GT S with 433HP to Debut in Detroit
At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Maserati will take the wraps off the sportiest Quattroporte yet. Based on the Quattroporte S, the new Sport GT S gains a more powerful version of Maserati's 4.7-litre V8 engine with a remapped ECU that delivers an output of 433HP. Maserati also updated the gearshift management software while the front and rear suspension system gets new single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height. Other mechanical changes concern the new sport exhaust system which is controlled by pneumatic valves for a deeper and more throaty sound bite.Cosmetic changes over the standard Quattroporte S include a new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, a metallic titanium finish for the headlights, body-coloured door handles, black finishing around the doors and black twin oval exhaust pipes. Inside the sportiest Quattroporte boasts new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery as well as titanium colored composite material for the trim.
SAE to launch program to create standard plug for EVs
There are a number of hurdles to overcome before we're all parking electric cars in our driveways and garages. We often tend to focus in on the vehicle itself, as there is plenty of work to be done on that front, not the least of which is creating suitable batteries. Remember, though, that an entire infrastructure already exists for gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles that will need to be replaced if we're all driving with electrons. Early EV adopters may get specialized systems installed in their homes to charge their new electric toys, but not every manufacturer will be offering the same thing. So, standards will need to be created so that any EV will work with any EV charger.
Aren't we forgetting something, though? What goes between the charger and the chargee? That's right, a cable with plugs on each end. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is expected to release a new set of standards that plug-makers will need to adhere to so that their prospective units are, as Popular Mechanics points out, sleek, safe and smart.
2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid: New Set of Teaser Photos
Another week, another set of teaser pictures of Toyota's worst kept secret, the 2010 Prius Hybrid. This time, the Japanese automaker has released shots of the new compact hybrid's engine compartment, headlight, the Lexus Hybrid inspired illuminated Toyota logo and what appears to be a door handle. The third generation Prius will make its physical debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. From what we know up until now, the new car is going to be bigger than the outgoing model and it will feature a more powerful yet more fuel efficient and tightly packaged hybrid drivetrain system. Hit the jump for the full image gallery.
2009 Nissan GT-R Introduced with More Power, Better Handling and New Colors
Only a year after the GT-R's market launch in Japan and less than six months after its U.S. introduction and Nissan has proceeded to the sportscar's first major round of changes which include a power increase, suspension upgrades and a new exterior color. The most significant improvement concerns the GT-R's hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine which has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm.
The engine upgrades have also led to slightly better fuel economy figures with Nissan announcing an average fuel consumption in the Japanese driving cycle of 8.3 km/l (19.5 mpg U.S.) instead of 8.2 km/l (19.3 mpg US). In addition, Nissan has increased the GT-R's fuel tank capacity from 71 liters to to 74 liters.
Another update sees the improvement of the sportscar's ride performance with modifications to the suspension spring rate settings while the 2009 model will also benefit from a set of Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tires. Nissan claims that the tire was developed specifically for the GT-R and it "combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its 'time-attack' lap of the Nurburgring", which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds.
Less significant improvements for the 2009 GT-R concern the introduction of the Gun Metal grey colored Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new deep white pearl color called 'Storm' which replaces the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade.
Last but not least Nissan has also hiked the prices for its subtly updated GT-R. In the U.K. for example, customers ordering now will have to pay £56,795 on the road for the basic version with an increase of £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395). This represents an increase of 3.8 percent.
In Europe, the first GT-Rs are scheduled to hit dealerships in April 2009. To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010.
Rolls-Royce Phantom mobile phone store in India
It's called ingenuity, and it's given us such things as the cell phone and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. So why not combine the two to create a cell phone store in the back of a Rolls-Royce Phantom? That's evidently what some well-heeled entrepreneurs in India did, purchasing a Phantom instead of a brick-and-mortar storefront, painting it up, and traveling the hillsides hawking mobile phones. It got caught in this regrettable pose - with rocks bracing its tires, because after getting a flat tire, the provincial tire shop had no idea how to fix it. But back to the ingenuity, mad props to the folks who came up with this: more attention-getting than Aishyarwa Rai, more convenient than Domino's Pizza, and more comfortable than... a real store. The world is an amazing place, no?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Ford Fusion Hybrid officially rated at 41 mpg on the highway
Wanna go 41 mpg in a mid-size Ford sedan? You can, starting in the spring of 2009 (and if you stay in the city). Ford announced today that official EPA certification on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid finished this week with a 41 mpg city/36 highway result. That's lower than the real-world 43.1 miles per gallon we managed to squeeze from the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and battery pack in LA not too long ago, but still good enough to beat the official numbers of the Camry Hybrid. The Fusion can also go up to 47 mph on battery power alone, something that no other hybrid in American can do (some pure electric vehicles, of course, can do this easily). The number I'm most impressed by, though, is that Ford is saying that, "A new regenerative brake system allows for approximately 94 percent energy recovery in city driving." 94 percent? Really?
More details on Volkswagen’s next-generation Passat
Volkswagen's next-generation Passat is expected to up the stakes against Germany’s luxury carmakers, with the car’s developers hoping it will be mentioned in the same breath as the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
Under the hood, a replacement for the VR6 engine will be in place, putting out close to 300hp (224kW) from a displacement of 3.0L. To improve mileage and maintain power, the new engine will also be using direct injection, and most of the next Passat’s model range is expected to use some form of forced induction as well. One of the variants will also be a hybrid model, and there is expected to be a 300hp (224kW) diesel variant with AWD and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
To give the Passat some much needed panache, VW will be pulling out all the stops to make the next-generation a technological showcase, with features that should have the traditional German manufacturers looking a little worried.
Expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the next-generation Passat will feature a host of new technologies, including airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system and paramagnetic paint that can change color at the owner's will. There will also be an Electronic Stability system with a feature that automatically offers counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.
In 2012 VW will launch the wagon model and this could also be the year that a new high-performance R36 model joins the lineup.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox Revealed Ahead of Detroit Show
Having solved some of its problems for the next few months thanks to the emergency loan it received from the Bush Administration, GM is moving ahead with its scheduled debuts that include the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. Due to be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Detroit auto show in mid-January, Chevy's second generation Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase (2,857 mm) as the current model, but is about one inch (25 mm) shorter in length and an inch wider.
As you can see from the pictures, the new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover. Inside, the compact crossover features a large number of storage bins, such as an oversized glove box, a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack; and closed storage under the center armrest which is big enough to fit a laptop computer.
Like the current model, the 2010 Equinox features a MultiFlex rear seat capability, which allows the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm). With the 60/40-split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of storage.
When the 2010 Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009, it will be available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with front-wheel or all-wheel-drive options. Two new engines are offered, a 2.4L direct injection 4-cylinder engine delivering 182 HP and an estimated 30 mpg highway / 21 mpg city and a 3.0L direct injected V6 engine with 255 HP which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway / 18 mpg city. Chevrolet expects that nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the more fuel efficient 2.4L engine.
"At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value."
New Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S with 433HP to Debut in Detroit
At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Maserati will take the wraps off the sportiest Quattroporte yet. Based on the Quattroporte S, the new Sport GT S gains a more powerful version of Maserati's 4.7-litre V8 engine with a remapped ECU that delivers an output of 433HP. Maserati also updated the gearshift management software while the front and rear suspension system gets new single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height. Other mechanical changes concern the new sport exhaust system which is controlled by pneumatic valves for a deeper and more throaty sound bite.
Cosmetic changes over the standard Quattroporte S include a new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, a metallic titanium finish for the headlights, body-coloured door handles, black finishing around the doors and black twin oval exhaust pipes. Inside the sportiest Quattroporte boasts new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery as well as titanium colored composite material for the trim.
Spy shots: 2009 Range Rover Sport facelift
Prototypes for Land Rover’s facelifted Range Rover Sport have been spotted testing at the Nurburgring less than two months after the test cars were last seen in the UK. The performance SUV already received a series of upgrades last year, including the introduction of a 3.6L twin turbo diesel V8, so for its next update the list of changes have been kept to a minimum, although there's the chance of the addition of a new high output supercharged V8 engine.
The facelifted SUV is due to hit the streets at the end of this year and is likely to be available with both the 3.6L diesel as well as a new supercharged 5.0L V8 engine developing upwards of 500hp (373kW) and 480lb-ft. (650Nm) of torque Another possibility is the introduction of a V6 twin-turbo diesel, likely to be the 2.7L unit used by Jaguar. However, in the Range Rover Sport, displacement would likely be bumped up to around the 3.0L mark.
In addition to the engine upgrade, the new Sport also receives a slightly revised face including a new grille design that’s reminiscent of the Land Rover Freelander/LR2 as well as a new front bumper. The side vents also feature a slightly different design to the ports on the current model, as well as the headlight treatment.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox Revealed Ahead of Detroit Show
Having solved some of its problems for the next few months thanks to the emergency loan it received from the Bush Administration, GM is moving ahead with its scheduled debuts that include the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. Due to be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Detroit auto show in mid-January, Chevy's second generation Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase (2,857 mm) as the current model, but is about one inch (25 mm) shorter in length and an inch wider.
As you can see from the pictures, the new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover. Inside, the compact crossover features a large number of storage bins, such as an oversized glove box, a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack; and closed storage under the center armrest which is big enough to fit a laptop computer. Like the current model, the 2010 Equinox features a MultiFlex rear seat capability, which allows the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm). With the 60/40-split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of storage.
When the 2010 Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009, it will be available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with front-wheel or all-wheel-drive options. Two new engines are offered, a 2.4L direct injection 4-cylinder engine delivering 182 HP and an estimated 30 mpg highway / 21 mpg city and a 3.0L direct injected V6 engine with 255 HP which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway / 18 mpg city. Chevrolet expects that nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the more fuel efficient 2.4L engine.
"At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value."
Indiana police department abandons E85 test for cost reasons
In spite of all the promotion from General Motors of E85 as an alternative fuel, the reality for most people has been that is simply doesn't make sense from an economic perspective. As the West Lafayette, Indiana police department found out last summer, the numbers didn't add up. There is of course the issue of fuel consumption. Due to its lower energy content, a normally aspirated flex-fuel engine gets about 10-20 percent worse fuel efficiency on E85 than on gasoline. Much of this differential can actually be made up with an engine optimized for E85, particularly if it's turbocharged, but most current engines don't fall into this category.
The West Lafayette Police also had to go to the one station in the area that offered up E85, meaning they wasted time and fuel driving out of their way to get ethanol. Even with the $1 per gallon difference between E85 and gas, there just weren't any savings to be had. Now that gasoline is substantially cheaper than it was last summer, the problem is even worse. Until we have flex-fuel vehicles optimized for ethanol and greater biofuel availability, it simply won't make a lot of sense. Then there is the whole issue of well-to-wheel emissions, but that's another story.
New Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S with 433HP to Debut in Detroit
At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Maserati will take the wraps off the sportiest Quattroporte yet. Based on the Quattroporte S, the new Sport GT S gains a more powerful version of Maserati's 4.7-litre V8 engine with a remapped ECU that delivers an output of 433HP. Maserati also updated the gearshift management software while the front and rear suspension system gets new single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height. Other mechanical changes concern the new sport exhaust system which is controlled by pneumatic valves for a deeper and more throaty sound bite.
Cosmetic changes over the standard Quattroporte S include a new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, a metallic titanium finish for the headlights, body-coloured door handles, black finishing around the doors and black twin oval exhaust pipes. Inside the sportiest Quattroporte boasts new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery as well as titanium colored composite material for the trim.
Official details for production Ford Focus RS
Ford’s upcoming Focus RS sports hatch was first revealed in concept form at the London Motor Show back in July, and then again at the Paris Motor Show, but development work is coming to an end and sales are expected to start early next year. Some new details about the car have now come to light with the release of several official images of the final production verison of the car.
While most of the specs have already been confirmed by Ford, some of the new details include a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 264km/h (164mph). Pricing in Europe will reportedly be set at €39,000. Based on the same core as the Focus ST, the RS adds power, handling and appearance modifications to improve the car’s ability to put its power to the ground and direct it down the road, track or gravel path. To keep the potent engine from creating unmanageable torque steer, the engineers designed the car with a unique suspension called the ‘RevoKnuckle,’ which enables the car to keep the intended direction of travel even under heavy throttle.
This works in conjunction with a Quaife automatic torque biasing limited-slip differential. Combined, the Focus RS obviates the need for AWD and the attendant weight gains of the extra differential and driveshafts. A Quaife automatic torque-biasing limited-slip differential keeps the traction steady even on less-than-ideal surfaces.
Changes to the standard Duratec 2.5L block include unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and manifold system. As well as the extra power, the Focus RS also receives a 40mm wider track, 19in wheels, 235mm tires, upgraded springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
Ford has also confirmed that customers will have three colour options from launch, including the vibrant green seen here, as well as blue and white. Customers will also be able to match the interior trim with the exterior color or pick a full black leather option. Other features of the cabin include Recaro bucket seats, brushed aluminium accents and standard micro-fiber trim. The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus ST, including a boost gauge, sitting atop the center console and angled toward the driver.
When it’s launched next year, the new Focus RS will mark the return of the storied Ford ‘RS’ badge, last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002 and with a heritage stretching back 38 years including Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models.
Toyota will debut Tundra Work Truck Package in San Diego
One glaring omission in the range of Tundra trim levels is a stripper model suitable for duty as a basic work truck. Toyota will change all that at this year's San Diego Auto Show (Dec. 31, 2008 to Jan. 4, 2009) when the 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package debuts. Like any good work truck, a Tundra with the Work Truck Package is decontented enough to guarantee that your employees don't enjoy the drive too much. All the chrome on the Tundra's exterior has been replaced with black plastic, including the front and rear bumpers and grille, the latter of which has been slightly revised with a two-bar design. The side view mirrors are only manually adjustable, the bench seat is upholstered in washable vinyl, the floor is rubber and the dash is all black plastic. Cruise control and remote keyless entry are also gone as standard features. Available on Regular and Access Cab models in standard and long bed configurations with your choice of a V6 or V8 engine, the Work Truck Package will lower the price of your Tundra by as little as $550 and as much as $665. While not exactly the most exhilarating debut this auto show season, Toyota no doubt sees the benefit of broadening the Tundra's appeal to businesses that get their hands dirty.
BMW to Ferrari re: KERS: Sorry 'bout your lack of competitiveness
It must take guts to call out Ferrari, considering that the Italian marque has been a dominant force in both road-going supercars and in race-ready hardware. In fact, Ferrari managed to take home the coveted Constructors' Championship last year, ably defeating BMW, which finished in third position for the year. Regardless, BMW has some harsh words for Ferrari regarding the 2009 season and the use of the KERS energy-recovery hybrid drivetrain.
Recall that Ferrari has voiced some concerns over the system, suggesting that they are also testing cars for the '09 system without the KERS system installed - just in case. BMW, though, has called out its Italian competitor, with BMW motor sport director Mario Theissen saying "that argument not only speaks of a lack of competitiveness but also a reluctance to play a role in the bigger picture." Ouch, that hurts.
FIA president Max Mosley is also on BMW's side, arguing, "Could you imagine the great F1 engineers like Chapman or Duckworth saying 'I can't do that because it is too complicated'?" No, we can't, Max. And so we expect KERS to move forward as scheduled for the 2009 F1 season. Let the saga continue on the race track.
2010 Prius Pictures: Toyota Confirms they're Official, Says Debut Set for Detroit
Just as we we're getting ready to contact Toyota to ask them about the 2010 Prius photos that were leaked into the web late last night, we stumbled upon an announcement on the company's blog confirming their authenticity. While the editor of the Toyota Open Road blog, John F. Thompson did not give out any specific details, he did state that the new Prius will retain all the qualities of the current generation model adding that it will be roomier and more fuel efficient. Thompson also revealed what we've known unofficially for a while now, and that is that the forth generation Prius Hybrid will make its world debut at the Detroit Show in January 2009. Follow the jump to read the official statement from Toyota. -Continued "We thought we'd take a moment to confirm that the car shown in these unauthorized photos – at least the ones we've seen so far - is indeed the new Prius. Sorry, we're not able to provide details. Those will be forthcoming when the car is formally introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. What we can tell you, however, is this: This new Prius will retain all of the virtues of the model that precedes it. It's about the same size as its forebear, but with more interior room and better fuel economy. But you expected nothing less, right? Tune in January 11-13 for more information." Link: Open Road
John F. Thompson, Editor Toyota Open Road Blog: 
Morgan unveils pedal-powered three-wheeler
British sports carmakers Morgan Motors has unveiled its most environmentally friendly model to date - a pedal-powered car for 6 to 13 year olds that shuns petrol or hydrogen for simple human propulsion.
Known as the Morgan SuperSports Junior, the new pedal car will be built alongside the normal range of cars at Morgan's factory. The car is inspired by the original Morgan 3-wheelers that were built in 1909 by HFS Morgan. The pedal car is a 2/3 reproduction of Morgan's first iconic 3-wheeler and is being constructed as a part of the company’s centenary celebrations. True to Morgan's traditional values, the SuperSports Junior promises to use high quality materials, and its designers claim that the car will stay true to Morgan's core philosophy of high power-to-weight ratio.
To facilitate this claim, Morgan says that the 3-speed crank pedal car is similar to a recumbent bicycle, and should offer exciting performance with low effort. To keep weight down, the car is crafted from lightweight aluminum, but still features an imitation cast V-twin engine, a tubular chassis and hand formed louvres. The SuperSport Junior also features working lights and hand stitched adjustable seating, for the more discerning of the younger generation out there.
Limited to a production run of just 500 units, Morgan is taking non-refundable £500 ($736) deposits on their website now, and the project will only go ahead once the company receives 200 deposits. The final price will be £2,510 ($3,690) excluding VAT and delivery charges, and color choice plus leather upholstery will cost an additional £250 ($368).
Toyota to Debut Battery Electric Vehicle Concept at 2009 Detroit Show
A Spartan press release accompanied by a teaser photo is all that Toyotas has revealed about its new battery-powered electric vehicle FT-EV concept car that will make its world premiere at the forthcoming Detroit auto show in mid-January. If ever there was a one-button press release, this is it: "Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. will display a battery electric vehicle concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. This display marks the world debut of this concept vehicle." Well, there you go. Guess we'll have to be patient for a few weeks until Toyota fills us in on the details. We remind you that Toyota's Detroit Show stand will also host the debut of the all-new Prius Hybrid.
BMW unveils Z4 ahead of 2009 Detroit Auto Show
BMW’s next-generation Z4 Roadster is due for its first public outing at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but the new spy shots have revealed the car about a month ahead of the show. As hinted at by the spy photos and confirmed with the newly leaked images, the car features fewer Bangle-born styling cues and a smoother, more rounded appearance than the outgoing version.
Contrary to numerous reports the new model is expected to grow in both size and price. The new Z4 is tipped to receive a folding metal hardtop to bring it into line with the Mercedes Benz SLK and Mazda MX5 (Miata). For BMW, the benefits of the folding hardtop (security and reliability) outweighed the disadvantages of increased weight and less trunk space. However, there is also the possibility that both a hard-top and a traditional soft-top could also be offered.
Throughout the car's development, styling was expected to feature cues derived from the CS concept including a wider and more pronounced grille and larger intakes up front. Though the final product doesn't seem nearly as extreme as the CS Concept, there is a hint of the controversial design in the new Z4.
A long hood and a short rear decklid remain but the previous car’s circular taillights have been swapped with units that appear similar to those on the larger 6-series with including rows of LED detailing.
The engine lineup should include both twin-turbo and naturally-aspirated straight six engines, although there could be an entry-level model in Europe with a four-cylinder mill, though that won't be due until sometime around 2011. The naturally-aspirated six-cylinder is expected to be rated at about 272hp (203kW), an upgrade of 17hp (12kW) over the current sport model, while the flagship M Roadster - if it is built - is likely to get a brand new high-performance turbo six worth around 350hp (261kW).
This is to ensure the M-spec Z4 doesn’t step on the toes of the M3. The Z4 range is also expected to pick up BMW’s new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as an option. A 6-speed manual will be standard.
With more equipment and a bigger powerplant, pricing is expected to rise to about €43,000 ($55,000) in Europe. The Z4 currently starts at around $36,700 in the U.S., but that can be expected to climb past $40,000 for the next model.
PSA: How to safely abandon your car in a snowstorm
Mother Nature has hit the deep freeze button again, and that means getting stuck in a snowstorm is not such a wild improbability for some of us. If you can't stay off the roads and happen to find yourself immobile once you get on them, PEMCO Insurance has a brief guide for what do if you absolutely must abandon your car. Perhaps the most important advice is to always carry some emergency winter clothes and supplies with you, like flares and blankets, which could come in handy even if you don't get permanently stuck. You'll especially want to make the car as visible as possible so that others can avoid hitting it. You can read the full guide after the jump, and be careful out there this holiday season.
Post Title → New Maserati Quattroporte Sport cars
