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Friday, November 30, 2007
New Car: 2008 Audi A3 Cabriolet
New Car: 2008 Audi A3 Cabriolet
Sporty, elegant, emotion-packed – the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is making its appearance in perfect time for spring 2008. The open-top Audi A3 is the premium option in the compact class.
It offers the sporting genes of the A3 coupled with the uncompromising quality that distinguishes every Audi model. There are four engines to choose from, together with an extensive range of individual equipment options. Sales commence in Germany at the start of February 2008.
Audi convertible models generally sport a classic fabric top – and in the case of the Audi A3 Cabriolet this feature lends its profile a note of harmonious elegance and coupé-like sportiness. Its soft top is notable for its light weight and excellent fit. It can be opened hydraulically in just nine seconds; when open, it takes up very little space. The hood is available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions, in the latter instance as a specially soundproofed acoustic hood.
The body structure of this premium convertible from Audi contains a high proportion of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-formed steels, as well as a large number of reinforcing measures that provide maximum rigidity and crash safety. Inside, the accustomed uncompromising build quality, attractive design and exemplary ergonomics create an atmosphere of sporting elegance. There is ample space here for four occupants. The rear seat backs can be folded down, increasing the luggage capacity from 260 to 674 litres – whether the hood is up or down!
The A3 Cabriolet is being built in four engine versions – two petrol and two TDI. They combine ample power with impressive efficiency. All of them are direct injection units with turbocharging. The performance range extends from 77 kW (105 bhp) to 147 kW (200 bhp). As an option, the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox takes charge of applying the engine's power to the wheels.
The Audi dynamic suspension lends the A3 Cabriolet superior agility. It comes complete with responsive electromechanical power steering, which consumes very little energy. The four-link rear suspension combines superb comfort with sporty handling properties. As well as the standard suspension, there is also the option of sports suspension.
Audi is offering the Audi A3 Cabriolet in the Attraction and Ambition equipment lines. In both cases its equipment specification is extensive and the Ambition line includes 17-inch aluminium wheels, sports suspension and sports seats, among other features. An S line exterior package and S line sports package are available from quattro GmbH.
The exterior design:
There are many arguments in favour of the classic soft top as featured on Audi convertible models. One of them is evident at first sight: the harmonious proportions. Thanks to the hood's compact folding design, Audi's designers were able to create a four-seater with appealing lines. With the roof open, the Audi A3 Cabriolet looks compact and light; with the roof closed, it radiates the elegance of a coupé. Measuring 4,238 millimetres in length, 1,765 mm in width and 1,424 mm in height, it ranks among the sporty compact models in its competitive field.The strong presence of the A3 Cabriolet is typical of the Audi brand. The interplay between its surfaces lends the body the character of a sculpture; these lines are framed by the forward urge of its lines. The horizontal dynamic line above the sill and the ascending shoulder line create the impression of a more elongated body.
The face of the A3 Cabriolet is dominated by the large single-frame grille, but the headlights are also an eye-catching feature. The precision of their design gives visible expression to the perfectionism of the brand with the four rings. They can be supplied optionally with xenon plus lights, which can operate in tandem with the dynamic adaptive light technology. The "wing" – a chrome vapour-coated wing-shaped contour – has become established as a characteristic Audi element; its form varies depending on the type of headlight.
The daytime running lights in the form of an integral light strip – an important safety feature at Audi – comprise seven white light-emitting diodes in conjunction with the xenon plus units. Similarly to the headlights, the rear lights of the A3 Cabriolet are of a flat, broad design. Their technology is based on fibre optic rods, but the visual effect is of two radiant rings that clearly distinguish the car as an Audi even after dark.
The hood and body:
Audi has remained faithful to its successful line: the new A3 Cabriolet likewise has a classic fabric top. This blends in perfectly with the original, authentic idea of open-top driving and the feeling of carefree agility. The hood keeps its shape thanks to the mechanically moved metal linkage, which assures an excellent close fit, perfect tightness and the silhouette of a coupé. A large, heated glass rear window affords a good view to the rear.
Audi can supply the fabric top in two versions – the semi-automatic soft top and the fully automatic acoustic hood. In both cases the hood is moved by a high-pressure pump with two hydraulic cylinders. They open the large soft top in an extremely rapid nine seconds. This means that even a short stop at traffic lights is long enough to complete the process.
When lowered, the hood is folded up in a Z-pattern so that it takes up a minimum amount of space.
The header – a board at its front edge – comes to rest on top, basically flush with the body, with the result that the structure needs neither a tonneau cover nor a cover flap. The folded hood is set down in a compact sheet steel compartment that reduces the luggage compartment capacity only very slightly. The high-performance kinematics mean that the acoustic hood can also be opened and closed at speeds of up to 30 km/h – a big advantage in terms of convenience when driving in urban traffic. The process is controlled by a switch on the centre console; the hood can also be opened and closed conveniently from outside the car, via the ignition key in the door lock.
The fully automatic soft top takes the form of an acoustic hood. Between the outer skin and the inner lining there is a synthetic fibre mat that further improves thermal insulation and soundproofing – at a speed of 140 km/h it is only 1 dB (A) louder inside the Audi A3 Cabriolet than in the A3. If only the front seats are occupied, a wind deflector can be erected above the rear bench seat in a few simple steps from one side of the vehicle.
High-strength steel: low weight and maximum rigidity:
An extensive package of measures gives the body of the A3 Cabriolet its rigidity, and this open-top Audi drives with the same standards of precision, agility and comfort as the A3 with permanent roof. 45 percent of the bodyshell is made from high-strength steels, while nine percent in fact consists of ultra-high-strength steels, combining low weight with maximum rigidity. The roof frame and roll-over bar incorporate hot-formed steels for maximum safety.
A box-shaped structure made from high-strength sheet steel separates the passenger compartment from the luggage compartment. The roll-over bars of hot-formed steel tubing are bolted into this structure. Similar high-tech tubes serve to reinforce the A-posts internally. Head/thorax side airbags are integrated into the backs of the front seats. In the event of a rear-end collision, the Audi integrated head restraint system promptly cushions the head and upper body.
The interior:
The interior of the Audi A3 Cabriolet radiates an air of sporting elegance; its materials, Audi's accustomed uncompromising build quality and its design accentuate the premium character of this new convertible model. Calm lines border its large surfaces. The four round air vents and the side knee cushions on the centre console's struts are reminiscent of the Audi TT.
It is a matter of honour for Audi to maintain the perfect standards of ergonomics that it has pioneered. The speedometer and rev counter's red needles sweep across dials in a sporty black. On the Ambition equipment line, the A3 Cabriolet is supplied with a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel. Multifunction keys are available as an option, and the S tronic transmission features shift paddles. The switches adopt an organic, ergonomic design. The two navigation systems available use an operating logic adopted from the superior MMI concept as familiar from Audi's large car lines.
Audi offers a broad range of options for the seats. On the Ambition line, both front seats are sportily contoured. An electric four-way lumbar support is available as an option, as is heating for the front seats or all four seats.
The interior: that free, open-air feeling:
The classic convertible character that the fabric top creates in the open-top A3 can also be detected in the way the interior space is used. The windscreen is as upright as on the A3 with permanent roof, creating an unobstructed, airy impression of openness – unlike many competitor concepts with a steel roof, where the windscreen lies flatter. Because the folded hood occupies little space, it has not been necessary to move the rear bench seat further forward. This leaves ample legroom at the rear, thanks in part to the long wheelbase of 2,578 millimetres.Another of the Audi A3 Cabriolet's major strengths in everyday use is its variable luggage compartment. The rear seat backs, split 50:50, can be released from the luggage compartment. The wide, high through-loading space that is created increases the luggage capacity to 674 litres and the load area length to 150 centimetres – ample even for large items of sports equipment. In the standard arrangement the luggage compartment has an ample capacity of 260 litres, whether the hood is open or closed.
The drivetrain:
The A3 Cabriolet is being built in four four-cylinder engine versions, two of them petrol and two diesels. All of them are turbocharged direct injection engines – their designations TFSI and TDI embody technological combinations that blend impressive output with high efficiency. TFSI technology demonstrated its potential over many years in the realm of motor sport – the sports prototype R8 won the Le Mans 24 Hours five times between 2000 and 2005. The Audi R10 TDI added to the string of successes in 2006 and 2007 with its immensely powerful V12 TDI.The new A3 Cabriolet is available with a choice of two TDI engines – a combination with which Audi already established a trend in 1995; back then, the 1.9 TDI became the first diesel engine in the world to be used for powering a convertible. In the A3 Cabriolet, the smaller of the two four-cylinder engines musters up an output of 77 kW (105 bhp) and a hefty 250 Nm of torque at just 1,900 rpm from a swept volume of 1,896 cm3. The speedometer needle takes 12.3 seconds to pass the 100 km/h mark, and the top speed is 185 km/h. This diesel version uses just 5.1 litres of fuel per 100 km. The A3 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI is available with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The new 2.0 TDI with its displacement of 1968 cm3 displays the strengths of the TDI concept in an evolutionary interpretation – it runs efficiently, powerfully and very quietly. The four-valve engine, which is equipped with two balancing shafts, has been fitted with a newly developed common rail system. Its turbocharger has variable vanes for greater responsiveness and the pistons have acquired an optimised geometry that further enhances the efficiency of the combustion process.
The two-litre engine develops 103 kW (140 bhp). Between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm it generates 320 Nm of torque – enough to accelerate the A3 Cabriolet from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 204 km/h. The 2.0 TDI is content to clock up 100 kilometres on an average of just 5.3 litres of fuel and its emissions already undercut the limits of the future Euro 5 standard. As an option, Audi can supply the high-tech S tronic transmission instead of the manual six-speed gearbox.
Petrol direct injection: injection pressure boosted to 150 bar:
The newly developed 1.8 TFSI produces 118 kW (160 bhp) and 250 Nm, the latter across an engine-speed range of 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. An adjustable intake camshaft optimises filling of its combustion chambers and two balancing shafts guarantee plenty of refinement.
Direct injection and turbo technology is the ideal combination for abundant driving pleasure and impressive efficiency. The turbocharger responds extremely fast and the four-cylinder engine is spontaneous, fleet-footed, high-revving and torquey. It accelerates the A3 Cabriolet with six-speed manual gearbox to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and on to 218 km/h; it accomplishes the EU driving cycle on an average of 7.3 litres per 100 km. Alternatively Audi can supply the sporty S tronic.
Technically speaking, the 1.8 TFSI is a very close relation of the 2.0 TFSI that was voted "Engine of the Year" three times in a row by an international panel of journalists. The two-litre version puts 280 Nm of torque onto the crankshaft from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm, and between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm it develops 147 kW (200 bhp). The 2.0 TFSI likewise operates with an adjustable intake camshaft and two balancing shafts, and its compression ratio of 10.5:1 guarantees high thermodynamic efficiency.
With the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox that is available alongside the six-speed manual gearbox, the A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; its top speed is 231 km/h. It uses on average 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.
The engine's power is directed to the front wheels on all versions of the Audi A3 Cabriolet; the engine versions from the 103 kW (140 bhp) upwards are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The S tronic combines the advantages of both automatic and manual transmission. At high loads and engine speeds, it shifts between its six gears in just 0.2 seconds without palpably interrupting the power flow.
The driver can operate the S tronic by means of the one-touch lever or, in motor racing style, using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. There are furthermore two fully automatic modes available, D for Drive (standard) and S for Sport. The S tronic operates highly efficiently and its electronic management in the automatic mode ensures that the engine runs as economically as possible at low engine speeds. Even the most painstaking of drivers could not accomplish this better.
The dynamic suspension:
The light, compact fabric top lowers the overall weight and the centre of gravity of the Audi A3 Cabriolet. This helps the Audi dynamic suspension to realise its full potential.Audi had recourse to a classic layout for the front suspension – a McPherson design with triangulated lower wishbones. The subframe on which the structure is mounted is made from aluminium. Bolted to the body, it imparts the forward structure with very high rigidity.
The precise, firm-acting rack-and-pinion steering operates with electromechanical power assistance with speed-dependent control. The system does not use energy when the car is driving in a straight line, saving 0.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on average.
The four-link rear suspension represents another technical highlight. Its design principle brings major advantages in terms of handling characteristics because it registers and responds to longitudinal and lateral forces separately. Here again, a subframe connects the suspension with the body; compact coil springs and dampers provide vertical support.
All these technologies are key ingredients of the overall impact made by this sporty convertible. It is infused with the precision and spontaneity that the car delivers with every turn of the steering. The open-top A3 is sprung with subtlety and its steering functions with unshakeable calm. The self-steering behaviour remains neutral right up to a very high handling limit.
Options: sports suspension and large-dimension wheels:
Subaru Impreza WRX STi pricing announced (UK)
Subaru Impreza WRX STi pricing announced (UK)
The Impreza WRX STI which makes its UK public debut at Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC in January has been priced at only £24,995 on the road, £1,600 less than old model.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
2009 Subaru Forester uncloaked
2009 Subaru Forester uncloaked
Subaru has dedicated a countdown website for the 2009 Forester. The countdown will end on 22nd or 23rd December, depending on your time zone otherwise, we have this spy photo of the new crossover caught completely undisguised.The Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander rival is set to go on sale in spring after being shown at the Geneva motor show in March.
It is based on the new Impreza platform and has a wider wheelbase and track than the current model. This should improve interior space and handling.
The rear suspension has also been radically altered to improve ride and handlingIt will initially be launched with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, with a 2.0-litre diesel unit following in September 2008.
No prices have been announced, but they are expected to start at around £18,000.
2009 Subaru Forester
Lexus GS 300, IS 250 & IS 350 recalled
Lexus GS 300, IS 250 & IS 350 recalled
Toyota Motor Sales USA said it is recalling approximately 34,400 2006 Lexus GS 300, IS 250 and IS 350 models to fix faulty fuel pipes in the engine compartment. The recall involves both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.
KIA Mohave/Borrego leaked ahead of Detroit debut
KIA Mohave/Borrego leaked ahead of Detroit debut
The Borrego has been leaked online ahead of its world premiere early next year. Until now only two teaser shots of Kia's new seven-seater SUV primed for the North American market have been officially released. These are the first photos of a production model caught in South Korea that reveal both the Borrego's rear end styling and extensive interior shots showing design, fit and finish.
Teaser: 2008 Vauxhall/Opel Insignia
Teaser: 2008 Vauxhall/Opel Insignia
Vauxhall’s new upper-medium sized saloon will have an all-new name when the covers come off it at the London motor show in July 2008. Out goes the Vectra moniker, with all its undesirable ‘rep-mobile’ connotations; in comes Insignia, the badge that, General Motors hopes, will carve out a more upmarket and aspirational identity for one of its most important European cars.Vauxhall’s big announcement came this morning, along with an enigmatic picture showing only the badge of the new car and its rear light cluster.
“Dynamic performance is one of Vauxhall’s core values,” said GM Europe’s Chief Marketing Officer Alain Visser, “and in the new Insignia, this defining characteristic is realised by sophisticated powertrain technology, active safety and the interface between driver and car. The Insignia’s level of comfort and environmental friendliness is unrivalled even among considerably more expensive competitors.”
For the Vectra, a model which has spent twelve years on sale, and through two generations has sold more than a million models in the UK, this is the end of the road. However, it’s expected to stay in production until well into 2008, before the Insignia launches later in the year.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Dodge Dakota MX Warrior At SEMA 2007
Designed from the outset to appeal to younger buyers who choose to pursue an active lifestyle, the Dodge Dakota MX Warrior is a design exercise suitably based around the theme of motocross racing. The MX Warrior's graphics were designed in conjunction with motocross rider and student in Creative Studies at Detroit, Scott Waraniak, and will be presented at next week's SEMA show.
Motocross is a sport in the extreme sense of the word, run on closed-course dirt tracks and demanding incredibly quick reflexes as well as great degrees of physical conditioning, concentration and practice to manouvere around the various course requirements from ruts and berms to 90-foot jumps and 180-degree tight turns.
The 'design splatter' embodies the sport and is styled by motocross racer #934 Waraniak, who races for KTM North America and Seattle's Jones Soda. The vinyl wrap encompasses a splash of Dodge's own identity, the choice of colours reflecting a youthful attitude: the splatter uses a bold 'O21orange' and 'battleship grey' to complement the MX Warrior's custom 'Surf Blue' paint job.
Enhancements to the car, bar its splash of colour, include the raising of the car's ride height by four inches and the fitting of 20-inch chrome alloys. Fender flares match the car's new vinyl wrap graphics while also serving as its protection. Chrysler's in-house metal shop customised the production of new steel front and rear bumpers to greater protect the car, with an extension to the truck bed and new taillamps also being new additions. A new one-off hood air intake allows greater air flow to the 4.7-litre Magnum V8 engine.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show runs at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from October 30th to November 2nd 2007.
The Dodge Dakota MX Warrior is a design exercise intended for the younger action-sports crowd. This authentic motocross-themed concept is a cooperative effort with Scott Waraniak. Waraniak is a design student at College for Creative Studies in Detroit and AMA District 14 motocross racer #936 who races for KTM North America and Seattle-based Jones Soda.
Motocross is an extreme sport run on closed-course, natural-terrain dirt tracks. Grabbing the holeshot and maneuvering through the ruts, berms, whoops, doubles, 90-foot jumps and 180-degree tight turns demands lightning-fast reflexes, physical conditioning, practice, concentration and speed. Forty racers compete in two 20-minute motos – mixing flying dirt and rocks with intimidation, adrenaline and horsepower. The outdoor motocross season runs from April to September, while the indoor supercross season runs from January through April. The sport continues to grow in popularity particularly with Gen X and Gen Y action-sport athletes in the United States, Europe and Japan.
With his likeness and signature on limited-edition bottles of Jones Soda, Waraniak [a West Bloomfield, Mich.-resident] provided his race-prepped bike for the project. He’ll use the 2008 KTM 450 SX-F in 2008 motocross season competition. He designed the graphics for both the bike and the Dodge Dakota MX Warrior.
The design team let Waraniak loose to design his “splatter” theme. The bold O21orange and battleship gray vinyl wrap is provided by Image Quest Graphics of Wixom, Mich. The Dakota/KTM 450 SX-F graphics integrate the podium performance of Dodge, Mopar and KTM Motorsports with Waraniak’s sponsors and the motocross industry’s leading icons and lifestyle companies:
- KTM North America of Amherst, Ohio
- Troy Lee Designs of Corona, Calif.
- FMF Racing of Rancho Dominguez, Calif.
- Alpinestars of Torrance, Calif.
- Spy Optics of Carlsbad, Calif.
- EVS Sports of Janesville, Wis.
- Cycra of Hebron, Ohio
- VP Racing Fuels of Wildomar, Calif.
- Maxima Racing Oils of Santee, Calif.
- Lake Cycle of Grand Haven, Mich.
- JP Speed of Holly, Mich.
- KTM Hard Equipment of Amherst, Ohio
- Michelin of Greenville, S.C.
- Powersport Grafx of North Wilkesboro, N.C.
- Xlox Systems of Calgary, Alberta
- SuperSports of Waterford, Mich.
- Skyjacker of Suspensions, West Monroe, La.
- Iniziale Designs of Roseville, Mich.
- KICKER® Audio of Stillwater, Okla.
- Jones Soda of Seattle, Wash.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Scion xD by Team Hybrid at SEMA
Engine - Performance Solutions Spec Garrett turbo, intercooler, turbo manifold, intercooler piping, down pipe, GReddy B.O.V., waste gate, oil feed line, cat delete, MagnaFlow Titanium exhaust, intake filter, battery relocation kit
- SUN Automobile Hyper Ground System, Hyper Voltage System, Hyper InaZma ECO, InaZma Hyper Gauss, Hyper InaZma Pocket
Exterior
- House of Kolor (color pending)
- INGS+1 front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper
- Car Fashion carbon fiber hood, rear hatch spoiler
- Custom shaved and pulled fenders, shaved antenna
- L.A.P.D. strobe lights
Wheel/Tires/Brake/Suspension
- Wheels (Pending)
- HYBRiD style custom brakes
- Air Runner custom air suspension
- BFGoodrich Tires
Interior
- Status Racing Ring Carbon Kevlar seats x2
- Stitchcraft suede dash, suede gauge cluster, suede headliner, suede
pillars, suede visors - NRG Racing steering wheel
- SUN Automobile racing pedals, racing shift knob
- Glow Shift gauge pod, boost gauge, oil temp gauge, exhaust temp gauge, shift-warning light
In Car Entertainment
- CREATiVE Custom fiberglass sub enclosure, fiberglass amp rack enclosure, acrylic amp rack, diamond-cut acrylic "HYBRiD" imprinted
- SoundStream PCA4.520 4 channel amp x1, PCA1000D single channel amp x2, RFW-12 reference 12" woofers x4, TRC.6N Tarantula component x2, SST6.5 Tarantula speaker x2, VCM-151 15" LCD ceiling monitor (on hatch) x1, VCM-81D 8" LCD monitor with DVD player x2, VCCD-2 bullet style color camera x1, VSV-78 7" wide sun visor monitor x2, VVB-2 video output gain control x2
2006 Scion tC by Scion of Des Moines at SEMA
Under the Hood - Turbonetics Turbo System T3/T04
- Spearco intercooler
- Fidanza aluminum flywheel
- Clutchmaster stage 3 Kevlar clutch
- TRD automatic torque biasing limited slip differential
- Creative Werks Inc. Optima battery tie down
- DME engine dress up kit
- Redline Tuning Hood QuickLIFT ELITE
- Custom hood panel by DeeZee
- Custom exhaust by Midas
- Flowmaster Hushpower II muffler
- KillerGlass
- Hotglow Neon (8 tubes)
- NOS nitrous oxide system single injector
Suspension
- Tanabe fully adjustable coil over suspension fully modified
- TRD strut tower brace
- TRD rear sway bar
Brakes
- TRD Celica big brake kit - front
- Stop-Tech rear big brake kit
Wheels & Tires
- HRE 5-spoke 19" wheels
- Pirelli P Zero Rosso
- 265/30ZR19 - front
- 305/30ZR19 - rear
Body
- Custom airbrushing, paint, and body by Custom Paint Specialists, Des Moines, Iowa
- Extreme Dimensions Rado Series Widebody kit
- Shaved bodylines, door handles, and fuel door
- Tinted headlights, brake lights, side lights, and windows
- PPG Vibrance Candy Sunset Red Over Fine Gold
- PPG ARG Vibrant Blue windshield
- AutoLoc shaved door kit
- HotGlow Neon (15 tubes)
Audio & Video
- Audio and video by Elite Styling and Sound, Des Moines, Iowa
- Eclipse AVN5495 navigation/DVD head unit, SW8000 Titanium 625-watt subwoofers (3), XA1000 1 channel class D subwoofer amplifiers (3), XA4000 4/3/2 channel class D amplifier, 6 1/2" component speakers (2 front), 6 1/2" coaxial speakers (2 rear), 6 1/2" component speakers (2 hatch)
- 26" LCD motorized monitor
- 7 1/2" LCD visor m(2)
- Kinetik batteries 800 watt (2)
- Optima Red Top battery
- CompuSTAR Premier remote start, alarm, and auto door opener
Interior
- Interior lighting, seats, and upholstery by Accurate Auto Trim, Ames, Iowa
- HotGlow Neon (10 tubes), LED's (34)
- AEM Tru Boost controller/gauge
- AEM Uego Wideband air fuel ratio
- AEM oil pressure gauge
- OBX sport pedals
- Sparco Milano 2 seats covered in Alcantara suede, 323 steering wheel, X-
- Speed shift knob
- Alcantara wrapped rear seat
- Suede headliner and trim
- Pattern Tek carbon fiber speedometer and door trim
Monday, November 26, 2007
Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue Concept at SEMA
Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue On Patrol at the 2007 SEMA Show
Lifeguards on Southern California's famous beaches have been glamorized by Hollywood for decades. While they share the spirit of adventure and camaraderie, these dedicated men and women are highly trained professionals who take safety very seriously. Half a world away, a Volvo designer in Sweden who is captivated by lifeguard skill competitions accepted the challenge to design a show car for his heroes. The result, Volvo's XC70 Surf Rescue (SR) concept, pays homage to the brave individuals who protect and serve the ocean-going public.
At the Volvo Concept Center in Gothenburg, Sweden, Joel Alexandersson was charged with creating the conceptual design for a one-of-a-kind rescue vehicle that upholds Volvo's core value of safety in a bold and dynamic new way. The XC70 SR's interior concept was assigned to Volvo's styling center in Barcelona, Spain. Larry Abele, design manager at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) in Camarillo, California, coordinated the global teamwork and vehicle build.
As a testament to Volvo's advanced design capabilities, the XC70 SR concept was initially created in a virtual world. "The entire design process was performed digitally," says Abele. "This enabled us to review and modify the design in real time by projecting it onto large scale screens at each studio."
Volvo selected the Aria Group in Irvine, California, to build the concept. Starting with a production XC70, the Aria team completely stripped the vehicle of its paint, trim, bumpers and interior. Custom-designed parts were crafted for the concept without the traditional method of building clay models. Being able to go directly from digital designs to a process called rapid prototyping greatly reduces development time.
Guided by the surfing lifestyle and casual beach culture, the XC70 SR's paint scheme is developed specifically for the show car by DuPont. Colors are selected from DuPont's Global Advanced Design Show, which represents cutting edge trends in automotive color. The exterior yellow is a multi-layer effect coating incorporating a vibrant color with pearl like qualities. The secondary red uses a tinted clear to produce high chroma with warm undertones. These exotic finishes use DuPont's wet on wet coating technology for multi layer effects without the high cost of multiple baking steps.
Eye-catching Surf Rescue graphics are added for instant recognition on a crowded beach. The exterior also sports a custom-crafted front fascia that wears a one-off milled aluminum billet grille. Front and rear skid plates and wider wheel lip cladding provide extra body protection from flying sand. The new fascias also reduce front and rear overhang, thereby improving approach and departure angles.
The chassis is lifted an additional five inches from the stock ride height for improved ground clearance. It also makes way for a massive set of custom designed 20-inch wheels and Pirelli 275/45R20 tires made specifically for the XC70 SR. The tread is designed for increased grip on loose and sandy soil with the flexibility to provide excellent traction both on and off the road. The rear subframe is beefed-up for added ruggedness with milled aluminum billet components.
True to form, the XC70 SR is topped by a unique aerodynamically designed roof-mounted emergency light bar integrated with a rescue board rack. Not only does this treatment contribute to the stunning good looks of the vehicle, it also helps to reduce wind drag by attaching directly to the XC70's OEM supplied roof rails.
When it's time to respond to a call, the driver or front passenger can activate a barrage of flashing blue strobe emergency lights. In addition to the roof, they're neatly inset into the lower front valance panel, headlight and rear combination light clusters as well as the inside rearview mirror.
Lifeguards get wet and sandy on the job so the interior is modified for heavy-duty use - without sacrificing style. The XC70's standard front bucket and folding rear seats are recovered in wetsuit style neoprene fabric that's custom tailored in black and gray with bright yellow inserts. Decorative interior panels throughout the cabin are yellow tinted with clear to segue with the spirit of the exterior hue.
Bulky emergency rescue gear housed in the cargo compartment can easily be accessed via the XC70's power rear tailgate. Secured to the neoprene covered floor are two scuba tanks, an oxygen tank, a small first aid kit, a resuscitator box and a large waterproof box containing additional medical supplies and surf rescue equipment.
The XC70's 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder normally aspirated engine produces 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to a six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired. All-wheel-drive with Instant TractionTM is standard. Electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC) uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.
Suzuki SXBox concept vehicle World Debut at LA
Last year, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) launched the “Suzuki LIVE Series” (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. In concert with its “Way of Life” brand proposition, which promises products for active lifestyles, and to support the launch of the all-new XL7 and SX4, ASMC introduces four all-new “Suzuki LIVE Series” vehicles for 2007, illustrating how its cars and SUVs play an integral part of consumers’ everyday life.The vehicles, coined BaseCamp for outdoor adventure enthusiasts; Flix for film and entertainment buffs; Zuk for motorcycle and racing aficionados; and SXBox for avid gamers; will be on display at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.
SXBox
Built by ASC of Huntington Beach, Calif., and based on the all-new SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover), the SXBox is designed for ultimate video game enthusiasts. The Suzuki SX4 concept receives mild performance upgrades, including high-flow airbox/intake, cat-back exhaust, an enhanced suspension and multi-piston alloy brake calipers mated to cross-drilled, vented rotors.The SXBox also is equipped with an impressive, high-performance wheel and tire package, providing gamers with the means to get to the nearest gaming competition. When parked, the SXBox’s pearl white exterior is illuminated courtesy of a green LED accent kit.
The interior design of the SXBox features an ultra-high-tech, game-inspired color scheme throughout the inside of the vehicle, including recessed LED emitters to brighten the interior of the vehicle. The SXBox is outfitted with a dashboard-integrated Xbox 360 gaming console, coupled with a close proximity digital projection system to display enthusiasts’ game of choice on the interior of the vehicle’s retractable hood, easily enabled by the push of a button. A second Xbox 360 video game system powers two separate LCD display screens in the seat backs of the SXBox to provide gaming excitement for rear passengers. For gamers who prefer to stand and play, the SXBox is equipped with a 30-inch retractable rear projection screen in the cargo area.
Adding comfort and convenience to the idea of in-car gaming, the concept vehicle features high-relief, force-feedback front seats with game-station highlights to create a snug gaming environment and four wireless controllers, including a steering-wheel-mounted gaming control for the driver. In addition, the SXBox’s multi-speaker surround audio system with wide frequency response and thundering bass provides an intense atmosphere of video game stimulation.
STARTECH Jeep Compass Accessories
The Jeep Compass has arrived and in time for the market introduction of the new compact SUV STARTECH already offers an exclusive customization program and powerful performance tuning for the turbodiesel model. The STARTECH SD3 performance kit for the diesel model consists of an auxiliary module that modifies the engine electronics. With it maximum power output of grows from stock 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW. At the same time peak torque increases to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm.
As an optimal complement to the STARTECH SD3 power kit there is the STARTECH sport exhausts system with a large oval chrome tailpipe on either side. The fully stainless-steel precise-fit exhaust is available for all engine variants of the Compass, and lends the Jeep a more thrilling exhaust note. For customizing the exterior STARTECH offers a custom-tailored designer suit. In the front the Compass gets a new face with the STARTECH front fascia. Retaining the original mounting points means easy installation and optimal precise fit.
The sides of the five-door are refined by elegant STARTECH rocker panels that serve as running boards. The rear of the Jeep is modified with an element that attaches to the rear bumper. It features integrated cutouts for the STARTECH sport exhaust.
'20-inch diameter instead of the 18-inch stock wheels' is the motto of the exclusive STARTECH tire/wheel combination for the Compass. The Monostar IV five-spoke wheels are silver polished and in size 9Jx20 with size 245/35 R 20 tires they fill out the wheel houses nicely. STARTECH also offers progressive-rate springs that lower the ride height of the American SUV by some 30 millimeters. The lowered center of gravity gives the Jeep sportier and even safer handling characteristics.
STARTECH also adds exclusive and individual interior highlights. These include stainless-steel door sills with illuminated STARTECH logo, high-quality velour floor mats and the STARTECH Lifestyle interior upgrade package that gives the entire Compass cockpit a more elegant appearance.
Ford Verve 4-Door Concept Debut in Guangzhou
GUANGZHOU, China, November 19, 2007 – Ford is revealing more about its vision for a new global small car family at Auto Guangzhou. Ford today revealed the second Verve Concept – a four-door notchback.
The dynamic Ford Verve Concept four-door notchback is a star of the fifth annual Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition. The fact that Ford staged the global reveal of the four-door Verve Concept at Guangzhou signals the importance of Asia in Ford’s global plans.
Sporty and coupe-like, the Verve Concept notchback provides a very clear vision about Ford’s future small car design direction. The three-door hatchback Verve Concept was a star of the recent Frankfurt Motor Show in Europe, and it too is also under the spotlights at Guangzhou.
Ford will unveil the third and last Verve Concept in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
“With this new four-door Verve Concept, the picture of Ford's big plans for the small-car segment is becoming clearer,” said Phil Spender, Chief Operation Officer of Ford Motor (China) Ltd. “Our future small car is being developed as a global car. It will be designed in Europe, engineered in Germany and manufactured globally. These two Verve Concepts demonstrate how confident Ford is in its direction and its appeal to consumers here in China.”
Ford’s European design team created the Verve Concepts, which successfully apply Ford's kinetic design philosophy for the first time to a small car. The two Verve Concepts clearly display a European flair and premium touches not expected in this segment.
Once all have been revealed, the trilogy of Verve concept cars will provide an advanced indication of Ford’s design vision well in advance of the production models. This approach is similar to the way in which the iosis Concept preceded the new Ford Mondeo.
European Design
Side by side in Guangzhou, the two Verve Concepts bring the latest wave of Ford's kinetic design to the heart of Asia. Their colours are inspired by the world of fashion; the regal frosted grape of the new Verve Concept four-door notchback complements the bold magenta of the Frankfurt three-door hatchback like a well-coordinated ensemble.
“First it was the hatchback and now a very exciting and dynamic notchback,” said the father of kinetic design, Martin Smith, Ford’s Executive Director of European Design. “Looking at these concepts together, you can just imagine how exciting the successor to the Ford Fiesta will be when it hits the market.”
Public Response in Guangzhou
Ford designers, buoyed by the enthusiastic reaction in Europe to the first Verve Concept, will be carefully studying reactions to the new notchback by Chinese consumers.
Ford European design chief Smith said, “These Verve Concepts are a dynamic first public expression directionally of some of the thinking that will be contributing to the design DNA of our next-generation products. At this stage, we have had the freedom to be radically innovative, but I’m confident about the realistic possibilities for kinetic design to embrace this segment of vehicles.”
The latest Verve Concept builds on the very distinctive look of its hatchback sibling. These two concept vehicles share strong front-end graphics that, with the advent of the new Mondeo, are now becoming recognised as the bold, new face of Ford.
The notchback body form of the new concept family is linked with the hatchback through the use of form language composed of dynamic lines and full surfaces – the signature of kinetic design.
The new notchback execution brings new hints about Ford’s kinetic design approach to sedan variants of its future small car family.
Smith’s exterior design team – led by European Exterior Chief Designer Stefan Lamm – took full advantage of the notchback shape to stretch the kinetic design elements and create a very sleek and dynamically poised personality.
The notchback displays a sleek, pillarless side window profile providing a bold graphic statement, along with strongly defined wheel arches that communicate tension and muscularity. Its dramatic C-pillar shape contributes to this feeling of dynamism, while the rear body and decklid shapes coherently build on the toned and fit kinetic design look with full surfaces and bold lines.
As any top fashion model on the catwalk, Guangzhou’s new Verve Concept is dressed well. From its seductive colour to the smallest detail, Verve Concept evokes an air of premium quality not usually found in the small-car segment.
Despite the functional differences with the hatchback shape, the notchback’s rear design clearly displays the same kinetic design influences.
The rear glass of the Verve notchback is shaped to correspond with the forms of the high-mounted, two-piece tail lamps. This unique and premium execution, first seen on the new Mondeo, is now translated into a smaller car.
A dark chrome diffuser at the lower bumper is consistent with the design of the hatchback but shaped specifically for the notchback design.
Like its sibling, the notchback Verve’s face is bold and sporty, yet friendly and engaging. The front is dominated by a large, inverted trapezoidal lower grille and a large Ford oval badge centred in the compact upper grille opening.
The lower grille features a strong eggcrate graphic; its vertical and horizontal blades bonded by an array of intriguing ‘bullet’ shapes. The lower grille and badge treatment are the design team’s signature elements to communicate the Ford design DNA in future products.
The bonnet features highly sculpted dynamic forms. This form treatment combines with the more pronounced, rearward-stretching head lamp units – inspired by Mondeo – to give the face of the Verve a friendly, open and inviting personality. The prominent headlamps feature two projector beams and a light-emitting diode (LED) array.
The two Verve Concepts share a distinctive 18-inch, 12-spoke, two-piece alloy wheel design that lends more drama to the car. The wheels have a precise, jewel-like feel to their design. Both Verve Concepts’ are wearing low-profile tyres featuring a sidewall stripe that complements the exterior body colour.
“With a small car, for example a B-segment car compared to a larger car, we believe we can play up – or amplify – key elements of the kinetic design form language,” Lamm said. “It’s not just a matter of copy-and-paste from one vehicle segment to another but rather how to interpret the philosophy for each individual car. You can clearly see this when you compare the larger iosis Concept and this new project.”
Sunday, November 25, 2007
PPI-tuned Audi R8 to Muscle in at Essen Show
The PPI R8 and PPI R8 Razor – automobile lifestyle in carbon fibre
With the launching of the R8, Audi heats up against rivals Porsche, Ferrari and Bentley vigorously providing stiff competition. The Swabian, German tuners PPI Automotive Design GmbH, customize Audi’s flagship sportscar by stoking up the fire with even more coal going that extra mile by providing an enhanced look combined with improved driving dynamics. A wind tunnel-tested aerodynamic kit of carbon fibre in combination with a performance enhancement and special lightweight magnesium wheels in 19-inch dimensions provides measurably improved appearance whether on the race track or the elegant promenade of the elite jet set.
Optimised performance for better resilience and increased driving pleasure
The stage 1 kit produces an increase power output of the original motor from 309kw/420hp to 348kw/460hp and increases torque from 430Nm/317lb-ft to 465Nm/343lbs-ft. A performance kit with durable components designed by PPI consists of corrosion resistant stainless steel sport rear muffler with throttle system. Just beginning at low-end torque, the resulting sound signals pure power, but with high speeds one experiences an even more imposing sound. Matched to this is a complete optimised engine management plus sport air filter providing the unit with extra breathing abilities. Results are a top speed of 305 km/h and sprinting from 0-100 km/h in only 4,4 seconds; a two-tenths decrease versus standard production.
PPI aerodynamics: continued further development in carbon fibre
Without being overstated, PPI’s approach to the R8 was to retain the standard series design, with the addition of PPI developed aerodynamics. All PPI aerodynamics for the R8 are made of carbon fibre. This material is commonly used in motor sports reducing general weight yet simultaneously increasing sturdiness. This material is already featured in the Audi base model. PPI consequently takes a further step applying carbon fibre as the main component with highest quality for its entire car body material. Furthermore, PPI production carbon fibre parts are available in glossy or matte finish. The PPI aerodynamics package includes a lift reducing front lip spoiler. This more aggressive front air damn is designed to channel air to the front brakes, and cut through the air. In addition, the PPI designed, front bumper air intake “cartridges” were created for OEM fitting, and for improved air ventilation of the front radiator with separate air channel for brake cooling. Side sills sedate air inflow between the axles and provide this vehicle with a sporty and aggressive look even when standing still. It’s lateral appearance is completed with side blades in carbon fibre matte finish as standard production series offers carbon fibre glossy only. The diffuser with integrated PPI-designed air channels for exhaust pipe cooling stabilizes the rear with extra downforce and directional stability. The new double-sided rear grill deflects engine heat and exhaust system outwards and flanks the middle PPI rear plate. Rear spoiler with its adjustable wing increases downforce on the rear axle and completes the sporty elegant look.
PPI MAG9: the lightweight wheel from PPI
The new PPI MAG9 wheel design characterises the connection of high technical demands to sporty elegance. The two-part magnesium wheel with nine spokes and a wheel rim of carbon fibre commands not only by its exclusive look, but also through its outstanding craftsmanship setting new benchmark standards in the Audi tuning arena. The offered PPI MAG9 comes in dimension 9 x 19 front and 11 x 19 rear. Through the use of ultra light material magnesium resulting in reduction of unsprung mass, acceleration as well as deceleration and handling are distinctly improved. Weighing a mere 7,8 kg for front axle rims and 8,2 kg for rear axle rims, the PPI wheel are absolute champions in the lightweight arena. Optimal tires developed for the PPI R8 Razor in cooperation with Michelin are the supplied Michelin Pilot Sport Cup in dimensions 235/35 ZR19 (front) and 305/30 ZR19 (rear).
Ideal interior engineering
To complete the exclusive enhancements of the R8, PPI offers extensive modifications in materials and parts to the original interior. PPI offers handbrake, door entry threshold plates and middle instrument panel in carbon fibre. The technical highlight of the interior is the new PPI designed ergonomic steering wheel (available with Carbon Fibre sections) with additional interface controls for its driving dynamical program. Offered on special request is a personalized floor mat set furnished with leather trim. Also available is complete hand crafted precision leather, suede, alcantara upholstery from our in-house saddlers.
Suzuki SXForce Concept at SEMA
American Suzuki Motor Corp. showcases four spirited and dynamic vehicles at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show, including its never-before-seen, sportbike-inspired SXForce LIVE vehicle based on the all-new 2008 four-door SX4 Sport. A vehicle designed for four-wheel and two-wheel tuner enthusiasts, SXForce communicates Suzuki's "Way of Life" brand philosophy as a company that builds fun-to-operate vehicles, from its widely recognized and high-performance motorcycles to its exciting and versatile cars and SUVs. To further demonstrate the company's bold and adventurous DNA, Suzuki displays its SX4 WRC car and rugged Grand Vitara Dune LIVE vehicle – two Suzuki machines designed for ultimate off-road performance. In addition, Suzuki offers aftermarket enthusiasts a sneak preview of a number of performance-based concept accessories — specifically developed for this year's show — and an array of style-enhancing Genuine Suzuki Accessories for its 2008 five-door SX4 Crossover.
"Suzuki always looks forward to SEMA because of its upbeat and somewhat irreverent energy," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "The overall enthusiasm for cars and for life that underlies the entire event meshes perfectly with our brand philosophy and parallels the passion infused into the concepts we have on display this year and the vehicles currently in our showrooms."
SXForce
With the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport, Suzuki expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFESTYLE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.
Reinforcing the link between the company's rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, Suzuki introduces the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept based on the on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport. Designed and built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the SXForce boasts a powerful 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission.
The exterior shell of the SX4 Sport has been modified to be eye-catching to both four-wheel and two-wheel enthusiasts. It features a striking blend of carbon fiber, Flash Pearl White and Orange Metallic paint and showcases a number of performance-based automotive parts and stunning motorcycle accents, including sportbike-style side rearview mirrors and dual exhaust, also found on the championship-winning GSX-R1000.
While the SXForce is sure to be a showstopper on display, it was designed to look even better on the road. The fully drivable, track-tested SX4 Sport concept receives several performance enhancements, including a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling. The SXForce is outfitted with 18-inch Enkei racing wheels and a staggered high-performance Toyo T1-R tire package - 225/45-18 in the front and 235/40-18 in the rear. It also is equipped with Rotora six-piston calipers with two-piece 355mm rotors for sportbike stopping power.
The motorcycle theme continues inside the SXForce, beginning with suede and leather seats and interior appointments, mimicking sportbike leathers. Other interior enhancements include motorcycle instrument cluster and controls, roof air intake for optimal breathing and a revised track-themed interior, featuring carbon fiber components and accents. Engine vitals are monitored via a Zeitronix ZT-2 wideband data logger. All vital engine parameters are logged on a laptop and viewed on the ZT-2 gauge mounted on the Hayabusa handlebars. The SXForce is equipped with an integrated Garmin navigation system, and its rear seats have been removed and replaced by a high-output Rockford-Fosgate audio system.
SX4 WRC
With its sports-minded heritage, coupled with a passion to excel in the world's most competitive venues, Suzuki Auto drives toward another motorsports challenge with its entry in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Derived from the five-door SX4 Crossover, a prototype model of the SX4 WRC was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. Developed as a driver-friendly World Rally Car offering high controllability under a wide range of rally conditions, this creation by Suzuki Sport, Suzuki's motorsports division, has involved an extensive testing program on many different types of surfaces. As a supplement to the testing, Suzuki Sport chose two events in 2007, the Rallye de France and the Wales Rally GB, to closely represent the majority of surface types. The Rallye de France is known as one of the most challenging tarmac events, and the Wales Rally GB, held later in the year, is well regarded for similar reasons.
The SX4 WRC boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged J20 engine with full-time 4WD drivetrain and a five-speed sequential gearbox. The vehicle's 1,997 cc engine delivers 320 brake horsepower between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm, along with a maximum torque of 590 N-m (435 lb.-ft.) at 3,500 rpm.
The SX4 WRC's powertrain features a carbon three-disc clutch, electronically controlled center differential and mechanical front and rear differentials. Its well-balanced chassis and rigid structure allow the front and rear MacPherson struts with coil springs work to their full potential, and its Reiger shocks deliver dynamic, responsive handling. For tarmac, the vehicle is fitted with 20/65-18 tires fitted on 8X18-inch wheels. On gravel, 17/65-15 rubber is mounted to 7X15-inch wheels.
The SX4 WRC sits on a wheelbase of 2,500mm, stands 1,450mm high and weighs 1,230 kg (the minimum authorized). All specs reflect those of the final-phase development-test vehicle and are not necessarily indicative of the 2008 entry. As noted by Nobuhiro Tajima, vice president of Suzuki Sport, the endeavor is still in the early stages of development, including the engine, transmission and suspension.
The WRC effort builds on Suzuki's outstanding success in the JWRC, where the Swift Super 1600 has enjoyed an excellent record, creating even more excitement and anticipation in 2008.
Grand Vitara Dune
First introduced at the 2005 SEMA Show, the Grand Vitara Dune is designed for off-road enthusiasts who demand off-road capabilities. Well-equipped with 11.5 inches of minimum ground clearance and a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs., the Dune provides enough muscle to add a huge dose of exhilaration to any weekend. This Grand Vitara concept also features off-road skid plates, fender flares, wear-reducing cladding and running boards, all dressed in lightning yellow paint to match the color scheme of Suzuki ATVs. Roomy on the inside, the five-passenger Dune features a rear off-road gear storage and "mobile garage" work station, ideal for last-minute adjustments. The Dune also is equipped with a built-in GPS and navigation system.
SX4 Crossover Accessories
To complement Suzuki's versatile, stylish product line, the company offers an array of Genuine Suzuki Accessories - a line of style-enhancing trim packages and accessories designed to personalize Suzuki cars and SUVs sold in the United States. Suzuki showcases a number of pre-production performance-enhancing parts and interior and exterior accessories for the sporty SX4 Crossover.
Concept Accessories:
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Cat back Exhaust – Features stainless steel design, improves horsepower and offers deep performance tone that remains 50 state "sound level legal."
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Cold Air Intake – Intake system improves horsepower and offers performance pitch.
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Sport Suspension – Lowers ride height (approx. 1.5 inches) for a firmer ride.
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Alloy Wheels – Custom-designed 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, available in a chrome finish or machined surface with black paint. Includes chrome lug nuts and Suzuki center cap.
Genuine Suzuki Accessories:
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Rear Spoiler – Rally-inspired rear deck spoiler is molded in sturdy, lightweight polyurethane and is available color-matched to the SX4 Crossover.
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Hood Mask – Custom-fit hood mask made of durable vinyl and soft fleece backing helps protect the front of the SX4 Crossover from damage caused by minor road debris.
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Silver Finish Front Grille – Front grille replaces original black version and matches the lower bumper trim on the SX4 Crossover.
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Carbon Fiber Dash Trim (Red) – Dash trim accents made of real carbon-fiber weave material with an exterior-grade urethane topcoat and screened SX4 logo are available in three different colors to coordinate or contrast with the interior of the SX4 Crossover. Trim fits both automatic and manual transmission models.
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Carbon Fiber Door Sill Trim (Red) – Door sill accents made of real carbon-fiber weave material with an exterior-grade urethane topcoat and screened SX4 logo are available in three different carbon-fiber weave colors or a brushed aluminum finish to coordinate or contrast with the interior of the SX4 Crossover.
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Billet Sport Pedals – Sport pedal set, including dead pedal, is made of lightweight aluminum and non-slip rubber inserts, offering a highly polished look with engraved Suzuki logo.
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Billet Battery Tie Down & Billet Oil Cap (Sold as a package) – Highly polished aluminum battery tie down and oil filler cap with engraved Suzuki logo to dress up your engine bay.
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Blueconnect®, Bluetooth Phone System – Speaker- and microphone-integrated communication system that offers wireless interaction with any bluetooth-compatible cell phone, allowing dialing and hands-free communication with the touch of a button. Installation required (for non-sunroof models only).
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Rear Bumper Protector – Adhesive-backed applique to help protect from minor nicks and scratches.
Foraging for the Subaru Forester
Foraging for the Subaru Forester
With the current Forester sales falling, Subaru needs to regain sales. Numerous mules of the forthcoming Forester have been sighted in Death Valley, based off the current Outback. The mule measured merely inches shorter than the Tribeca SUV meaning that the next Forester will be much longer than the current model thus offering more interior space and practicality.The next Forester will be a genuine crossover but this CGI looks a lot like a Mitsubishi Outlander and Dodge Journey. Official photos have been leaked to a Japanese car magazine but it seems that none of the images have reached the web yet.
No diesel's are expected just yet but Subaru did say in a press release that there may be a 2.0 diesel in the Subaru line-up. This engine is likely to go into the Legacy, Outback and Impreza.
We expect to see the new Forester in late 2008.
Subaru Justy pricing & spec announced (UK)
Subaru Justy pricing & spec announced (UK)
SUBARU INTRODUCES CONGESTION CHARGE-BUSTING SUPERMINI:
Totally new five-door 1.0 litre Justy supermini
Outstandingly good fuel economy at 64.2 mpg Extra Urban
Outstandingly low emissions at 118 g/km
Should be London Congestion Charge-free
Outstandingly low running costs including £35 per year RFL
Standard five-year/60,000 mile warranty
Outstandingly high equipment such as ABS with EBD, air-conditioning, driver, passenger, side and four curtain airbags, alloy wheels, rev-counter, fuel-economy read-out, radio/CD player with auxiliary input socket, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child-seat mountings, four electric windows and remote central-locking with alarm
Justy 1.0 R on sale now at only £8,495 on-the-road
Subaru’s new Justy supermini is now on sale, offering outstanding fuel economy, equipment and space plus ultra-low exhaust emissions which should make it exempt from the proposed new London Congestion Charge.
In fact, with a 64.2 mpg Extra Urban figure, ultra-low 118 g/km exhaust emissions and annual £35 Road Fund Licence, the new Justy 1.0 R promises to be one of the cheapest petrol-engined cars to run on UK roads.
However, the five-door body offers interior space from the next class up while the efficient, 69 PS three-cylinder 1.0 litre engine offers sufficient power for long-distance driving. Top speed, for example, is almost 100 mph and the 0-60 mph time is 13.5 seconds.
The new Subaru Justy also carries a peace-of-mind five-year/60,000 mile warranty backed by five-years’ UK and European roadside assistance.
Standard equipment is outstanding for a small car and includes: ABS with EBD, driver, passenger, side and front and rear curtain airbags, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, radio/CD player, rev-counter, fuel-economy read-out, four electric windows, reversing sensors, remote central-locking with alarm and ISOFIX child-seat mountings.
The front-wheel drive Justy is based on the Japanese-built Daihatsu Sirion. It is supplied thanks to an arrangement with Toyota which has a share in both Subaru and Daihatsu.
Subaru’s version will be limited to only 6,000 units per year throughout the whole of Europe and 1,000 sales in the UK, ensuring strong residuals.
Strong Customer Loyalty - Lawrence Good, Subaru (UK) Limited Managing Director said: “Everyone is very enthusiastic about the new Justy as it is will appeal to environmentally-conscious motorists and those seeking ultra-low running costs.
“Subaru dealers enjoy strong customer loyalty and the new Justy gives them a much-needed entry-level car to sell to both existing customers and new prospects.”
The new Subaru Justy carries a five-year/60,000 mile mechanical warranty and five-years’ UK and European roadside assistance.
It also has a 12-year anti-perforation warranty and its Group 5D insurance rating is also highly-competitive.
Spacious Interior - The new Subaru Justy has a particularly spacious five-seat interior clothed in a stylish body with an exceptionally low 0.31 Cd drag coefficient which improves fuel economy and high-speed touring and refinement.
Its wide-opening doors and 590 mm seat height allow easy entry and exit – especially appreciated by older customers. The rear doors, for example, open to 80 degrees. Luggage space measures 225 litres with the rear seat up and 630 litres (VDA) when folded, making it a practical small family car. Its turning circle is an especially tight 9.4 metres.
Well-Proven Powertrain - The punchy 1.0 litre twin-overhead camshaft petrol engine – mated to a manual five-speed gearbox is not only extremely economical and low-polluting but also well-proven.
In fact, the same three-cylinder engine not only sees service in the Daihatsu Sirion but also in the Toyota Yaris and Aygo, Citroën C1 and Peugeot 107.
Producing 69.3 PS at 6,000 rpm and 69.3 lb ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, the 12-valve unit offers some of the highest outputs for its class.
And the variable valve-timing enhances both low-speed pulling power and high-rev responsiveness.
Top speed is a highly competitive 99.4 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 13.5 seconds. Meanwhile fuel economy figures are class-challenging at 46.3/64.2 and 56.5 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles.
In addition, the CO2 emissions are among the lowest available in a petrol-engined car at 118 g/km.
This puts the Justy in Band B for Road Fund Licence at only £35 per year and should result in it being London Congestion Charge-free when proposed new changes take place in 2008.
European-Tuned Chassis - The new Subaru Justy benefits from a European-tuned chassis which has long suspension-travel for a smooth ride. Unusually, anti-roll bars are fitted at the front and rear which combine with firm damping to aid agility.
The front suspension is via MacPherson struts and the rear is equally conventional featuring a torsion bar with separate coil springs. Its power steering is via an electric system which helps fuel economy but has been tuned for more feel than provided by some competitors.
Safety-wise, the new Justy’s multiple airbags are complemented by an advanced braking system featuring not only anti-lock ventilated front discs and rear drums (ABS) but also Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This optimises the braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.
Performance And Economy:
NEW SUBARU JUSTY 1.0 R - SPECIFICATION:
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS:
Overall length mm: 3,600
Overall width mm: 1,665
Overall height mm: 1,550
Wheelbase: 2,430
Track:
Front mm:
1,460
Rear mm:
1,465
Ground clearance mm:
150
Turning circle (kerb-to-kerb) m:
9.4
Fuel capacity litres:
40
Luggage capacity litres:
Seat up:
VDA: 225
Load length mm: 570
Manual:
Kerb weight kg: 890
Payload: 500
Towing weight kg:
Braked: 750
Unbraked: 350
Gross vehicle weight kg: 1390
ENGINE:
1.0 litre
Type:
Water cooled, three-cylinder mounted transversely. Four valves per cylinder with double overhead camshafts. Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT)
Bore and stroke:
71 x 84
Capacity cc
998
Compression ratio:
10.5:1
Maximum power PS (kW) (bhp)
69.3 (51) (68.4)
at
6,000 rpm
Maximum torque lb ft (Nm)
69.3 (94)
at
3,600 rpm
Fuel system:
Unleaded 95 octane petrol. Electronic fuel injection
TRANSMISSION:
Front-wheel drive with 5-speed manual
Clutch:
Mechanically operated, single dry plate with diaphragm spring
Manual 1.0:
Ratios:
1st:
3.182
2nd:
1.842
3rd
1.250
4th:
0.917
5th:
0.750
Reverse:
3.143
Final rear drive
4.500
mph/1000 rpm
1st:
4.6
2nd:
8.0
3rd:
11.8
4th:
16.1
5th:
19.7
STEERING:
Power assisted rack and pinion. Speed-sensitive electric system
SUSPENSION:
Front:
Independent, MacPherson struts andcoil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear:
Semi-independent with torsion beamaxle, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES:
Ventilated discs front, rear drumsleading and trailing. Handbrake -mechanical on rear wheels. Foursensor, four-channel anti-lock (ABS) with electric brake force distribution (EBD)
TYRES:
175/65 R14
WHEELS:
14 x 5 ins alloy
PERFORMANCE:
1.0 Litre Manual
Maximum speed, mph: 99.4
0-62 mph, sec: 13.5
Department of Transport fuel consumption figures, mpg (litres/100 km):
Mpg (litres/100 km):
1.0 Litre Manual
Urban: 46.3 (6.1)
Extra Urban: 64.2 (4.4)
Combined: 56.5 (5.0)
CO2 Emissions, g/km: 118
Ford Kuga uncovered
Ford Kuga uncovered
Here is the first photo of the production version of the Ford Kuga SUV completely uncovered. Based on the Iosis X Concept, a production preview model which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past september showing us all but a few minor trim and specification modifications. Fortunately, it appears Ford have kept their promise - judging by this photo, the only visible difference is the addition of the aluminum roof rails.
Production will start early next year at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany with sales beginning throughout Europe sometime during spring 2008 and as per usual, the U.S won't be receiving this.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Will the Audi RS6 Avant start from £75k?
Will the Audi RS6 Avant start from £75k?
The Audi RS6 will go on sale in the UK in spring 2008. Pricing has been kept quiet but the Avant variant is likely to start from £75,000 which is £2,000 cheaper than the R8 supercar.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT Revealed In Arizona
- 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT production is scheduled for 100 total units
- Black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson" red stripes and other touches included
- Cars will be sold through Arizona Ford dealers
- A portion of proceeds from sales to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., November 21, 2007 - Three American automotive icons, Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, have collaborated to create collector car history with a limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT. The companies today unveiled the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT based on the Ford Mustang at the Arizona International Auto Show.
With an MSRP beginning at US$38,980.00, a total of 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs, in both coupe and convertible body styles, will be sold through Arizona Region Ford dealers beginning today. The purchase price of each car will include a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.
"The Arizona and Las Vegas Ford dealers have been strong supporters of mine over the years, which is why Shelby Automobiles joined with Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company to create a limited edition car just for their customers," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "And I'm pleased that a portion of the sales will benefit an endowment we're building at the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. This is a rare chance for enthusiasts to enjoy a very special car and support a great cause."
Ford is a strong supporter of Barrett-Jackson and has sponsored its Family Value Day that kicks off the automotive lifestyle week in Scottsdale. Family Value Day was designed to attract a new generation of car enthusiasts by offering discounted tickets for adults and admitting children under the age of 12 for free.
"Barrett-Jackson's unrivaled lifestyle events celebrate America's love of the automobile," said Ford Motor Company Phoenix Regional Sales Manager, Tim Stoehr. "Their passion for the automobile has resulted in a unique venue to share our vehicles with the public. This limited edition car symbolizes our high octane relationship and gives a few lucky people the chance to own a piece of the Barrett-Jackson experience."
Over the past 37 years, Barrett-Jackson has evolved from an auction primarily attended by dedicated collectors and dealers into a retail automotive lifestyle event that is broadcast live worldwide. Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s have been among the most popular cars to cross the auction block.
"We have a long tradition of selling the best Shelbys in the world because they are among the most desirable cars ever built," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Over the past several years, we've worked with Ford Motor Company to raise almost a million and a half dollars for Carroll's Foundation by offering new Shelby cars for sale. It was natural to celebrate our connection to these cars with a very limited edition Shelby."
From the black 18-inch wheels to the Shelby Cobra roadster hood scoop, the car is mean. The engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing package to pump out 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque through a high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover. The Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter; a five-speed automatic transmission is optional. The package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly. Overall ride height was dropped and a front strut-tower brace added.
"The Shelby GT was designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience," said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. "In addition to the 'go faster goodies,' each will receive special badges and equipment, as well as a photo of one of these cars signed by Carroll."
Unique features of the Barrett-Jackson edition will include:
- Black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson Red" LeMans Hood and Side Stripes
- Barrett Jackson Edition Door Sill Plates
- Black interior with the Shelby GT serial number plate
- Special Gas Cap Insert
- Autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Amy Boylan and Steve Davis
"As someone who has been personally involved with Shelby cars for the past three decades, I'm very proud to be part of this limited edition car," noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. "Rarity and documentation are two of the keys to collectability, which is why only 100 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs are scheduled to be built. Each car will come with complete documentation and be included in the factory authorized registry."
The Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT will be displayed at the Arizona International Auto Show from November 22-25.
