2010 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

HONDA'S NEW CEO CONFIRMS PRODUCTION OF CR-Z HYBRID

Honda's new CEO, Takanobu Ito has today announced plans to begin sales of the CR-Zsports hybrid model in Japan in February 2010. The start date for UK sales of the new hybrid coupe will be released towards the end of 2009.

By combining this new model with the currentInsight and Civic Hybrid,Honda will further enhance its line-up of compact hybrid models, powered by Honda's compact, lightweight, and efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. The IMA system will also be introduced into the award-winning Honda Jazz within the next few years. In addition, Honda is currently developing a new hybrid system which is intended to be suitable for installation in mid-to-large vehicles.

Honda also announced that another production line at its Suzuka Factory, is now producing Insight, leveraging Honda's flexible production system. This extra capacity on line No. 3 has been opened up to cope with the high level of demand in Japan where the new Insight has exceeded all expectations.

Ito succeeds Takeo Fukui as CEO of Honda, having been President of Honda's R&D operation previously. Like his predecessor, Ito has a background as an engineer and was instrumental in bringing the revolutionary NSX from concept to reality. Ito was in charge of one of the most challenging development areas as the Project Leader for the NSX's ground breaking aluminium unibody construction.

To continue contributing to the global effort to reduce CO 2 emissions, Honda will remain focussed on research and development of technologies that improve fuel-efficiency and will strive to deliver products with improved environmental performance to as many customers as possible.

The CR-Z concept car made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. The CR-Z sporty hybrid will feature advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all, while reducing the car‘s environmental footprint.

2010 Lexus IS250C

The new Lexus IS 250C, which will go on sale this summer, combines the sharp styling of the IS saloon range with open-top engineering ingenuity. The result is top-down driving pleasure with uncompromised dynamic performance.

True to Lexus’s legendary quality and attention detail, the new IS 250C has been engineered to achieve excellent aerodynamics, torsional rigidity, NVH levels and safety performance in both coupe and convertible configurations.

The IS 250C shares its 204bhp (208 DIN hp) 2.5-litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the IS 250 saloon. It is styled to minimise wind turbulence when driving with the roof stowed, while extensive revisions to the body structure and suspension provide a high level of torsional rigidit

2010 BMW M10 rendering

Do you know which are the best kept secrets among automakers? Their future top models! But you will say why do they still want to develop supercars if people are doing their best to find Eco, Blue and hybrid solutions? Well simple: because supercars is what keep a maker alive, and from the edge of the top models will also benefit the subordinate vehicle series.

And supercar will always have success, no matter how many restrictions there will be! Lets be serious now, if you had the money what would you buy: a Prius or an Enzo (or any other combination you prefer)?

Lets take BMW for example, they have already trademark the "M10" name for a future supercar that is supposed to be a replacement for the legendary BMW M1, built between 1978 and 1981.

The M1’s successor will be powered by a ten-cylinder twin turbo-charged engine and will feature direct fuel injection. The performance target: 625 hp and a top speed of 400 km/h!

BMW will also offer an entry-level version that will be powered by twin turbo a 4.4 liter V8 engine that delivers 450 hp.

The M1’s successor will debut in the next 24-36 months and will be priced between 150.000-300.000 euro depending on the engine.

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Specs

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Performance
- Engine: 2.4L in-line 4 overhead cam with VVT ( 9.5 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)
- Fuel: unleaded ( 87 octane)
- Fuel consumption: city= 20 (mpg); highway= 27 (mpg); combined= 23 (mpg); vehicle range: 407 miles
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 17.7 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 162 HP ( 121 kW) @ 6,000 rpm; 162 ft lb of torque ( 220 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Handling
- ABS
- Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Spacesaver steel rim spare wheel
- Stability control
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Exterior
- Painted front and rear bumpers
- Electric softtop convertible roof
- Day time running lights
- Driver and passenger power heated painted door mirrors
- External dimensions: overall length (inches): 180.4, overall width (inches): 72.2, overall height (inches): 54.1, wheelbase (inches): 101.4, front track (inches): 61.8, rear track (inches): 61.8 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 40.0
- Front fog lights
- Projector beam lens Bi-Xenon headlights
- Luxury trim alloy & leather on gearknob, alloy look on doors and alloy look on dashboard
- Pearl paint
- Fixed rear window with defogger
- Trunk/hatch spoiler
- Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,527
- Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

'11 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Interior
- 12v power outlet: front
- Air conditioning
- Fixed mast antenna
- Anti-theft protection
- Rockford Fosgate audio system with satellite, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer CD player reads MP3
- Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 5.2
- Clock
- Floor console
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats cup holders
- Floor mats
- Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
- Sports heated electrically adjustable driver seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, three adjustments and tilt adjustment electric, manual and electric, sports heated passenger seat
- 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Two head restraints on front seats
- Headlight control
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 39.6, rear headroom (inches): 35.7, front hip room (inches): 53.7, rear hip room (inches): 40.3, front leg room (inches): 42.8, rear leg room (inches): 27.7, front shoulder room (inches): 54.2, rear shoulder room (inches): 40.0 and interior volume (cu ft): 76.1
- Low tire pressure indicator
- Parking distance sensors rear and camera
- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch and speed sensing
- Power steering
- Front power windows with one one-touch
- Front reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side and passenger side
- Two fixed bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
- Automatic operation rear view mirror
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
- Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
- Seating: four seats
- Front side airbag
- Nine speaker(s) Rockford Fosgate
- Leather covered steering wheel with tilt adjustment
- Tachometer
- Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
- Ventilation system
- Voice activating system includes phone

Audi's A1 Luxury Baby

The long-awaited 2010 Audi A1 is about to hit the markets, Audi have recently released the specifications of the A1 range at launch date.

Sitting on a 2469 mm wheelbase and with an overall length of just 3954 mm, the Audi A1 is the smallest Audi models since the Audi A2. The Audi A1 features a coefficient of drag of between 0.329 and 0.333, depending on the model, and a frontal area of 2.04 m2. 3 engine options are available initially: 1.2 and 1.4 TFSI petrol units and a 1.6 TDI diesel.

The 1.2 TFSI engine is good for 85 PS (63 kW) at 4800 rpm and has a peak torque of 160 Nm (118 ft.lb) developed between 1500 and 3500 rpm. Driving the front wheels through a five speed manual gearbox, this is enough to thrust the 1040 kg hatchback Audi A1 1.2 TFSI from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 11.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). CO2 emissions are a tidy 118 g/km.

The next petrol engined variant is the 1.4 TFSI, available with or without start & stop technology. The turbocharged 1390 cc engine produces 122 PS (90 kW) at 5000 rpm and achieves peak torque of 200 Nm from 1500 rpm to 4000 rpm. Driving through a 7 speed automatic gearbox, the 1125 kg Audi A1 1.4 TFSI is propelled to 100 km/h from rest in 8.9 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 203 km/h. 122 g/km of CO2 is claimed overall, with that figure dropping to 119 g/km with the start & stop technology.

The only diesel engine available at launch is the 1.6 TDI. This 1598 cc unit delivers 105 PS (77 kW) at 4400 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 1500-2500 rpm. Unusually for a modern diesel, it has just a 5-speed manual gearbox. Claimed CO2 emissions for the Audi A1 1.6 TDI are 103 g/km. It weighs 1040 kg and has a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10.5 seconds. The claimed top speed for this model is 195 km/h.

2010 GMC Acadia

2010 GMC Acadia Performance
- 3,564 cc 3.6 liters V 6 front engine with 94.0 mm bore, 85.6 mm stroke, 11.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder LLT
- Unleaded fuel 87
- Fuel consumption: EPA 08 city (mpg): 16, highway (mpg): 23, combined (mpg): 19, 673 and 418
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 22.0 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 18.3
- Power: 215 kW , 288 HP SAE @ 6,300 rpm; 270 ft lb , 366 Nm @ 3,400 rpm

2010 GMC Acadia Handling
- ABS
- 3.160:1 axle ratio
- Brake assist system
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Stability control
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
- Tire kit

2010 GMC Acadia Exterior
- Driver and passenger 3rd row windows
- Black front and rear bumpers
- Day time running lights
- Driver and passenger power black door mirrors
- External dimensions: overall length (inches): 201.1, overall width (inches): 78.9, overall height (inches): 72.8, ground clearance (inches): 7.4, wheelbase (inches): 118.9, front track (inches): 67.1, rear track (inches): 67.1 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 40.4
- Projector beam lens halogen bulb headlights
- Luxury trim alloy look on gearknob, alloy look on doors and alloy look on dashboard
- Metallic paint
- Driver side and passenger side rear side windows
- Fixed rear window with defogger and intermittent
- Roof rails
- Roof spoiler
- Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 6,459, curb weight (lbs) 4,936, gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 2,000 and max payload (lbs) 1,523
- Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

'10 GMC Acadia Interior
- 12v power outlet: cargo, front and rear
- Air conditioning
- RDS audio system with satellite and CD player CD player reads MP3
- Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 116.9 and all seats in place (cu ft): 24.1
- Cellular phone
- Clock
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats, rear seats and 3rd row seats cup holders
- External temperature
- Floor covering: carpet in passenger compartment and carpet in load area
- Floor mats
- Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
- Bucket driver seat with height adjustment and lumbar adjustment manual and manual, bucket passenger seat
- Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats, two height adjustable head restraints on rear seats, two head restraints on 3rd row seats
- Headlight control with dusk sensor
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 40.4, rear headroom (inches): 39.3, front hip room (inches): 57.8, rear hip room (inches): 57.9, front leg room (inches): 41.3, rear leg room (inches): 36.9, front shoulder room (inches): 61.9 and rear shoulder room (inches): 61.1
- Low tire pressure indicator
- Navigational systems : information type: voice other
- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch
- Power steering
- Front power windows with one one-touch, rear power windows
- Front and rear reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
- Rear seat center armrest
- Three asymmetrical split bench front facing reclining rear seats with fore/aft adjustment and zero adjustments manual and manual
- Rear view mirror
- All three rows side curtain airbag
- Cloth seat upholstery with additional cloth
- Seating: eight seats
- Service interval indicator
- Front side airbag
- Six speaker(s)
- Plastic steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
- Tachometer
- Telematics includes engine shut down
- 3-point reel third row seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
- Split bench front facing asymmetrical third row seats with three seat capacity that fold flat to floor
- Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
- Ventilation system
- Voice activating system includes phone and includes navigation system

Hyundai ix35

New Car: 2010 Volkswagen Caravelle/Transporter/T5 facelift

incorporates the latest VW family look. The changes include: new rear light clusters, chrome side trims, reshaped door mirrors, restyled front end with new panels, headlights, front grille and bumper. Interior upgrades include a more high-quality interior, three-spoke steering wheel, redesigned instrument display, gear-shift indicator, optional USB connectivity and the latest VW stereos with touch-screen-based hard-drive navigation systems.

The four new 2.0-litre common rail diesel (CRD) engines boost fuel economy, cut CO2 emissions by 10% - down to 190g/km and improve refinement. The engines have outputs of 83bhp, 102bhp, 140bhp and 178bhp, and some will be available with VW's latest seven-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission.

Safety equipment has also been upgraded in the Caravelle. An updated stability control system, hill-start assist and an emergency brake light function have been added, while VW's Side Assist lane-change system, which warns drivers of hazards in the car's blindspot, is now an option, along with a new tyre-pressure monitoring system.

UK prices and specifications for the new Caravelle have yet to be confirmed, but will be released closer near to its launch in January 2010. Mainland European sales will start in October 2009.

Rolls Royce Ghost Preview

Info:

Rolls-Royce has announced at the Shanghai auto show that its new Bentley Continental–fighting sedan, which was previewed by the 200EX concept at the 2009 Geneva auto show and has been known only as the RR4, will be called the Ghost. Production will commence later this year at the company’s Goodwood plant in the U.K., and European deliveries will begin shortly after. Sales in the U.S. and Asia will wait until the second quarter of 2010. Base price for the Ghost here will be $245,000, plus taxes and delivery.




Mechanical Features
Engine direct injection
6.6L displacement
double overhead cam (DOHC)
V12 cylinder configuration
gas engine
Engine bucket front seats engine
48 valves
variable valve timing
twin turbocharger
563 hp @ 5250 rpm
575 ft-lbs. @ 1500 rpm
premium unleaded (recommended)
DriveTrain 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission
rear wheel drive
brake hill holder

2010 Bentley Mulsanne Bids Farewell to Arnage [New Grand Bentley]

Today at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in Monterey, California, Bentley Motors dropped jaws as it unveiled the replacement to the iconic Arnage. The Bentley Mulsanne, which we’ve come to know as the New Grand Bentley, is a deserving substitute, as it’s got all the makings of a flagship masterpiece. When production begins next year, don’t expect it to be a simple task, as nothing usually is with the Winged B carmaker. One Mulsanne will require 40 hours of labor for workers to finish the hand-made interior woodwork. Today’s unveiling was slim on performance and spec details but all of that will be released next month in Frankfurt.

Cars List and Price Prediction 2010

In 2010, the car makers scheduled to launch their new cars both all new and facelift.
The list is just a prediction only.
Here are the predictions (some with price prediction):
1. Toyota Vios Facelift, Price : Rp. 200,000,000
2. Toyota Avanza Type E Matic
3. Toyota Kijang Inova Type E Matic
4. Mazda2 Sedan, Price: Rp.200,000,000 – Rp. 250,000,000
5. Daihatsu Luxio Facelift: Rp. 172,600,000
6. Daihatsu Terios Facelift: Rp. 202,850,000
7. Daihatsu Sirion Facelift: Rp. 168,400,000
8. Honda All New CR-V Facelift: Rp. 350,000,000 – Rp. 390,000,000
9. Honda New Odyssey MFF, Price about Rp. 500,000,000
10.All New Ford Fiesta : Rp. 200,000,000 – RP. 250,000,000
11.Chevrolet Cruze : RP. 250,000,000
12.Chevrolet Captiva Limited Edition: Rp. 320,000,000
13.Chevrolet Beat: Rp. 150,000,000
14.Nissan Micra: Rp. 100,000,000 – Rp. 150,000,000
15.Nissan Grand Livina 1.5 SV A/T Matic: Rp. 170,000,000
16.Audi A6 Facelift Minor Change
17.VW Caravelle T5 Facelift
18.VW Scirocco
19.Bentley GT Super Sport
20.Bentley Mulsane: Rp. 9,000,000,000
21.Jaguar XK5000
22.BMW X1 : about Rp. 700,000,000
23.Mercedes Benz Viano 2010: about Rp.1,000,000,000
24.Rolls-Royce Ghost: about Rp. 4,000,000,000
25.Hyundai ix35 : Rp. 300,000,000
26.Foton Midi : Rp. 100,000,000
27.Foton MPX: Rp. 200,000,000
28.Geely GV-515
29.GeelyPanda: Rp. 100,000,000
30.KIA New Rio: Rp. 135,000,000 – Rp. 140,000,000
31.KIA Forte CBU: Rp. 220,000,000 – Rp. 240,000,000
32.KIA Forte CKD : Rp. 170,000,000 – Rp. 190,000,000
33.KIA New Price : 190,000,000
34.KIA Soul : Rp. 192,000,000 – Rp. 198,000,000

PRICE LIST OF NEW CARS IN PAKISTAN

ADAM MOTORS

ZABARDAST ECONO 2 TON 2600 CC : Rs. 495,000 :11-OCT-2008
ZABARDAST SUPER 3 TON 3200 CC : Rs. 539,000 :11-OCT-2008

CHANGAN

KALAM 800 CC ( Single Cabin ) : Rs. 292,000 10-APR-2007
GILGIT 800 CC ( Double Cabin ) : Rs. 360,000 10-APR-2007
KALAM EFI 800 CC ( High Roof ) : Rs. 399,000 10-APR-2007

CHEVROLET

JOY : Rs. 579,000 : 11-OCT-2008
JOY CNG : Rs. 619,000 : 11-OCT-2008
Aveo LT - M/T with ABS and Airbag : Rs. 1,199,000 : 11-OCT-2008
Aveo LT - A/T with ABS and Airbag : Rs. 1,279,000 : 11-OCT-2008
OPTRA SE : Rs. 1,369,000 : 11-OCT-2008
OPTRA LS M/T : Rs. 1,479,000 : 11-OCT-2008
OPTRA LS A/T : Rs. 1,559,000 : 11-OCT-2008
Colorado - MT (Without Accessories) : Rs. 2,640,000 : 11-OCT-2008
Colorado - MT (With Accessories) : Rs. 2,790,000 : 11-OCT-2008

DAIHATSU

Cuore CL : Rs. 569,000 : 12-DEC-2008
Cuore CL CNG : Rs. 609,000 : 12-DEC-2008
Cuore CX : Rs. 619,000 : 12-DEC-2008
Cuore CX Met : Rs. 625,000 : 12-DEC-2008
Cuore CX A/T : Rs. 649,000 : 12-DEC-2008
Cuore AT CX Met : Rs. 654,000 : 12-DEC-2008
Cuore CX CNG : Rs. 664,000 : 12-DEC-2008
Cuore CX CNG Met : Rs. 669,000 : 12-DEC-2008
CUORE ECOMATIC : Rs. 704,000 : 12-DEC-2008
CUORE ECOMATIC MET : Rs. 709,000 : 12-DEC-2008

HONDA

CITY Manual Tranmission 1.3 L : Rs. 1,152,000 : 20-JAN-2009
CITY VARIO 1.3 L : Rs. 1,222,000 : 20-JAN-2009
CIVIC i-VTEC Manual Transmission : Rs. 1,662,000 : 20-JAN-2009
CIVIC i-VTEC Prosmatec Transmission : Rs. 1,752,000 : 20-JAN-2009
CIVIC VTi Oriel - Manual Transmission : Rs. 1,782,000 : 20-JAN-2009
CIVIC VTi Oriel - Prosmatec Transmission : Rs. 1,852,000 : 20-JAN-2009
CR-V 2.4 Litre : Rs. 4,303,000 : 20-JAN-2009
Accord 2.4 i-VTEC : Rs. 4,703,000 : 20-JAN-2009

2010 Toyota Prius Car at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show

In a move that’s quickly becoming a distinct sign of the times, Toyota has officially announced that it will delay the launch of U.S.-built 2010 Toyota Prius Car at its upcoming Mississippi plant. The 2010 Toyota Prius Car plant near Tupelo, which has so far cost the Japanese automaker about $300 million, is about 90% complete but has yet to be fully staffed in preparation of Job One, so it makes sense to suspend its start date instead of shuttering an already operating assembly line elsewhere.

Workers already hired to fill various positions will not be let go. The 2010 Toyota Prius Car decision was reportedly made just last night, though rumors of a delay of the plant’s impending launch have been flying for weeks.

Toyota will launch an all-new Prius at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. The 2010 Toyota Prius Car is expected to go on sale later in 2009, and with the delay of production in Mississippi, all new Prius hybrids will continue to be imported from Japan.

2009 Nissan Murano Review

Introduction
Nissan's recent history is for the most part a success story, and part of that success comes from designing one set of parts into a platform and then stretching that platform's length, width, and strength to do other jobs under other kinds of vehicles. Nissan does this better than most manufacturers, and has done it successfully once again with the 2009 Murano, using basically the same kit of parts that goes under the Altima coupe and sedan for a much larger, heavier and more complex crossover SUV. Murano is named after two different luxury items from two very different parts of the world, Murano art glass from Italy and Murano pearls from Japan, which is a good thing, considering it's sold in more than 130 countries.
The outgoing Murano has been one of the most successful models in Nissan's recent history, with sales rising every year since its introduction in 2003, and a loyalty rate upwards of 30 percent. With sales up more than 70 percent, they've stopped production on the original Murano and given us this brand new second-generation version to consider.

Upcoming Cars 2010

Pagani Zonda C12 F $741,000

The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW/594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (478 kW/641 hp). The company promises a 3.2 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h, a top speed over 374 km/h (225 mph) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 521 bhp/ton (384 W/kg) . Compare, for example, the Enzo Ferrari which has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg).

Ferrari Enzo $1,000,000

The Enzo Ferrari, sometimes referred to as the the Ferrari Enzo and also F60 is a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fiber body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics. After a maximum downforce of 1709 pounds (775 kg) is reached at 186 mph (301 km/h) the rear spoiler is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders.
According to Volkswagen, the final production Veyron engine produces between 1020 and 1040 metric hp (1006 to 1026 SAE net hp), so the car will be advertised as producing "1001 horsepower" in both the US and European markets. This easily makes it the most powerful production road-car engine in history.

Verdict: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited

Our Winner Has Been the Sum of its Parts
From the June, 2010 issue of Motor Trend
/ By Scott Mortara
/ Photography by Jessica Germiller



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The Subaru Forester does everything well. That's the reason it was crowned our 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year, and after more than a year's service in the Motor Trend test fleet, that choice was more than reaffirmed.


The Forester never sat in our garage. It was the Swiss Army knife of the MT fleet:

Go anywhere, do anything, rarely a problem, and never a complaint-from the vehicle, that is. Whether loaded with photo or video gear, camping equipment, or family road trip supplies, the Forester was up to the challenge.


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Every SUV becomes a workhorse of sorts when in the MT test fleet, and the Forester was no exception. With its ample interior space, high clearance, and full-time AWD, it was a no-brainer to use this vehicle for support on comparison adventures. From the snowy peaks of Mammoth Mountain to the scorching desert floor of Death Valley, the Forester always proved the right choice for the job.


While there were no complaints from the car, there were a few from our staffers. The main issue was with the four-speed automatic transmission. In this day and age of seven- and eight-speed transmissions, a four-speed is an antique. Just one extra gear would make a world of difference in the entire driving experience of the Forester. On significant inclines, the transmission would constantly hunt between third and fourth gear, annoying occupants and reducing fuel economy. But once rolling down the highway or maneuvering around town, the

Long Term Update 4: 2009 Audi A4 Avant

Everybody loves this wagon
From the June, 2010 issue of Motor Trend
/ By Ron Kiino
/ Photography by William Walker



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"Since the A4 Avant is one of the most coveted vehicles of many staffers, I've been looking forward to finally getting some time in it," notes photographer Julia LaPalme. "After driving it for five days, I had mixed feelings about this wagon. One of the first things I noted was the excellent visibility. Audi did a good job minimizing the visual impact of the C- and D-pillars, especially with the extra window behind the D-pillar. The cargo capacity is impressive, as, from the outside, the vehicle appears quite small. I was able to fit two 3x3-foot bounce boards in the back without having to remove the cargo cover. Further, the back seats that fold down nearly flat are a nice bonus."



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While LaPalme considers both the visibility and cargo capacity plusses, she found the A4's blind-spot warning system a mixed bag. "The A4's blind-spot system, which warns of a vehicle (or object, as it seems) in the driver's blind spot by flashing a yellow light on the side mirror, took a little getting used to, as the lights are so bright. I thought I was seeing emergency vehicles in my sideview mirrors. It was startling. The other problem with this feature is it's rather conservative for driving in L.A. traffic. The warning lights will flash even when a car in the next lane is a car length behind, which is plenty of space to move over into. The warning lights have also begun flashing when I'm in a mid-lane change and nowhere near hitting another vehicle. Upon inspection of the manual, I found these driver-assist lights can be adjusted for brightness or turned off entirely."


Associate Web editor Kirill Ougarov spent some time in the A4 and logs, "I'm glad this A4 has the Audi Drive Select feature that lets the driver dial in steering and suspension settings to his own preferences. I'm a big fan of dynamic mode, which puts the A4 closer in feel to the 3 Series."

2010 Beijing Auto Show: Ford Start Concept

April 22, 2010



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When it comes to designing eco-friendly urban transportation, automakers have tried just about everything. They've drawn up bubble cars, autonomic pods, even semi-robotic unicycles. Ford however, has decided against cribbing from the pages of a sci-fi novel and opted for something far more conventional: a three-door hatchback. Specifically, the Start concept the automaker unveiled at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show.


“Our ambition was to design a car that transcends the practical realities of commuting in these mega cities, and goes beyond just dressing the technology,” said Freeman Thomas, design director. “We wanted to design a car you would also love.”


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There’s little not to love about the Start, Ford’s first concept in three years, and the first developed under the global auspices of the “One Ford” mantra. Although the Start shows traces of Ford’s “kinetic” design language, its rounded form is much more elegant. Angular edges are limited to both the shoulder lines and the slender, LED-powered headlamp and taillights. Thomas says the Start features “refined surface language” usually found on premium vehicles, and we’d agree -- from some angles, the Start almost resembles Audi’s new A1.


Function doesn’t necessarily follow form, however, as stylists made an effort to improve the car’s aerodynamics. Many surfaces, including the windshield, side window glass, and center stop lamp, are flush with the body, while an underbody aero pan further reduces the Start’s drag. The interior is as equally stylish and functional -- the floating dual-cockpit dashboard lends a sporty look, but a conceptual infotainment system, billed as “MyFord Mobile,” incorporates a multi-function touch screen to simplify the center stack.


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While the Start’s form allowed Thomas’ team to flex their creative muscle, the mechanicals beneath the car are firmly rooted in reality. Ford’s teased the idea of an EcoBoost three-cylinder, but this is our first look at such an engine. The turbocharged, 1.0-liter I-3 utilizes a cast-iron block, but a cylinder head and sump fabricated from cast aluminum. Ford won’t talk power figures, saying only that early tests suggest it can produce power on par with its 1.6-liter I-4, which is rated at 120 horsepower in North America. Power is routed to the front wheels via an ordinary five-speed manual transaxle.


Ford says the EcoBoost three-cylinder would allow the Start to emit well under 100 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. That’s not a crucial figure here in North America, but it is in Europe, where Ford sells the similar-sized Ka. We doubt the Start is destined for production anytime soon, but look for the turbo-three to land in some small European Fords in the near future.

BMW Concept Gran Coupe

The Future of BMW Design: One Part Gran Turismo, One Part Sports Car
April 23, 2010



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With its Concept Gran Coupe, BMW aims to demonstrate its future design direction. According to the press release from the automaker announcing the car, which was revealed at a special event in Beijing, the Gran Coupe "presents the vision of a four-door with the exclusivity of a Gran Turismo and the fascination of a high-performance sports car." The concept is also supposed to show BMW's adherence to its core values, listed as "dynamic performance and high-quality elegance," as its design pushes ever forward.


BMW head designer Adrian von Hooydonk says the Gran Coupe is the logical successor to the four-door CS Concept unveiled in Shanghai three years ago. "Cars for this market should have four doors," he says. "If it has four seats, it should have four doors, as the Chinese put a lot of emphasis on family and friends."

But, "This is not a concept only for China - this is an international concept," von Hooydonk adds. "It will be a driver's car, despite having rear seats. It is more athletic than the 7 and 5 Series. The driving dynamic will be different."

BMW Design DNA follows two slogans: "One family, different characters" and "Rooted in history, moving forward in design." To this end, the design team focuses on three elements: Proportions, Surfacing and Details, and historical characteristics like the Hofmeister kinked side glazing, shoulder crease and finely tuned surfacing.


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The brand's classic design staples are included in the Gran Coupe, which include a long wheelbase, domed hood, a setback greenhouse, coupe-style roofline, and short front overhang. The concept also has what BMW somewhat confusingly calls a "flat silhouette" that, when combined with coupe-like proportions, aims to evoke a high-performance aesthetic.


The LED, double round headlights work in combination with BMW's modern interpretation of its hallmark kidney grill (for sportier cars, the more dramatic headlamp eyebrows will be used to give the car a focused appearance). The grill sits flat on the nose, which itself carries an extension that aims to create a "forward-pointing dynamic." Air inlets stretch into the side section, which BMW says gives the front a wide appearance.

The side boasts flowing lines that stretch 16.4 feet, the entire length of the vehicle. The lines reach across the frameless doors and shape the flared wheel arches. Wrapped with 245/40/20 and 275/35/20 Michelin Primacy rubber, the wheels boast relief-milled spokes that extend into the middle of the rim. At 4.6 feet tall, the Gran Coupe is almost four inches shorter than the new 5 Series, according to BMW. Von Hooydonk says the wheelbase is not from a 7 Series, but wouldn't give any more detail other than that the Gran Coupe has a long wheelbase, but is wider, lower, more fluid, and has a lower roofline.

The Hofmeister kink appears as the roof tapers off into the rear. Out back, BMW says only the curved, L-shaped lights and tailpipe trim are visible at first. The third brake light uses LEDs and sits right at the kink in the roof, illuminating the entire width of the rear window.

No word yet on whether the Concept Gran Coupe will see production in revised form -- von Hooydonk demurred on all questions regarding its production future, telling inquirers to ask development chief, Dr. Klaus Draeger -- but given BMW's recent niche-busting ways, we wouldn't doubt it for a moment.