Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2009 Ford Ranger Max Concept
With its character as the ultimate power tool, Ranger Max show truck exudes confidence and purpose. It's up for the job – work or fun – and its tough style says so. It features full surfaces that convey the power and strength of its tough-truck backbone. The detail of its design demonstrates this show truck has been designed by people who know trucks and love them.
Like a high-quality power tool, it's ready for tough use. This means purposeful matte black plastic accent features and trim items – and no fussy, fancy chrome.
Ranger Max has innovative features such as a remote-controlled power tonneau cover for the cargo bed and a distinctive sportsbar that visually extends the length of the well-proportioned Ford Ranger side-access Open Cab.
And Ranger Max rides on distinctive, deep-dish, 18-inch alloy concept wheels and custom technical-look tyres that finish its extreme looks.
This is a Ranger and proud of its tough-truck heritage. RANGER is boldly embossed in the hood and sidesteps on Ranger Max. More Details
2009 Pininfarina B0 Concept
This car will not be a prototype. It will be a mass production model, with the first units coming off the production line at the end of 2009, after which production will be ramped up gradually based on the availability of the batteries. Built in Turin by Pininfarina-Bolloré, a joint venture formed by the two family-owned groups, the B0
2009 Honda FC Sport Concept
The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda's V Flow fuel cell
'The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum,' said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.'
The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle's performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport's low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars. More Details
2009 Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai aims to shatter premium automobile paradigms with the North American International Auto Show introduction of its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan on January 13. With capabilities and features comparable to $60,000 premium sedans, Genesis will be offered at a starting price under $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer.
Genesis is built on Hyundai's all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai's all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau will produce an estimated 368 horsepower on regular fuel, and lead all its competitors in specific output with 80 horsepower per liter. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise
2009 Hyundai Accent
Cruise control also makes its debut on Accent, which helps drivers keep the throttle constant for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions making the Accent an even 'greener' option for 2009. More Details
Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept
The 'Quaranta' project is a concept car designed to celebrate Italdesign Giugiaro's forty years of business in styling and technological research at the service of the automotive sector. The Quaranta, world-premiered at the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show, is a synthesis of Italdesign Giugiaro's unmatched experience of automotive design: from city cars to super sports-cars, from MPVs to medium-engined saloons up to and including luxury flagships and environment-friendly SUV, not to mention light/heavy duty commercial vehicles, in complete cooperation with leading manufacturers all over the world.
The Quaranta is an 'extreme' product, an environment-friendly, 4WD super sports-car which incorporates a series of innovative aspects: its styling, but also its drive technology, which combines a
2009 Fisker Karma S Concept
Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today. The four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the company's belief that driving style and
The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture and clean Q-DRIVE powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan. Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two
''Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE powertrain,'' said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. ''The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future.'' more details
Pagani Zonda R
This Zonda is purpose made for track use, without restrictions of any competition rules or homologation, with the only exclusion of the passengers' integrity, where no compromise is tolerated according to our philosophy and state-of-the-art safety measures are featured.
The engine is built by the racing specialists at Mercedes AMG, where the championship winning DTM cars are born, as well as the CLK GTR, probably the most devastating and effective weapon ever to compete in the GT series. From it's engine the Zonda R borrows the basic architecture including an ingenious dry sump allowing a low centre of gravity. This self-supporting engine with 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of torque carries a lightweight carbon fibre high- performance intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch and Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. The power unit combined with a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronised gearbox is designed to satisfy the most ambitious drivers. More Details
Saturday, February 7, 2009
2009 Dodge Challenger - SRT8
"The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value," said
The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger two-door coupe produced from the Company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three models featuring head-turning styling, three available engine options and an automatic or manual transmission. More Details
2010 Ford Shelby GT500
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 GT500 price information is not yet forthcoming, and the release date is only listed as spring 2009. Expect more info on the way once the 2009 Detroit North American International Auto Show begins in earnest. More Details
2010 Ford Mustang
The new 2010 Ford Mustang, modestly updated mechanically but totally restyled inside and out, may just be the car that will make or break the struggling Detroit automaker. The modern interpretation of the classic pony car is even more sharp and striking than the well-received 2005-2009 Ford Mustang model, and it couldn't come at a better time.
Under the hood, the 2010 Mustang gets a modest power bump to 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque in GT trim. A reworked suspension evolved from the suspension given to the Mustang Bullit special edition from the the current generation should provide a boost through the twisties, though sports car buyers will still be dismayed to hear that the next generation 2010 Mustang still does not get an independant suspension in the back.
From many angles, the 2010 Mustang body is a big improvement over the already beautiful current model. Creases are sharper and more pronounced, and if the outgoing car echos the styling of the classic 64 1/4 Mustang, the 2010 Ford-saver echoes the 1967 Mustang.
More Details
2009 Ford Mustang GT
The 2009 Ford Mustang GT and 6 cylinder Mustang variants should continue to sell like hotcakes to muscle car fans and those who see the Ford Mustang as a way to recapture their childhood dreams of drive-in movies, drag races and all that nonsense.
The 2009 Mustang is still nearly exactly the same near-sports car that thrilled the automotive world when released for the 2005 model year, a big step up from the previous model in terms of performance relative to base price, and handling. Still, carrying a fixed real axel even in Mustang GT trim, the 2009 Ford Mustang can't touch the sports car capabilities of other models in the class.
Ford is advertising the 2009 Mustang's smoked glass roof, similar to the one found on the Scion tC, as a compromise between Mustang coupe and convertible models, but at a price premium of just under $2,000, it doesn't make sense to us. The 2009 Mustang glass roof unit is fixed, unlike the fancy power sliding panoramic glass roof found on the new 2009 Porsche 911 Targa models.
2009 Mustang and Mustang GT specs remain the same: 221 horsepower from the surprisingly efficient 6 cylinder engine, with the V8 GT getting a cool 300 horsepower. Still one of the best straight-line performance bargains on the market, the 2009 Ford Mustang adds a few touches here and there that keep the retro-Mustang design interesting awaiting the introduction of the all-new Mustang model, which will be released as the 2010 Ford Mustang and designed to compete with the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger.More Details
2009 Ford Fiesta ST500
There are Ford sport compact cars for the European market, such as this 2009 Ford Fiesta ST500. There are killer sport sedans the Aussies get, such as the FPV Falcon GT. We have the Mustang. Though Ford has confirmed it is bringing a sub-Focus compact, fuel efficient Ford model to the United States, it may or may not be the Fiesta.
Ford has not had an affordable performance compact car since the SVT Focus disappeared in 2004.
Looking at the specs on this killer little 2009 Ford Fiesta ST500 pocket rocket, Ford of Europe has something going for them. The Fiesta ST500 has enough power and weight-saving technology to blow the doors off many US-market sport compact cars.
We can only hope that Ford USA will come to its senses and bring their best cars back to the land where it all got started.More Details
2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
A Lamborghini is and always will be a highly efficient athlete. Its extreme sensuality is based upon precision, performance and on spontaneous action. A Lamborghini's elegance is that of stark, purist strength. This DNA of the Lamborghini brand is being continuously developed by the Centro Stile in every new car. Thus the Gallardo LP560-4 displays the precise lines and clean surface edges in its distinctly minimalist design. Ornaments or embellishments of any form are alien to it.
2009 Maserati Quattroporte S
The 2009 Maserati Quattroporte S adds power and an even further degree of refinement to what is already one of the best and most exclusive luxury sports cars on the market. Cars like the Mercedes CLS and an upcoming BMW model use the Quattroporte S for inspiration and benchmarking.
Maserati has changed the body of the 2009 Quattroporte in subtle ways, to make things look a cleaner, and perhaps more chiseled. Some of the sweeping curves are gone in favor of slightly more blocky lines to the Quattroporte, but the general design is the same.
The real change in the 2009 Quattroporte S comes in the engine department. Maserati has pulled the new 4.7 liter from the GranTurismo S sports coupe, and in Quattroporte S trim it outputs 430 horsepower. Adding the "S" line, and this motor, to the Quattroporte was a step in the right direction, as the German automakers are going crazy with the output levels of their flagship luxury sport sedans.
Check back for more specs and performance info when the 2009 Maserati Quattroporte S is closer to its Fall 2008 release.More Details
2009 Maserati GranTurismo
A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.
Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 HP V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the Transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.
The GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake calipers, ensuring optimized braking performance.
On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks. More Details
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is giving its "attainable exotic" Eclipse Spyder a deeper sound, a bit more power and new safety features for 2009. Restyled front and rear bumper fascias distinguish the Eclipse Spyder models for 2009. With the freshened styling comes a deeper "voice" from a new dual exhaust system for the V6-powered Eclipse GT Spyder. The more powerful sound is accompanied by a minor boost in horsepower to 265 (up from 260). The Eclipse Spyder GT also gains standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening front styling while aiding nighttime visibility. Already equipped with a full array of proven safety technology, the Eclipse GT for 2009 gains Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment. The Eclipse Spyder continues to win over customers with its unique combination of striking design, thrilling performance, high-quality convertible top and excellent value. Sales of the Spyder increased by 8% in 2007 over 2006. Newly styled single-color front and rear bumper fascias lend a more defined appearance to the 4-cylinder Eclipse Spyder GS, model while the new two-tone bumper fascias for the GT model further emphasize its road-hungry stance. The Eclipse Spyder echoes the concept-car design of its coupe sibling with sleek, taut, muscular lines and engaging details. The "attainable exotic" design of the fourth-generation Eclipse is further underscored for 2009 by the availability of three new colors, Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar, a vibrant new yellow. Inside, all Eclipse models feature new interior cloth fabrics for a richer feel and appearance.More Details
2009 Porshe 911 Carrera S Coupé
Maximum output of the 911 Carrera with its 3.6-litre power unit is up by 20 bhp to 345 bhp (254 kW). Output on the 911 Carrera S with its 3.8-litre power unit is equally impressive, up by 30 bhp to 385 bhp (283 kW). With this extra power, the Carrera S Coupé now offers a top speed of slightly over 300 km/h or 186 mph.
The new generation of the 911 is available for the first time with the new Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), Porsche's double-clutch gearbox. Offering no less than seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. And since PDK also boasts an automatic gearshift function, it replaces the former Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission on both the Carrera and Carrera S. Through its optimised and adaptive gearshift programs, PDK improves the car's acceleration and reduces fuel consumption to a level even lower than before.
Porsche developed this gearshift principle featuring two clutches to shift gears without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling power and without even the slightest break in between gears no less than 25 years ago for motorsport. Porsche works drivers benefiting from this technology were able to accelerate faster than their competitors and keep both hands on the steering wheel while shifting gears, thus avoiding even the slightest distraction while shifting. The pioneering achievement from back then now gives the new 911 Carrera even better performance: Equipped with seven-speed PDK, the Carrera S Coupé accelerates in 4.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h, another 0.2 seconds faster than with a manual six-speed gearbox. And the customer in search of optimum driving dynamics even has the option to combine PDK with Porsche's optional Sport Chrono Plus including Launch Control. The result is high-speed acceleration free of slip from a standstill and a racing gearshift, with the car accelerating to 100 km/h in a truly outstanding 4.3 seconds.More Details
Saleen Sterling S302E
The Saleen Sterling Edition S302E begins with what amounts to a Mustang GT in an official partnership with Ford Motor Company. But Saleen automobiles are no ordinary Mustangs. They come as highly-polished, fully realized sports cars with the technical knowhow of the recently retired Steve Saleen, responsible for designing the legendary Saleen S7 supercar.
The Saleen Sterling Edition S302E will destroy even a brand new Ford Shelby GT500 from a red light standing start, and is composed enough to be effective at the track as well. Saleen Automotive pulled out all the stops in putting together the Sterling Edition, and just to look at it is to want one, even for those who wouldn't usually touch a Ford Mustang with a ten-foot pole.
More Details
2009 Subaru Impreza WRX
The Subaru Impreza sport compact sedan in all its variations, ever in competition with AWD offerings from Mitsubishi and losing market share to the likes of the Mazdaspeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI, needed a shot in the arm. Reaching into the Subaru parts bin, the Japanese company that has become synonomous with all-wheel-drive has given the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX a larger turbocharger and an entirely redesigned Subaru exhaust system, resulting in a huge boost in horsepower for a total of 265.
The other area of attention is in the handling department. Last year's Subaru WRX couldn't even manage the same skidpad and laptime numbers as its predecessor, so for 2009 the Impreza WRX has received some much-needed handling tweaks. The Subaru parts department has made big increases in the rigidity of the suspension, with spring rates tightning up by large factors. Larger stabilizer bars should give the 2009 WRX better composure on the road and on the track.
An all-new standard Subaru WRX bodykit rounds out the package, and while it still looks a little bloated, the new 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX should do more to please fans of the most respected name in AWD sport compacts. More Details
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Jaguar XF 2009
Designed as rival to the BMW
Replacing the aging S-Type early next year, the XF is based on the C-XF Concept car, with considerably less dramatic headlights and a tamer exterior. Engineering limitations are said to have made the C-XF's headlights impossible to bring to production in a cost effective manner, but look for cat-like eyes on the next-generation XJ, which Jaguar designers say will be more daring than the XF.
Mercedes-Benz-SL-Class-(SL550,-SL600)
Redesigned for the 2009 model year, the SL-Class remains the most premium Mercedes roadster. The two available models for the U.S. market are the SL550 and SL600, while Europeans shoppers can also opt for the lesser SL350 and SL280.
The biggest changes to the SL line following the 2009 update are to the front of the car. The vehicle now has CLS-style headlamps to complement the new bumper and grille. Meanwhile, the taillights have been augmented with LEDs and a refined shape.
The SL550 and SL600's engines remain unchanged. The former has a 5.5-liter V8 delivering 382 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque between 2,800 and 4,800 rpm. The latter is motivated by a 517 horsepower twin-turbo V12, delivering 612 pound-feeet of torque from 1900 rpm up to 3500 rpm. Both models now have factionally better fuel economy.
The next-generation SL range include two AMG models: the SL 65 and SL63. The SL 65 will feature Mercedes' twin-turbo V12 �" producing 612 horsepower �" while the SL 63 uses a 6.3L V8 with 525 horsepower. We take a look at both vehicles in separate reports.
The car's steering system has been improved to feature a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degrees. All of which means that, compared to a steering system with a constant ratio, the driver does not have to move the steering wheel as much when cornering. More Details.......
2009 Honda Civic
The 2009 Honda Civic gets slightly freshened exterior styling, a few new features, and some new trim levels. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles. Also offered is a gas/electric Hybrid sedan, as well as a sedan that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Sedans and coupes come in DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and sporty Si trims. New for 2009 are DX-VP and LX-S sedans. The limited-edition MUGEN Si has been discontinued. DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, and EX-L have a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Si versions have a 197-hp 2.0-liter four. The Hybrid combines a gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources. Most of the time, however, the gas engine shuts off at a stop and restarts again when the driver releases his or her foot from the brake pedal. Hybrids require no plug-in charging. Available for sale in California and New York and to fleets is the Civic GX, which uses a 113-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that runs on CNG. All 140-hp Civics come with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. GX models are automatic only. Si only comes with a 6-speed manual. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. EX-L models have leather upholstery with heated front seats. A navigation system with voice activation is available on EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid. New for 2009 is an available wireless cell phone link for EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid. Leather upholstery is also newly available on the Hybrid. More details.......
Monday, January 19, 2009
2009 BMW 7 Series
2009 BMW 7 Series
Click any image to enlarge
We went over the car's outward appearance in our preview post. The new car is certainly more restrained than the last iteration, but reader feedback has shown that its style still polarizes. This is unsurprising, and ultimately, it's probably good for BMW because either way, you have people speaking passionately about your car. Besides, the people whose opinions matter most are the ones in dealerships, holding checkbooks, and there likely won't be a shortage of those folks when these cars roll into showrooms, anyway.
Inside, there are a number of improvements. First, the shifter moves back to the console from the steering column. The unit itself is the same silver lever you'll find in a 5-series. To its right is the new iDrive controller, which steals a page from Audi's MMI and combines the main stick/dial with action buttons that ought to streamline the process of navigating through all the menus. The menus themselves have also been redesigned, and in a welcome move, the climate controls can be fully adjusted right from the instrument panel -- iDrive is no longer required to make some adjustments at all. The actual iDrive screen is now over 10 inches wide. Other neat-sounding interior changes we're interested in seeing in person include the new Black Panel display for the IP. Basically, only the gauge rings and needles are visible when the car is shut off. The other details only reveal themselves once it has been fired up. Backseaters get a pair of video screens, and each passenger has control over what his or hers displays.
The camera package incorporates both rearview and sideview cameras. The latter uses a camera mounted in each corner of the front bumper to give a clear look down an intersecting road in both directions. (This sounds like an improved version of the setup BMW uses in the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which puts both cameras in a single protrusion in the middle of the front bumper). Active steering is optional, lane departure and blind spot warning systems arrive with the new car, and the Euro versions get a brake regeneration system like the one found in the European M3. (As is the case with the M3, it doesn't appear that this feature makes the trip across the Atlantic in the 7.) You can read about all the changes and features in greater detail below, where we've pasted the UK-market press release. If you want a sneak peek of the U.S. press release, head to AutoSpies, which has posted it in PDF format. (We'll append it on Sunday when BMWNA officially uploads it to its media site).
Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series
Friday, January 16, 2009
2009 Mazda RX-8
After almost eight years of production, the highly successful Mazda RX-8 will be reinvented in a completely new model. The original 2+2 doors coupe is expected to come with an all-new skin and refreshed “Zoom-Zoom” design in 2009. The dynamics are guaranteed to be better than ever for an RX model, featuring the latest generation of Mazda’s exotic Wankel rotary engine.
The original
This two plus two suicide doors layout has proved to be highly successful. It eases rear access, but doesn’t compromise much the “coupe styling”. This successful recipe will be preserved for the second RX-8 that will be an evolution of the current model.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.
The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.
The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.
In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.
In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.
The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published. more details
3 new Ferrari Models
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Tuesday, January 6, 2009
TOYOTA --2009
2009 Latest Toyota Corolla with Attractive Look
The New 2009 Toyota Corolla is designed with more power, more
standard safety, features, and fresh
styling.We evaluate not only engine
and handling performance for the
2009 Toyota Corolla, but also interior
cabin and cargo space.
Corolla
The Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, 2009 Toyota Corolla LE, 2009 Toyota Corolla XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS. A standard body kit on S and 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla's sporty look – these include a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower.
more...
Toyota intend to participate in 2009 season, Tokyo
Toyota intend to participate in 2009 season
Updated at: 2143 PST, Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Toyota intend to participate in 2009 season TOKYO: Formula One constructors Toyota have expressed confidence to participate in the 2009 season.
Toyota had to bear a loss of over one billion dollars this year but they did not keep themselves away from the next season.
After constructors Honda went away from the next season due to global monetary crisis, it was feared that the Toyota will also go out of the 2009 season.
However, president Toyota Katsuaki Watanable has assured that they would maintain their representation in Formula One.
Japan’s largest car manufacturers Toyota had to bear annual loss for the first time in 71 years but they are still hopeful for the next season.Full Story
TOYOTA HISTORY
History
In 1933, Toyoda Automatic Loom Works created a new division devoted to the production of automobiles under the direction of the founder's son, Kiichiro Toyoda. Kiichiro Toyoda had traveled to Europe and the United States in 1929 to investigate automobile production and had begun researching gasoline-powered engines in 1930.[16] Toyoda Automatic Loom Works was encouraged to develop automobile production by the Japanese government, which needed domestic vehicle production partly due to the worldwide money shortage and partly due to the war with China.[17] In 1934, the division produced its first Type A Engine, which was used in the first Model A1 passenger car in May 1935 and the G1 truck in August 1935. Production of the Model AA passenger car started in 1936. Early vehicles bear a striking resemblance to the Dodge Power Wagon and Chevrolet, with some parts actually interchanging with their American originals.[17]
Although the Toyota Group is best known today for its cars, it is still in the textile business and still makes automatic looms, which are now computerized, and electric sewing machines which are available worldwide.
Toyota Motor Co. was established as an independent and separate company in 1937. Although the founding family's name is Toyoda (豊田), the company name was changed in order to signify the separation of the founders' work life from home life, to simplify the pronunciation, and to give the company a happy beginning. Toyota (トヨタ) is considered luckier than Toyoda (豊田) in Japan, where eight is regarded as a lucky number, and eight is the number of strokes it takes to write Toyota in katakana.[18] In Chinese, the company and its vehicles are still referred to by the equivalent characters (traditional Chinese: 豐田; simplified Chinese: 丰田; pinyin: fēng tián), with Chinese reading.
During the Pacific War (World War II) the company was dedicated to truck production for the Imperial Japanese Army. Because of severe shortages in Japan, military trucks were kept as simple as possible. For example, the trucks had only one headlight on the center of the hood. The war ended shortly before a scheduled Allied bombing run on the Toyota factories in Aichi.
After the war, commercial passenger car production started in 1947 with the model SA. In 1950, a separate sales company, Toyota Motor Sales Co., was established (which lasted until July 1982). In April 1956, the Toyopet dealer chain was established. The following year, the Crown became the first Japanese car to be exported to the United States and Toyota's American and Brazilian divisions, Toyota Motor Sales Inc. and Toyota do Brasil S.A., were also established.
Toyota began to expand in the 1960s with a new research and development facility, a presence in Thailand was established, the 10 millionth model was produced, a Deming Prize and partnerships with Hino Motors and Daihatsu were also established. The first Toyota built outside Japan was in April 1963, at Port Melbourne in Australia.[19] By the end of the decade, Toyota had established a worldwide presence, as the company had exported its one-millionth unit.With high gas prices and a weak US economy in the summer of 2008, Toyota reported a double-digit decline in sales for the month of June, similar to figures reported by the Detroit Big Three. For Toyota, these were attributed mainly to slow sales of its Tundra pickup, as well as shortages of its fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Prius, Corolla and Yaris. In response, the company has announced plans to idle its truck plants, while shifting production at other facilities to manufacture in-demand vehicles.[20][21][22][23]