Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Acura TSX, 2007

Acura TSX, 2007

 
 
The Acura TSX is one of the hottest luxury sedans on the road today, setting sales records month after month since its introduction and winning over enthusiasts customers and automotive press with its blend of outstanding performance, nimble handling and sporty styling. The TSX continues to distance itself from the competition by offering class-leading technology and the latest standard safety features, including a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) new for 2007 model year.

The 2007 TSX is equipped with a 2.4 liter DOHC i-VTEC(TM) 4-cylinder engine, generating 205 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque*, giving the TSX engine overall performance comparable to many 6-cylinder powerplants. The i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control system delivers enhanced performance across a broad power band, superior fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. A direct ignition system with knock control helps optimize power and fuel efficiency by ensuring a properly timed spark at all engine speeds.

The TSX engine is equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle control system that eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine, which continuously adjusts the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal to match current driving conditions. It also incorporates throttle control into the car's Vehicle Stability Assist(R) (VSA(R)) system, the vehicle's cruise control function and modulates the throttle to help make automatic transmission shifts even smoother.

Platinum-tipped spark plugs and a self-adjusting cam chain help the TSX run for 100,000 miles or more before requiring a major scheduled tune-up.

Since many performance enthusiasts prefer shifting gears, the TSX comes with either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a compact 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission as standard equipment. The lightweight 6-speed gearbox features short shift throws and multi-cone synchronizers on all gears for quick, light shifting action. The transmission case is made from magnesium alloy, a material typically reserved for racing applications. This case weighs 6.6 pounds less than a comparable aluminum unit and is extremely rigid to damp out noise and vibration.

Along with its impressive 205 horsepower output, the TSX with manual transmission delivers 22 mpg city/30mpg highway, while the TSX with automatic transmission delivers 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Air-assisted fuel injectors, an underfloor catalyzer and a high-flow, low-heat mass exhaust manifold help the TSX achieve EPA Tier 2-Bin 5,Carb Low Emission Vehicle-2 (LEV-2) emissions status.

To complement its high-adrenaline powertrain with sports car-like handling, the TSX features an extremely rigid unit body structure and a race-bred, 4-wheel-independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. The suspension is track-tuned to reduce lift, dive and body roll and boasts gas-pressurized shock absorbers and large front and rear stabilizer bars. A quick-ratio, variable power assist rack-and-pinion steering system provides outstanding feel and responsiveness and features an anti-kickback valve for reduced kickback on rough roads.

Handling is further enhanced by a Vehicle Stability Assist(R) (VSA(R)) that works in concert with the braking and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. This 4-channel system also orchestrates the throttle and each of the vehicle's four disc brakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, anti-lock braking and stability enhancement for increased driver control. The electronically controlled Brake Assist feature helps the driver apply full brake pressure during accident avoidance situations.

To provide stability and offer superb stopping power, the TSX is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels and P215/50R17 Michelin all-season high-performance tires.

The body of the TSX offers crisp lines and dynamic curves. In front, styling cues include a signature 5-sided Acura grille, angular side markers and bumper-integrated fog lamps. In the rear, the taillights slope to meet a short, high trunk lid, which terminates sharply to help air separate cleanly off the back of the car at top speeds. Stylish nine-spoke alloy wheels finish the TSX's sporty appearance.

The TSX is available in nine exterior colors: Premium White Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Carbon Gray Pearl, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Artic Blue Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl, Glacier Blue Metallic, Deep Green Pearl, and Milano Red.

The five-passenger interior of the TSX is sporty yet refined with modern LED- illuminated instrumentation and intuitive controls. Like the RL and TL sedans, the TSX comes equipped with standard Bluetooth(R) enabled hands-free phone system. The system, called HandsFreeLink(TM), enables a Bluetooth(R) wireless interface with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the TSX's voice recognition and audio interfaces. To make a call, drivers push the steering wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink(TM) button, which connects their phone to the system. The HandsFreeLink(TM) system can be programmed to accept up to six different phones and up to 50 numbers may be stored in the system's phone book.

The comprehensively equipped TSX features deeply bolstered, perforated leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, power windows and door locks and keyless entry. The leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel provides a sporty feel, features wheel-mounted audio and cruise control as well as voice recognition and HandFreeLink switches.

The TSX comes equipped with a 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with standard XM(R) Satellite Radio and an auxiliary jack located in the center console for playing MP3 and other digital music devices. The standard 8-way power adjustable driver's seat features two-position memory, so when the driver enters the car with the key fob, the TSX automatically adjusts the driver's seat to their preferred position. In addition, tilt and telescopic steering wheel allows the TSX to accommodate a wide range of drivers. A 4-way adjustable power passenger seat increases passenger comfort and convenience.

The only factory option (other than transmission choice) on the TSX is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition (TM). This easy to use navigation system features a menu of 560 voice commands, an 8-inch display, and a comprehensive destination guide with over 7 million points of interest including the Zagat Survey(TM) Restaurant Guide, 3-D graphics for freeway interchanges including on and off-ramps and turn-by-turn voice guidance. In addition, 1.7 million U.S. cities and street names can be accessed through the voice recognition system. The navigation system can be controlled through the steering wheel-mounted voice recognition button or by using the menu on the touch screen.

To ensure proper maintenance intervals and reduce the number of service visits, the TSX features a Maintenance Minder system that automatically monitors the vehicle's unique operating profile and alerts the driver via the Multi-Information Display when certain types of routine service, including oil and filter replacement and tire rotation, are needed.

The TSX is also equipped with standard dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags, and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger's side airbag uses seven sensors in the seatback and side bolster to determine the height and position of the occupant. If the sensors detect that a child or small-stature adult is leaning into the deployment path of the side airbag, the bag will not deploy.

To further enhance safety, side curtain airbags help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a significant side impact. Additionally, the 2007 TSX is now equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Like all Acura models, the TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, and a 6-year / 70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hummer H3R Off Road Concept, 2007

Hummer H3R Off Road Concept, 2007

 
Primarily to the efforts of the Team HUMMER racing team, led by Rod Hall, the HUMMER H3 has quickly proved to be a formidable off-road competitor. It runs - and wins - in stock-class off-road races, where racers must rely on production chassis and powertrains. The H3R pays homage to the racing SUV while pushing the envelope on what could be considered "stock" - supposing the factory decided to drop in the 505-horsepower, 7.0L V-8 from the Corvette Z06. In addition to the high-powered engine, the H3R also sports a number of racing-inspired exterior modifications and an interior that blends racing functionality with boulevard comfort and convenience. No, a production H3 equipped with an LS7 engine isn't in the cards, but for 2008, HUMMER offers the H3 Alpha, which is powered by a new, 300-hp 5.3L all-aluminum V-8.

Vehicle highlights
    * H3R concept
    * LS7 7.0L V-8 with 505 horsepower and Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed transmission
    * Custom valve covers and ignition coil covers
    * New, forward-tilting hood with Lexan see-through insert
    * Power-operated hood hinges
    * Custom air induction system with dual air boxes
    * Racing-inspired paint scheme with custom badging
    * Off-road lighting package with unique light bar
    * Custom rear dual exhaust system with four outlets
    * Wheel flares with quick-remove fasteners
    * HID headlamps from Starr Lighting
    * Clear front corner lamp lenses
    * Front bull bar
    * Body-color "Jerry" can mounted on the spare tire carrier
    * Twenty-inch wheels
    * Mickey Thompson Bear Claw 35-inch off-road tires
    * Rotora high-performance brake package
    * Fixed quarter window inserts
    * Eaton front locking differential
    * Enhanced cooling system with larger radiator
    * Modified suspension with Tenneco/Rancho four-inch lift package and Rancho reservoir shocks
    * Re-trimmed interior with brushed metal accents and trim
    * Front racing seats with five-point safety harnesses and weather-resistant seat material
    * Simpson window safety net
    * Washable rubber floor covering replaces carpeting
    * Navigation radio system
    * Off-road integrated display gauge package with compass, inclinometer, altimeter and timer
    * Auxiliary performance gauges
    * Auxiliary 20-gallon fuel tank
    * Second-row seats deleted
    * Cargo-area spare tire mount

GM Accessories (production and concept)
    * Rocker protectors
    * Underbody shield
    * Side-window weather deflector
    * Roadside assistance package
    * First-aid kit
    * Hitch receiver cover
    * Body-color grille

Hummer H3X, 2007

Hummer H3X, 2007

 
DETROIT - Less than a year after the H3 went on sale, HUMMER is unveiling a new model called the H3x. It is based on the H3 Street concept shown at the automotive industry's annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November.

The 2007 H3x, designed to appeal to buyers with an interest in a customized appearance, injects new energy into the HUMMER lineup, while delivering the brand's trademark iconic bold design and unmatched off-road prowess.

The H3x begins with an H3 equipped with the Luxury package, chrome tube steps, chrome appearance package and chrome fuel door. The package also includes a body-color grille and spare tire cover, unique tires, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard. The interior features embroidered headrests.

Consumers can further personalize their H3x with any of the H3's eight exterior colors and three leather interiors. The model is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in late summer of 2006. It will be available only in the United States and Canada.
* H3X was initially called the H3 Street.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster Concept, 2007

Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster Concept, 2007

 
 

First shown at last year's SEMA show, the Caresto Hot Rod was so well received Volvo Cars brought it back for the 2007 show as a compliment to the Caresto C70 Convertible. Completely hand assembled from aluminum and carbon fiber, the Caresto Hot Rod features many Volvo parts, including the mid-engine 311-horsepower V8 engine. Craftsmanship is what sets the Caresto Hot Rod apart from many other custom cars. Precision fit and finish is evidenced on every body panel and stitch of premium leather.

Volvo Heico C30 SEMA Concept, 2007

Volvo Heico C30 SEMA Concept, 2007

 
 Windswept beaches, twisty island roads and outrageous North Shore waves have just landed in the middle of the Nevada desert. Yet this is not a mirage. It's the groundswell of excitement generated by the debut of the breathtaking Volvo C30 by Heico Sportiv. One look at this modified special-version C30 is enough to spark island fever among those longing to leave civilization behind and embrace the Aloha spirit of adventure.

The beauty of Volvo's new C30 is that it begs to be customized. Like a blank canvas or a pristine white sand beach, Heico's designers dressed the solid white flanks of the C30's exterior with a radiant, splashy orange surf-pattern kit. The bright orange wave originates at the lower front fenders, artfully climbs up the doors, crests the edges of the tailgate and wraps neatly around the rear fascia.

Inspired by the well-toned surfers who spend countless hours battling the waves, the Heico C30's refined bodywork is rippling with its own athletic, muscular appearance. Widened fender flares and lower side skirts are painted to match the body for a seamless appearance. The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, combined fog and cornering lights and a sport grille emblazoned with Volvo's iron mark. A deeper and wider rear skirt frames quad stainless-steel exhaust pipes.

The hunkered-down look is further accentuated by a modified sport suspension with performance shocks and springs that lower the vehicle by 40 mm. An awesome set of 19-inch five-spoke light alloy VOLUTION® V TITAN wheels is wrapped with low-profile 235/35R19 Continental Sport Contact III tires. Bringing the action to a stop is the job of the enhanced four-piston brake system. Ocean-blue painted calipers displaying the Heico Sportiv logo grab onto 326 x 30 mm discs via sport brake pads.

Surfing is a highly addictive sport that's guaranteed to generate an adrenaline rush for the experienced and novice alike. The same can be said about the enhanced capabilities of the Heico C30's modified powerplant. The stock 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine has been massaged to deliver a robust 300 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a stout 309 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. So equipped, Heico says this C30 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds.

The turbocharger and intercooler have been modified for enhanced performance while breathing is improved via a Heico sport air filter. To ensure that the engine delivers the goods, Heico has fitted an enhanced ECU power upgrade to the show car. Since enthusiasts like to take matters into their own hands, the C30 is equipped with Volvo's slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox that transmits power to the front wheels. All of the safety features found on the production C30, including Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) remain operative on this totally radical ride.

Vibrant sights and sounds of the islands have been lavishly interpreted and applied to the Heico C30's cabin. Open the door and even the most jaded dude or dudette is apt to exclaim "Cowabunga!" The interior takes the orange theme to the next level. Like a spectacular ocean sunset, tropical flowers or custom surfboard, the depth and richness of the hue is sure to cause double and triple takes.

The bespoke high-quality sport bucket seats emblazoned with the Heico Sportiv logos are swathed in rich orange leather with matching orange stitching. But the Heico team didn't stop there. The material also covers the split-folding rear seats, door panels, steering wheel, floor console armrest, shift knob and parking brake handle. Meanwhile, the matching shade of orange has been skillfully applied to the dashboard, floor mats and even the seatbelts.

Building upon the C30's high tech ambience, stainless steel doorsills with the Heico Sportiv logo add to the look of luxury. The C30's signature super-slim center console is covered with brushed aluminum like the production car. The alloy theme continues with Heico's aluminum pedal set, driver's footrest and aluminum door pins.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Isuzu Ascender, 2007

Isuzu Ascender, 2007

 

IntelliChoice named the 2006 Ascender 5-Passenger a "Top Winner" in its class for both lowest fuel cost and lowest operating cost, and a "Smart Choice" in eight other categories. Isuzu's flagship SUV returns for 2007, sized "just right" to offer plenty of room for five passengers, and with the multiple award-winning 4.2-liter inline six- cylinder engine under its hood. Changes include the following:

    * Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models
    * Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic
    * Storm Gray Metallic replaces Graphite Gray Metallic
    * Six-spoke machined-finish alloy wheels replace painted wheels as standard equipment
    * OnStar communication system discontinued as an available option
    * 7-Passenger model discontinued
    * Trim levels are unchanged. Both 2WD and 4WD models are available in base S trim and offer optional Preferred Equipment, LS, Leather and Luxury packages.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Volkswagen Up Concept, 2007

Volkswagen Up Concept, 2007

 
 
 

There are cars that endure for all times. They are icons of their type, masterpieces of craftsmanship and technology; they put ideas into motion, make progress tangible and sometimes quite simply make everyday life better, more practical and enjoyable. Many of these cars carry the VW logo. "Bug, Beetle, New Beetle", "T1, Bulli, Samba bus, California", "Golf, GTI". Now Volkswagen is presenting - as a world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt - a concept car that once again has the right stuff needed to move more than just one generation. It is a small, pure and high-spirited Volkswagen that pays tribute to its environment. The overall concept is marked by an innovative, clear, intuitive functionality. The name of the concept car: up! - a positive name that is a synonym for departure, activity, dynamics and the future. "For Volkswagen", says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member with Responsibility for Technical Development, "the response of IAA visitors will be a decisive test to determine whether the concept has the same kind of potential possessed by the Beetle at one time or by the Golf today."

Concept
The up! is a city specialist, a car for four persons and all languages, for the job, the university, the drive to the beach and the excursion outside the city gates. A small car that shows a lot of size, because it offers more space than any other car of similar length (3.45 meters) and width (1.63 meters). Its engine - conceivable here are all facets of technology that can be sensibly applied - will run in the rear. And that changes everything: Space, mood and design.Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen group, sums it up like this: "The up! is not a car whose form will become obsolete within a very brief period of time. It shines in its cleverness and yet is made with loving care. And so the up! is a clear and strong statement for future Volkswagen design." Furthermore, the team of designers and engineers has envisioned the up! concept car as the first member of an entire model line; other facets are entirely conceivable.

Exterior design
The fact that the engine of the up! runs in the rear has a decisive inf luence on its exterior design. That is because the up! has no classic radiator grille. It forges links to the Beetle. This fact alone gives it a great deal of independence. Dominant design characteristics are the headlamps that take an inward and diagonal line, between them the horizontally arranged air vents, the VW logo (as one of the few details kept in chrome), the tailgate that extends far forward and the smooth bumper with a circumferential black stripe as a detail of the "happy face" that is typical of Volkswagen.

The powerful appearance of the up!, despite all of its compactness, is emphasized by a very wide track width (1.42 meters) relative to vehicle width. The wheels are flush with the sporty outboard wheel arches and side skirts. The radial design of the wheels and surfaces extending right up to the edge of the rim make the 18-inch wheels appear significantly larger than they actually are.

The wheels that are arranged far outboard in the bumper areas reduce body overhangs to a minimum. All of these features are part of an unmistakable side profile with a very long roof arch as well as clear and large surfaces. Giving shape to its style here are the large doors and the lateral window surfaces, which incline sharply upward at the height of the rear wheel arch and thereby help to form the very independent C-pillar design.

Interior design
Mounting the engine in the rear opened up entirely new interior concepts. Relative to its exterior size, the space offering is exceptionally forward-thinking. The same is true of its variability: Except for the driver's seat, all other seats can be folded and removed. Since they are designed as light shells, they can be quickly stowed in one of the cargo areas - besides the front trunk there is also one in the rear - to free up space. Afterwards, the entire passenger compartment length can be utilized as a storage area for especially bulky objects.

To achieve the high level of seating comfort that is usual at Volkswagen, besides their ergonomic design, in the case of the up! this level of comfort is also attained by a simple yet very effective trick: Similar to a self-inf lating air mattress, air can be sucked out of the seat surfaces via a valve. This means that the seats can be adjusted 1:1 to the body anatomies of the occupants who have just
taken a seat.

Intuitive controls
On its up! concept car, Volkswagen is presenting some completely new solutions when it comes to operator controls. Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen Brand, comments on this: "Another reason the up! is so fascinating is because everything, every detail, was thought out anew. In the interior we have a touchscreen with new proximity sensor technology for controlling the navigation, radio, trip computer and climate control systems. It is operated absolutely intuitively. As a result, the most complicated functions can be controlled like child's play."

The up! has two central displays. In the cockpit, a 8-inch monitor shows the driver key information such as vehicle speed, fuel level and range, as well as momentary CO2 emissions.
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