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Saturday, May 8, 2010
The early arrival of Easter allows the New York International Auto Show to come a month earlier this year. The show is open for the public on Friday March 21 through Sunday March 30 from 11:00am to 10:30pm; it closes at 7:00pm on Sundays. The large projected crowd of spectators will be dazzled with glimpses of new versions of manufacturer favorites and concept vehicles; there is also a variety of games, prizes, guest appearances and automaker news!
The event will be head at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on 11th Avenue between 34 and 39 Streets. The tickets will cost 14 dollars for adults, 4 dollars for kids up to twelve years and free for infants under a year old; there is also a 12-dollar group rate when 10 or more are being purchased.
Some production cars on the 2008 horizon include the 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck, 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, 2009 Honda Fit and the 2009 Nissan Maxima. Concept cars were revealed by Ford, Kia, Nissan, Scion, Suzuki and more! Here is some information about what is on display at the Jacob Javits Center right now.
Production Cars:
2009 Acura TSX:
The updated version of Acura’s popular sedan gets a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, improved intake and exhaust setups, a six-speed manual transmission or a Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission, complete with manual mode. Along with a more safe body design, there is a myriad of new technology features and options for the lucky driver.
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe:
Pontiac’s well-liked roadster is being offered as a coupe for 2009. The coupe has the same powertrain choices as the roadster, which includes the 2.4-liter Ecotec, 5-speed manual transmission mixture, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec, 5-speed automatic transmission combination. The coupe also uses a variety of new materials for the external structure and has more storage space for the interior.
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:
The high-performance GXP version of the G8 sedan was unveiled by Pontiac. This sports sedan gets its power from the 2007 Corvettes 6.2-liter 402 horsepower V8 engine. Pontiac claims that the GXP can go from 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.7 seconds. That’s impressive for a sedan. The choice of transmission and vehicle equipment make this an anticipated buy for 2009.
2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck:
The “Sport Truck” name is only temporary. GM is holding a contest to think of a name for this newer model and the winner gets a new Pontiac! Visit www.pontiac.com/namethiscar for more information. This G8 model uses a 361 horsepower V8 engine that teams with a six-speed automatic transmission. The details are still hazy about the Sport Truck, but the pictures are enough to keep car enthusiasts excited! Anyone miss the El Camino?
2009 Dodge Challenger:
This remake of the popular sports car has retro elements merged with modern flare in its design. It comes in 250 horsepower SE, 375 horsepower R/T and 425 horsepower SRT8 variations. The SRT8 model is equipped with an impressive 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. Along with the level choice and the powerful potential, the 2009 Challenger comes with a host of new standard and optional equipment including Hill Start Assist, power seats, anti-lock brakes and more!
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:
This 2007 concept car was revealed to join the Hyundai lineup for the spring of 2009. The coupe has two engine options—both with a standard six-speed manual transmission—that include the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo that offers an optional five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®; the other engine is a 3.8-liter V6 that has an available ZF six-speed automatic transmission, also with SHIFTRONIC®. The Coupe also uses a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. Much more is expected from this model including an Infinity audio system, an abundant supply of airbags, performance-enhancing technology and much more!
2009 Honda Fit:
Honda’s admired five-door hatchback has a new version that was exposed at the show. A variety of improvements has been made, especially to the inside and the new sheetmetal used in its development. The updated Magic Seat feature lets rear seats fold flat when the front seats are pushed back all the way and without the removal of headrests. More storage in the interior is added to the 2009 Fit, including the out-of-sight bin under the driver’s side rear seat. The new Fit runs on a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and works with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. A voice-activated navigation system, MP3 capabilities and much more is expected with this economical car.
2009 Kia Optima:
Kia has optimized their Optima model for 2009. It has been refurbished on the outside with new sheetmetal, grille, taillights, headlights and greater overall length. The two new engines include a 190 horsepower V6 and a 175 horsepower 2.4-liter. Both of these can team with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting. Some standard and optional features include fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum trim and a navigation system.
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:
Mercedes-Benz has updated their midsize luxury SUV M-Class. The fuel economy in the powerful engine has improved due to slight advancements in the engines designs. The updated grille is sandwiched between fog lights and further back on the vehicle sides are larger side mirrors. M-Class vehicles with the V8 engine get standard 19-inch wheels! The interior has also been revamped, with optional two-tone leather fabric and a DVD entertainment system that uses two 8-inch screens.
2009 Nissan Maxima:
The well-known Maxima model becomes “sporty” for 2009. This is helped with design details such as a wider body, a shorter wheelbase and larger brakes. The new 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, continuously variable automatic transmission and paddle shifters are also involved in making the Maxima “sporty.” Nissan really worked hard to make the car handle, look and feel better in all areas. Even the cockpit has been revamped!
2008 Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder:
This nimble machine has another special edition in the works. It is based on the current Boxster S. It can generate up to 303 horsepower with its sports exhaust system and other various systems. Other standard features include 19-inch SportDesign wheels and the Porsche Active Suspension Management. The interior has also been redecorated with things such as a GT silver metallic-finished center console, red rear light cluster, new color schemes, silver seatbelts, a steering wheel rim and surface grooves in the sport seat option. This is a modern sports car with some old-school class.
2009 Volvo XC60:
Volvo has revealed this new compact crossover SUV that is set to go on sale in North America in 2009. The XC60 is sold standard Volvo’s T6 I6 turbocharged engine that can produce 281 horsepower, and there are two other powerful engines from which to choose. This powerful energy source teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission and it works with a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The XC60 is anticipated to be a leader in its class when it comes to safety. The model has things such as whiplash protection, side impact protection, roll stability, hill descent control, active bixenon lights, stability control and a well-built structure on its long list of safety features. One new feature is called “City Safety” that makes the vehicle automatically brake when traveling under 30 mph.
Amidst all of this anticipated vehicle models, the manufacturers displayed a handful of exciting concept vehicles to astonish the viewers with their new technology.
Concept Cars:
Ford Transit Connect Taxi:
The Ford Transit Connect panel van has been circulated through out Europe since 2002. It was unveiled and announced to be sold as a 2010 model in the middle of the 2009 year. The model has a tall roof and over 75 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. These rear seats can fit three and give the interior a spacious feel. The van holds a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is capable of 19 mpg during city driving. Unfortunately, the inventive 13-inch touch screen will not be included with the van; maybe it is a sneak-peak for features in other future Ford models? Only time will tell.
Kia Koup:
This small sport-compact was revealed by Kia to the public as a concept model. The most striking feature about this striking coupe is the panoramic glass panel that acts as a roof. Other prominent features include the carbon fiber accent trim on various aspects of the interior and exterior, 19-inch wheels with massive red Brembo brake calipers and uniquely shaped adaptive headlights. Under the hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that has direct injection and can generate 290 horsepower to the front wheels. The concept was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that uses useful shift paddles to expand driver control. Kia also included Electronic Stability Control onto this visually appealing concept.
Nissan Denki Cube:
Nissans Denki Cube Concept is literally in the shape of a cube, with a front end that slightly extends beyond the shape of course. The interesting vehicle has a 1.3-liter engine that teams with laminated battery operated electric motor. The Denki Cube also had an “e-4WD” system that when combined with the engines, gives the automobile 37 mpg. The interior had more than enough room for two rows of seats, which is one less than the Japanese production car. This concept also featured a revamped steering wheel, trim and instrument panel.
Scion Hako Coupe:
This eccentric concept was supposedly inspired by the xB model and it forces speculation that maybe it will be a future replacement for the box wagon? The Hako Coupe is shorter than the xB and has small, slit headlights that sit on the rounded bold front-end. The vertical front windshield is just one side of the boxed top over the interior of the model. The inside is just as unconventional as the outside. The driver seat is orange and the passenger seat is black; this is meant to distinguish the different parts of the cabin. There are two dashboard video screens for the entertainment system and four more on the doors and sides of the rear seats. The exterior cameras can record the vehicle surroundings for a visual display of the trip. This futuristic concept, or at least parts of it, will be used in future models by the Scion manufacturer.
Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3:
The Japanese automaker announced that the third version of this exciting model is planned to go on sale in the US market as a 2010 model. The midsize sedan gives reason to be excited; it has curvy lines that extend from the front end to the rear and a deep grille. The interior of the vehicle is still unknown because the actual model wasn’t on display at the show. Things that are known about the Kizashi 3 is that is has all-wheel drive, uses a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine and teams with a six-speed automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifting. Keep an eye out for this striking concept in the not too distant future.
Saleen S5S Raptor:
This supercar is powered by a 5.0-liter Saleen V8 engine that can create 650 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque; it is believed to be capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The S5S will also run on E85 ethanol fuel, making this high-performance vehicle more earth friendly. The all-aluminum exterior also sheds pounds of weight from the vehicle design. This exhilarating concept has the potential to be produced, and all we can do is cross our fingers for such an event.
Mitsubishi i:
This minicar has been sold in Japan since 2006. The electric-powered concept is called the MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle. Mitsubishi claims that the lithium-ion battery can travel 100 miles on one charge! The model is only slightly longer than the Smart ForTwo automobile. It would be nice if this eco-friendly model will go on sale in the US, but there is no word about that notion yet.
There is more to come from this exciting automotive event! Keep on the lookout for more details on the production and concept vehicles that go on display.
Monday, April 27, 2009
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.
With this in mind the ordinary family saloon buyer looking to cut costs may consider the Exeo a wise choice. Indeed, the 2.0 TDI PS Sport we tested costs £19,230 whereas the equivalent Audi A4 TDI retails at £23,425 - over £4,000 more expensive.
This car, however, is based on the previous-generation A4, first built in 2001. It's not a cynical rebadging exercise, though: Seat has taken the trouble of changing 30% of the parts.
It's not a direct rival to the current A4 anyway - it's taking on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia, and it's hard not to be seduced by the thought that you are getting Audi quality for Seat money. Prices start at £17,735 for the generously equipped entry-level Exeo and that's pretty competitive when you compare it the base-spec Mondeo which starts at just over £17,390. It's here the Exeo starts to make sense.
The Exeo uses the new generation of Volkswagen engines so it's not been short-changed. The old noisy, lethargic and unrefined pumpe duse diesel engines makes way for a torquey 2.0-litre common-rail engine and there's also a smooth-revving 2.0-litre in the line-up. So are you really getting Audi quality at Mondeo money? Read on to find out.
The mechanicals and exterior quality should stand the test of time if customer satisfaction surveys are a guide. In the 2008 JD Power Survey the A4 finished 20th out of 100 models - not bad- but Seat finished 21st out of 28 brands - not particularly good. Still, we think the A4 result gives a more accurate picture for the Exeo.
We tested the 140bhp diesel and came away extremely impressed with the low-down pull - the maximum torque of 236lb-ft is delivered as low as 1,750rpm, ideal for A-road cruising and more than adequate for town driving. It will take you from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and then all the way up to a top speed of 133mph and that's on par with a similar powered Ford Mondeo and even a BMW 3-Series.
The 170bhp does 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 142mph and the petrol will complete the benchmark sprint in 7.3 seconds and top out at 149mph.
Handling-wise the Exeo is pretty predictable: dynamically it's not in the same league as the Mondeo and 3-Series, but it's acceptable and you'd have to be a picky travelling salesman to start complaining to the fleet manager about it. Turn in and the car will respond nicely - it's not prone to too much body lean because the springs are rather firm. But it feels safe and secure and it's only when you are charging into a corner that you'll start to experience any levels of understeer.
The old A4's steering didn't feel particularly precise but the new Servotronic power has helped things on the Exeo. There's a bit more weight now to give you more confidence behind the wheel.
The brakes have a nice progressive feel but the gearchange is fractionally notchy at times, particularly if you are going down from third to second.
Stability control with electronic brake assist is standard as are front, side, and passenger airbags. Front active head restraints are also standard-fit.
An alarm and immobiliser are also included on the Seat Exeo's standard equipment list.
Insurance will be affordable since the diesel models in groups 12 and 13. A group 14 rating for the high-powered petrol version should keep premiums low.
You won't pay a king's ransom if you choose the Exeo as a company car: Benefit-in-Kind rates are pegged at 19 % for the 140bhp diesel, 21% for the 170bhp diesel and a very affordable 23% for the petrol model.
Fire up the Exeo and there's a slight sense of disappointment. The common rail diesel engine is noisy and rumbly, which is especially tiresome when you're pootling around town. It does settle down once you get up to motorway speeds, though.
The ride, although fidgety at times, is compliant and nicely balanced to give you reasonable comfort levels when cruising. The driving position is a little low but the seats are comfy and there's plenty of legroom and headroom available in the front and the back. Wind and road noise is well contained.
You can fold the rear seats down to get more space from the 460-litre boot. We stuck three golf bags in there with no problem with two rear seats folded down.
Base models get stability control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, split-folding rear seats, CD player and climate control.
The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be the pick of the bunch and we expect it to retain between 38-40% of its original value after three years/36,000 miles. That trumps the 2.0-litre diesel Ford Mondeo's 35% residual value.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.
And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.
Bertone Mantide
Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.
Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.
Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.
Buick Business Concept
Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.
The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.com
Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.
And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.
Bertone Mantide
Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.
Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.
Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.
Buick Business Concept
Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.
The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.com
We last drove the Ralliart Sportback as a pre-production car and even then it was shaping up to be a good compromise for someone who can't stretch to an Evo.
The prototypes had their flaws, though. The Ralliart's auto 'box blunted the 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo's performance, while others complained that Mitsubishi had gone too far in softening the Ralliart to make it palatable for the Golf GTI buyers and the like.
Mitsubishi listened and got to work. The finished Ralliart still sprints to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, but now boasts better gear ratios. Even more significantly, engineers have found the 'box is strong enough to take the full 253lb-ft of torque without the need for the pre-production car's torque limiter on first gear, promising for harder acceleration.
If that's not enough, the brakes have been boosted, suspension tweaked and it's competitively priced from £21,649 - that's £7,000 cheaper than the cheapest Lancer Evo and about £1,300 cheaper than the five-door Golf GTI.
So has Mitsubishi succeeded in providing an appetising cut-price alternative to one of the fastest, most accomplished four-door saloons ever made? Read on to find out.
Source:http://www.channel4.com
We last drove the Ralliart Sportback as a pre-production car and even then it was shaping up to be a good compromise for someone who can't stretch to an Evo.
The prototypes had their flaws, though. The Ralliart's auto 'box blunted the 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo's performance, while others complained that Mitsubishi had gone too far in softening the Ralliart to make it palatable for the Golf GTI buyers and the like.
Mitsubishi listened and got to work. The finished Ralliart still sprints to 62mph in 7.1 seconds, but now boasts better gear ratios. Even more significantly, engineers have found the 'box is strong enough to take the full 253lb-ft of torque without the need for the pre-production car's torque limiter on first gear, promising for harder acceleration.
If that's not enough, the brakes have been boosted, suspension tweaked and it's competitively priced from £21,649 - that's £7,000 cheaper than the cheapest Lancer Evo and about £1,300 cheaper than the five-door Golf GTI.
So has Mitsubishi succeeded in providing an appetising cut-price alternative to one of the fastest, most accomplished four-door saloons ever made? Read on to find out.
Source:http://www.channel4.com
