Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Monday, 28 November 2011
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Limited-run Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket
Limited-run Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket
It’s Tokyo time, which is why we’re seeing so many cute green concepts on this website, so for variety, have a look at the special-edition 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket. It’s a limited run variant of Dodge’s retro styled muscle car wheeled out by Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team.
Like the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee we showed you earlier, this Challenger’s attention grabbing headline colour is Stinger Yellow. Besides that, the Yellow Jacket features a black grille surround, black body-side stripes and a Yellow Jacket logo on the rear fender. New 20-inch, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets are also thrown in. The rims are identical to those on the Super Bee.
Inside, the leather seats sport a Stinger Yellow accent band with embroidered Yellow Jacket logo and silver accent stitching. The driver’s chair also features full adjustable lumbar with seatback tilt and memory, which eases rear seat access.
The original Dodge “Yellow Jacket” show car, based on the 1970 Challenger, was shown at various auto shows from 1969. Painted pearlescent Honey Gold, that roadster was powered by a 426-cubic inch HEMI V8 and carried various Dodge “Scat Pack” performance features, such as a unique front spoiler, wider tyres, heavy-duty suspension and brakes, along with the Rallye instrument cluster and shaker hood.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe facelifted – 3.8 V6, 350 hp, 400 Nm
UPDATE: More images added, including rear shot
Hyundai has given it’s Genesis Coupe a facelift at the Korea Speed Festival 2011 in Yeongam, Korea. These official pics show the refreshed sports flagship in action on Korea’s Formula 1 track, and we can see that it now wears the company’s new face, plus new headlamps as well as the must have LEDs.
Under the hood of the Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s latest Lambda 3.8-litre GDi engine, capable of 350 hp and 400 Nm of torque. This means that the direct injection V6 is 43 hp and 40 Nm up on the current V6, and the horse count also trumps six-pot rivals from America (Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro) as well as the 3.7-litre V6 in the Infiniti G Coupe.
Hyundai says that “in order to raise the emotional quality in the Lambda 3.8 GDi model, a sound generator is applied to replace the rough engine sound with a classy and sporty sound.”
The base engine has also been upgraded. Out goes the current car’s 2.0 turbo four that makes 210 hp and 302 Nm, and in comes the Sonata Turbo’s twin-scroll turbo engine with a larger radiator intercooler. The new 2.0L lump churns out 275 hp and 375 Nm, guaranteeing brisk performance.
There’s more good news for the markets that will get this left hand drive car. Both the V6 and inline-4 will be paired to Hyundai’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Previously, the base car made do with a 5-speed auto while the V6 had six speeds. Of course, both can be had with a good old six-speed manual ‘box as well. Yummy!
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Friday, 16 September 2011
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition shown ahead of Frankfurt
Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition shown ahead of Frankfurt
Aston Martin has revealed the DBS Carbon Edition that will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This new variant will be available as both a coupe and a convertible or Volante as the company calls it.
The Carbon Edition comes in two new colours including Frame Orange and Ceramic Grey, along with the existing Carbon Black. Each unit will be treated with seven layers of paint together with a 25-hour hand flat-and-polish finish which gives the surface a glass veneer look. Owners can also specify a satin lacquer paint finish which creates a silk-like texture.
Other goodies include 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish available as an option as well as black brake calipers with colour options including yellow, orange, red or grey. Also in the bucket list are carbon fibre mirror heads, carbon rear lamp in-fills, a black grille as well as smoked tail lights.
The interior of the Carbon Edition is furnished with obsidian black or maranello orange semi-aniline leather, leather headlining for the coupe, a carbon fibre facia with a carbon weave that is positioned to follow the form of the dashboard and so on. There are also magnesium alloy shifter paddles that are tipped with carbon fibre and a carbon fibre special edition sill plaque with laser etched metal inlay.
This gorgeous Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition carries a hefty £186,582 price tag for the hardtop and £196,581 for the topless variant. Deliveries are expected to start early next year.
Maserati joins super SUV race with a Kubang!
Maserati joins super SUV race with a Kubang!
UPDATE: Live gallery from Frankfurt added
Remember the Maserati Kubang concept of 2003? It has surfaced again at the Frankfurt show that starts today, and marks the Trident’s entry into the sport luxury SUV segment.
Maserati argues that today’s SUVs don’t offer the kind of “uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere” found in high-end sports and luxury cars, and they want to address this with the Kubang.
Although it’s new territory for the brand, the Fiat owned brand promises that the Kubang preserves the “integrity of Maserati’s DNA”. Why only now? Maserati says that potential synergies with sister brand Jeep (part of the Chrysler Group that’s under Fiat control) is in the plan.
However, the Kubang’s style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati. It will come with new Maserati proprietary engines designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli, but built by Ferrari in Maranello. Martinelli is the Head of Maserati Powertrain Department, and spend nearly 30 years at Ferrari, where he also served as engine chief of the Formula 1 team.
We’re guessing that it’s a V8 with great sound, since that’s very much part of Maserati’s DNA
Volkswagen shows off the Beetle R Concept
Volkswagen shows off the Beetle R Concept
This is the Volkswagen Beetle R Concept which made its public debut at the Frankfurt motor event. It is a design study which will likely translate into a production run at a later stage. The concept is treated to a sportier body kit with front and rear bumpers that are widened by 30 mm. The front bumper has three air intakes that are finished in Black High Gloss which is the same treatment given to the front spoiler.
The vents and various other slots are functional and they provide engine and brake temperature regulation. The rear bumper also assists in the aerodynamics department along with a diffuser and a rear spoiler. The exterior also sports two sets of dual chrome tailpipes, free-standing wings that are widened by 15 mm as well as a roof with the Black High Gloss treatment.
The Beetle R sits on large 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels which is the same design utilized by the Golf R and the Scirocco R. These wheels are finished in Serious Grey.
On the inside, the sportier Beetle has motorsport shell seats that are upholstered in black Nappa leather, seat piping in Space Blue and lots of R logos everywhere. The instruments have been modified as well and brushed aluminium is used for all pedal caps.
You might be wondering what is powering the concept but unfortunately Volkswagen has neglected to mention the details in the press release. However you can safely expect it to have engine performance figures that match the Golf R and the Scirocco R.
Production Subaru XV debuts – CKD next year!
Production Subaru XV debuts – CKD next year!
UPDATE: Live images from Frankfurt added after the jump
This is the production version of the Subaru XV that made its debut at IAA Frankfurt. It’s also the model that Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) will assemble in Malaysia for ASEAN, to be done at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL.
Production will start in October 2012 at 5,000 units per year, to be divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. More about that and Subaru’s plans for Malaysia in our interview with Glenn Tan, CEO of Motor Image.
Let’s take a closer look. It appears that the production XV is pretty much the same car as thebright green coloured concept car that debut at this year’s Shanghai show. Subaru calls the exterior design concept “Protren”, derived from “professional tool” and “trendy design”.
The C-segment crossover wears Subaru’s new grille with the hexagonal design, flanked by headlamps inspired by the eyes of a hawk. The rear gets a diffuser style rear bumper with a central lamp. Unusually, it’s painted n body colour. Speaking of that, the “Tangerine Orange Pearl” we see here is the XV’s signature colour.
The XV is a raised hatchback with subtle body cladding and generous ground clearance for that tough look. It was a conscious decision to not put full body cladding around the car as before to “enhance the sensation of dynamism and comfort”. The aluminum wheels on the showcar look rather unique with their silver spokes and black surrounds. No roof rack, but I’m sure we’ll be getting it here.
For the first time in 21 years, Subaru has developed a new engine, codenamed “FB”, to replace the long-serving “EJ” engine. In Europe, Subaru offers a new 1.6-litre petrol boxer (replaces the old 1.5), a 2.0L boxer tuned for grunt in low to mid engine speeds, and a 2.0 Boxer Diesel.
We will get a 2.0L engine, from the new gen, and not the one presently in service in the Impreza and Legacy. It will be paired to Subaru’s new Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The brand’s famous Symmetrical AWD system is of course present in the XV.
Inside, the XV is standard Subaru, which means it’s not the most funky or modern, but inoffensive, clearly laid out and easy to use. The centre stack gets brushed aluminium trim and a 4.3-inch colour multi function display with Eco-driving display at the top; the latter comes with the High Grade version, no colour for Standard. The dials (red for Standard, white for High Grade) do a full sweep at start up.
Subaru wants to highlight the XV’s easy entry and exit. They’ve not only made the door openings larger, but also raised the angle at the top of the front door sash, thereby providing more space between the sash top and body.
The distance between the floor and the top of the side sill has also been reduced, meaning that occupants do not have to stretch their legs as widely as before when getting in and out.
Volvo Concept You makes its public debut
Volvo Concept You makes its public debut
Say hello to the Concept You from Volvo. This concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it previews an upcoming large luxury sedan by the company. The concept features a fastback design which looks quite similar to the Audi A7.
Finished in a light blue liquid metal paint from DuPont, Concept You sits on large 21-inch polished aluminium wheels and has LED dipped beam in four “ice blocks” on top of the high beam lights. Certain design details on the car is inspired by the Danish design house Georg Jensen.
“The design of the wheels, the grille and details in the innovative headlamps have been inspired by the exquisite works of world-famous Danish design house Georg Jensen. Their precious items capture the essence of Scandinavian design. Uncluttered, organic surfaces and superb craftsmanship that radiate timeless luxury,” says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at the Volvo Car Corporation.
The interior has a futuristic look with the use of handcrafted pieces of walnut which is accompanied by leather panels, Dinamica suede roof lining and aluminium details. There are also four individual leather seats. The unique thing about the interior is the integration of the design qualities of a tailor made suit.
The back of the front seats and the door panels feature Italian fabric and designs from Swedish fashion house Oscar Jacobson. The other thing to note is the wooden floor which is inspired by Scandinavian homes. It is covered with specially designed hand-tufted carpet from world-famous Swedish brand Kasthall.
The Volvo Concept You is also not shy of revealing its technological details. Among others, it has a control centre that consists of four main areas including a digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM), a head-up display on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console and a touch-screen between the two individual rear seats.
The touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console remains in sleeping mode until the driver looks at it. This is thanks to a hidden infrared camera which registers the eye movement. There is a second sensor which looks out for hand movement and it can trigger the Alpine infotainment system’s control mode. The system also allows web surfing when the car is rolling but this is of course reserved for the passenger.
The touch-screen system has hints of a smart pad where by the driver can basically send data via “flipping” (iPad syle) to the head-up display or even to screens at the rear cabin. There is also a light guide in the centre console that indicates the file transfer, how cool is that?
Even the subwoofer in the sound system uses air from outside of the car to create a better listening experience. This Alpine technology which is called FreshAir is not available in the market yet and it is made up by smaller parts that considerably cut weight. In terms of performance and drivetrain details, Volvo is still being tight-lipped about it.
Ford debuts the 1.0 litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost
Frankfurt: Ford debuts the 1.0 litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost
Ford has officially unveiled its new 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine which will be first utilized in the Euro-market Focus in early 2012 followed by the C-MAX in the same year. The all-new B-MAX will be next. The 3-cylinder engine is said to be equivalent to a conventional 1.6 liter engine when it comes to performance. The new engine has improved twin variable camshaft design, direct injection as well as turbocharging.
The turbo is able to reach nearly 250,000 rpm and is said to have virtually zero turbo lag. The exhaust manifold is cast into the cylinder head which helps lower the temperature of the exhaust gases and this enables the engine to run with the optimum fuel-to-air ratio across a wider rev band. The cooling system is also able to help reduce fuel consumption. Referred to as split cooling, it basically warms up the engine more quickly. Unlike the larger EcoBoost engines, the 1.0 litre unit uses a cast iron block which reduces the amount of energy needed for warm-up by up to 50% compared to aluminium.
Other features include variable air-conditioning compressor, variable oil pump, special coatings for engine components and intricate development of engine geometry which help reduce frictional losses, an all-new camshaft actuator to speed up response times and so on. Furthermore, two main engine drive belts are immersed in oil which makes the engine run quieter and more efficiently, while maintaining the durability of a chain system.
It is also worth mentioning that the engineers deliberately unbalanced the flywheel and pulley to offset the engine configuration. According to Ford, this along with new engine mounts help deliver a more refined performance. This has been proven following a 720,000 km test which also includes 360,000 km of durability trials and 10,000 km of environmental testing.
The 1.0 litre EcoBoost will be available in two forms, including a 99 hp and a 118 hp variant which also offers 170 Nm of torque between 1,300 – 4,500 rpm. These variants will be offered with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual transmission respectively. Ford did not reveal the engine’s fuel economy figures but said that it can output less than 120g/km of CO2 emissions. More information will be revealed at a later stage.
The Blue Oval also confirmed that the new engine will be made available in North America, China and in other regions although it did not specify a timeline. Continue reading to view more images of the 1.0 litre EcoBoost.
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