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Showing posts with label LA Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LA Show. Show all posts

Friday, November 21, 2008

New Reveal At LA : 2010 Mini E

Mini just released its new electric car, the "E". It's the basic Mini , just with the gasoline engine thrown away and replaced by 48 batteries . Which can run the "E" about 150 miles and just needs 2.5 hours for re-charging!
The batteries develop 204hp and 162lb-ft of torque . That's very odd for an electric motor, where they usually have little horsepower but too much torque. So because this is an opposite to a standard electric car, but normal to a standard gasoline car, it responds like a gas-powered car. 0-60MPH comes in 8.5 seconds, so it's as fast as a basic Mini Cooper.
Exterior wise, it looks exactly the same as the Cooper, just instead of a fuel cap, there's an outlet to plug it when it's out of charge. Like the outside, inside they only changed the tachometer in-front of the driver into a battery meter.
Mini will only make 500 units of the "E", which will be all sold for the U.S market early next year. Plans of the "E" will expand to Europe soon.

New Reveal At LA : 2009 Nissan 370Z

Nissan has finally dropped its all-new 370Z down at the LA Auto Show. Differences from the 350Z include a fully redesigned shape of the headlights, taillights, bumpers, rims, door handles, the hood and the roof. Nissan also made good use of lightweight body materials. So the new car is 45 kilos lighter than its 350Z predecessor.
However, the new Z is more powerful, thanks to a new 3.7L V6 engine with 332hp borrowed from Infiniti's G37 coupe/convertible. They also borrowed the automatic transmission, which is a 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters. There's a 6-speed manual. So with more power and less weight, expect the 370Z to hit 60MPH in the very-low 5 second range, maybe even less.
The new interior share a lot with its Infiniti cousin. The navigation screen is placed at the top of the center dash. And with that screen, there's also the ability to control the 10GB media player for the car.
The new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe model is scheduled to go on sale in North America in January 2009, followed by a new 370Z Roadster for the 2010 model year. Base MSRP will be $29,930.

New Reveal At LA : 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Infiniti has just released the G37 Convertible at the LA Auto Show. The new convertible offers an all-new design from the A-pillar back compared to the G37 Coupe, with extensive structural reinforcements, a wider rear track, modified rear suspension and a special convertible-focused interior with rear pop-up bar and available headrest audio speakers, wind deflector and climate controlled front seats.
The Infiniti G37 Convertible, like its coupe sister, is powered by the 3.7-litre VQ-series V6 with 320hp. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
The tractable metal roof and be opened and closed in just 30 seconds. So with a flick of a button, you can turn the Californian roadster into a full-on sports car. This G37 Convertible will go on sale in the States in spring and across Europe from late summer 2009.

New Reveal At LA : 2009 Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85

Spyker presented at the LA Auto Show its C8 Laviolette LM85 – the road version of its GT2 LeMans car. The Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 will be built as a limited edition of 24 units maximum. Production of the LM85 starts this quarter.
The LM85 is an advanced mid-engine, two-seat sports car. It is characterized by a lightweight all aluminum body construction and an uncompromising engineering package. The powertrain of the LM85 is the all aluminum Audi 4.2 liter V8 engine producing 400hp. All the power is going to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox. Also, because it's based on the Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2R, so the racing characteristics of the LM85 are numerous, such as the all aluminum chassis, GT2R livery, side mirrors in body color, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and GT2R windscreen streamer.
Inside, it's technically a racing car interior. However, because this is a road-going version, it has some road-going inetrior options. Such as leather seats, leather door handels, fire protective floor mats, dashboard top panel trimmed in black alcantara with orange stitching and ofcourse , airbags.

New Reveal At LA : 2010 Lexus RX


Lexus dropped the third-generation RX on the world today here at the LA Auto Show. The new RX luxury crossover comes in two forms, the standard RX350 and the hybrid RX450h. The 3.5L RX350 gets a power bump to 275 hp while the hybrid engine grows from 3.3L up to 3.5L and 295 total horsepower. Lexus has improved the inverter that converts between DC power from the battery to AC for the motor, making the whole hybrid drivetrain more efficient.The RX450h gets a unique grill and badging to set it slightly apart from the new RX350, while both models get plenty of new gizmos including an upgraded navigation and telematics system. For instance, a new controller for the nav system that Toyota calls Remote Touch provides customizable haptic feedback as you use it. A larger brighter OLED display screen also offers an improved angle of vision and a heads up display is available for the first time.The design is an obvious evolution of the previous RX, but now features a more broad-shouldered look just like the Toyota Highlander with which it shares its platform. And those LS-look-alike headlights fit beautifully into the RX body.





Thursday, November 20, 2008

New Reveal At LA : 2008 Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid Concept

CNG Camry Hybrid is a a natural gas hybrid concept and a technological study. Currently Toyota has no plans for production. CNG Camry Hybrid has a range of 400 km (250 miles) and it emits very low levels of emission gases. The car is less powerful than gasoline or diesel versions as the natural gas is less dense. So it's just a showcase for Toyota at LA's Auto Show.

New Reveal At LA : 2008 Honda FC Sport Concept

Honda revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 LA Auto Show.
The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.
The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle’s racing pedigree.

New Reveal At LA : 2010 Lincoln MKZ

The Ford family is getting larger at LA. With the new generation of Mustang, Fusion and Mercury Milan, comes Lincoln. It's the new MKZ. And it's getting a new face-lift of 2010. the new MKZ gets a new face, new interior and more features compared to the current MKZ.
Also, 2010 MKZ features a new sport version with special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués. However, all models include a 3.5L V6 with 263hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration to 60MPH dropped from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds, thanks to a new 6-speed automatic. The new Lincoln MKZ also offers segment-exclusive features, including first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which makes navigating traffic and parking lots safer and easier. Inside, MKZ’s cabin reflects an even more upscale look featuring genuine aluminum and wood depending on the trim package, an all-new instrument panel, detailed touches including new welcome lighting, chimes, tuxedo stitching on luxury leather seats and Bridge of Weir leather. And like the new cars from 2009, it features a sea of new technology. SYNC, 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report (VHR), Voice-Activated Navigation, SIRIUS Travel Link™, Reverse Camera System, Ambient Lighting System and a THX II Premium Certified Audio System all comes as a standard kit.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will be in dealer showrooms in spring 2009.

New Reveal : 2009 face-lifted Porsche Boxster and Cayman

Porsche presents the third generation of the mid-engined Boxster and second generation for the Cayman sports cars for the first time at the LA Auto Show. The new models feature the new flat-six boxer engines, which provide more power and greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. The vehicles also feature the Porsche all-new PDK transmission, the new double-clutch gearbox.
Newly developed 2.9-liter Boxer engine develops 255hp in the Boxster and 265hp in the Cayman, an increase by 10 and, respectively, 20 horsepower over the preceding models. The 3.4-liter power unit in the S-versions, benefiting from Direct Fuel Injection, now delivers 310hp in the Boxster S and 320hp in the Cayman S, up by 15 and, respectively, 25hp. So with the new improved engines and PDK gearbox, the Boxster S and Cayman S can hit 60MPH in 4.9 seconds.
As for looks ,These new face-lifted two-seaters are clearly distinguishable from outside through their newly designed front and rear ends. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the beloved Carrera GT, the new LED rear lights tapering out to the outside and integrated elegantly in the modified rear end of the car. from the front the Roadster and Coupé differ clearly from one another through the distinctive design of their air intakes, from the rear through the new rear panels with diffuser inserts on the Boxster and a wind deflector plate on the Cayman.
The new models are entering the market in February 2009. The base price without the VAT of the Boxster in the Euro countries is 38,600 Euros, the base price of the Cayman 41,700 Euros. The corresponding prices of the Boxster S are 46,700 Euros, of the Cayman S 51,500 Euros.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

New Reveal At LA : 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan

Mazda’s all-new 2010 Mazda3 has made its official world debut at this week’s LA Auto Show. However the car isn’t set to go on sale until next year along with the reveal of the popular hatchback variant. So this new Mazda 3 needs to hold big responsibilities. As the the current Mazda3 has sold nearly 1.8 million vehicles in over 100 countries and has won more than 90 global motoring awards to date.
Mazda kept the rather "fresh" look of the 3. The new front-fascia has been styled with the RX-8 in mind . The new front "smiling" grill really fits the 3's character. And the back , you'll clearly see the Mazda 6 styling queues. Also, new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-leveling bi-xenon headlights has been added as standard.
Most improvements have gone to the engines. It features a range of new and efficient engines. The standard model comes with a MZR 2.0L four cylinder engine that delivers 148 horsepower. Although that's more power than before, the new engine achieves 25 mpg in city, and 33 mpg on highways. However, the new 3 also gets a MZR 2.5L four cylinder engine is borrowed from the larger all-new 2009 Mazda 6. And this engine develops 167hp. 167horsepower is a lot of a car the size of a shoe. Despite that amount of horsepower, it achieves a modest 22 mpg in city, and 29 mpg on highways. Both engines are connected to either a 5-speed automatic, or a shift-it-yourself 6-speed manual.
Inside, it shares a lot of styling queues from its bigger brother, the 6. The new 3 keeps its customers happy with tons of technology equipment. The new 3 gets a Multi-Information Display is positioned high on the center portion of the instrument panel to further minimize distraction. Navigation, audio, and trip computer information is provided in this handy and easy-to-view location. There's also a Bose 10-speaker premium surround sound system, connectivity for cell phones and portable media players, a dock for iPods, and Sirius satellite radio.

So the new Mazda 3 has moved from a cheap "no-brand" small car, into what Mazda think a more unified Mazda global “family face”.

New Reveal At LA : 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder

Meet the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, a natural evolution of the closed-top, mid-engine car with a soft-top mechanism to keep the rain and sun from sullying the Italian-crafted interior. This Italian roadster was reveal today at the LA Auto Show. So here's the information. The all-new 5.2L V10 didn't lose any of its 552hp and 398 lb-ft torque despite the roof-cut off. And the new soft-top will open and close in just 20 seconds. However, because this Lambo is heavier than its hard-top brother (they needed to add strengthen beans), it is slightly slower. Never-the-less, this open-top white lighting is still immensely fast. 60MPH comes in 4 seconds flat, and it can top 200MPH.

New Reveal At LA : 2010 Nissan Cube

Nissan has unveiled the new third-generation Nissan Cube at the LA Auto Show. The last 2 generations of Cubes were just sold in Japan. However, this is the first Nissan Cube to go into global markets. The new Cube keeps its iconic “cubic” styling from previous generations which is basically a box on wheels. A rather slow box,too. The only engine available is a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine with 107hp and 109 lb-ft and mated to a CVT transmission. The standard car sends its power to the front wheels, but if you think that 107hp is too much for the front wheels (which technically isn't), there's a 4-wheel drive option, but you need to pay 3,000$ more on the starting price which is 14,968$.

To be honest, if anyone wants a boxy-like car, just get the Scion xB. Which is surely better looking and more powerful, at the same price.

New Reveal At LA : Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion, redesigned 2010 Mercury Milan

With the reveal of Ford's Mustang, there was 2 other Ford sedans. Ford revealed today at the LA Auto Show, the all new Ford Fusion and the slightly more luxurious Mercury Milan.

The new Ford Fusion gets new headlights, bulging hood and Ford's new traditional shape chrome grill. So over all, it looks a lot better than its predecessor, and more futuristic as well. As for engines, the all new Fusion gets Ford's brand-new Duratec 2.5L 4-cylinder unit that delivers an output of 175hp and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, 14hp more and 16 more lb.-ft. of torque than the preceding year's 2.3L unit. The 3.0LV6 engine has been reworked producing 19hp more and 23 more lb.-ft. of torque than before for a total of 240hp and 228 lb.-ft. of torque. And all new for this 2010 model, is a sporty 3.5L V6 with 263hp. There's also an all new hybrid version, which Ford claim that it gets atleast 5mpg than a Toyota Camry hybrid. Inside, the new Fusion gets all sorts of new technology, as such as Ford's new SmartGauge™, SYNC, SIRIUS® , Travel Link™ and Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert. The new Fusion will hit deals in spring 2009.
With it, comes this new Mercury Milan. Both cars share a lot in common, so instead we'll tell you what's different between them. The 2010 Milan gets its own redesign that includes new front and rear fascias. To our eyes, this is better-looking than the Ford. Also, Milan will only have 3 engine choices, where's the Fusion has 4. The sporty 3.5L V6 isn't included in the Milan.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

New Reveal At LA : 2010 Ford Mustang

Finally. The long-awaited 2010 Ford Mustang is here, in coupe and convertible forms. Its official debut on the eve of the 2008 LA Auto Show. For now, you get tons of pictures and all the information we want.
Starting off with the looks, this new-generation of 'Stang is still recognizable as Ford famous pony car. Infact, it looks even more like a late '60s Mustang than the current one. Additional curvature in its lines, especially along the belt-line give it a pure retro look.
At the front, this Mustang holds up to it predecessor with traditional forward-canted grille and inset headlights. The turn signals have been moved into the headlights. The new hood is encounter with a "powerdome" so it makes it easier to modify with the engine. Also, the new bumpers and hood have harder edges to give this pony more muscular look. The lower front fascia are black plastic air deflectors to further enhance the airflow, directing it around the sides instead of underneath the car. All of this contributes to drag reductions of 7% on the V8-powered GT model and 4% on the base V6. Better management of the air-flow around the front of the car also reduces lift by 23%.
Moving to the side, the new look has a very "clean" side. The transition from the fenders to the wheel arches has been smoothed. The lower edge of each side window has been moved down and now intersects with the newly curved contour of the rear fender at the trailing edge of the door.
At the very back, the outer ends of the rear fascia are now angled forward, which helps to give the visual impression of the rear overhang. That also puts out an impression that the rear bumper is reduced offset. The lower part of the rear fascia includes a black with a molded-in diffuser. The darker color reduces the visual height of the rear deck. The taillights, which still feature the traditional three bar look, have been re-shaped and now feature sequential turn signals. When the turn signals are on, the three lamps light in sequence from the innermost to the outer. The rear badge has also been reshaped.
One of the biggest drawbacks with the current Mustang was the interior. It looked great, but the material were just "horrible". Now though, it's completely changed. It still remains pretty much the 'Stang famous interior look, but with shorter over-hangs. Moverover, all the new plastics feature a softer look and as Ford say, a softer touch. The new GT features current GT500's seats. And the new gauges feature a retro white background, but you can choose 125 colors for the backlight. The best thing about the interior, is the optional full-glass roof
Because this is a roaring muscle car, it surely has a V8. Sadly, all the rumors about a bigger 5.0L engines were lies. It still remains the 4.6L V8, but with added 15hp, to give an output of 315hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The air intake has been reworked so that fresh air is drawn from behind the grille rather than from the wheel well. All that power is going via to either a 5-speed automatic or manual, on one of the beautist 19-inch wheels. There's still the remaining dreedy 4.0L V6 with 210hp. However, in 2012, we'll see the Mustang come with Ford's EcoBoost 3.5L twinturbo V6. And the 'Stang still remains the hard live rear-axle suspension
Let's not forget though, that the Mustang is still 250 kilos (470 pounds) lighter than its Chevrolet Camaro rival and even more in the larger Dodge Challenger. So for 30,000$, it gets you the the Mustang V8-powered GT, which should perform similar to the Dodge Challenger R/T. And we shouldn't also forget the up-coming GT500 which will also probably crack the Camaro SS.One of the new technologies the 'Stang features, is an all new all-speed Electronic Stability Control. The ESC always defaults to on when you start the car. On the V6 Mustangs the driver will have the option to turn the system off. On the GT, the system can be turned off, or switched to a performance mode that allows more slip before intervening to limit the fun. Also, the new pony gets a rear camera view for parking.
In the end, Ford has done a good job with this next-generation Mustang. But we thought they'd should have done a bit more. However, we will be testing this car in early 2009, and to see how different does it feel from the current one.
PICTURES : Coupe

PICTURES : Convertible

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