After the ENCO 550 GT Biturbo with 405kW (550hp), tuning firm ENCO has introduced its latest confection - ENCO Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo which is based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Thanks to larger turbos, sport catalytic convertors, an ENCO-designed sport exhaust system with manifolds and other modifications, the power is greatly improved. The ride height of the ENCO Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo Porsche Cayenne has also been lowered by 50mm. The result is an output of 700hp (515kW) with 850Nm of torque sent to all four wheels. With that power, the vehicle can spring from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds while top speed reaches 290km/h. It’s impressive that these figures are coming from a 2.5-ton SUV.
Stopping power comes from 410mmx36mm brake disks and 12-piston calipers up front and 380mmx32mm disks with 4-piston calipers at the rear.
As for the styling, ENCO offers an exterior kit that consists of daytime running lights, a front apron, a carbonfiber bonnet, a roof spoiler with air flow openings and side skirts. The ENCO Gladiator 700 GT Biturbo rides on a set of 315/25R23 Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires, featuring black and red ENCO Jura alloy rims.
Inside, there are four carbon fiber race seats (from the 911 GT3) covered in leather/Alcantara and a roll cage. The black and red theme is continued inside, such as carbon fibre fittings on the centre console, door lining and steering wheel.
Honda’s all-new fourth-generation 2010 Step WGN and the Step WGN special-needs vehicle are available in Japan now, with price starts at ¥2,088,000 (€15,897/ US$24,400) including consumption tax. Designed to be the most comfortable minivan transportation for the entire family, the new Step WGN features a flat low-floor and low centre of gravity. Compared to the others in its class, the Step WGN has the largest interior space and has the best under-floor storage for third-row seats. For this purpose, the length and height have been increased by 50mm and 45mm respectively. Some of the seats can be folded and flipped up to suit whatever occasion.
Powered by a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine which is mated to either be a torque converter-equipped CVT or a 5-speed automatic, the Step WGN can also be proud of its class-leading fuel economy of 14.2km/L.
Depending on driving conditions, the car can switch between different driving modes. The ECON mode regulates the engine and transmission to help conserve fuel; and Eco Assist multiple functions that encourage fuel-efficient driving including a guidance function that gives the driver real-time feedback on the fuel-efficiency of the driving practices.
As for the exterior, the sculpted front grille, large headlights and a roof that appears to slope rearward give the vehicle a modern look. The interior features things like 3D self-illuminated gauges for convenience.
Additionally, the Step WGN Spada and Step WGN Spada special-needs vehicle will debut on October 23.
We have reported that the 2010 Lexus GS sedans will be on sale later this moth with some technology updates. Moreover, Lexus also refreshes the Lexus LS 460 for 2010, which will go on sale later this moth too. The pricing for the 2010 LS 460 is increased slightly. The standard the 2010 LS 460 with rear-wheel drive starts from $64,680, while the standard all-wheel drive model at $68,205, both an $855 bump from last year's price respectively. However, the long-wheelbase 2010 LS 460 L models see price drops of $3,510 for 2010. The LS 460 L is priced at $70,225 for the rear-driver and $73,750 for the all-wheel-drive car.
The 2010 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L feature an all-new Sport Package which is only available on rear-wheel-drive models. The Sport Package includes perforated Black/Saddle leather interior and sport-style front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission. A retuned sport version of the LS air suspension, anti-roll bars and shock absorbers also makes for a sportier ride. On the appearance side, the Sport Package also adds a front lower spoiler, rocker panels 19-inch 10-spoke forged wheels and Brembo brakes.
Then what about all-wheel-drive models? If you'd rather have the look without the stepped-up handling, you can choose the Apperance Package. This can be fitted to either rear-drive or all-wheel-drive models.
Other additions to the LS 460 range include rear power seats with lumbar massage as part of the optional Comfort Plus, Rear Seat Upgrade and Executive Class Seating packages, available on both long- and short-wheelbase models. The Advanced Pre-Collision System is also now available for LS 460 L models, which uses millimeter-wave radar to detect roadside objects, and responds by aiding braking to avoid collisions.
Just as the 2010 GS sedans, the 2010 LS gets an upgraded Lexus Premium Audio System and new optional hard disk drive navigation system. Lexus' Enform with Safety Connect is also now available on the LS and GS lines when navigation is equipped, while Safety Connect alone is standard on non-navigation vehicles. Safety Connect requires a subscription, but a one-year trial is included.
All cars are now equipped standard with Bluetooth streaming audio plus USB, iPod and integrated XM Satellite Radio.
The drivetrain retains the performance of the 2009 model, with the same VVT-iE dual-injection 380-horsepower, 367-pound-feet 4.6-liter V-8 engine in rear-drive trim, while all-wheel-drive models get output figures of 357 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. That's good for 5.4 seconds 0-60 mph for the RWD and 5.9 seconds for the AWD, while still delivering 16/24 mpg and 16/23 mpg, respectively.
The all-new 2011 Infiniti M will be on sale from early 2010. Now Infiniti has confirmed its first production hybrid will follow up about 12 months later as a 2012 model-year car. Dubbed as 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid, the eco-friendly luxury sedan will arrive in Infiniti dealerships in spring 2011 Unlike the Nissan Altima hybrid, which used a hybrid system largely licensed from Toyota, the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid will use Nissan’s own internally-developed hybrid system.
Fuel economy figures is not released. However, the Infiniti M35 Hybrid promises to be the brand's "cleanest and most economical car" ever. Meanwhile, it’s more about green, it's still a luxury car. Utilizing a single electric motor mated to a twin-clutch system, this hybrid system allows for a single prop shaft to the rear differential. Infiniti says the new technology allows for “linear performance” while keeping the driving dynamics of a conventional rear-drive vehicle. The Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be rear-wheel drive with power from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid system can aid the V6 engine in power, or power the vehicle completely in EV mode. For instance, the hybrid drive system will aid the V-6's acceleration in "power assist" mode when maximum acceleration is desired, and can also recapture energy when decelerating and braking. Under "certain driving conditions," the M35 Hybrid can also run in EV mode.
Power for the M’s electric motor will be supplied by a “laminated” lithium-ion battery pack. Developed by parent company Nissan, Infiniti says this layout offers the same size as a traditional battery pack, but stores twice the power while also enhancing cooling performance and reliability.
The M35 Hybrid will be available in the United States and Europe.
Jaguar has launched its flagship luxury sedan, the all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ, which will begin arriving in showrooms in early 2010. To galvanise potential customers in the upcoming holiday season, Jaguar also releases a limited-edition run of 50 XJL Supercharged cars for Neiman Marcus's holiday catalog. The 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition will be sold in the book at a price of US$105,000. Reservations for the car open Friday, October 16 at noon Eastern time. This is the third time a Jaguar has been selected as the featured vehicle in the Book since 1968. The first one was the XKE Grand Touring Coupe in 1968 and the second 1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible.
According to Richard Beattie, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Jaguar, "Being a part of The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is a spectacular way to launch the Jaguar XJ, one of the most anticipated new luxury cars in the market this year,"
Richard Beattie says "Designed to attract the clientele of Neiman Marcus as well as automotive enthusiasts, the Neiman Marcus XJL Supercharged is unique and intelligent. It demonstrates our commitment to producing fast, beautiful cars that offer luxury, performance and first-rate quality."
Base on extended-wheelbase 2010 Jaguar XJL platform, the 2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition features Jaguar's new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 putting out 375kW (510hp). It's mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddleshifters behind the leather-clad steering wheel.
It’s not just about power. The car also gets special-edition interior and exterior treatments. The exterior is painted in an exclusive Celestial Black metallic color. 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and illuminated tread plates are on offer.
Inside, navy and ivory leather mate with Zebrano matte wood accents inside the cabin, while a custom nameplate on the interior mark the car out as a member of the limited-edition run. Other luxuries include an 8-inch touch-screen and a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins 1,200-watt premium sound system.
With a few minor interior and exterior appearance changes, some new technology updates, here comes the 2010 Lexus GS Sedan. Accordingly, the prices have stayed almost the same, too. The 2010 Lexus GS sedans will begin arriving in dealerships later this month. Both the 2010 Lexus GS 350 and GS 460 get new iPod and USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming audio and active front headrests, plus an integrated XM satellite radio receiver with the standard Lexus Premium Sound System. The optional Lexus Navigation system has been updated with Voice Command casual-language voice recognition and Bluetooth phonebook download. Standard XM NavTraffic/Weather capability is also built in, though it only comes with a 90-day subscription. Safety Connect is also standard on non-navigation equipped vehicles, while the Enform telematics system is added when navigation is equipped.
New exterior colors include Deep Sea Mica, which replaces Black Sapphire Pearl, and Satin Cashmere Metallic, which replaces Golden Almond Metallic.
The Hybrid GS 450h gets all that plus a few more updates, giving it a new look. New 18-inch alloy wheels, a revised grille and clear taillight covers are included. Blue-colored hybrid badging like other Lexus hybrids also features prominently, making it clear the GS 450h isn't a normal gas-powered luxury sedan.
Power for the 2010 Lexus GS 350 comes from a 3.5L V6 making 303-hp and a peak torque of 274 lb-ft. The 2010 Lexus GS 460 is powered by a V8 that produces 342-hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic with sequential shifting. The GS 450h nearly matches the V-8's output at from its combination of electric drive and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and though it's a hybrid, it actually out-accelerates the V-8 GS 460 by 0.2 seconds to 60 mph (5.2 seconds vs 5.4 seconds).
The pricing for the 2010 GS 350 RWD starts at $45,000, while the 2010 GS 350 AWD starts from $46,950. The 2010 GS 460 takes off from $53,470 and the mildly revised GS 450h hybrid starts from $56,550.
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