Subaru launches new Impreza WRX STI Spec C in Japan

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C, based on the Impreza WRX STI, has got several improvements and was launched in Japan lately, with sales begin this week. Only 900 models will be built and it's not clear that whether the Spec C will be available in other markets.

One of the important performance enhancements on the Spec C is a newly tuned Engine Control Unit, which includes enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body derived from the automaker’s motorsports program. The turbocharger also gets new ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU program was exclusively tuned. These changes result in a torque to 422 Nm, while the power still maintains 305HP.

Subaru also optimized the suspension, springs, and fuel pump. As a result, the chassis offers stable and linear driving control even when traction reaches its limits. Meanwhile the rear Limited Slip Differential can be switched to a mechanical unit to improve traction in the corners. Furthermore, the adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window panels and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further improves the model’s driving performance.

When talking of the weight, the Subaru Spec C features an unspecified weight reduction, previously rumored to be in the range of 70kg.

Besides, 18-inch lightweight alloys wheels come standard with the addition of a flat tire repair kit instead of a full-sized spare, and the 17-inch alloys are available as an option. The wheels have seven double spokes, and are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires which improve cornering, and increase grip.

The car comes in two new exclusive colors: Sunrise Yellow and Pure White. Other standard equipments include gold Brembo brake calipers. Alcantara and leather mixed Recaro seats are available as an option.

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost official details in depth

We have reported about the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost formerly. Now Rolls-Royce has announced official performance specifications for the highly anticipated 2010 Ghost, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Under the hood, the 2010 Ghost gets a 6.6L turbocharged V12 engine, paired up with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox. The V12 engine produces 563 hp (420 kW) and 780 Nm (575lb-ft) of torque at a low 1500 rpm, which makes the car more powerful than the Phantom despite being positioned below it. Top speed will be limited to 155 mph, with a 0-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds (4.8 in North America, the company notes).

The Ghost features a Phantom-inspired styling in a smaller version. While the Phantom's dimensions stretch to around 5,834 mm, the Ghost will measure in at 5,399mm in length, 1,948mm across, stand 1,550mm in height, and 3295mm in wheelbase. Inside there will be generous seating for five adults.

Rolls-Royce has also confirmed that the car will make use of the very latest developments in chassis engineering, including a new four corner air suspension system matched to multi-link aluminum front and rear axle geometry. A new chassis management system will also be fitted and is designed to control the car’s anti-roll stabilization and the suspension stiffness to ensure the best possible comfort for occupants. In a result, the fully integrated system allows each of the Rolls Royce Ghost’s dynamic handling systems to work together in harmony, providing the optimum levels of refinement and comfort at all times.

“First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery. This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience." According to Rolls-Royce's Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl.

“Rolls-Royce power is entirely different to anything else in the automotive world. It is delivered free from stress and exertion but at the same time must engage the driver. Rolls Royce Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road. Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Rolls Royce Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”

As we have previously reported, the Rolls-Royce Ghost will almost double production at the company’s factory in Goodwood in the UK. Till now, more than 10,000 people have already expressed interest in the new model. As for the price, Rolls-Royce also confirmed UK and European sales will begin in late 2009 with pricing from £165,000 and €213,000 respectively (excluding taxes and delivery charges). U.S. and Asia Pacific region sales will begin sometime during the second quarter of 2010, with pricing in North America at US$245,000 and Rest of World US$250,000.

Nissan introduces new navigation system with advanced technology

Nissan is introducing an enhanced automotive navigation system emphasizing Safer, Greener driving, which will be first available on the Nissan Fuga(also calls Infiniti M, will go on sale in Japan later this year and in the U.S. early next year.).

The new navigation system is designed to keep the driver aware of potentially dangerous driving conditions, by warning drivers of low-visibility intersections, school zones, and speed traps. Additionally, the system also calculates routes faster than previous sat-navs that Nissan has made available.

The navigation system will be the first production system to use intelligent transportation system (ITS) infrastructure and other advanced technologies to promote safer and greener driving. Besides the standard navigation functions, the system includes four new features: a low-visibility intersection warning system, a school zone alert, a navigation-linked speed control and more efficient route search and calculation functionality.

The navigation-linked speed control takes control of the engine and transmission when the driver approaches a tollbooth or sharp curve at a high rate of speed. The feature is already available on the Nissan Eco series.

Of most interest is the low-visibility intersection warning system. The latest system uses a beacon that works in sync with a number of other sensors located around the general road infrastructure. Using information transmitted from this network, drivers can receive audible and display warnings when approaching some low-visibility intersections. The driver can decide whether the information is necessary to act on or not, depending on driving conditions.

Nissan is hopeful the advanced warning system will cut down on the number of traffic accidents and roadside fatalities.

Mercedes Benz E-Class range adds new CDI and CGI BlueEFFICIENCY engines

Mercedes Benz is expanding its new 2010 E-Class engine lineup with two economical four-cylinder models: the E200 CDI turbodiesel and E200 CGI petrol model. One diesel and one petrol. Both cars are labeled as BlueEFFICIENCY models. However, buyers have to wait until September since both models will go on sale in Europe this September. And they are unlikely to be sold in U.S. showrooms.

The E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY gets a 2.1L engine with an output of 136hp (100kW), and achieves as much as 45mpg (5.2L/100km) in fuel economy. The model reaches 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds. A respectable top speed of 210 km/h is achievable, but the automaker does not mention how long it takes to get to that speed.

The petrol powered E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, meanwhile, generated 184hp (135kW) from its 1.8L engine and achieves a fuel economy of 32.6mpg (7.2L/100km). To further aid fuel economy, the cars also come with engine stop start technology as standard for models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The model uses 7.2 liters of fuel per 100 km, while also increasing CO2 emissions to 169 grams per km. Top speed reaches 232 km/h.

Both the two models feature direct injection, and adjustable intake & exhaust camshafts. One of the main features of the new diesel engine is latest-generation common-rail direct injection.

Pricing for the E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY begins at €38,734.50, while the E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY begins at €39,508.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider: the most expensive Alfa Romeo ever

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is highly beloved and almost universally admired. Now Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, the open-air version of the 8C Competizione, is coming. Set to begin deliveries by January in U.S. next year, the 8C Spider will be offered at a limited production, just 500 examples and only 35 are scheduled to arrive on American shores.

Undoubtedly, with that exclusive, only a handful of eligible parties will get one. It’s priced at $299,000 (including shipping), which means that the 8C Spider is the most expensive Alfa Romeo in history.

The 8C Spider shares the same 4.7 litre V8 engine as the coupe, which produces 450hp (335kW) at 7,000rpm. This engine has been matched to an automated 6-speed gearbox with computerized selection of the gears via levers behind the steering-wheel, and a self-blocking differential unit.

Controlling all that power is some of the best brakes in the business. Sitting inside the pretty 20in wheels are a set of carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes measuring 380mm up front and 360mm in the back. The 8C Spider also gets Alfa Romeo’s VDC traction and stability system to maximize safety. Both the coupe and the convertible are built in Modena, Italy and share mechanicals with the Maserati Granturismo.

With Alfa Romeo's centenary coming up next year, it’s said that an even more high-performance and exclusive ‘GTA’ version of the 8C Competizione will be launched. Only 100 units are expected to be built. An 8C Spider GTA may come as well.

Lexus prices the 2010 HS 250h dedicated luxury hybrid

Lexus has announced U.S. pricing for the 2010 HS 250h, which is regarded as the world's first dedicated hybrid-only luxury vehicle. The standard version starts at $34,200(plus $875 for delivery), while the Premium model at $36,970.

Considering the price, it’s clearly that the 2010 Lexus HS 250h is positioned at the entry-level sector of the luxury sedan market. Comparing to Toyota's own Prius and its biggest competitor, the Honda Insight, the price of the 2010 HS 250h seems higher. However, things become different when considering of the fuel efficiency. Prius is rated at 51mpg city/48mpg highway while HS 250h gets 35mpg city/34mpg highway rating.

Under the hood, the HS 250h gets a 2.4L four-cylinder, rated at 147 horsepower. Combined with the electric motor, total output is 187 horsepower. Although most high-tech engines require high-test gasoline, the HS 250h is fully capable of running on 87 octane.

One great feature of the HS 250h we would like to mention is that, 30 percent of the HS’ materials are derived from plant-based materials, with 85 percent of the car being fully recyclable – including the batteries. Green enough! Meanwhile, the HS’ .27 drag coefficient and heavy use of spoilers and diffusers help overall efficiency.

With a nameplate of luxury vehicle, the HS 250h is available with a range of options, including the new Remote Touch controller also found in the 2010 Lexus RX, which simply aren't avalable on the Prius. The HS 250h is also the first vehcle to offer Lexus' Enform with Safety Connect telematics system. LED taillights, a heads up display, power seats and Lexus’ new Enform telematics are also available. Optional equipment includes satellite navigation with traffic, stocks, sports and weather updates and LED headlights.

2010 Acura ZDX to start selling this winter

There are currently five models in Acura’s lineup, including the TSX, RL and TL sedans, and the RDX and MDX SUV/crossovers. But now a new vehicle is added, with the announcement that Acura will start selling 2010 Acura ZDX this winter. And it will be priced and positioned between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan.

Based on the prototype ZDX which was shown at this year's New York Auto Show, the 2010 Acura ZDX is a four-door coupe which has an elevated position and can sit up to five adults.

Power comes from the 3.7-litre naturally aspirated SOHC V6 engine that generates 221kW (300hp) and maximum torque of 366Nm (270 lb-ft). A six-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system are standard with all ZDX models.

Standard wheels are 19-inch 7-spoke alloys, the largest standard wheel in the Acura range. Inside, the ZDX gets a number of premium treatments, including hand-stitched leather dash elements, and the ability to accommodate a wide range of cargo, including the segment-defining golf bags.

There are three levels of trim: the standard ZDX, the mid-range ZDX with Technology Package and the 'ultra-premium' ZDX with Advance Package. They all offer Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, power tailgate, panoramic glass roof, a USB audio interface and XM satellite radio with iPod integration.

Audi S4 tuned by ABT, 435hp

We formally reported the MTM Audi S4 few days ago, now the ABT Sportsline followed the step to offer the ABT Audi S4 performance upgrade.

The standard Audi S4 is power by 3.0 liter TFSI V6 engine, producing 333 hp (245 kW) and 440 Nm of torque. This is already powerful! But it’s excited that with the ABT Audi S4 power pack, the custom vehicle reach up to 435 hp (320 kW) and 520 Nm of torque. The top speed of the ABT Audi S4 is 282 km/h (175mph), and that is 32 km/h more than the standard version, the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 0.5 seconds faster than the standard car which means the custom S4 can reach the mark in 4.6 seconds.

The extra performance brings additional driving enjoyment and gets to work powerfully in any situation. ABT promises the tuned S4 is perfectly in tune with the Ingolstadt-based brand's 7-speed DSG gearbox in keeping the Abt S4 properly humming along.

Despite the extra power, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions levels of the ABT Audi S4 are not higher than the ones of the standard car.

The ABT Audi S4 also comes with a quad sports exhaust unit and a choice between 18, 19 and 20 Abt or BR wheels.

ABT website prices the upgrade at €3800 plus €60 for installation and €130 for TÜV certification.

One millionth Opel Meriva rolls off assembly line

The one millionth Opel Meriva has rolled off the production line in Zaragoza, Spain!!

Since production began in 2003, the Opel Meriva has become a best-seller in western and central Europe, having been sold in more than 25 countries in Europe with Germany, UK, Italy and Spain as its main markets. In addition, the innovative van is offered around the world in places like Hong Kong, South Africa and Singapore. Opel credits the Meriva's success to the innovative FlexSpace seating system.

The FlexSpace system allows optimum freedom for reconfiguring the interior easily and quickly without requiring removal of the seats. With this concept, the five-seat Meriva can be quickly and effortlessly transformed into a spacious four, three, two or one-seater with generous luggage compartment volume.

"(The) Meriva has been beloved by customers - from singles to families to seniors - not only for its practicality, versatility and great looks, but also its reliability. German independent consultants TÜV recognized the Meriva with a ‘Best Quality’.", according to Opel's Vice President, Alain Visser,

Due to the great success of the Opel Meriva, Opel plans to expand Meriva`s innovative and versatile technology on the next generation Meriva next year. The 2010 Meriva will feature a unique rear-hinged FlexDoor system which will allow for improved access to the cabin. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors.

Saleen preparing two new high-performance Mustangs over the next year

Saleen, Inc. will be releasing two new high-performance Mustangs over the next year, with the first to be unveiled at Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina later this month. And a second version also is possible for next spring.

Though Saleen, Inc. has had a tricky past with business changing hands rapidly, the upcoming two cars will be consistent with past products. “They are going to be a next generation.” Saleen Performance Vehicles CEO Michael Shields told AutoWeek. More details are expected to be revealed at the event next week.

Both cars will be using Saleen’s custom parts lines plus superchargers that were developed by the MJ Acquisitions automotive and engineering group, which purchased part of the parts business from Saleen last February.

We expect more details to be reveiled.

J.D. Power APEAL: Porsche win the most appealing nameplate for 5th year straight

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. It’s not surprising that Porsche ranks as the most appealing brand for the fifth straight consecutive year. Volkswagen had the most segment-leading models in APEAL, including the CC, GTI, Passat, and Tiguan. That's more than any other brand in 2009.

The APEAL study measures how satisfied new owners are with their vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership, with questions regarding more than 90 vehicle attributes. It gathered responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of 2009 model-year vehicles between February and May of this year.

Yet Porsche only had one top-placing model in Power's study, the Cayenne. Across all models, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives the highest APEAL score for 2009, for a third consecutive year. Other repeat segment winners in Power's APEAL include the Chevrolet Avalanche, Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis, and MINI Cooper (all for the second year), while both the 2009 Honda Odyssey (also an IVA winner) and 2009 Honda Ridgeline receive segment awards for the fifth consecutive year.

From the result, there are some points we can notice. The overall level of APEAL scores has risen quite significantly this year. The average score across all models in 2009 is up 9 points from 2008 to 779. A large part of that increase is attributed to a boost in owner satisfaction with fuel economy, according to J.D. Power vice president David Sargent.

In the same way, American carmakers have a huge improvement in design and build quality of American vehicles. In 2007, domestics fell 27 points short of imports, while in 2008 that shrunk to 15 points. This year there's just 5 points between domestics and imports.