Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
2010 Chevy Spark
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The all-new Chevrolet Spark, makes its world premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, is a small car designed to make a big statement. It's big on style, big on fuel economy and, like all products carrying the gold bowtie, big on value.
With punchy 1.0 and 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines and a five-door hatchback body format offering surprising versatility, the Chevy Spark is set to light up mini-car segment.
Inspired cabin
The progressive design of Chevrolet Spark's surprisingly spacious cabin has the flair to match its exterior looks. The use of quality materials and an uplevel execution were key interior design requirements, demonstrating that small cars offering big value need not look utilitarian or spartan inside.
Bright and engaging, the interior features an evolution of Chevrolet's signature 'dual cockpit' design. The textured front fascia moldings flow each side of the cabin into the doors, creating a feeling of space that belies Chevrolet Spark's diminutive size.
Exterior bodywork colors are carried through into the lower fascia and door panels. And the main controls are all highlighted in signature Chevy ice-blue, adding to the cabin's youthful looks.
A unique, motorcycle-inspired main instrument pod, incorporating a large speedometer and digital tachometer display, is another striking design feature.
The audio, heating, ventilation and navigation displays are all neatly presented in an integrated center stack. A small floor console includes twin cup-holders, ample storage cubbyholes and a gearshift molding finished in aluminum to match the spokes of the steering wheel.
Chevrolet Spark packs a generous 2,375 mm wheelbase into its 3,640 mm long body, which helps to deliver a cabin with class-leading passenger leg and hip room, front and rear. The seats are upholstered in a range of bright, contrasting fabrics, with top-of-line variants even including uplevel French seam stitching.
Despite its minimal rear overhang for ease of parking, Chevrolet Spark offers an above average 170-liter trunk volume, easily increased to 994 liters by lowering the 60/40 split-fold rear seat-back. All four door pockets are large enough to provide useful onboard storage for oddments. Chevrolet Spark's versatility can be taken a step further by specifying roof rails, a rare option in the segment.
The extensive equipment roster includes: a height-adjustable driver's seat, tilting steering wheel, electrically-powered front windows, heated front seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, electrically-powered and heated door mirrors, a trip computer and 'anti-freeze' windshield wipers.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
KIA Launches Optima Hybrid
![http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TOSVLk3VVrI/AAAAAAADm30/vMhAEiviCGY/s1600/KIA-Optima-Hybrid-5.jpg](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TOSVLk3VVrI/AAAAAAADm30/vMhAEiviCGY/s1600/KIA-Optima-Hybrid-5.jpg)
With everyone riding the "green wave" these days, it's no surprise that KIA launched its first-ever hybrid for the U.S. market, the Optima Hybrid. Combining the standard model's good looks with several technological innovations, the newest member of the Optima family returns a frugal 40 mpg (5.88 lt/100 km) on the highway.
"By adding our first-ever hybrid in the U.S. to the Optima lineup we are providing consumers with three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain choices, and continuing KIA's philosophy of offering stylish, value-packed vehicles with outstanding fuel efficiency" said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.
The Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h). It also has a stop/start function, which eliminates idle fuel consumption and reduces overall emissions.
Compared to other hybrids on the market, the Optima doesn't use a nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery, but a more advanced lithium-polymer solution, capable of holding a larger charge (30 kW) for up to 25% longer. Another plus is the reduced weight, as the lithium-polymer battery tips the scales at 95.9 pounds (43 kg), or 28 pounds (13 kg) less than the Toyota Camry Hybrid's battery pack.
Most competitors use a power-split hybrid system, like Ford and Toyota, but KIA is following a different path once again opting for a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout with the electric motor separated from the transmission gear-set.
The advantages of this setup are that it needs a lot less space and can be combined with off-the-shelf parts, like the conventional Optima's six-speed automatic transmission. It also costs less.
The electric motor is coupled to the transmission and it incorporates a permanent magnet synchronous electric traction motor. In full electric mode it delivers 40 hp (30 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque and when the 2.4-liter Atkinson Cycle gasoline unit kicks in, combined output is 206 hp and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm).
Alongside the traction motor, there's also the 8.5 kW belt-driven Hybrid-Starter-Generator (HSG), which cannot drive the wheels, but it starts the engine and recharges the battery.
As other modern hybrids, the Optima Hybrid can recover energy lost during braking as well, just like the Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion, for instance.
When the brakes are applied, the engine is decoupled from the traction motor and used to charge the battery.
Design-wise, the Koreans made sure that the hybrid Optima stands out fitting it with redesigned front grille and headlamps, lower front and rear spoilers, plus side skirts, LED tail lamps and unique 16-inch alloys.
The Optima Hybrid also features the Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), meaning that it plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric only operation to attract people's attention that a vehicle is approaching.
KIA didn't release the pricing or detailed specifications, but it did confirm that the car will hit U.S. showrooms early next year.
![http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TOSVLcRgpJI/AAAAAAADm3s/pJ75-FqqL1Y/s1600/KIA-Optima-Hybrid-4.jpg](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TOSVLcRgpJI/AAAAAAADm3s/pJ75-FqqL1Y/s1600/KIA-Optima-Hybrid-4.jpg)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Hyundai i20 Style and Design
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Hyundai i20 Style and Design
Designed at Hyundai's European headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the chic new i20 follows in the stylish European footsteps of the acclaimed i10 and i30 models. Lower, longer and wider than the Getz it replaces, the five-door Hyundai i20 rides on an extended 2525mm wheelbase, enhancing both its athletic stance and spacious interior architecture. Featuring Hyundai's distinctive design motifs - a bold chrome-topped grille flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps at the front and striking stacked rear light clusters - the i20's modern lines are further strengthened by neat detailing, including colour-co-ordinated bumpers, sills and wing mirrors, integrated antenna, mechanical boot release, flush-mounted door handles and chunky standard-fit 16-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. And new Hyundai i20 arrives with a palette of 10 new solid and metallic exterior hues - including fashionable Crystal White.
Interior
Luxury and versatility blend seamlessly in the new Hyundai i20's spacious and generously appointed cabin. With all four trim levels - Classic, Comfort, Style and Premium - featuring climate control, a powerful four-speaker radio, CD and MP3 audio system with integrated data display screen, a multi-function steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring system, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry and electrically operated windows and side mirrors, i20's list of standard features puts it head and shoulders above the majority of its rivals.
Suspension, Ride Quality and NVH
In keeping with its dynamic styling, Hyundai i20 rides on an all-new platform that delivers an athletic and agile driving experience. With much of the car's ride and handling development work undertaken on European roads - hot weather testing was carried out in Spain, cold weather testing in Sweden and high-speed testing in Germany - Hyundai's ride and handling engineers have ensured i20's front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension delivers the taut and alert ride quality favoured by the European market. The new rack and pinion steering setup has also been tuned to deliver quick and accurate responses resulting in excellent urban agility. Extensive use of advanced noise reduction materials throughout the development process - particularly in the diesel-powered models - has resulted in exceptionally high levels of refinement, imbuing Hyundai i20 with a sophisticated and cosseting cabin ambience.
Powertrain
Hyundai's new i20 debuts with a range of seven petrol and diesel engines that have been extensively revised to deliver greater performance, enhanced economy and lower emissions than before. The Euro IV-compliant petrol line-up comprises the 78PS 1.2, 100PS 1.4 and 126PS 1.6 all available with five-speed manual transmissions, with the option of four-speed automatic gearboxes on the 1.4 and 1.6 models.
Posting a low CO₂rating of just 124g/km and returning just 5.2 l/100km on the combined cycle, the all-new 1.2 all-alloy engine delivers an excellent combination of performance and economy.
Geared up to meet the high European demand for diesel power, Hyundai i20 arrives with four Euro IV -compliant turbo diesel engines, fitted with CPF diesel particulate traps as standard for 1.6 (115ps & 128ps) diesel engine. The 1.4 comes in two specifications - 75PS and 90PS - while the flagship 1.6 is available in 115PS and 128PS trim. Economical and clean, the 115PS variant returns a class-leading CO₂figure of 115g/km and 4.3l/100km on the combined cycle. Both 1.4 models come with five-speed manual transmissions, while the flagship 1.6 is mated to a six-gear manual drivetrain.
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BUGATTI VEYRON -GRAND SPORT
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp8lKisuEICxYkqTQ6OkGpKj4Q15jjcnV0XIdVwRS5AveWzaa-6d9cN_A6SvVG_Te5kAzvh3JZyWO5zpfVFV1LqNId8Zjv4QQkSByAMisPJW2THdC-vx-jMhbSlpQ8hxsuhMhwgihGjyg/s400/1bugattiveyrongrandsport_3.jpg)
Premium "Nappa sensitive" leather and Italian alcantara interior surfaces, carbon fiber seats covered in leather, engine-turned aluminum interior accents, aluminum pedals, heated seats, CD player, seven speed DSG transmission with paddle shifters, two-tone paint scheme, variable tail spoiler for aerodynamics and air braking, front and rear carbon ceramic brakes, bi-Xenon headlamps. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 was designed to be a sportscar which would explore the limits of the technically possible and which would, in every respect, be committed to the extreme. The idea was to design a car that would uncompromisingly unite the passion of the designer, the skill of the engineer, absolute luxury and racing technology. The idea was to interpret the car as a work of art. The idea was to build a Bugatti. This incredible automobile can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 2.5 seconds on it's way to a top speed of 252 mph. Braking from 248 mph takes less than 10 seconds as a result of the Veyron's carbon cermaic brakes and rear spoiler that acts as an air brake.Priced at $2.25 per piece, only 50 Veyrons per year will be built for the world, a total production run of 300 cars will be built over 6 years.
Bugatti pulled the wraps off the stunning Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport this morning. The company isn't saying much about the car before its Aug. 16 premier, but does say that structural changes and other innovations make the roadster as rigid -- and safe -- as the coupe, which does zero to 60 in as little as 2.3 seconds (Bugatti claims 2.5) and tops out at 253 mph.
The top looks opaque but is actually clear, and the car looks just as good with it as without. Aerodynamic tweaks improve airflow, allowing the two lucky occupants to enjoy the growl of the Veyron's 16-cylinder engine and the blurred landscape passing at 250 mph without mussing their hair.
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
top bmw alpina
Solution: the Alpina B7, as its an M7 in everything but name. Some of you might want to argue the point that no way is the Alpina B7 good enough to wear a vaunted M badge. To which we say... you might have a point. So think of it as the 750CSI. Either way, this here new Alpina B7 is going to be a pretty worthy competitor to all them big, fancy super sedans up above. Here's why.
From the outside the changes include front and rear fascias and spoilers that not only set the B7 apart from lesser 7 Series but are functional. The front spoiler provides 30% more downforce while the rear tacks on an additional 15%. Not only that, but the front spoiler provides specific cooling to new transmission and oil coolers. Also impossible to miss are the 20-spoke, 21-inch Alpina wheels. Inside nearly every surface gets covered with hand-stitched "Lavalina" leather (whatever that might be) and Alpina badges. The areas not swathed in Lavalina get treated with Alcantara. There's also a heated steering wheel and illuminated blue Aplina door sills.
Of course, what's underneath matters most. Specifically the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gets pumped up to 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (as opposed to the 750i's 400 hp and 450 pounds of twist). The press release notes that all that torque is, "available across an unusually broad engine range, from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm," which is either wool-over-the-eyes PR hype, or a typo. We'll go with typo, as the regular strength 750i makes its 450 pound-feet from 1,800 to 4,500 rpm. Either way, the Alpina B7 can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. And now, the kicker: the short wheelbase B7 costs $122,875 and the extended wheelbase B7 will set you back $126,775. Both prices are before the $875 destination fee. Press release after the jump.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Kia soul pics
The Soul uses Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, as designed by Kia's design chief, Peter Schreyer.
Features
The interior features two semi-bucket seats in the front. In the rear there are flat-folding seats that can be moved in order to increase storage space.
The Kia Soul is sold with a four-speaker stereo system that includes a CD player, a USB port and Sirius Satellite Radio. Additional features available for upgrade include additional speakers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth for hands-free connectivity.
There are many custom upgrades for the Kia Soul. These include 18" alloy wheels, cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel, racing stripes, "dragon" and "houndstooth" graphics, and LED turn indicators.
For 2011, the Kia Soul gets more conventional pull-out door handles, standard metallic interior trim, redesigned instrument cluster, leather boot shifter, and switchblade style fold-in integrated key and remote.
Friday, December 10, 2010
2009 Nissan GT-R (Skyline) Specifications
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The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.
Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.
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2009 Nissan GT-R (Skyline) Specifications
Drivetrain
Transmission 6 Speed DSG Manual
Layout Front Engine, AWD
Final Drive Ratio 3.70:1
Differential 1.5 Way Mechanical Limited Slip
Brakes Brembo 4 Wheel Disc - 15 in. Front and Rear
Engine
Horsepower 480 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 430 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm
Displacement 3.8 liters
Engine Type Twin Turbo 24V V6
Exterior
Length 183.3 in
Width 74.6 in
Height 54 in
Wheelbase 109.5 in
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s 3.3 sec
Drag Coefficient 0.27
Base Price: 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R - $69,850
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Bugatti Tiger V14 Special Edition
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The Geneva Motor Show brought one more reveal late in the Western night. The official name? Well, as you can see above, the latest Bugatti Veyron Special Edition is the most Mustang-like special edition ever.