NAIAS - Lamborghini Ad Personam program on showJanuary 12th, 2009 No Comments
Lamborghini showed two cars today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show finished with a matte blue paint that illustrates the possibilities for customers to personalise their vehicles through the Ad Personam program.
“Ad Personam offers every Lamborghini customer the opportunity to acquire a completely exclusive vehicle from a unique brand, one that is perfectly in tune with their own lifestyle,” said Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
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Along with the matte blue, three other colors are permanently available in the Ad Personam program: Nero Nemesis is a matte black, Bianco Canopus is a matte white, and Marrone Apus is a matte brown. Customers can of course choose any other Lamborghini paint color as well. They can also design a unique interior by choosing among leather, stitching and piping choices.
Mr Winkelmann also announced that Lamborghini enjoyed an increase in sales last year, delivering a record 2430 cars. US sales were down 20 per cent, while Europe remained stable overall. Growth occurred in the Middle East and the Asian markets of Japan, Korea and China.
“We will stick to our strategy of introducing one new product each and every year,” said Mr Winkelmann, “and we will increase our efforts to increase our dealer network.”
The company’s most recent introduction was the 560-horsepower Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder last year at the auto show in Los Angeles. It appears on the stand in Detroit in the Ad Personam Bianco Canopus matte white.
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NAIAS - 2010 Lexus HS 250hJanuary 12th, 2009 6 Comments
In its 20th year at the Detroit show, Lexus gave the world premiere of the 2010 HS 250h luxury sedan today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
The all-new HS 250h will have a dedicated hybrid, not sold with any other powertrain. It is powered by Lexus’ first four-cylinder engine, the 2.4-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, which uses variable valve timing to increase efficiency. The engine generates 139kW.
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“In 20 years, Lexus has gone from question mark to benchmark,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager, “leading to a landmark series of hybrid vehicles, including the vehicle we’re debuting here today, the first ever dedicated luxury hybrid.”
Lexus projects that the HS 250h will be 30 per cent more efficient than any other Lexus and will have the best combined fuel economy of any luxury vehicle in the United States. The company says the city mileage will be higher than that of the two-passenger Smart micro car.
Many features contribute to the HS 250h’s efficiency. An exhaust-heat recovery system aids in engine warm-up and enhances fuel economy. It is very aerodynamic, with a 0.27 coefficient of drag, thanks to standard front spoiler, rear under-spoiler, rear undertrays and diffuser fins.
The gull-wing shaped room adds to the slipperiness of the shape. The brushless electric motor in the steering system adds to efficiency by draining less engine power than a conventional hydraulic system.
The new model, which will go on sale in late summer, fits between the carmaker’s IS and ES models, rounding out its entry-luxury group. The front-wheel-drive vehicle is a little longer than the IS and about the same width.
It has all the luxury appointments: standard 10-way power leather seats, moonroof and premium audio. It has an optional navigation system that can deliver current traffic, weather, stock and sports information in more than 150 cities.
It also has a wide-angle front view monitor that uses a camera in the front grille to allow the driver to check for front blind spots at intersections or when exiting parking garages.
Safety features include 10 airbags; Lane-keep Assist, which alerts the driver of unintended lane departure and adds steering torque to stay in the lane; Safety Connect, while provides automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and 24/7 emergency and road assistance; active front seat head restraints and available LED headlights.
The all-new Lexus Enform system allows access to operators for navigation system and can also be programmed with destinations by the owner through other computers.
Eco-plastics make up 30 percent of the interior and cargo area, and 85 per cent of the HS, including the battery, can be recycled.
In addition to the HS, Templin announced two more launches that Lexus will make this year. A new RX will arrive at dealerships in February and the IS C convertible will arrive in late spring, giving Lexus its first convertible coupe in the entry luxury segment.
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NAIAS - 2009 BMW Z4January 12th, 2009 No Comments
The BMW worldwide debut of the all-new Z4 roadster was held today at the North American International Auto Show.
The new Z4, said BMW, is the company’s first roadster to employ a retractable hardtop, a feature increasingly common for luxury-sport convertibles. The two-piece hardtop retracts in 20 seconds.
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The Z4 will offer a choice of two versions of BMW’s famous inline six-cylinder engine, a 167kW variant and a twin-turbocharged unit that pumps out 223kW.
The Z4 is “intended mainly for the North American market,” said Ian Robertson, member of the board of management for BMW AG, adding that BMW “intends to sell even more of these fine-looking sports cars than we did the previous model.”
BMW also unveiled a new concept model under its “Efficient Dynamics” sustainable-technology engineering initiative. The Concept 7-Series Active-Hybrid, seen for the first time in North America, combines a 15kW electric motor with the car’s conventional twin-turbocharged V8 to “significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions,” said BMW board member Dr. Klaus Draeger.
Draeger promised the Concept 7-Series Active-Hybrid and the Concept X6 Active-Hybrid both will go on sale as production models in the U.S. sometime later this year.
While the 7-Series Active-Hybrid employs so-called “mild” hybrid components that deliver improved efficiency at a nominal cost increase, the Concept X6 Active-Hybrid uses BMW’s two-mode hybrid technology, which stresses maximum efficiency in both city and highway driving. The two-mode hybrid transmission is particularly well-suited to crossover-type utility vehicles, said BMW, and will enable the X6 to use “about 20 percent less fuel than a comparable vehicle.”
“We are certain both hybrid concepts will be particularly attractive for the US customer,” said Robertson. “Together with our diesel models, we are able to offer the US customers a variety of solutions to suit different needs and tastes.”
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NAIAS - Audi R8 5.2FSI Quattro and Sportback ConceptJanuary 12th, 2009 1 Comment
Audi took care of both ends of the automotive spectrum at the 2009 North American International Auto Show with two new cars that highlight the pinnacle of power and prestige, as well as the epitome of economy.
The world debut of the R8 5.2 FSI Quattro delivers the most powerful engine yet for the new Audi supercar that’s earned almost universal acclaim. The heart of the matter is the fitment of a 5.2-litre V10 that uses direct injection fueling to help generate a stupendous 385kW and a 313km/h top speed.
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The R8 5.2 FSI Quattro is the “next step in bringing our racing experience to the street,” said Rupert Stadler, Audi’s chairman of the board of management. The R8’s V10 pushes the car from 0-100km/h in under four seconds when equipped with the R-tronic automated manual transmission, one of two transmission options for the R8 5.2 FSI Quattro. The other available transmission is a conventional six-speed manual.
Audi’s other world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show is the Sportback concept, a sleek full-size five-door sedan incorporating a hatchback that Audi said “offers a glimpse at Audi’s future design vocabulary.”
The car furthers Audi’s commitment to its sportback design, which it first brought to production with the A3 sportback; the company said it has become more popular than the A3’s two-door hatchback body style.
“The Sportback concept takes Audi’s design language to a new level,” said Michael Lindt, Audi board member for technical development, “The sportback body style will be a cornerstone of our future growth.”
Meanwhile, almost diametrically opposed to the volcanic power of the R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, Audi confirmed it will offer a 2.0-litre diesel engine in its compact A3 model later this year. The A3 2.0 TDI will be a “catalyst for change in America,” said Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America.
“Consumers will easily see 40-plus miles per gallon from the A3 2.0 TDI,” said de Nysschen of the car that Audi will pit against US high-mileage icons such as the hybrid-electric Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.
“The A3 2.0 TDI can be all other efficiency technologies on the market”, said Audi’s Rupert Stadler.
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NAIAS - Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster ConceptJanuary 12th, 2009 5 Comments
Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn introduced the company’s Bluesport Roadster concept car today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show here, saying that the clean-diesel, 135kW, mid-engine sprite will set “a new benchmark for affordability and sustainability” for VW products.
Almost without peer across the industry, Volkswagen’s top executive also was able to note that his company’s worldwide sales grew by 0.6 percent in 2008 – not much of an increase, but a better fate than nearly every other major carmaker worldwide.
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Volkswagen’s US sales of more than 223,000 units in 2008 improved its share of sales in this market even as the company invested in its future in North America by proceeding on construction of a new US$1 billion plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee that will directly employ about 2000 people to assemble a mid-size sedan for the US market that will hit the road in early 2011, the chairman said.
“It’s a powerful sign of our commitment,” Mr Winterkorn said. “Why [do it]? … The automobile will always be an essential part of the American way of life.”
A huge portion of VW’s bet on the US market and globally is its clean-diesel technology.
“Strategy has positioned us for growth in this market, and we won’t budge an inch from it.” said Stefan Jacoby, president of Volkswagen of America, “The environmental technology in our products will make us a major player in the US market.”
Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI has performed well with American consumers as the first significant manifestation of clean diesel here. Sales have “exceeded expectations,” Mr Jacoby said. Jetta TDI was a finalist for the NAIAS Car of the Year award and was named the most environmentally friendly car of the show.
New, clean-diesel TDI versions of the Touareg SUV and Rabbit (Golf) subcompact also will be arriving in the American market, Mr Jacoby noted.
Globally, Mr Winterkorn noted, VW has “the youngest and greenest portfolio” of products “in our history.” He said that across the company, Volkswagen will be investing up to eight billion Euros a year in future products and technology.
Mr Winterkorn said that Bluesport expressed emotionality and VW’s “clear and strong” design.
“Minimum consumption [of fuel] and maximum fun to drive” is a fit description for the vehicle, he said.
Bluesport is designed to go from 0-100km/h in just over six seconds. Features include bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch alloy rims and, on the show version at least, a bright-orange soft-top
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NAIAS - 2009 Jaguar XFR and XKR revealedJanuary 12th, 2009 No Comments
Jaguar has shown of two of the worst kept automotive secrets at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new XKR and XFR, two cars it says are true to the heritage of Jaguar’s legendary performance image.
Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars said: “We’ve started 2009 with the introduction of an advanced new generation engine that set new benchmarks in terms of performance, economy and efficiency. Our cars meet the challenges of the modern world and the needs of today’s consumers – and they’re also true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating beautiful fast cars.”
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The XF has already received a number of accolades from major automotive publications worldwide, so the new XFR, a new high performance engine and a host of changes for the 2010 Model Year, including the launch of the new luxurious ‘Portfolio’ model, will make the XF an even more attractive proposition.
Featuring all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines, the XF now delivers more power and more performance with comparable or better fuel economy and emissions than the engines they supersede.
The XFR is powered by the all-new supercharged 380kW V8 with acceleration from 0-96km/h in just 4.7 seconds making it the ultimate Jaguar sports sedan.
A naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, producing 288kW, powers the XF Portfolio and Premium models. XF retains the 4.2-litre V8 from the previous year.
Distinguished by unique exterior and interior design features, the XFR includes revised bumpers and lower front air intakes, sill extensions, bonnet louvres and grilles, four tailpipes, a trunk-lid spoiler, unique seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Both new engines for the XF range have highly competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures. The 5.0-litre naturally aspirated XF delivers combined average fuel consumption of 11.1L/100km while the XFR delivers 12.5L/100km.
The new generation of XK and XKR Coupe and Convertibles, with all-new V8 engines, delivers more power and performance with greater efficiency for 2010 Model Year.
With interior enhancements and advanced lightweight aluminium body structure, the new XK Portfolio and XKR build on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.
The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most advanced and efficient direct-injection engines Jaguar has ever produced.
The XKR features a 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 380kW, 625Nm of torque and propels to 96km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
The XK Portfolio features a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 288kW, 515Nm of torque and propels to 96km/h in just 5.2 seconds. Both models have improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Exterior changes for the XK Portfolio and XKR include a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body spoiler.
Inside the cabin, both the XK Portfolio and XKR feature the exciting, user-friendly JaguarDrive Selector™ that was first seen on the XF to further enhance the XK’s luxury sporting character.
There are now two models in the range: XK Portfolio and XKR.
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NAIAS - 2010 Mini ConvertibleJanuary 12th, 2009 2 Comments
Calling it “the latest edition of an absolute icon,” Mini has released its 2010 convertible at the North American International Auto Show today.
The Mini Cooper Convertible follows the launch last year of the second-generation Mini hardtop and Clubman models, and hopes to beat the 164,000 strong sales figure set by the original Mini Cooper Convertible.
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Apart from the fun of having a folding top, Mini boasts of several unique improvements for the new Mini Cooper Convertible, including a timer that keeps track of how much time they’ve spent driving with the top down. The car’s one-piece rollover bar behind the rear seats now sits in retracted position, improving sightlines for the driver; the rollover bar automatically deploys into extended position only if needed.
The new Mini Cooper Convertible’s boot opening now is larger and the backs for the rear seats can be folded down individually, all amounting to increased cargo volume. A new yellow color was developed solely for the Mini Cooper Convertible.
Engine choices for the Mini Cooper Convertible mirror those of the hardtop car. A normally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder that produces 88kW or a turbocharged version of the 1.6-litre for the Mini Cooper S Convertible that generates 128kW.
“The new Mini Convertible proves that the Mini brand is well and thriving, even as it turns 50 (years old),” said Robertson. Being one of the few brands to increase sales in 2008, he also said, “Mini’s proven that small cars can also be premium.”
Robertson said Mini sold 54,000 cars in the U.S. in 2008 – a 28 per cent gain – and retailed some 232,000 Minis worldwide last year.
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NAIAS - 2009 Bentley GTCJanuary 12th, 2009 2 Comments
The world premiere of the Bentley GTC Speed took place today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
The high-performance version of the GTC is the final addition to the Bentley Speed line, which is the high-performance part of the company’s models line-up.
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“Ladies and gentlemen, 2009 is going to be a tough year for us all,” said Stuart McCullough, Bentley board member for sales and marketing. “However, if there is a clear lesson to be learnt regarding market demand, it is that the introduction of new 2-seater sports cars can buck the trend.”
The Continental GTC, the two-door 2+2 convertible version of the GT Coupe, debuted in 2006 and has brought many younger buyers to the marque.
The Speed version is propelled by a 447kW version of Bentley’s 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine, developing 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC’s engine, and 15 percent more torque, “which is actually responsible for the Bentley feel,” said McCullough.
The GTC Speed is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever, with more horsepower than the company’s 2003 LeMans sportscar. The Speed accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, zero to 160km/h in just 10.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 32km/h (with the top up).
The GTC Speed shows a freshened frontal appearance that is shared across the line. The grille is more upright, with a bolder lower air intake for more cooling, plus new chrome headlamp bezels.
The Speed is distinguished by a small rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics and top speed, as well as a dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with custom Pirelli ultra-high performance tires and twin tailpipes. The Speed name comes from the 1920 Bentley Speed models.
The GTC models also have a new optional Adaptive Cruise Control system, which features a long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.
Also optional are lightweight, fade-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes that are the largest production passenger car brakes in the world, according to Bentley.
“The standard brakes are the second largest production brakes in the world,” said Ulrich Eichorn, Bentley’s board member for engineering.
The Speed will go on sale later this year. Sales worldwide for Bentley followed the market pattern. The high luxury segment dropped 25 percent in 2008, and Bentley dropped 24 percent, selling 7,604 models.
Sales in the U.S. were down 32 percent. Sales of the GT coupe, however, were up 11 per cent globally and 19 per cent in the US, with Speed variants composing two-thirds of sales, which is why McCullough sees sports cars as the one bright spot.
The company will also introduce its first biofuel compatible car later this year, as the company puts its toes into the fuel-efficiency waters.
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NAIAS - 2010 Fisker Karma and Karma SJanuary 12th, 2009 1 Comment
The 2010 Fisker Karma, with a base price of $87,900 (US), is a sleek sedan that draws on styling themes seen on high-end Italian sports coupes and sedans (Maserati Quattroporte anyone).
Featured today at NAIAS, Fisker expects deliveries to commence in November.
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The hybrid system is engineered to achieve a range of 80km of zero-emission, battery-only range with standard hybrid operation proving up to 500km (range).
In addition to the production version of the Karma, the first luxury plug-in hybrid, Fisker Automotive will also be taking the wraps off a new concept during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Fisker Karma S, expected to be a convertible, will be powered by the Karma’s Q-DRIVE® powertrain, developed in cooperation with Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. Q-DRIVE® offers a 50 mile range on a single charge to its Lithium-Ion battery pack, and up to 408hp from two electric motors.
More info on the Karma and Karma S is expected from Detroit tomorrow.
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NAIAS - Dodge Circuit EV ConceptJanuary 12th, 2009 4 Comments
The Dodge Circuit EV, with its bold exterior and interior styling and outstanding electric-only performance, screams pure sports car from every angle.
Said to demonstrate the perfect proportions for balanced handling, placing the driver and passenger midway along the wheelbase, the Viper-esque Circuit EV features the distinctive Dodge crosshair grille, long and low bonnet and shallow windscreen.
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The body sides feature a deep scallop, providing visual depth and also a functional rear-brake air duct. At the rear, the functional elements blend with design to create a uniform finish.
“The exterior styling of the Dodge Circuit EV mates bold Dodge styling to the no-compromise performance attributes of an all-electric performance sports car,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Design, Chrysler LLC. “The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment.”
The Dodge Circuit EV is adorned in all-new Tangoreen exterior color, wearing large EV graphics on both sides of the sports car.
The uncomplicated interior of the Dodge Circuit EV delivers a combination of pure function and athletic refinement. The cockpit design puts complete control of the car at the driver’s fingertips.
Nestled within a leather-covered instrument cluster are two primary analog-face gauges. A digital display conveys information regarding the electric-drive system.
The seats feature deep bolsters and are covered in premium leather. The same premium leather covers the center console and the width of the instrument panel.
The Dodge Circuit EV delivers all of the convenience features of a performance sports car, including premium sound system, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, speed control.
Propelled by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV posts impressive performance numbers including 0-100km/h times of less than 5 seconds, 0-400m runs just over 13 seconds and a top speed in excess of 193km/h.
Perhaps the most impressive Dodge Circuit EV number, however, is zero. That’s how much petrol the vehicle consumes while providing exhilarating sports car performance. It’s also how many exhaust fumes are produced.
The Dodge Circuit EV utilises just three powertrain components. These include a 200 kW electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.
Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge Circuit EV has a driving range of up to 320km between charges and is recharged via a simple one-step process that involves plugging the car into a standard household outlet.
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NAIAS - Jeep to expand EV line upJanuary 12th, 2009 12 Comments
Patriot and Wrangler are the latest Jeep models to join the growing portfolio of electric-drive vehicles being developed by Chrysler LLC.
As a Range-extended EV (Electric Vehicle), the Jeep Patriot EV combines the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with a small petrol engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed.
This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s petrol-engined vehicles. |
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