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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Chevrolet Camaro SS Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Eaton TVS Supercharger The limited edition
Another one comes from Hendrick Motorsports, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Hendrick will be rolling out 25 of these fully loaded SS Camaros, with each having a price tag of $76,181.
Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR racing organization has commissioned Callaway Cars to develop and build a limited edition run of Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary 2010 Camaro SS vehicles. The 25th anniversary Camaro will include a host of engine, body and interior modifications.
Under the hood power hasbeen increased from 426 to 582 by way of Callaway's Eaton TVS series supercharger, high-flow air filtration system, low-restriction exhaust system and engine tune.
with some engine management tuning as well as a new air filter and sport exhaust system.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs,shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.
Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.This very exclusive Hendrick Motorsports vehicle is pricey but there are bound to be enthusiasts willing to part with their cash for this collector’s item.
The limited edition model will be tagged inside and out with 25th Anniversary badges for the silver Camaro SS. The 25 cars will be made available for sale after the SEMA show through Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet of San Diego, California and three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships in North Carolina, Georgia and Kansas.
Friday, October 30, 2009
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2010 Buick LaCrosse Hits the Track
GM officially took the wraps off the all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
Here are two videos of the new LaCrosse. One is of the designers and engineers discussing the new LaCrosse and the other shows the LaCrosse in action.
The 2010 LaCrosse is powered by either a 255 horsepower 3.0L V6 or a 280 horsepower 3.6L V6. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive is available.
Mitsubishi Releases Sketch of Upcoming Compact Crossover Based on the Concept-cX
The new compact crossover, which will be smaller than the current Outlander will be released first in Japan in February 2010. It's expected to be offered in the US later in 2010.
PRESS RELEASE:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces all-new Compact Crossover - Game Changer
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces today the forthcoming introduction of its all-new on-road Compact Crossover, to be retailed first in Japan from February 2010 onwards.
Derived from the much-acclaimed 2007 Concept-cX show car, it is the latest development of MMC's mid-size global platform ("Project Global").
This most important product will further support Mitsubishi Motors' strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers*, with a presence in the "authentic off-roader" segment** - itself pre-empting structural changes in market demand.
As such - and after i-MiEV - this on-road Compact Crossover will be the Corporation's next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature.
The European premiere is scheduled for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
Acura has Announced the Euro Accord Wagon will come to the US as the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon
For those of us that have been complaining that Honda didn't choose to offer the Euro Accord wagon in the US instead of the 2010 Accord Crosstour, you can stop your whining. Acura has confirmed that the Euro Honda Accord wagon will be offered in the US in 2011 as the Acura TSX sport wagon.
Acura didn't release any other info about the new sport wagon and it's not known what will be changed from the Euro version, hopefully not much. It is slated to arrive in the fall of 2010.
PRESS RELEASE:
All-New TSX Sport Wagon to Arrive in Fall of 2010
10/28/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
Acura announced today the addition of a TSX sport wagon to its 2011 vehicle lineup. Arriving at Acura dealerships in the Fall of 2010, the TSX sport wagon will be based on the popular TSX sports sedan, which features balanced performance, advanced technology and bold styling. Additional information on the 2011 TSX sport wagon will be announced at a later date.
For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Next-Gen Honda Civic Reportedly Will be Smaller, Lighter and More Fuel-Efficient
The Honda Civic has consistently remained near the top of the sales charts for years, but according to the latest reports, product chief Tsuneo Tanai has told engineers to go back to the drawing board for the next Civic. When gas prices spiked and the economy took a nose dive, the Civic was in high demand. It even managed to become the best selling vehicle in the US in May 2008. But Tanai is obviously not satisfied with the current state of the Civic and has ordered that the new Civic needs to be smaller, cheaper, lighter and more fuel efficient.
The change for the Civic was reportedly ordered last year, so it is not certain what this will mean for the next Civic which was expected to be unveiled at the end of 2010 as a 2011 model. Hopefully there won't be much of a delay since the Civic is going to have to go head to head with the next Focus and Chevy Cruze.
Nissan Unveils Sketches of its Future Global Compact Car
Nissan hasn't announced if the car will make it to the US where it would slot in below the Versa in Nissan's lineup. Although from these sketches it's much better looking than the Versa.
PRESS RELEASE:
Nissan Unveils Sketch of its Future Global Compact Car
YOKOHAMA (Oct. 1, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed the sketch of its global compact car. This model will be initially launched in Thailand in March 2010 and will be available in more than 150 countries.
At the same time, Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. announced that the model will qualify as Thailand's first "Eco-car." Thai Eco-car government policy is effective today and will help promote the development of energy efficient vehicles.
Bugatti Galibier Gets the Green Light and a $1.4 Million Price Tag
Bugatti unveiled the 16C Galibier Concept in Frankfurt last month and reportedly it has been given the green light for production according to Auto Express.
The four-door concept features a 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine borrowed from the Veyron, which will be detuned to 800 horsepower and mated to a conventional eight speed transmission. It's estimated that the Galibier would reach a top speed of 220 mph.
If these reports are true expect to see the Galibier's release in 2013 with a price tag of £900,000 price tag, which is about $1.4 million.
GMC Terrain is Not Going to be Offered with a Diesel or Denali Version
The general manager for Buick GMC, Susan Docherty recently did a web chat on the GM FastLane blog where she stated that the new GMC Terrain is not going to be offered with a diesel engine or a Denali version.
Docherty also stated that GM has no plans to produce a Buick version of the Chevy Equinox/ GMC Terrain. GM originally planned to produce a Buick version, but pulled the plug in late August due to negative feedback. Docherty called out the early success of the Terrain by announcing that there has been limited availability, which should improve in October.
Full Story: Inside LineAudi e-Tron Electric Car Gets the Green Light
Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen has confirmed that an electric vehicle based on the e-Tron concept that debuted in Frankfurt will be on the market in two to three years.
"I expect we will see running examples in the next 24 months," he says.
The e-Tron concept is powered by four individual electric motors, one on each axle. Audi says that the concept is capable of traveling 154 miles thanks to its lithium-ion battery. The e-Tron concept features styling that is similar to the R8, but is shorter with different front and rear fascias.Saturn Will Officially be Done in Four Months
According to Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of U.S. sales, GM has about 12,000 Saturns currently in its inventory.
"We sold about 3,000 Saturns last month, so that's about a four-month supply if you maintain that selling pace," LaNeve said. "I don't think [the canceled sale of the brand] will affect our total 2010 production rate at all."
Honda's CEO Says "Hyundai is Awesome"
"Hyundai is awesome," said Takanobu. "They are undoubtedly a threat because their products are cheap, and the quality is improving."
Hyundai's sales have been improving, while many of its other competitors have seen its sales decline in the last year. Obviously new products like the Genesis are changing the perception of the brand and it's no longer seen as the throw away car brand of the 80's.
Tokyo 09' Preview: Toyota FT-86 Concept...Toyota and Subaru's New RWD Coupe
We've been hearing for a while that Toyota and Subaru have been working on a new rear-wheel-drive coupe together. Well here is our first look at the concept that is going to be unveiled this month in Tokyo.
The concept is inspired by the Corolla-based AE86 sports coupe of the 1980's and was designed in France. It is powered by a 2.0L boxer engine from Subaru that sends the power to the rear wheels.
The production version is expected to be unveiled sometime next year with sales starting at the end of 2011. The expected starting price is around $20,000.
PRESS RELEASE:
1. FT-86 Concept (world premiere)
The FT-86 ("86" pronounced "hachi roku"), a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car, provides driving joy and excitement.
* Compact design gives driver greater control, while body's lightness and low center of gravity allow racecar-like handling
* Both power and environmental performance provided by 2-liter boxer engine and light body
* Flash Red body color contains hint of blue; interior expresses modern feel with minimal coverage of the highly refined structural components evoking enthusiasm for cruising
Vehicle Length Width Height Wheelbase Seating
FT-86 Concept 4,160 mm 1,760 mm 1,260 mm 2,570 mm 4
Honda Releases Interior Photos of the 2010 Accord Crosstour
Honda has released interior photos of the controversial 2010 Accord Crosstour.
Honda describes the interior of the Accord Crosstour as "versatile" with its one touch lever, which is used to fold the rear seats from the cargo area and under floor hidden storage area. The dashboard is pretty much right out of the sedan version.
Does the interior help you like this car any better than before?
In addition to the release of more photos, Honda has confirmed that the Accord Crosstour will come standard with a 3.5L V6 with 4-wheel-drive being optional. Honda has yet to release the final specs, but the vehicle will be on sale in November.
PRESS RELEASE:
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Interior Offers Innovation in Space Utilization
V-6 engine standard, four-wheel drive available
10/06/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour will feature a versatile, upscale 5-passenger interior with an innovative rear storage area, a standard 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine and available four-wheel drive when it goes on sale in November, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
"Honda has a longstanding reputation for maximizing interior space and utility in its vehicles," said Erik Berkman, vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Like the award-winning Honda Fit, the Accord Crosstour uses a versatile design to create an interior that functions with the practicality of a larger vehicle."
The rear storage area features an innovative 8-inch deep under-floor Hidden Removable Utility Box with a reversible lid, featuring both plush-carpeted and durable-plastic sides. Levers near the interior fender wells, conveniently accessible from the tailgate opening, allow for one-touch conversion of the seats into the floor for additional cargo space.
The interior design is intended to enhance the feeling of width and space in the passenger cabin while creating a premium and accommodating atmosphere. The inset sculpting of the instrument panel along with a wide center console increases the sense of roominess. Intuitively grouped controls for the audio, climate and available navigation system are designed to operate with solidity and precision.
The exterior styling evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality.
The Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when it goes on sale in November. Additional details will be announced later in the year. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/future-cars. Additional media information regarding all Honda products is available at www.hondanews.com.
Porsche Exec States Creating a Budget Porsche is Top Priority
Volkswagen unveiled the Bluesport Concept earlier this year. The two-seater mid-engine roadster is powered by a 2.0L diesel. If a Porsche version is for sure in the works, expect it to share most of its mechanicals with the VW version.
US-Spec 2011 Ford Fiesta to Debut at LA Auto Show
This December we will finally get our first look at the US-spec Ford Fiesta that has been on sale in Europe since last year. We've seen the Fiesta all over the internet, print, television, etc., but those Fiesta's were never US-spec. The Fiesta destined for the US will have a slightly different look thanks to our different crash standards.
The Fiesta is the number two best-selling car in Europe, with almost 340,000 units sold since it was launched last autumn.
The official unveiling of the Fiesta in December marks the culmination of the first phase of the Fiesta Movement, which has led to more than 50,000 hand-raisers for the Fiesta, 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a Ford.
"This is the perfect time to show the North American Fiesta," said Sam De La Garza, Ford Fiesta marketing manager. "The Fiesta Movement will have wrapped up, and after hearing so much about this car leading up to the reveal, everyone will finally get to see what we are so excited about."
The 2011 Fiesta is set to arrive in showrooms by next summer.
Xmas is Here! Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition Unveiled
Just in time for your the start of your holiday shopping Jaguar is releasing a limited edition XJL Supercharged that will be featured in this year's Neiman Marcus catalog. Only 50 of the limited edition 2010 Jaguar XJL sedans will be sold.
The 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition starts with the extended wheelbase XJL equipped with the 470-hp 5.0L V8 and adds exclusive Celestial Black paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside there is a special nameplate that marks the car as one of the special 50 produced.
If you can wait a little longer, the XJ will be on sale in early 2010.
Study: Small Car Buyers are Having Buyers Remorse
Gas prices are not quite as high as they were last year, which is part of the explanation for why truck sales have rebounded from last year. Car buyers have all but forgotten how painful it was to see near $5 prices and have moved back into larger vehicles. According to the latest figures subcompact car sales are off 15 percent year to date and compact cars are off 28.5 percent. Popular small cars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit sales are down 41 percent and 8.2 percent respectively.
It get's worse for the small car market, according to a new study by AutoPacific, small car buyers are not happy with their small cars.
"This is buyer's remorse," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, "What they said in the study is they want a bigger car. They bought a fuel efficient car, but now they're saying, 'It does what I want, but it doesn't have what I want. It doesn't have the features, the power, the room, and next time I'll opt for a bigger car.' "
AutoPacific found that 30 percent of current small car owners would like more power in their next car, while 25 percent would like more cargo room. When asked what they would likely buy next, 49 percent of the smallest car owners said they would likely buy a compact car, while 35 percent would buy a midsize car.
"Our research indicates that American car buyers are definitely willing to buy a more fuel-efficient car but that they don't want it to be much smaller than what they are driving today," said Peterson. "Tomorrow's successful small car won't be tiny. It will be reasonably sized, have increased fuel economy, adequate performance and a full load of customer features."
So what does all this mean? Well unless gas prices dramatically rise again, many car buyers in the US are going to continue to flock toward larger vehicles since they offer the room, features and power that many buyers are looking for. It will be interesting to see what happens when new small cars like the much anticipated Ford Fiesta hits the US.
Full Story: NewsChief
DeLorean to Ressurrect the Pontiac Solstice?
Apparenly DeLorean's founder had a long history with Pontiac, so it's current management is speculating if their founder would have tried to save it.
"JZD always said that the best memories of his automotive career were at Pontiac, and that connection between JZD and Pontiac is probably one of the better known associations among car enthusiasts," said James Espey, Vice President of the DeLorean Motor Company.
Currently the company has a Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe in its possession for evaluation. DeLorean has also released the drawings you see here.
Infiniti Confirms M35 Hybrid for 2012 Model Year
Infiniti virtually unveiled the 2011 Infiniti M at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August and today the automaker revealed plans for the introduction of the 2012 M35 Hybrid and its JDM equivalent the Nissan Fuga.
Infiniti's first hybrid, the M35 hybrid will not rely on Toyota's technology like the Nissan Altima hybrid, but rather a new internally developed hybrid system. The M35 hybrid will be Infiniti's cleanest and most fuel efficient model. It will primarily be powered by a 3.5L V6 that sends the power to the rear wheels. Infiniti claims that the hybrid components will only add to the driving experience and not take away from it, like most other hybrids. The electric motor is powered by a laminated lithium-ion battery that holds twice the power of nickel-metal hydride batteries and cools twice as fast because it's lamination.
The Infiniti M is expected to go on sale early next year as a 2011 model, with the hybrid following a year later as a 2012 model.
PRESS RELEASE:
10.07.2009 , Franklin, Tenn.
Infiniti Confirms M35 Hybrid Production
Infiniti today confirmed that its first production hybrid vehicle will be part of the recently announced line of 2011 Infiniti M luxury performance sedans, which are scheduled to go on sale in spring 2010 at Infiniti dealers nationwide. The Infiniti M35 hybrid is expected to arrive about 12 months later as a 2012 model. It is Infiniti's first hybrid in its 20-year existence, as well as the cleanest and most economical car in Infiniti's history.
Realizing the high performance/low emissions promise of the recent Infiniti Essence concept car, the M35 Hybrid has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti's appeal. The M35 Hybrid is based on the all-new M, which itself picks up styling cues from Essence, the show-stopper that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show early in 2009.
The M35 Hybrid maintains a high performance luxury sedan profile, overlaying it with the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller car, while delivering driving flair to please any enthusiast - complete with charismatic V6 and rear-wheel drive handling.
Infiniti's hybrid system, developed solely within Infiniti's parent group, is a single electric motor/twin clutch arrangement. Innovatively, the first clutch is installed between the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The result of this configuration, where all components act on a single prop shaft to the rear differential, is a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and the "direct responses" that the engineers sought.
The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in "power assist" mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. Along with charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The M Hybrid can also run solely on its electric motor in certain driving conditions, furthering fuel efficiency and optimizing energy usage across the widest possible range of driving conditions. Details of driving range, performance and transmission will be released later.
As expected of Infiniti, several new technologies are introduced in the new M35 Hybrid, including a "laminated" lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack that is the same size as conventional batteries but offers twice the power. Lamination enhances the pack's cooling performance, while temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional battery reliability.
The M35 Hybrid joins conventional engine-equipped 2011 M versions - including a new high-performance diesel V6 for Western Europe - as the first Ms to be sold across all of Infiniti's world markets, currently 33 countries. All of the new-generation Infiniti M models are on target to beat their predecessors on fuel consumption and emissions - despite across-the-board performance improvements - thanks to a range of efficiency-enhancing measures.
Honda CR-Z Will Only be Offered as a Hybrid
"This will definitely only be a hybrid," a source said. "The whole direction of Honda is hybrids and this car is designed all around a hybrid powertrain. The car isn't boring; it is responsive and fun."
Although the CR-Z has been dubbed the spiritual successor to the much-loved CR-X from the 80's, it's not going to be offered with a high revving conventional engine.