. The folks at Mazda had taken a midsized sedan that once totally lacked visual excitement and transformed it into a vehicle that received nods of approval from young and old.

The new shape of the 2009 Mazda 6 makes ya look—it's bold, sleek, aggressive—all complimentary adjectives that make for a winning design. The front end is nicely stylized with upswept headlights and muscular quarter panels. From the rear, the car has a clean look--sport-type combination taillights, chrome sculpted dual exhaust outlets (standard on three trims), the vehicle really exudes a more expensive look. The Mazda 6 offers a larger wheelbase and the longer, girthier overall look definitely gives this sedan some well-deserved street cred (ergo, the more-than-I could-count nods of approval as I drove by)

2009 Honda All New Jazz

2009-03-23T11:06:00.001-07:00

Honda’s well-timed introduction of the second-generation 2009 Fit (Also known as Honda Jazz) appeals to a market base that goes beyond buyers who are looking for small-car gas-sipping reliability and affordability.

In fact, Honda says research shows the subcompact market will grow 12 percent over the next five years. Buyers moving into this segment are not just first-time car buyers, but well educated and wealthier fuel-conscious buyers, too.

Some of the reasons for this move are that many of the small cars in this segment are quality vehicles. They are loaded with amenities, safety and convenience options, making the small segment attractive to a larger pool of buyers. Your future car purchase very likely could be a small car.

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Peugeot 407 SW

2009-03-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Peugeot’s 407 SW has been refreshed for 2009 but the updates are subtle in the extreme: a new ‘SR’ model, an attractive ‘Piano Black’ finish to the centre console, a new RT5 sat nav, plus the mildest cosmetic facelift. Other than that, nothing much has changed, which is no bad thing: ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.

It’s a good-looking car. The 407 was the first Peugeot to incorporate the feline styling now so associated with the brand, and the new version continues the theme and sexes it up a little. It’s sleek, with acres of glass making it bright inside and stylish outside. The redesigned front air-intake adds a more performance feel, while the estate car’s tauter rear end and funky lights have the same effect. As with the very best facelifts, the 407 now looks well rested and a little more youthful, without being dramatically different. But it’s not all about good looks: there’s a feeling of strength and enhanced quality which distinguishes it from its predecessor.

Inside, that quality feel continues. The seats are outstandingly comfortable, and the new climate control system (standard on even the base models) is a welcome touch. The new Piano Black finish to the centre console (SE and GT models) and increased use of chrome are very attractive and add to the sense of style, and that vast panoramic dark glass roof (SE and GT models) is a real head-turner - and I like the nifty electric roof blind. And there’s plenty of space; five adults can travel in it without being squashed, although they may need to restrict their luggage somewhat as the cargo space is adequate rather than cavernous. The tailgate has a split opening, and the rear seats split and can fold flat which, with the lack of a centre tunnel, provides a good load area when you have fewer passengers.

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Most Expensive Car: Aston Martin One-77

2009-03-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin’s latest car, One-77, has become the World’s Most Expensive Car beating the earlier crown holder, the Bugatti Veyron.

At 2.3 million dollar, the hand held coupe has dethroned the 1.4 million dollars Veyron and it’s more expensive roadster sibling as the world’s most expensive rides.

Having built only 77 pieces, One-77 will be exclusively available to those, who according to Aston Martin, are not buying a car, but An Experience.

The company reportedly has identified 500 or so potential customers and will bring a One-77 to their homes.

However, the bookies at William Hill Casinos have opened betting and David Beckham is their 9-4 favourite to be first in line. Singer Jay Kay of Jamiroquai is second at 3-1, while the odds on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich stand at 7-2.

The decision to build just 77 has reportedly stemmed from Bez’s belief that seven is a lucky number.

It is reported that buyers would be invited to the factory in Gaydon, where designers and engineers can help them get the car designed according to their specifications.

“It’s a very special car for customers who want to take the bespoke experience to a higher level. Every car will be entirely individual,” The Wired News quoted company chairman David Richard, as telling Autocar.

It is believed that the project to make One-77, a codename for the as-yet-unnamed coupe, started about 15 months ago.

The car boasts of hand-hammered aluminum bodywork and covers a carbon fiber chassis and a 7.0-liter V12 engine, which is said to produce 650 horsepower. Top speed is estimated at 220 mph and 60 mph arrives in 3.5 seconds.

It is believed that future Astons will make greater use of carbon fiber and other advancements developed for the One-77.

via: Sport Car

Hyundai i20

2009-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Korean automaker Hyundai Motors’ new ‘i20′ sub compact car will have its world premier at the upcoming Paris Motor Show - the ‘Mondial de l`automobile’

The all new five-door ‘i20′, designed at the company’s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, will ride on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor the Getz and will be produced at the Chennai plant, a company release said.

The other cars to be displayed at the Paris show include its premium sedan ‘Genesis’, seven-seater ‘ix55′ SUV, petrol-Electric hybrid Santa Fe model, ‘i20′ blue low emission concept car, coupes and environment friendly cars, the release said. Hyundai ‘i20′ is expected to enter the European market at 2008-end, the release said.

via

Lexus RX350: The True Performer

2009-03-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Lexus RX 350 is a prestigious product from Lexus, the manufacturing house of world class vehicles. This is top selling SUV which ranks no.1 among other same segment vehicles. What is outstanding about this car is the superior technology used for both the interior and exterior to stylize it and also to maximize the performance. The 2009 RX 350 is a carryover from 2008.

Dynamic Laser Cruise Control in the car uses laser technology to help monitor and maintain a pre-set following distance between your vehicle and the one traveling just ahead. To help others see your vehicle during daylight hours, it comes equipped with automatic daytime running lights. Features such as 17-inch alloy wheels and an integrated rear spoiler make this SUV more aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing.

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New Megani Will Rival Leaders

2009-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

RENAULT is claiming top quality will make its new Megane a rival to the supposedly class-leading VW Golf when it goes on sale.

The radical and, from the rear, decidedly ugly look of the present Megane is gone, making way for a much more conventional and rounded shape.

The five door hatch will be available in November but, eventually, there will apparently be six different body styles on offer - probably including saloon, estate and coupe-convertible models.

Renault believes comfort will be better than in the current model thanks to new suspension and a more responsive power steering system. The present car?s steering has been criticised by many.

Five diesel engines will be available from launch, with power from 84 to 128bhp and all but the highest powered will emit less than 120g/km of carbon dioxide.

Petrol engines will range from 98 -177bhp with others to be added later.

Interior

Equipment includes seatbelt reminder warnings for all five seats, tyre-pressure-monitoring, auto headlamps and wipers.

Emergency brake assist is also standard, but stability and understeer control are only options. Other safety should be second to none.

via

2010 BMW Z4 Review

2009-03-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

A first glance at the new BMW Z4 immediately shows that this is not a ‘Barbie car’. So you might be surprised to know that two young ladies designed the in- and exterior. Up till now, women are mainly involved in interior design of new models, but so far only one female exterior designer saw her work go into production. This time however, the complete car was designed by women.

Anders Warming, head of exterior design BMW Automobiles said: “It’s really unique in the industry: the first time women designed a complete car. And then, a roadster. For a designer that is the ultimate chance.”

The project for the new Z4 started with a character workshop for a large group of desinger and, as usual, continued with an the internal design competition among BMW’s stylists in Munich and California.

In the meantime, exterior designer Juliane Blasi(31), who started in 2003 as an intern in Munich and later got employed, had entered the competition and was sent to Designworks USA, BMW’s design studio in California.

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Volkswagen Scirocco

2009-03-22T00:59:00.000-07:00

Nearly thirty-four years after the debut of the original, a brand-new Volkswagen Scirocco is set to revive the slumbering compact coupe segment. The project was initiated by former brand chief Wolfgang Bernhard, who was so good at cutting costs that the Scirocco isn’t significantly more expensive than the corresponding Golf/Rabbit. In fact, in Europe, the top-of-the-line Scirocco costs about the same as the two-door GTI and uses its 200-hp turbocharged engine.

More About Volkswagen Scirocco

New Nissan GT-R, No Speed Limit

2009-03-22T00:58:00.000-07:00

The Nissan GT-R is one impressive piece of automotive machinery.

It will represent the most expensive Nissan ever sold in the United States, but the legendary GT-R marque has long since been missing from North American dealerships. As impressive as the Nissan GT-R powerplant may be, the engineers had to slap on a speed limiter for some reason. But you can crack that so-called “uncrackable” speed limiter.

At its very heart, the Nissan GT-R gets powered by a 3.4L V6 mated to a pair of turbochargers. This allows the all-wheel-drive sports coupe to go from zero to 60mph in a mere 3.5 seconds. I guess having 473 horsepower at your beck and call helps. While the car is capable of going up to 193mph, the speed limiter brings this down to just 112mph.

Nissan said that the limiter, which is basically encryption on the ECU, is “very sophisticated and difficult to crack.” I guess it wasn’t really that hard because COBB tuner of the USA has already done it. They’re still ironing out the details, but by the time the GT-R launches, they’ll be ready to tune to the GT-R ECU to your liking, speed limiter or not.

Source:
newlaunches.com

Rally Car: 2008 Subaru WRX Imprezza

2009-03-22T00:56:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the rally circuit, there are very few cars that are quite as legendary as the Subaru Impreza WRC.

With the recent facelift, some have said that the Impreza has become too bland. They say that it has lost its edge. When you throw on some huge rims, an aggressive wing, and plenty of vinyl stickers, however, you start to see a car that’s bred for racing.

Shown here is the all-new Subaru Impreza WRC2008 rally car. It has been equipped by BOS dampers and all sorts of other performance upgrades that will prepare the car for another jumping, drifting, speeding to the finish line kind of year. The WRC2008 car was previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but now we’re getting a little closer to the final specs.

Keep an eye out for this mean machine in action soon. It will be piloted by Peter Solberg and Chris Atkinson.

Source: HT Longue, techeblog.com

2009 Honda Fit - Also Known as Honda Jazz

2009-03-22T00:54:00.000-07:00

Though fuel prices have gone down a bit over the past few weeks, it seems “fuelish” that consumers would go back to their big SUV, gas-guzzling ways. If you need utility for five in a great, small package, you should strongly consider the 2009 Honda Fit (known as Honda Jazz).

The Fit is now in its second generation, and the 2009 model is all-new. The new Fit features a “super-forward” design that pushes the wheels out to the corners, offering a spacious interior that belies its diminutive exterior dimensions. A new larger windshield and large front quarter windows ensure a clear, unobstructed view to the front. Side and rear views are also very good - a safety feature sometimes overlooked by consumers on ten-minute test drives.

It should also be noted that despite Fit’s small size, it is a very safe platform. The introduction of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure contributes to enhanced safety and is combined with improvements to body rigidity for crisp handling and a surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride. Expect high marks for Fit in U.S. Government and insurance industry crash testing.

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Nissan Altima (Hybrid)

2009-03-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid is not exactly an auto enthusiast’s dream machine but I decided on it for the weekend because I knew I would be driving close to 200 miles in the course of those couple of days and I wanted to see just what kind of mileage this hybrid would achieve in the real world.

After driving about 175 miles-eighty percent of which was highway-I averaged about 33 mpg, which is the Altima Hybrid’s city mpg rating.

I was surprised that it wasn’t a bit better since my cruise was set at 75 mph or less for most of the trip. For a large portion of the drive, I was carrying over a hundred pounds in the trunk from a Costco run so it’s possible that this extra weight brought the number down. Luckily, I skipped the thirty-six-roll paper towel and the 100-pound dog food because the trunk is surprisingly small for such a big car.

2010 Ford Mustang

2009-03-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

Twenty-one hundred rpm. That’s about the perfect engine speed at which to launch the new 2010 Ford Mustang GT — at least one equipped with the optional $1495 Track Package, which includes a shorter 3.73 rear axle, a significantly racier ratio compared with the standard 3.31 or even the available 3.55.

Spark the gas, and the 315-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8’s 24 valves grumblingly sigh to life. A “Good Morning,” it seems from Ford’s significantly revamped racehorse.

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New Toyota Prius is Solar Powered

2009-03-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

With the rapidly rising cost of fuel, just driving a hybrid may not be enough to alleviate the burden on your wallet anymore. Going just a little greener is Toyota, because word is that the Japanese automaker will start selling a version of the Prius hybrid equipped with solar panels starting next year.

This has not yet been confirmed by Toyota itself, but the news does come from the Nikkei, a respected business paper in Japan. The next-generation Toyota Prius, which may or may not feature a complete redesign, will be offered with solar panels lining the roof. These panels will be sourced from Kyocera and they will provide some power to the air conditioning system.

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