Wednesday, February 24, 2010

2010 Jaguar XJ






















2010 Jaguar XJ SpecificationsBody
Wheelbase 124.3 inches
Drivetrain
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Engine
Compression Ratio 16.0:1
Bore X Stroke 84.0/90.0
Engine & Transmission
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 240 (179)
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 221 (300)
Exterior
Length 206.6 inches
Width 83.1 inches
Height 57 inches
Front Track 63.1 inches
Weight lb (kg) 2365
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 7.8 (8.1)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): 7.0
Emissions EUV
Turning radius 41.7 feet




The new XJ is the epitome of fluid, contemporary automotive style. The elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette and lies at the heart of its flowing design. And the new XJ doesn’t just look streamlined: it shares a drag coefficient of 0.29 with the XF saloon, making them the most aerodynamic Jaguars ever.

A coupé profile cloaks a cabin that offers comparable levels of space to saloons with a more conventional style. There is generous accommodation for five occupants, while long-wheelbase models provide rear-seat passengers with even greater levels of comfort thanks to an additional 125mm of rear legroom.

The exquisitely designed interior has a strong sporting character throughout. A panoramic glass roof, standard on all models, dramatically enhances the sense of light and space inside the new XJ. And in keeping with its status as the ultimate four-door Jaguar, the XJ introduces a new generation of interior technologies, pioneering the use of display and infotainment systems such as the innovative Virtual Instrument dials and optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system.

At the heart of the all-new XJ’s construction is a next-generation application of Jaguar’s unique lightweight vehicle architecture. Primarily aluminium – but also utilising magnesium and composite alloys – it allows Jaguar to produce a significantly lighter and stiffer body – the lightest in its class. The new structure – which retains the same aerospace-based riveting and bonding processes – has been refined using these advanced new materials to deliver improved strength, enhanced refinement and superior safety performance.

Infiniti Essence Concept






















Infiniti Essence Concept SpecificationsDrivetrain
Layout Front Engine, RWD
Transmission Paddle-Shifted Automated Manual
Engine
Type: Turbocharged V6 with 3D Electric Power Assist Motor
Electric Motor Nissan 3D Electric Motor, 158 bhp
Horsepower, V6 434 bhp
Horsepower 592 bhp (combined)
Torque 500 Nm
Exterior
Body Type 2 Door, 2 Seat GT Coupe
Length 4720 mm
Width 1960 mm
Height 1310 mm
Wheelbase 2800 mm
Wheels 22 inch




The Infiniti Essence Concept, introduced at Geneva 2009, is unlike most concept cars in that it is presented with Louis Vuitton luggage matched to the new supercar that is custom fit inside the rear hatch. The Infiniti Essence uses a similar engine to the GT-R at its heart, but adds a newly-developed Nissan corporate electric motor to produce an extra 158 horsepower.

Far from a dressed up GT-R, the Infiniti Essence is hands down the most attractive car to ever come from Nissan, and arguably the most attractive Japanese car in history, concept or not. The instantly iconic design pulls elements from the GT-R and Infiniti's own G37 Coupe, though resembles nothing on the market today.

There are hints of the Fisker Karma in the Essence's front end, though the Essence Concept is infinitely more precisely excecuted than the Karma.

With a gasoline and electric combined output of 592 horsepower, the Essence dwarfs even the Nissan GT-R in raw power. This is no track day car though, at a body length of 4720 mm the Essence is as long as a Rolls Royce and likely nearly as heavy.

In official Essence press materials released to coincide with Geneva 2009, Infiniti is cryptic about production plans for an Infiniti model based on the Essence. At one point they are emphatic about the Essence's impact on the luxury brand's future, calling it "not is merely an indulgent birthday present from Infiniti to itself."

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe





















2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe SpecificationsDrivetrain
Layout Front Engine, RWD
Transmissions, 4 cyl 6 Speed Manual, 5 Speed Automatic
Transmissions, V6 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic
Differential Optional Limited Slip
Engine
Engine Choices Turbocharged 4 Cylinder, V6
Displacement 2.0 Liter Turbo 4 cyl, 3.8 Liter V6
Horsepower, 4 cyl 223 @ 6,000 rpm (premium fuel)
Horsepower, V6 310 @ 6,000 rpm (premium fuel)
Torque, 4 cyl 217 lb. ft. @ 2,500 rpm (regular and premium fuel)
Torque, V6 263 lb. ft. @ 4,700 rpm (regular and premium fuel)
Exterior
Width x Length x Height 73.4 inches x 182.3 inches x 54.3 inches
Wheels 18-inch or 19-inch five-spoke
Wheelbase 111.0 inches
Curb Weight, 4 cyl 3439 lbs
Curb Weight, (V6) 3549 lbs.
Performance
0-60 mph (V6) Less than 6 sec
Top Speed, 4 cyl 137 mph
Top Speed, V6 149 mph



The people at South Korean automaker Hyundai are listening to their customers. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, confirmed for production and a release early in 2009, follows the tradition of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis in offering a true high performance rear wheel drive, sporty architecture in an affordable package.

The Genesis Coupe follows the styling tradition set forth by the Hyundai Tiburon, but outdoes that aging Hyundai compact sports car in every way. The Genesis Coupe comes with an available naturally aspirated V6, sure to be a motor to find its way into more of Hyundai's lineup. The high output engine offers 310 horses on premium fuel.

Also availble in the Genesis Coupe line is a turbocharged 4 cylinder motor producing 2.0 liters, which has an output in line with the Japanese compact sports car competitors. The Genesis Coupe seems to strike a balance in handling, styling and architecture between cars such as the Ford Mustang and the Subaru WRX.

2010 Hyundai Equus





















Hyundai is shaking things up at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by announcing its intention to launch its most premium luxury sedan in the U.S. next year.

Hyundai’s flagship, badged as the Equus in the Korean market, will be on display and on the roads surrounding the annual gathering of collectible classic luxury automobiles throughout the week, giving attendees a glimpse of the company’s most prestigious model.

“We showed the car at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, and the response was fantastic,” says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Since then, we’ve had a fleet travelling around the country, capturing input from our dealers and consumers. Here, too, the response was extraordinarily positive, and similar to the market reaction to the award-winning Genesis, so we’ve decided to bring it to the U.S.”

Hyundai’s flagship sedan, developed under the codename “VI,” launched this year in Korea. The Equus nameplate used there has adorned the company’s flagship model for 10 years, where it enjoys a reputation for quality and luxury in a place where Japanese and European luxury marques such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes are coveted.

Here in the U.S., the runaway success of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis, which has garnered worldwide critical acclaim and remarkable sales success, gave Hyundai reason to consider expanding its brand further into the upper echelon of automotive luxury. But it was dealer and consumer response to a summer-long tour that saw Equus sedans visiting Hyundai showrooms across the country that solidified the decision.

Holden Cruze





















2009 Holden Cruze SpecificationsBody
Wheelbase 2685mm
Chassis
Wheels (F) 16”x6.5” steel wheels; 205/60R16-92V tyres
Front Suspension McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Compound Crank Axle
Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed manual transmission
Engine
Type: 1.8 litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Bore X Stroke 80.5 x 88.2
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc): 1796cc
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 104 @ 6200rpm
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 176 @ 3800rpm
Exterior
Length 4597
Width 1788
Height 1477



Cruze combines five-star ANCAP safety with exceptional ride and handling, fuel efficiency, stylish design and a starting price of just $20,990 plus onroads. Available in two highly-specified models, Cruze offers Electronic Stability Control, six airbags, a six speaker CD system with steering wheel mounted audio controls and cruise control as standard across the range. Cruze is powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, offering a customer-focused balance of power and efficiency. Cruze CD manual uses as little as 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the diesel variant and 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres for petrol. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss, said Cruze was a world-class small car delivering style, performance, safety and value for money. “We’re excited by the potential for Cruze in a key marketplace for Australian buyers,” Mr Reuss said. “There are no excuses needed for this car. “It has five-star safety, handles beautifully, looks great and provides high quality and low fuel usage. “It answers all the questions.” With the development homeroom based in Europe and work for some variants taking place in South Korea, Cruze is part of General Motors’ new portfolio of global products. Cruze is the result of a 27 month, $US4 billion global development program which included 221 prototypes and more than one million test kilometres completed in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Sweden, China, Korea and Australia. Product line-up Cruze will be offered in CD and CDX models. Holden Cruze CD standard features: · 16 inch steel wheels · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) · Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) · Traction Control (TC) · Brake Assist (BA) · Six airbags including: - Front airbags for driver and front passenger - Front side impact airbags - Side curtain airbags · Collapsible pedal assembly system · Body coloured door handles and mirrors · Automatic headlamps · Six speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 functionality · Cruise control · Steering wheel audio and cruise controls · Trip computer · Power windows, front and rear Holden Cruze CDX includes all CD specific feature highlights plus: · 17 inch alloy wheels (4) · Front fog lamps · Leather steering wheel · Leather appointed seats with heated front seats · Rear parking sensors ·

2010 Gta Spano





















2010 GTA Spano SpecificationsChassis
Wheels 19 x10 front/20x 13 rear
Tires Front 255/35 ZR19
Tires Rear 330/35 ZR20
Front Suspension Double wishbone configuration
Rear Suspension Multilink
Drivetrain
Layout Mid-Engine, RWD
Transmission Manual sequential 7 speed, automatically sequential with paddle shift or (conventional) manual in H-pattern
Differential LSD
Engine
Type: Central rear longitudinal-mounted V10
Induction Supercharged
Horsepower 780 bhp @ 6300 rpm (gasoline), 840 bhp @ 6250 rpm (E90 Ethanol)
Torque 920 Nm (679 lb-ft.)
Displacement 8.3 liters
Exterior
Body Type 2 Door, 2 Seat Sports Car
Length 4650mm
Width 1980mm
Height 1200mm
Curb Weight 1350 kg
Performance
Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 2.9 seconds
Top Speed More than 350 Km/h


GTA is new at building production cars, but not to the world of high performance. A Spanish race team with a history of winning, GTA is in the process of realizing its dream of building a supercar among the most capable in the world. The resulting Spano certainly looks the part, be it on paper or in its muscular exterior design.

The GTA Spano's design looks great from every angle, though it must be noted that the Spano borrows design cues from other acclaimed supercars, most notably the Saleen S7, Bugatti Veyron and modern Lamborghini designs. The rear end, with its louvered flank and windshield, call to mind Saleen S7 and Mustang designs. The C-to-A pillar section, with its rounded bubble shape, looks a little too Bugatti. And the sharply creased front end is so much like the Gallardo's that some may mistake the GTA Spano for something from the Raging Bull.

It appears bankrupt Chrysler has finally found something to do with its extra V10 motors laying around, as it is unlikely next year will see a new Dodge Viper. GTA takes the Viper V10 and reengineers it for GTA Spano duty, where it can make up to 840 horsepower when running on E90 bioethanol race fuel. This is plenty of power when we are moving around a featherweight supercar weighing in at a large pizza less than 3000 lbs.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

2010 Ford Shelby GT500























2010 Ford Shelby GT500 SpecificationsChassis
Wheels 19 inch special to GT500
Tires Front Goodyear F1 Supercar 255/40R19
Tires Rear Goodyear F1 Supercar 285/25R19
Drivetrain
Layout Front Engine, RWD
Transmission 6 Speed Manual, Dual 250mm clutch
Final Drive Ratio 3.55:1
Engine
Type: Supercharged and Intercooled V8
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc): 5.4 liters
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 540 bhp at 6200 rpm
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 480 lb-ft. @ 4500 rpm
Redline at RPM: 6250 rpm
Exterior
Body Type 2 Door, 4 Seat Coupe
Curb Weight est. 3900 lbs.



2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Performance - Big Gains in the Right Places

While the new GT500 makes some significant gains in the engine and braking department, body roll and suspension architecture could still be a problem. Like standard Mustang GT cars and its predecessor, the 2010 GT500 has a relatively unsophisticated chassis and suspension setup perhaps not befitting of a car costing around $45,000 and packing 540 horsepower. Still, at this price point the new Shelby snake is a performance bargain.

Ford has made significant changes to the GT500 drivetrain, tuning up the final drive ratio to 3.55:1 while lowering the fifth and sixth gear ratios to .74 and .50, respectively. Higher final drive ratio and more power and torque should equal big gains in 0-60 times. Reports have pegged the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 at a hair over 4 seconds in this performance metric.

The clutch sees a new twin-plate copper and fiberglass setup with discs growing to 250 mm. Riding on 19 inch wheels, or 18's in the GT500 convertible, this year's Shelby Mustang should be good for some serious tire smoking if not carefully controlled, especially with its front weight bias. Mustang drivers will love it, just be careful in those twisties!

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport




















2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport SpecificationsBody
Wheelbase 105.7 / 2685
Chassis
Brakes front and rear power-assisted disc with ABS with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, cross-drilled rotors
Wheels (F) 18-inch x 9.5-inch
Wheels (R) 19-inch x 12-inch
Tires Front P275/35ZR18
Tires Rear P325/30ZR19
Engine
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Bore X Stroke 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc): 376 / 6162
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 424 / 575 @ 4600* w/ std. exhaust 428 / 580 @ 4600* w/ opt. exhaust
Exterior
Length 175.6 / 4460
Width 75.9 / 1928
Height 48.7 / 1236




The new Grand Sport combines the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with wide-body styling, a wider track and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette’s previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. A combination of 0-60 performance of four seconds, skid pad adhesion of 1 g and EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway makes it a very well-rounded sports car.

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes:

* Wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges * Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler * Functional brake ducts and extra cooling * Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional * Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear * Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers * Specific manual transmission gear ratios * Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models

With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06.

2010 Cadillac SRX




















2010 Cadillac SRX SpecificationsBody
Wheelbase 110.5
Chassis
Brakes Four-wheel power-asssited disc with ABS (and ESC); vented front and rear rotors; aluminum calipers front and rear (two-piston front calipers, single-piston rear calipers)
Wheels Optional 20 inch aluminum
Front Suspension Independent, strut-type, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear Suspension Linked H-arm, hollow stabilizer bar; real-time damping available
Drivetrain
Layout Front Engine, AWD
Transmission AF40 Aisin Warner six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission
Differential Electonically controlled LSD
Final Drive Ratio 3.75
Engine
Type: Turbocharged Saab-Sourced V6
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Bore X Stroke 3.50 x 2.94 in
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc): 2.8 liters
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 300 bhp @ 5300 rpm
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 295 lb-ft. @ 1850 rpm
Redline at RPM: 6500 rpm
Exterior
Tires F-R 235/55R20 HW4
Body Type 4 door, 5 passenger compact SUV
Length 190.2
Width 75.1
Height 65.6




The 2010 SRX will be available with two engines, the far more interesting of which is GM's Saab-sourced 2.8 liter turbo V6. The General may have a tough time convincing potential 2010 SRX buyers that a 2.8 liter powerplant belongs in a Cadillac, but those who opt in will be rewarded with a respectable 300 bhp and 295 lb-ft. of torque.

No official SRX fuel economy figures have been released, but figure significant savings over the outgoing 3.6 liter V6, with only a slight loss in power.

2010 Cadillac SRX Styling - A Big Leap Forward

The new 2010 SRX, which is trimmer in nearly every dimension than this year's SRX, now seats five instead of seven passengers, but should do so in luxurious interior dimensions for a compact SUV. The optional 20 inch wheels look great on a car that looks like, well, a tall CTS Sport Wagon. This is not a bad thing, as that other recently introduced Cadillac is the best-realized design since the brand's bold new styling direction.

SRX bodywork is tall and lean, and just a little pug-nosed. The car-based luxury 'ute accomplishes a lot design wise, looking distinctly different than the Escalade while managing to cut a distinct image from all of Cadillac's current car lineup as well.

The restyled SRX interior gets leather all around, of course, featuring a hand-stitched dash and ambient lighting.

2010 Buick LaCrosse



















2010 Buick LaCrosse Specifications
Body
Wheelbase 111.7 / 2837
Chassis
Brakes split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist
Front Suspension MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension four-link (std. CX); “H”-arm (std.CXL and CXS); real-time damping available
Drivetrain
Final Drive Ratio 3.66
Engine
Compression Ratio 11.2:1
Bore X Stroke 3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98
Cylinder Head cast aluminum
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc): 145 / 2384
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm*
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm*
Exterior
Length 197 / 5003
Width 73.1 / 1858
Height 59.2 / 1503
Interior
Seats 5 (2 front / 3 rear)
Performance
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): 20 / 30**
Emissions close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O 2 sensor

“The new LaCrosse builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s renaissance and great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It offers unique features such as all-wheel drive and a new, efficient four-cylinder engine that will attract new customers to Buick.”

The 2010 LaCrosse was developed within GM’s worldwide network of design and engineering centers, reflecting Buick’s growing popularity around the globe – particularly in Asia. It offers a contemporary vision of a luxury sedan that looks at home on the streets of Santa Monica or Shanghai, with heritage cues that recall the brand’s legacy as a design leader.

“There is great harmony in everything offered by LaCrosse – a beautifully crafted exterior, a premium interior and a satisfying driving experience to please the senses and complement any lifestyle,” Docherty said. “It’s a seamless package that incorporates the very best of GM’s global resources to make this Buick an industry benchmark.”

Sunday, February 14, 2010

2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo






















The traditional European term Gran Turismo (Grand Touring) was first applied by Italian carmakers in the 1950s when they combined the performance, handling, and style of a 2-seat sport car with luxurious amenities and luggage room for each occupant. BMW’s new Gran Turismo nurtures this tradition in its own contemporary way, providing exceptional space, style, luxury, and comfort for four passengers[1], plus the performance and driving pleasure of a BMW.

It does so with 21st-century technology. BMW’s wide-ranging EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy endows this new automobile with an outstanding balance between performance and efficiency. Thanks to its innovative twin turbo V-8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, the 550i Gran Turismo can accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, yet delivers excellent efficiency in everyday driving.

Design: Abundant sportiness, elegance, luxury and versatility.

• Typical BMW proportions communicate dynamic character and sportiness.
• Long wheelbase and graceful, coupe-like roofline.
• An interior with contemporary design, generous dimensions and premium materials.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo radiates a unique blend of sportiness and stylish presence. Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, and a coupe-like roofline combine into a harmonious, highly distinctive silhouette that visually represents this vehicle’s innovative capabilities.

The Gran Turismo’s visual presence is a fusion of established BMW identity and new elements. Its elongated hood and long 120.7-inch wheelbase coalesce with a “greenhouse” set well aft and a fastback roofline into a profile that’s immediately recognizable as a BMW, yet at the same time communicates a new vehicle concept. From the first glance, it’s clear that this is an exceptionally roomy vehicle, yet also a highly dynamic one.

Inside the 5 Series Gran Turismo, users find generous dimensions, inspired contemporary design, and individualized luxury. Sweeping contours – such as those of the interior door panels – combine with rich, premium-quality materials to create an ambiance that’s equally satisfying to front and rear occupants.

At the front: thoroughly modern, traditionally BMW.

The Gran Turismo’s frontal aspect has a marked forward thrust, with its traditional BMW “kidney grille” leaning slightly forward and emphasized by its separation from the flanking (also traditional) four round headlights.