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Archive for the ‘Future Cars’ Category
Thu, June 5, 2008 6:12 am By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 The all new 2009 Acura TSX made its debut in New York International Auto Show.
“With powerful looks and performance, the debutante has taken an enthusiastic bit out of the Big Apple,” said Dick Colliver, executive Vice President of sales. He added, “Besides offering enhanced performance, the 2009 TSX has improved fuel economy, lower emissions and added safety features.” It has the most aggressive front grille found on any midsize sport sedan till date.
The wheelbase has been increased from the previous model. The new Acura TSX is longer and wider.
Better handling and fully independent front and rear suspension with dual-stage dampers are its add-ons.
Tags: 2009 Acura TSX, better handling, increased wheel base, New York International Auto Show.
Wed, June 4, 2008 9:13 am By Eric Sporer
 The BMW X6 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 by German automaker BMW. The X6 combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tires) with the stance of a coupé (bold head-turning style, dramatic sloping roof). BMW announced it’s all new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, which looks best on a racetrack and is equally unbeatable when it comes to performance. The BMW X6 is based on the best selling X5 with the only difference being the low roof, swoop body work and the addition of Dynamic Performance Control. I must say, it is has got the cleverest rear differential in the whole world. Thanks to DPC, which improves the agility, stability and traction at all times. This combines with Adaptive Drive to eliminate roll and dive. This car performs better than any of its counterparts because of its powerful engines.
For the US, the X6 will come with two engines, both have twin turbos. The xDrive35i comes with a 3.0-liter straight six while the xDrive50i come with a 4.4-liter V8. On paper, the V8 is the clear winner, delivering a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. In practice however, the inline-six is livelier, weighing down the X6’s front end considerably less and not suffering from the bigger engine’s turbo lag. At 6.5 seconds to 60mph and topping out at 149mph, it’s far from slow as well.
Tags: 2009 BMW X6, race car, turbo engines
Thu, May 29, 2008 8:40 am By James Coolridge
 It is rare! It is fast! It is exciting! Hey, it is Lamborghini!! Yes, the Lamborghinis have always been the cars to look for. Here is its latest addition- the all new 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which truly stands out from the crowd!
LP stands for Longitudinale posteriore, which tells us the position of the engine which is longitudinally mounted and sits behind the driver. The four-wheel drive system has a powerful output of 560PS (equal to 552 horsepower) and great interiors and aggressive styling. The V-10 is fitted with a FSI direct-injection system, enabling a high, compression ratio of 12.5:1. Torque is also up, from 376 lb-ft at 4250 rpm to 398 lb-ft at 6500 rpm, but don’t let the elevated peak rpm fool you - the new engine has more low-end torque than the old one. It has a unique block and heads and has its own direct-injection system which is co-developed with Bosch.
The revised and enlarged cooling intakes give the front end of the car a bit more of a chin. The length of the front and rear fascias has been increased by two inches. The headlights have been trimmed while the taillights have become skinnier. The headlight units are much shorter front-to-rear and incorporate Y-shaped daytime running lights into their housings. The body sides and rear decklid are smoother and filled with single slits replacing the dozens of gills on the original Gallardo.
Well- built, well- equipped and above all, highly luxurious!! You will love to flaunt your Gallardo everyday!
Tags: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, four wheel drive system, headlights, taillights
Thu, May 8, 2008 8:48 am By Eric Sporer
 Mazda Motor Corporation is all set with its all new 2009 Mazda 6 with features specifically for North American customers. The car is expected to arrive this summer. Mazda 6 comes with a powerful engine, has larger interior and is really bigger outside. Its styling will surely impress you! Here is a brief specification about the car.
The powerful fuel- efficient engine range includes 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the 3.7-liter V6 from the CX-9. The torque band has been improved to offer a more linear acceleration band. The standard transmission is a new 6-speed manual. The addition of the CX-9’s V6, rated at 273 hp and 270-lb-ft of torque in the crossover, helps the Mazda 6 better combat the V6 offerings with six-speed automatic. The new engines offer greater power and better efficiency. The Sedan comes with high level of standard safety equipment. The chassis of the 2009 Mazda6 utilizes Mazda’s strong Triple-H body shell. To avoid accidents, active safety systems on the new Mazda6 include anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control (DSC), electronic traction control, and brake assist.
The base four-cylinder engine is bolted to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is offered with only a six-speed automatic.
The 2009 Mazda6 will be introduced as a sport sedan, 5-door, and a Sport Wagon. According to Mazda, the new exterior design “cleverly combines two seemingly contradicting ideas of strength and delicate grace… while inheriting the ‘athletic’ design that was key to the signature Mazda look of the previous model.”
Suspension and braking systems have been upgraded and improved on 2009 Mazda6. The double-wishbone front suspension now features 6-point mounting for improved steering feel. The multi-link rear suspension has been recalibrated to reduce tail-lift under braking, increasing responsiveness.
The improvements made in 2009 Mazda 6 enhance vehicle stability and ride comfort. It is expected in North America in mid-2008.
Tags: 2009 Mazda 6, North America, Mazda Motor Corporation
Thu, April 24, 2008 1:13 pm By James Coolridge
One year ago, a “baby” was born in the car manufacturers industry. Well, I am not talking about a human offspring, I am referring TAC, a Brazilian auto industry which was willing to sell its first car named as Stark in 2007. However, the local suppliers forced the company to postpone the launch of its debutante in the market because the suppliers did not manage to develop specific parts for the Brazilian off-roader on schedule. Finally, the company has managed to start the sales of the all new Stark in 2009.
Stark is supposed to be the first vehicle for using the flex-fuel gasoline/ethanol. The wheel base of the vehicle is 2.5 meters. The vehicle is 4.08 m long, 1.91 m wide and 1.83 m tall, and is as light as 1300kg! Powered by a Volkswagen engine, placed behind the front axle, it promises to be a very well-balanced car. The engine is controlled by an Eaton FSO-2405D five-speed gearbox, along with a BorgWarner reduction gearbox.
So what is the USP of Stark? It is its lightweight plastic body which is, of course, not prone to rust. The tubular chassis can also be regarded as its unique selling point.
Stark has 1.8-litre four cylinder generating 106 bhp on ethanol and 103 bhp on petrol, both outputs at 5,250 rpm).
TAC will present its first five dealers in Brazil in 2009. The exports of Stark will be kick-started in 2012, when the production will be around 1200 units per year. The price tag of Stark in Brazilian market will be around $41300. but, the prices for its foreign customers will be at least 30% lower.
Tags: TAC Stark, Brazil auto industry, lightweight
Tue, April 22, 2008 1:17 pm By Vinnie Samson
 “Citroen is a French automobile manufacturer, founded in 1919 by André Citroën. Originally a mass-market car maker with straightforward designs, Citroën shocked the world in 1934 with the innovative Traction Avant, the world’s first mass-production front wheel drive car (1934-56). Significant models include the H Van (1947-81, “HY”), the 2CV (1948-90, “The Duck”), the DS (1955-1975, “Goddess”) and the CX (1974-91).”
The latest from the company is Citreon C2 1587 Brutale Special Edition which is inspired by the famous Italian bike, Brutale 1078 RR. The car looks aggressive! It is out of the ordinary!
A VTS 1.6L engine of the car sports 125hp. The color scheme is stunning- pearl white and black exteriors. The C2’S motorcycle- inspired interior is beautified by the Brutale logo, alcantara seats, black leather with red stiching and a dashboard with a carbon fibre trim and the foot plate.
The new C2 comes with a lot of changes made by the company. The front end is now designed to highlight the dynamic and elegant exterior lines, a more imposing bumper and a new radiator grille with wider and bigger chevrons.
The Citroen C2 diesel range will be available from May 2008 with the 110 bhp HDi engine and particulate filter. This powerful engine consumes merely 4.4 1/100km for CO2 emissions of no more than 119 g/km.
The C2 also carries the Airdream label identifying Citroen’s most ecological models.
“The Citroen maintains its acknowledged strong points in terms of handling, modular design, onboard comfort and roadholding.”
Tags: Citroen, bike
Sun, April 20, 2008 11:11 am By Jimmy Letto
 Nissan Skyline GT-R is truly gigantic in its own terms! Wonder why I quote a vehicle as gigantic? The 473bhp, four-seat 3.8 liter V6 engine is the answer. The Japanese product will hit the UK market probably next year. The vehicle is a successor of Nissan Skyline.
Nissan, which has a strong racing legacy, revealed the concept of the super- car Nissan Skyline GT-R way back in 2001. The car has onboard computers to keep a track and stop the car going off the track. This four-seated huge coupe has an array of technical trickery. Read on to know more.
The power department of the vehicle is really powerful, with V6. It has twin-turbochargers. The dual-shift auto gearbox varies the amount of thrill you want by giving you three modes- scary, very scary and insane
When I looked into the photo of the car, I was fully bowled-over by its aggressive exteriors. Aeroblade front wings and diffuser round off the car adds to the aggression on road. Those 20-inch wheels score extra points.
The interior enfolded in faux aluminium. The add ons in the interior are its multi-CD changer, HDD storage system and LCD touch screen.
The cherry on the cake is the vehicle’s Multi-functional display in the car console. Of this can be set up (along with the driver lap time system accessible from the steering wheel) to monitor your every driving input, from steering to G’s to breaking.
A take on the performance- well, it will make you awestruck! The gigantic two-door vehicle hits from 0-100 in 8.3 seconds!
The estimated price of Nissan GT-R is £55,000. The purchase price in Japan will be far lower than in the UK.
At the end of the day, you will be sitting in a vehicle that is close to mechanical perfection, and a car which provides you the ultimate drive.
Tags: Super Car, Nissan, gigantic
Fri, April 18, 2008 1:35 pm By Jack Mounce
 Audi offers a range of six different engines and four transmissions in various combinations in Audi’s A4 3.0 TDI. The company is prepared to launch its vehicle in US coming September.
There is a plenty of choice for the European buyers- with gasoline engines of 1.8L, 2.0L and 3.2L and with diesel engines of 2.0L, 2.7L and 3.0L. Audi offers six speed automatic or manual transmissions, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox or a CVT.
On the other hand, the buyers in United States won’t be getting the 1.8L engine or any of the diesel engines. At the US launch of the vehicle, the new A4 will only have the 2.0L and 3.2L gas engines. The 2.0L engine will be available with a manual transmission.
Audi’s Udo Rügheimer says that the company is not satisfied with the performance of current nickel metal hydride batteries. This is become the performance is not up to the mark in cold weather. The vehicle provides very little power and minimal electric drive capability during winters. When the battery is cold, the car looses acceleration performance.
Audi Executive VP Johan de Nysschen explained that the company would start with the Q7 TDI late this year and then watch the development of the diesel market in the US.
The price of diesel fuel as compared to gasoline in the US is crucial. The company will decide as to what will be their criteria according to the prices of diesel and gasoline, whether to expand the diesel version of the vehicle in US or not.
Tags: Audi, A4 3.0 TDI, European market, US market
Fri, April 4, 2008 8:13 am By James Coolridge
 Compact and sporty Kia Koup concept was the new entry at the International Auto Show in New York. This is a coupe with attractive exteriors and glass roof.
Turbocharged four-cylinder features direct injection and make 290 hp and 289 pounds-feet of torque, all to the front wheels. It is a two-door concept that features its share of show-car elements.
The cabin has four bucket seats, with white accents for the front seats and black accents for the rear seats. On the other hand, Silicone seat implants, neoprene floor, six-speed automatic transmission are its unreasonable features.
Well, I show a green signal to the Kia Koup Concept because of its Electronic Stability Control and adaptive front lighting.
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Sat, March 29, 2008 12:44 pm By James Coolridge
 The 500 Abarth made its official debut at the beginning at the month at the Geneva Motor Show. But the company also reported that they will reveal a Abarth version of the 500 Convertible. Rumors say the new model will be launched in 2009. After the Convertible version, two Abarth-only models will also be launched.
The Abarth 500 Convertible will be powered by the same Fire 1.4 16v Turbo petrol engine that delivers a maximum of 135 bhp (99 kW) at 5,000 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3.000 rpm found in the coupe version.
Tags: Convertible, Fiat 500, Abarth
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