Saturday, August 29, 2009

2010 Saab 9-5 reveal ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show launch

The highly anticipated Saab’s new flagship vehicle - 2010 Saab 9-5 will be launched at this Frankfurt Motor Show. Selling is set to start in 2010.

At launch, the 2010 Saab 9-5 will be available with a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel — producing 118kW(160 hp) — a 220 horsepower 2.0L turbo gas motor and a range-topping a 2.8-litre V6 petrol producing 221kW (300hp) and peak torque of 400Nm. Models fitted with the 2.8L will also come equipped with Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system.

Soon after the launch a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 132kW (180hp) and a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine will be added. Mated with all these engines are 6-speed transmissions.

In terms of styling, the car takes some inspiration from the Aero X concept car with its low-slung stance, muscular build, uncluttered lines and curvaceous shapes. The 9-5 will gain some extra weight, height and length over the current model. The wheelbase is also being increased by 14 cm to make the car a large one indeed. It should fit in nicely within its competition cluster which consists of cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac CTS and Volvo S80.

The new 9-5 is claimed to be the most technically advanced car that Saab has ever made. It offers an array of high-tech features including an aircraft-inspired head-up information display, keyless entry and starting - the ignition is still located between the front seats, Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, an adaptive chassis with real-time damping control, SAAB's XWD with eLSD, parking assistance and all-wheel-drive.

"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan-Åke Jonsson, SAAB Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab."

Other options include a heads-up display for the driver, a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system which is accessed through an 8-inch touch screen for the rear passengers, a 10GB harddrive for music storage.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Techart tunes the 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman

TechArt, specialized in tuning Porsche cars, has released a new package for both the latest 2010 Porsche Boxster and the 2010 Porsche Cayman. The package features a new bodykit, daytime running lights, stiffer springs, as well as carbon-fiber cabin enhancements.

Bodywork includes a front spoiler, body colored spoiler lip, a rear diffuser and oversized GT wing, and sporty side skirts. TechArt optimized the aerokits in a wind tunnel which is tested to helpe increase the downforce at multiple points on the car, including at the back where a rigid rear spoiler and apron help keep the car on the road at high speeds.

Both cars' exhaust systems also add a sporty touch to the rear design, with two round exhaust tailpipes in glossy or black chrome now available. Other modifications include 19 or 20 inch forged aluminum wheels that keep the brakes visible, stiffer suspension springs and a suspension lowering kit that can drop either model by up to 30mm. Automatically adjusting daytime lights also dim when a turn signal is switched on.

Inside, TechArt uses one of a pair of carbon interiors in tandem with aluminum pedals, three-spoke steering wheel, and lit entry sills. The company also offers a wide variety of customized interiors that use any number of leather materials, colors, and seams.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

2010 VW Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California Facelift revealed Ahead of Frankfurt

Volkswagen has revealed details of its facelifted 2010 T5 Van line-up that comprises of the Transporter van, Mutlivan, Caravelle people carrier and the California campervan, all of which will head to Frankfurt Motor Show and then go on sale in the middle of October. The vehicles get a new refined exterior and interior design plus significant advances in comfort, safety and refinement.

Under the hood, Volkswagen promises the engines will be quieter, more economical, and more efficient with lower emissions. A range of 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail TDI engines are available, with power outputs of 84 HP and 220 Nm of torque, 102 HP with 250 Nm, 140 HP with 340 Nm, and 180 HP with 400 Nm. All of them comply with the latest Euro Five standards.

On the outside, the T5 models have been reshaped to look like current Polo, Golf and Scirocco. A new exterior sports more aerodynamic door mirrors, revised front grille and new headlamps. In addition, the Caravelle, Multivan and California also get new rear light clusters and chrome side trims. A choice of 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels is included.

Inside, there are a Dynaudio sound system, touch-screen satellite navigation, a USB interface, fully automatic air conditioning, the new three-spoke design steering wheel and stylish new instrument lay out.

Other new features include a new generation ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), hill-start assistance and hazard lights warning during emergency braking, Volkswagen's Side Assist lane change system that was first seen in the Touareg and warns the driver of anything in the vehicle's blind spot, and a new tyre monitor display (TMD).

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

2010 Bmw 320d EfficientDynamics Edition headed to Frankfurt Motor Show, sales for Europe only

BMW has announced that its new 2010 Bmw 320d EfficientDynamics Edition will be debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. And then go on sale in Europe in January 2010. Pricing should also be similar to the 320d SE, which starts at 26,680 pounds sterling ($44,000).

Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine generating 120 kW/163 hp and peak torque of 360 Newton-metres/265 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. All that power helps the car sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.2 seconds while the top speed is limited at 225 km/h or 140 mph.

As for the economy data, the 320d easily overcomes the 2010 Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h. With an impressive fuel consumption of just 4.1 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometre in the EU test cycle, it’s regarded as the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW’s current model range.

As the name ‘EfficientDynamics’ speaking, the vehicle strictly accords with BMW's EfficientDynamics program. A range of technologies serving to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions are included, such as: regenerative brakes, Auto Start/Stop for the engine, the gearshift point indicator which tells the driver in good time when to shift gears in the interest of optimum efficiency and the EPS Electronic Power Steering to obtain the maximum efficiency.

Engineers also fitted a dual-mass flywheel and Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber mounts to the engine to quell vibrations and a lowered suspension to improve performance as well as efficiency.

The car also comes with the new Aero wheel rims in turbine wheel design , shown also on the brand new 2010 Bmw X6 Hybrid, which improve the level of aerodynamics to an even higher standard.

When it goes on sale in Germany, Italy, France and Spain, the engine and the entire car will get even higher standard of efficiency, optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum will be included.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Mini to offer Rally Edition Mini Clubman S for U.S.

A new MINI limited edition, dubbed as ‘Rally Edition’ Clubman S, is set to be on sale from October in U.S. There will be only 70 units, and each Mini dealer in the U.S. is only expected to receive one of them. The MSRP is at $32,999.

The ‘Rally Edition’ Clubman S features Rally Green Mirror Caps and side skirts, Midnight Black exterior painting and white turn indicators. Other standard equips include a matching roof, Mini’s Sport Package, xenon headlights, 17 inch black alloy wheels, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Two additional feature packages will be on offer. Choose from summer driving (17-inch black web-spoke with performance tires) or winter (17-inch crown spoke with all-season tires and cold weather package). Other optional accessories include the aforementioned JCW tuning kit painted in Midnight Black, sport stripes painted in silver, roof rack with roof rails, a new roof basket and driving lights finished in black.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Infiniti 2010 M Luxury Sedan price announced

Nissan has announced the MSRP price for the 2010 Infiniti M Luxury Sedan – the 2010 M35 and M45. Since there is no major updates, the prices remain almost unchanged from the previous model year:

The 2010 Infiniti M35 price starts at $45,800 and goes up to $47,950 for the M35x AWD. The 2010 Infiniti M45 price starts a bit higher at $52,150 and goes up to $54,650 for the M45x AWD.

The 2010 Infiniti M is once again available in a choice of refined V8 and V6 engines and in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Infiniti M35 models get a DOHC V6 engine producing a 303 horsepower, with the M35 model mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, while 5-speed automatic for the all-wheel drive M35x. The 2010 Infiniti M45 features a DOHC V8 engine that outputs 325 hp mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Each 2010 Infiniti M model offers revised exterior and interior color selections and a long list of standard luxury amenities, including leather seating, Bluetooth hands-free and a premium audio system, depending on personal tastes.

In addition, the rear-wheel drive models receive a special Sport Package, which includes an advanced ‘Rear Active Steer’ system, sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels and tires and unique body treatments. And the Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System Package is exclusive for the 2010 Infiniti M45 model.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

2010 Jaguar XJ Makes U.S. Debut at Pebble Beach, With Pricing announced

Has been unveiled in London back in July, the 2010 Jaguar XJ made its official debut in North American at the Pebble Beach Concours, with pricing announced for the first time.

The new XJ is available in North American with three level of engine choices. All of them are powered by a version of Jaguar’s new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engine. The standard XJ producing 385hp and 380 ft-lbs of torque is priced at $72,500. The extended wheelbase version of the standard XJ, known as the XJL, adds $7,000 to the base model's price, coming in at $79,500. And the top-of-the-line 510-horsepower XJ Supersport starts at $112,000 and adds $3,000 for the extended wheelbase model.

The three choice engine models are XJ Supercharged models, which make 470hp and 424 ft-lbs of torque, will retail for $87,500, also adds $3,000 for the extended wheelbase model.

“We are proud to reveal the all-new Jaguar XJ in Pebble Beach as it marks a major milestone for Jaguar in North America, which is expected to be the world’s largest XJ market,” says Beattie. “The debut of our ultimate four-door flagship follows recent recognition for exceptional dependability and clearly demonstrates our commitment to producing the finest cars in the world – fast, beautiful cars that offer luxury, performance and first-rate quality.”

Anyone who wants to get a 2010 Jaguar XJ can order now. The first delivery is scheduled in early 2010, while Retail sales officially start in December.