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Archive for January, 2009

Audi, BMW, Cadillac Win EyesOn Design Awards at NAIAS

Written by admin on Friday, January 30, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Announcements, Audi, Automobile Industry, BMW, Cadillac

Audi, BMW, and Cadillac were all presented with “Design Excellence Awards” at the North American International Auto Show. Audi managed to take two of the four prizes in the fourth annual EyesOn Design Awards, awarded to best designed production and concept vehicles.

The Audi R8 V10 and 2010 BMW Z4 were awarded honors in the production category. The R8 V10 includes exterior design touches, like LED headlights, a new rear diffuser, and dual oval exhaust pipes. Inside, it has a functional, but complex, instrument cluster easily within the driver’s reach. A sleek and aerodynamic shape adornes the new Z4, which makes it look nice from any angle, and comes with an incredibly neat three-stage removable hard-top. Audi’s A7 Sportback Concept has long, flowing lines, and a calming white leather and wood interior. It won the award for concept car design, along with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The plug-in hybrid Converj is very futuristic on the outside, with a techno-phobic’s nightmare for an interior. The fast-charging car has four individual seats, but a design that will be nearly impossible to bring to production.

Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers 2009 World Congress and Dassault Systems, the awards are presented to the two best production car designs and concept cars.

The jury, led by former Chrysler VP Tom Gale, includes BMW design director Chris Bangle, Senior VP and Chief Styling Officer for Harley-Davidson Willie G. Davison, and Larry Erickson, a Transportation Design professor at the College for Creative Studies. Only vehicles debuting at the Detroit Auto Show qualify for the award.

Source: NAIAS

10 Biggest Debuts of 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Written by admin on Friday, January 30, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Automobile Industry

10. 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Buick keeps telling us it’s going after Lexus, but the Enclave is the closest the company has come to a serious effort. Now, the chase intensifies with the introduction of the new LaCrosse. Styled after last year’s Invicta concept, which was penned jointly by studios in the U.S. and China—the latter being Buick’s biggest market—the 2010 LaCrosse resembles a Lexus in profile and proves that semi-derivative Chinese designs spiced with American input can actually be pretty good-looking.

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09. Cadillac Converj Concept

It seems as though the nearer the Chevrolet Volt gets to production, the higher its price climbs. GM officials claim a higher potential price had nothing to do with the creation of the Cadillac Converj concept—which is built on the Volt’s platform and uses the same drivetrain technology—but the premium brand could charge more for the same mechanicals and offer GM a way to at least lose less money per unit sold, and maybe even turn a profit.

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08. 2010 Cadillac SRX

We’re going to miss the old SRX, which was built on a rear-drive platform shared with the last-generation CTS; it took second place in our last luxury sport-ute comparo despite being one of the oldest vehicles present. The 2010 SRX poses a familiar risk for GM and will test whether or not consumers are willing to pay a premium for a Cadillac version of a vehicle that is available for significantly less in Saturn or Chevrolet form, as the Vue and the Equinox are built on the same platform.

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07. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

It’s small, versatile, and spacious—compared to a grocery bag—but the current Chevrolet Equinox isn’t very nice. With cheapy plastics and panel gaps so large you could misplace your children in them, the Equinox was a paragon of GM’s cost-cutting interiors. The 2010 Equinox not only gets contemporary and dressier sheetmetal, but interior cues from the new Malibu and materials from a factory that probably doesn’t employ overheated children make for a stylish abode. Direct-injection powerplants promise competitive power, too.

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06. Chrysler 200C EV Concept

When the Sebring debuted in 2006, the automotive world let out a horrified gasp so large the National Weather Service registered it as a rogue weather system. Cars like the 200C concept are exactly the sorts of products Chrysler needs to build if it wants to stay in business. Chrysler has a flotilla of EV concepts in limbo right now, but has nothing in its current or future stable that looks this good, and we expect something very similar to this to replace the sheetmetal on the Sebring soon.

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05. 2010 Ford Taurus 

The first-ever Taurus set the world on fire, but the only burning inspired by the current model is ulcerous inflammations in the guts of Ford execs and salespeople. Somehow, a high h-point coupled with ultra-bland styling failed to ignite any passion in the buying public. Ford will remedy that in 2010 with this thoroughly refreshed model, which finally returns some real style to the nameplate. The nose is downright handsome, the rear streamlined and elegant. And this Taurus is likely to usher in a new era of SHO performance with a 355-hp twin-turbo V-6 and all-wheel drive.

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04. 2009 Honda Insight 

The Insight started the mass-produced hybrid craze in 1999 but disappeared when other, more user-friendly hybrids appeared, hung it from a locker by its underwear, and stole all the little tin can’s market share. Now the Insight name is back, albeit attached to a more-mature, complete car with more luxury than just a single speaker and an AM radio, but unfortunately without super-trendy fender skirts. As a bonus, when it appears on the market, it should be the cheapest hybrid vehicle available in the U.S.

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03. Lincoln C Concept

One of a few real surprises at this year’s show, the C Concept is the first look at what a future small Lincoln could look like. Although the company is traditionally known for its big luxo-barges, its biggest seller in 2008 was the mid-size MKZ, with 30,117 units moved. Could Lincoln take another step downmarket? BMW and Mini have made small premium, and Lincoln execs tell us the C fits on the Volvo C30’s platform, hinting that it could see production.

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02. 2010 Lincoln MKT

While fuel prices have recovered from their spike last summer, sales of gimungous status symbols like the Lincoln Navigator have not. This new six- or seven-passenger crossover should staunch some of the family-hauling flow from Lincoln showrooms, while the available 355-hp twin-turbo V-6 will satisfy the power hungry. You won’t be able to tow your boat with the MKT as you can with the body-on-frame Navigator, but the crossover will ride much more like a Lincoln should.

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01. 2010 Toyota Prius

 

 Toyota Prius (Pious?) the new model gets more powerful and pious by way of a 98-hp inline-four that, although 22-hp more powerful than the outgoing car, still manages to improve on its fuel economy. Expect a combined fuel-economy rating of 50 mpg, compared to 46 for the current car. With environmental responsibility now separate from fuel economy as a motivator in new-car decisions—but equally potent—the Prius will remain a hot seller and easy soapbox regardless of gas prices, and the competition will only get better.

” Cheap Car Insurance Quote Tips “

Written by admin on Friday, January 30, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Announcements   Tags: , , , ,

CheapCarInsuranseTips - An Online Portal helps people to have best car insurance quote tips acoss the country… “Cheap Car Insurance Quote Tips” is working with major insurance companies across the country for helping you to find the best and lowest insurance rates in your locality. At Cheap Car Insurance Quote Tips, You just need to complete a brief questionnaire, then agents in your area will contact you from top ten insurance carriers, and provide You a chance to compare up to five FREE car insurance quotes and save time. This online car insurance quote takes just a few minutes and then you will be provided rates from top companies that best suit your needs. 

” You get the best rates when companies compete! “ this is tagged by the provider of best Car Insurane Quotes. It is offering other discounts too, which can lower your Car Insurance premium such as: By having all of your vehicles on the same policy could save you money, companies can give you an occupational discount, depending on your education. And of course, maintaining a good clean driving record will allow your insurance carrier to give you a good driver discount and keep down the rates for you. Many other benefits or discounts are offered, only with the help of Cheap Car Insurance Tips…

Jaguar XFR + XKR

Written by admin on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Automobile Industry, Bugatti, Ford, Jaguar

New 5-litre V8s, 503bhp XFR and revised XKs at Detroit

It has hardly been the best-kept of secrets, but visitors to Detroit will be the first to see the new R version of the Jaguar XF plus the revised range of XKs. All these cars get Jaguar’s all-new 5-litre V8 engine, which replaces the 4.2-litre unit and has just the cylinder-head bolts and the exhaust tappets in common with it.

Chief engines engineer Malcolm Sandford says the V8s are the most efficient engines in their class. The supercharged version makes 503bhp, plus 461lb ft of torque  all the way from 2000rpm to 5000rpm, yet it gets under 300g/km CO2 while propelling the Jaguar in which it is fitted to 60mph in under five seconds.

One thing that’s missing from the supercharged engine is the characteristic whine. Sandford hates it: ‘It’s the sound of imperfect machinery and it shouldn’t be there,’ he says. So there’s a new Eaton ‘Twin Vortex’ supercharger with four lobes per rotor instead of three, which is more efficient and soaks up less energy to drive it. The water-cooled intercooler can absorb up to 30kW of heat from the intake air.

Both engines have a neat water-cooled oil cooler nestling in the vee, and both have less internal friction than any rival engine according to data from an independent engineering assessor commissioned by Jaguar. The naturally-aspirated V8 produces strong figures, too: 380bhp and the same number of lb ft, the latter again strong from low revs.

All four of its camshafts have a very clever design of variable valve timing, using the torque generated by the camshaft itself as the valve springs try to force the cam lobes to move round. This uses less energy and generates a quicker response than the usual oil-pressure-fed system. The inlet camshafts also have variable lift, using a hydraulic pin to lock the tappet in one of two shapes as needed to engage with one of two camshaft profiles.

The new engines, and the 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel recently announced, are joined to revised ZF automatic transmissions which should feel more DSG-like than ever, thanks to crisper shifts and more locking-up of the torque converter.

With its supercharged V8 the  £59,900 XFR virtually matches BMW’s V10 M5 for power while producing more torque at lower, more usable revs. This new R-car has deeper front and rear valances, with chrome mesh in the lower air intakes, and subtle sill extensions with a gentle twist along their length. Wheels are 20in diameter and bear ‘Jaguar Supercharged’ lettering, and exhaust gases exit through four fat pipes. The bonnet has a pair of vents to let the hot air out.

It’s all quite understated, as is the interior which gets some new dark wood and aluminium treatments and new body-hugging front seats. Understated, that is, unless you go for the Red Zone seat facings. The former CATS suspension, with its two automatic stiffness settings, is replaced by a continuously-variable Bilstein system using sliding valves. The XF SV8, incidentally, has disappeared from the range although Jaguar insists the XFR is not its replacement, being an altogether harder-edged car.

The new XKR is mechanically almost exactly the same as the XFR, and both get a new electronic active differential which functions much like Ferrari’s version. So if there’s a tail slide, it can divert torque to the outside rear wheel to help correct it instead of relying on the electronic stability system to brake the inside rear wheel. With the stability system switched off, both Jaguars are set up to allow progressive power slides with the electronic differential keeping torque where it needs to be.

You can tell a 5-litre XK by the new outer vents on the front valance, new LED tail lights and, inside, the XF-type Jaguar Drive Control, the round gearshift selector which rises out of the centre console on start-up. The XKR gets the new ‘supercharged’ wheels, too.

As for an XK 3.0 turbodiesel, all the engineers will say is, ‘It’s a good idea.’ But the body language suggests it’s rather more than that.

You can read more about the cars from 2009 Detroit motor show.

2009 BMW Z4

Written by admin on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Automobile Industry, BMW   Tags: , , , , ,

2009 BMW Z4 Roadster is actually a hardtop convertible, complete with a two-piece aluminum roof that electrohydraulically deploys from the trunk in 20 seconds.

Two engine choices are available… The flagship sDrive35i model gets a twin-turbo 3.0-litre. This produces 301bhp and goes from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds. Top speed is a governed 155mph limit and average fuel consumption is 30.1mpg…. The 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i has the normally aspirated, 255-hp 3.0-liter inline-6, and it gives you a choice between a six-speed manual and a conventional six-speed automatic. Both model designations include “sDrive,” which is BMW’s new nomenclature for rear-wheel drive.
BMW notes that the Z4 sDrive35i is actually quicker with the dual-clutch gearbox than the short-shift manual transmission, accelerating to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.0 seconds compared to 5.1 seconds with the manual. The Z4 sDrive30i gets to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with its manual transmission and 6.0 seconds with the automatic.

As with the expectation with a hardtop convertible, there’s more room for humans, as it has 40 percent larger side window and 52 percent larger rear window, with this extra room, must not forget prices, as it will be high accordingly… An sDrive30i with a manual transmission is 221 pounds heavier than its 2008 counterpart while the sDrive35i with a manual is up 364 pounds over its predecessor… Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date in May. They are likely to start from at least £25,000.

Inside Line says: The Z4 leaves its largely unsuccessful life as a sports car and tries on a luxurious (and expensive) convertible hardtop for size. — Michael Jordan, Executive Editor

2010 Ford Taurus

Written by admin on Thursday, January 22, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Automobile Industry, Ford   Tags: , , , , , , ,

At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the automaker finally took the wraps off the new model of Ford, 2010 Ford Taurus was there for official display…

Ford has decided to combine elements of its “Bold American” and European “Kinetic” design language for the 2010 model… The new Taurus is powered by 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine, mated to one of two available six-speed automatic transmissions, including SelectShift with shift paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. The V6 motor delivers an estimated 263 horsepower and 249 foot-pounds of torque. It earns a ULEV-II emissions certification and comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions. Initially, the car will be offered in SE and SEL trim levels. Ford says it plans to offer a performance-oriented EcoBoost model, with an announcement regarding availability coming soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Ford
Press Release:

  • Athletic, upscale new 2010 Ford Taurus confidently leads a growing wave of new-car introductions from Ford Motor Company. Available this summer, this distinctive new vehicle combines class-leading technologies with confident, engaging driving dynamics
  • Taurus features an impressive set of standard and available technologies that add convenience, connectivity, safety and value for customers. They include Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, MyKey™ parental programmability, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert, Rain-Sensing Wipers, EasyFuel™ capless refueling, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™
  • The new Taurus is powered by the award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine, mated to one of two available fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmissions including SelectShift® with shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel and available all-wheel drive

The Ford Taurus – the car that changed America’s view of full-size sedans – is all-new for 2010 and ready to take on the world’s best, with an upscale new design, impeccable driving dynamics, class-leading technologies and an unbeatable price tag.

“The new Taurus sets the pace for Ford’s growing new car launch momentum,” said Mark Fields, president of the Americas. “This sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for – and helps further define what Ford is capable of delivering – quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies, wrapped in bold, sporty and expressive designs.”

The new Taurus benefits from Ford’s Global Product Development System, which made it possible to deliver an all-new sedan 12 months sooner – with more new features than customers and dealers dreamed possible.

“Taurus is our premium Ford flagship, and it casts a halo across the entire brand portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for global product development. “Building on its reputation for safety leadership, we leveraged extensive use of computer-aided design and engineering technologies as well as digital pre-assembly modeling to deliver a high-quality, new Taurus a year ahead of schedule.”

Even better news? The new 2010 Taurus will start at $25,995 – the same price as 2009 models.

New times, new design

“Lightning can strike twice,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas. “Like the 1986 original, the new 2010 Taurus differentiates by combining style with substance.”

The shift starts with the vision for Taurus itself. It debuted as a family sedan, but with the advent of crossovers, the new Taurus is aimed more at drivers who might move friends and family but place more of a premium on the driving experience and technologies aimed at making time on the road more meaningful and fun.

“Taurus is more of a ‘me’ sedan now, and we’ve delivered with this buyer in mind,” said Moray Callum, director of Ford’s Car and Crossover Design.

Exterior design details are more sculpted and powerful – from the powerdome that speaks to the strength behind its confident grille to the pronounced fenders and fascia. Bold new headlights combined with recessed parking lamps frame a new expression of the signature Ford three-bar grille – and the lowered roofline helps make the new Taurus more aspirational.

New wheels, from 17- to 20-inches in diameter, fill the sculpted wheel wells and lend Taurus a muscular and athletic stance. The raised shoulder lines of the new Taurus provide a confident profile and enable generous truck capacity.

The exterior color palette for the 2010 Taurus includes new hues, selected to harmonize with interior appointments and offer customers a broader range of color combinations. New colors include Candy Red Metallic Tint, White Platinum Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Gold Leaf Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic.

Inside, a forward-leaning center stack – home to the climate controls, audio components and available navigation screen – flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down into the center console. The smart design allows for the interior to be formed with unbroken lines to impart seamless quality and craftsmanship.

The door panels employ an innovative urethane tooling process providing unique texture and identity to surfaces, with visible stitching and a hand crafted appeal. This same process allows for door panel two-toning, enabling model series differentiation.

Taurus precision craftsmanship is reflected in the quality of materials used in the interior, and in the exterior margins comparable to costly German luxury sedans.

Better on-road performance, too

To match its more athletic looks, the new Taurus features sportier driving dynamics.

The 2010 Taurus comes standard with Ford’s proven Duratec 3.5-liter V-6, generating 263 horsepower and 249 foot-pounds of torque. This award-winning engine earns a ULEV-II emissions certification and comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.

The smooth and refined Duratec V-6 helps the front-wheel-drive Taurus deliver unsurpassed highway fuel economy. Taurus reflects Ford’s commitment to deliver the best, or be among the leaders, in fuel economy across the vehicle segments where it competes.

Taurus fuel economy is aided by employment of a two-speed fuel pump and Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO) technology.

The Taurus engine plan also calls for optional availability of Ford’s advanced EcoBoost™ 3.5-liter V-6, with an announcement regarding availability coming soon.

The Taurus SE offers a six-speed automatic transmission with a Grade-Assist hill-holding rollback prevention feature, paired with an economical 2.77 final drive ratio.

SEL and Limited series Taurus models are offered with SelectShift®, featuring racing-inspired shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel. SelectShift offers the convenience of conventional automatic operation, or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. The SelectShift transmission enables “match-rev” downshifts and will hold manually selected gears, unlike some competitive transmissions that second-guess the driver.

The SEL is offered with a 2.77 final drive ratio, while the Limited series uses a 3.16 gear in front-wheel-drive models, and a 3.39 ratio in all-wheel-drive models to provide enhanced acceleration.

Chassis and suspension components are tuned to deliver on the sporty and aggressive design with optimized roll stiffness for cornering control, responsive steering with sharp turn-in and precision accuracy. This chassis tuning of the MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension reflects Ford Global DNA, defined by responsive steering and handling, while maintaining a comfortable ride quality.

The 2010 Taurus features a new SR1 suspension configuration. Named for its “one-to-one” rear shock absorber ratio, it provides a superior balance between cornering and handling while providing a stable baseline for fine tuning. The new SR1 enables the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels – and reduces vehicle weight, saving fuel.

“While driver engagement was a key objective for the new Taurus, we also put huge emphasis on creating a quiet environment,” said Chief Engineer Pete Reyes. “Wind tunnel development time was important to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, but it also helped with fuel economy.

Customer-focused technologies

Tech-savvy customers will find plenty to like about the new 2010 Taurus. Its technologies enable customer connectivity, while fulfilling desires for personalization, customization and control. This comprehensive list of features isn’t just technology for the sake of technology. These offerings have been selected and developed to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience for the driver and all passengers. Extensive work has also been done to ensure that these technologies are easy to understand and intuitive to operate.

Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the vehicle cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting Taurus speed to help maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

Adaptive Cruise Control also integrates Collision Warning with Brake Support, a new active safety feature.

The collision warning system uses a radar sensor to detect moving vehicles ahead and provides a visual “heads-up” warning signal transmitted across the base of the windshield and an audible warning when slower moving traffic is detected ahead. The system also pre-charges the brakes and engages an electronic brake assist to help the driver stop more quickly.

Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a new Taurus feature, allows the driver to enter the car and start the engine by simply carrying the fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.

SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad enables vehicle access by unlocking the driver’s door using a five-digit code on the new keypad system flush-mounted in the driver’s side B-pillar.

MyKey™ allows parents or fleet administrators to activate a restricted driving mode. When enabled, MyKey features a Persistent Beltminder® with Audio Mute until safety belts are buckled, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control, Blind Spot monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning. Additional programmability includes restrictions on audio volume, limiting top speed to 80 mph and speed chime warnings at 45, 55, or 65mph.

Auto High Beams/Rain-Sensing Wipers harness sensor technologies to switch headlights to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected, in a range of up to 500 feet for taillight detection, and up to 2,000 feet for oncoming headlight detection. Rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensor to detect the intensity of rain and/or snowfall to adjust wiper speed.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that self-seals without a traditional fuel cap.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an approaching vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides warning to the driver in the corresponding side view mirror.

Cross Traffic Alert uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car widths.

Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system, with 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. SYNC’s 911 Assist™ will place a call to a local emergency operator in the event of an air bag deployment incident. The latest version of SYNC adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance, and the ability to access content by personalized favorites such as region, subject matter or sports team.

Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ uses an 8-inch screen to present a birds-eye-view map with 3D landmarks. The system responds to voice commands for destination programming and route selection. In addition, it provides enhanced route guidance features such as street name announcements and detailed freeway exit, turn and ramp position lane guidance. The screen can be personalized with up to 32 pictures, sized up to 1.5MB. The system also incorporates the SIRIUS Travel Link, offering availability of current weather and ski conditions, a five-day forecast, local fuel pricing by cost per gallon as well as brand, sports scores and movie listings.

Sony® branded audio components deliver sound from a variety of sources, with an AM-FM tuner, SIRIUS Satellite radio, CD, DVD audio and an integrated 10 GB hard drive for storage of up to 2,400 songs. This package also includes an available 10-speaker premium audio system.

Multi-Contour Seats are available on an industry-exclusive basis for driver and passenger, integrating a six-way lumbar support and subtle rolling pattern massage. The bottom cushion features Active Motion.

This provides minute but continuous pelvis movement, stirring a change of muscular activation helping a driver avoid back pain.

“Multi-Contour seats will be a real benefit for long distance drivers, or people with back trouble,” said Steve Michell, product design engineer. “The key is their subtlety. Active Motion is enough to help relieve fatigue but not enough to be distracting to a driver.”

Safety leadership grows

The new 2010 Taurus builds on its legacy of safety leadership, incorporating a comprehensive array of passive and active features engineered to protect and preserve its passengers.

“A stiffer body structure and new crash avoidance technologies make the Taurus – already named the safest full-size sedan – even safer,” said Reyes, chief engineer.

Taurus safety begins with a body structure optimized for strength and stiffness. The energy-absorbing front structure features octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and “shotgun” front structural members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

The Taurus body structure features ultra high-strength boron steel in the B-pillar for added side impact protection.

The new Taurus is equipped with a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features, including dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side impact air bags and Safety Canopy®, a Ford exclusive protection system that features side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side impact crashes.

Other key safety features include:

Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE™) Architecture is comprised of a hydroformed cross-car beam embedded in the floor between the door frames, providing additional strength in the side of the vehicle. In the event of a side impact, the beam helps divert crash forces away from the occupants. A strong roof cross member and side impact door beams work with the floor-mounted tube to further improve side impact protection.

Personal Safety System® is designed to reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front seat passenger in the event of a moderate to severe frontal collision. Sensors note right front occupant weight, safety belt usage, outboard seat belt tension and seating position to optimize air bag deployment force for occupant safety.

AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control predicts the vehicle’s intended path, using sensors to detect and measure oversteer and yaw, while continuously monitoring vehicle speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses a loss of wheel traction, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied in conjunction with the standard Anti-lock Braking (ABS) system. The system also incorporates traction control to aid drivers when operating the vehicle on loose or slippery surfaces.

SOS Post-Crash Alert is an integrated system that automatically unlocks the doors, sounds the horn and activates the emergency flashers in the event of an air bag deployment.

“Customers will find a lot to love about the new Taurus,” Fields said.

The 2010 Ford Taurus will be built at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant and will be available in dealer showrooms in the summer.

2010 Lincoln MKT

Written by admin on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Automobile Industry, Ford   Tags: , , ,

2010 Lincoln MKT at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

 Just days after unveiling the Lincoln MKT crossover at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the automaker has officially announced that the vehicle will start at $44,995 for a front-wheel-drive model, including destination charges. A four-wheel-drive model with the automaker’s EcoBoost powertrain runs $49,995.

“We’re growing Lincoln’s product portfolio with a full-size crossover that offers more of everything luxury buyers want today – including more variety,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Lincoln MKT will help us further build momentum for Lincoln, which has been outpacing its luxury competitors and growing market share in recent months.”

“The MKT is fully differentiated from the Flex, the Lincoln MKT strikes the optimum balance between capable and driver-engaging handling, while simultaneously delivering a smooth quiet ride in all three rows,” said Chief Engineer Ron Heiser. “It combines a luxury touring experience with an agile ride and available Class III towing strength, as well.”

And chief designer Gordon Platto takes visible pleasure from pointing out the MKT’s features: “This is the first time we’ve actually fully integrated the grille from the 2007 MKR Concept. We’ve combined it with zero-offset bumpers for a smooth exterior. Inside, we use the same cut-and-sew leather and wood trim as in the MKS sedan, and our ‘floating armrest’ is also from the MKR and allows us to offer contrast-color inserts later.”

It will go on sale in late summer 2009… Fuel-efficiency also comes standard on the Lincoln MKT – and customers have a choice of two powerful yet practical V-6 engines…

A 3.7-liter, 24-valve variation of the award-winning Duratec engine family is standard. Delivering an expected 268 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 267 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 RPM, this engine has been tuned to provide brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery with best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control.

A two-speed fuel pump and Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO), combined with optimized transmission and final drive gearing, are designed to help this engine to deliver segment-leading fuel economy of an estimated 24 mpg highway, besting both the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 by 4 mpg..

For even more performance driving feel, Lincoln MKT also offers a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6. This engine provides the power of a normally-aspirated V-8 with V-6 fuel economy. This advanced engine delivers a class-leading estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 RPM, while generating 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM.

2009 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Written by admin on Monday, January 19, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Automobile Industry   Tags: , , , , ,

The 2009 Detroit auto show is cosidering to be the Grand Annual Event for the whole Automobile Industry…

All new models are making their Debuts… there at Detroit Show… Audi has three world debuts, including the amazing V-10-powered Audi R8, and the BMW Z4 will make an appearance. Mercedes is bringing its critically important 2010 E-Class and BlueZero concepts, and VW has something in store as well. Japanese heavyweights Honda and Toyota have also decided to show up and will play a my-hybrid’s-better-than-yours game — with the new Honda Insight Hybrid and the updated Toyota Prius vying for top green billing. Other interesting debuts teased so far include the Volvo S60 and Subaru Legacy concepts, a high-powered Jag or two, and a new hybrid Lexus.

See the complete coverage of 2009 Detroit Auto Show…

PRODUCTION CARS

CONCEPTS

  • Karma S Concept and 2010 Fisker Karma
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Audi Sportback Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Subaru Legacy Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Volvo S60 Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Cadillac Converj Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Dodge Circuit Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Jeep Patriot EV Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Kia Soul’ster Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Chrysler 200C Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept
  • 2009 Detroit Show: Benz Concept BlueZERO
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2010 Audi R8 GT3 Race Car

Written by admin on Sunday, January 18, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Audi, Automobile Industry   Tags: , , , ,

Audi Sport will offer for the very first time, a racing sports car, specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009.

The new R8 race version supercar features lots of performance upgrades over current R8 models, and has been designed to conform to GT3 racing regulations. The 2010 R8 GT3 features several changes from the production car, what we know about the performance upgrades on GT3 are, a 6 speed sequential manual transmission, and a gasoline motor promising more than 500 horsepower.

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries for a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

Below is the first info direct from Audi AG…

Audi develops race version of the R8

Official Audi AG Press Release

  • * Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar,
  • * First races planned for 2009 season
  • * Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out

Ingolstadt – For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16″ within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the Audi R8 street version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. (Györ).

 

2010 Audi A7 coming in June 2009

Written by admin on Sunday, January 18, 2009 | No Comments

Categories: Audi, Automobile Industry   Tags: , , , , , , , ,

We have heard that Audi will soon come up with its four-door-coupe CLS-fighter model – the A7.

Reportedly based on the A6, the A7 is expected to be ready for the 2010 model year, making its debut in June 2009, most likely at either the Geneva or Frankfurt auto shows. All of the improvements put into the latest Audi models — new steering rack, multilink suspension, and a reconfigured quattro all-wheel-drive designed to send more power to the rear wheels — should find their way into the A7. The range-topper RS 7 model is expected to be a twin-turbo V10 engine producing 600-hp.

Well, Audi A7 Cabriolet will make its official debut in 2011…

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