SEMA 2008: Kia Borrego Limited Concept

The Kia Borrego Limited SEMA Concept

With the Escalade on the ropes, it looks like Kia might step in to rescue all those lovers of blacked-out blinged-up chromed-out big-wheeled SUVs. The metallic black Borrego Limited Concept that debuted at SEMA today gets chrome exterior mirrors, chrome upper and lower grilles, chrome door handles, a chrome rear bumper insert, and "flashy 22-inch Avarus chrome wheels." Inside it gets (faux) alligator skin. That's right. A Kia Borrego with (faux) alligator skin. And what good is a (faux) alligator without a TV and a DVD player to complete that "assertive and sophisticated stance fit for a motorcade as much as cruising down the Vegas strip." True, this would be generic medication compared to the Escalade's real deal, but it'll be much cheaper and probably still get the job done. Maybe. But watch out for the side effects. Have a look at the not-quite-reptilian Borrego in the gallery of high-res photos below. Oh, and for the record, the Soul will be officially revealed on the 19th, at the LA Auto Show.

Faralli & Mazzanti’s Vulca, An Ultimate In Exotic Luxury

For those of you who think Ferraris and Lamborghinis are a little too common, then the Italian exotic auto builder Faralli & Mazzanti might have just the answer. The team of reserachers, designers and engineers at the company have produced only 10 numbered examples of their eye-catching Etruscan -inspired Vulca S Coupe with an unbelievable attention to detail.

The car priced at a whopping $390,000, is named after the famous Etruscan sculptor Vulca da Veio known for his artistice expressions of the mysterious and ancient population of Etruscan world, including the “Apollo di Veio”. It constitutes a lightweight, hand beaten all-aluminum body that is fashioned such that it look all “sinous, modern, elegant yet aggressive in style”.

If you look under the hood, you will find a powerful and reliable engine that is indeed part of the latest generation in technology. So much so that an exhilarating driving experience is assured. Yes, after all, the 5.8-liter V10 engine gives 600 HP. The interior has diamond stitched leather with a luxe wood trim.

Via seriouswheels

2009 Skoda To Launch New Superb

Skoda Superb will reach showrooms in February 2009. Prices of the new Superb will start at Rs 20 lakh for the base petrol model, going up to Rs 25 lakh for the top end petrol.

Board Member of Skoda India said that they will bring an exciting range of engines: a 1.8-litre, 160bhp TSI petrol, a 2.0-litre diesel with 140bhp, and a new 3.6-litre V6 petrol with 260bhp.

The V6 will be launched a few months after the 1.8 petrol and 2.0-litre diesel versions. The Superb is known for its limo-like space and will prove to be the biggest threat to Group stable-mate the Volkswagen Passat.

APRILIA SHIVER 2009

According to Aprilia... This is the first chance for U.S. motorcyclists to see what it feels like to straddle the most innovative and technically advanced V-Twin 750cc “naked” bike available today.Aprilia’s new SL750 Shiver combines all those attributes into one sophisticated new machine, thanks to a category-leading combination of technologies and components.With Aprilia staff on hand to provide product insights and technical details on the new Shiver, visitors to the Aprilia exhibit can expect to learn as well as look. From the Shiver’s “ride-by-wire” technology to its high performance brakes and suspension, Aprilia’s product professionals will provide a personalized tour of the SL750 Shiver’s many innovations. And while the Shiver is the most modern looking naked bike visitors will encounter at the show, the bike has been designed as a thoroughly enjoyable everyday rider. The 2008 Aprilia SL750 Shiver offers exceptional performance and handling capabilities in canyons, on the freeway or at the racetrack.

BAJAJ AVENGER 200 DTS I

Bajaj Auto Ltd has launched new 200cc motorcycle 'Avenger DTS-i'. The Avenger 200 DTSI is priced at 64,830 (ex-showroom New Delhi) will be available at exclusive 'Pro-broking' showrooms across the country. BAL already has a 180 cc version of Avenger DTS-i. The new Avenger now comes with an oil cooled engine capable of generating a top-speed of 115 km per hour and an optional international standards windshield option, it added. This will further strengthen Bajaj's position in the premium bike segment. The ride quality of the bike is again superb and comfortable just like the earlier version. The new engine pumps out 17.51 @ 8000rpm and have amazing torque of 16.78 Nm @6000rpm.

Bajaj Avenger 200 Dtsi technical specifications:-

Engine	Type	4-stroke, DTS-i, Oil cooled
	Displacement	198.8 cc
	Max Power	17.51 Ps / 12.88 Kw @ 7000rpm
	Max Torque	16.71 Nm @ 6000rpm
Suspension	Front	Telescopic forks 140 mm travel
	Rear	Triple rate spring, 5 way adjustable, hydraulic shock absorbers
Brakes	Front	260 mm hydraulically operated disc brake
	Rear	Mechanically expanding 130 mm drum type
Tyres	Front	90/90 x 17 49p tyre
	Rear	130/90 x 15 66p tyre
Fuel Tank	Full	14 Lts ( 3.4 liters of usable reserve)
Electricals	System	12V AC + DC
	Headlamp	60/65W

HONDA CBZ EXTREME

Technical Specifications of Hero Honda CBZ extreme

Dimensions & Weight :
Wheelbase :: 1325 mm
Length :: 2080 mm
Width :: 765 mm
Height :: 1145 mm
Ground Clearance :: 145 mm
Weight :: 141 Kgs

Engine ::
Model Designation :: Air Cooled, 4 Stroke OHC
Self Start/Kick Start
Idle Speed :: 1400 rpm
Displacement :: 149.2cc
Ignition :: AMI - Advanced Microprocessor Ignition System
Bore & Stroke :: 57.3 X 57.8 MM

Suspension ::
Front :: Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Rear :: Swing arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorber

Brakes ::
Front :: Disc Type (dia 240 mm)
Rear :: Drum Type, internal expanding shoe type

Tyres ::
Front :: 2.75 X 18" 42 P (Alloy)
Rear :: 100/90 x 18 - 56 P (Alloy)
Fuel Tank :: 12.3 Lts.
Performance ::
Max. Horsepower (ps/rpm) 10.6 KW(14.4 PS) @ 8,500 RPM
Max. Torque (kg m/rpm) 12.80 NM @ 6,500 RPM

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro

Audi's R8 supercar gets a V-10.

By Patrick Hong

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro

Audi announced today that a new R8 fitted with a powerful V-10 will be unveiled at the upcoming 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Along with this R8's engine upgrade comes magnetorheological dampers and minor styling changes to reflect the heightened level of performance.

Inspired by Audi's successes at 24 Hours of Le Mans, the new R8 is powered by a direct-injected 5.2-liter V-10. Instead of injecting fuel into the intake ports, fuel is atomized and sprayed directly into the combustion chambers at over 1700-psi of pressure. This allows for a higher compression ratio and better fuel burn, thus enabling the V-10 to deliver 518 bhp and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The increase in engine efficiency also means better fuel economy. Audi tells us the R8 V-10 should achieve 17.2 mpg.

Built on an all-aluminum chassis supported at all four corners by double-wishbone suspension with Quattro all-wheel-drive, the new R8 V-10 is aided by the aforementioned dampers that automatically adjust to various road conditions. Carbon-ceramic brakes designed to withstand repeated usage with minimal fade are optional.

On the outside, very little sets the R8 V-10 apart from its 8-cylinder sibling. Up front, the crossbraces for the intake have been reduced in number from four to two. The center grille is finished in chrome. The headlight cluster features all LED lighting. And around the side, the air vents just aft of the doors are more accentuated. The vents at the rear also have two crossbraces, along with oval tailpipes instead of a pair of twin exhausts.

The Audi R8 V-10 mated with the twin-clutch R Tronic automatic transmission, will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 sec. with a top speed of 196 mph. It will go on sale in Germany in the second quarter of 2009, priced around $182,000. There is no information at this time regarding a U.S. launch date.

via : http://autos.yahoo.com/

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Preview

By Jeff Voth, CarNews Media

Volvo S60 Concept

With the hope of a bailout for the Detroit Big 3 seemingly undecided, the 2009 North American International Auto Show promises to be one of the most memorable in decades.

Some believe bankruptcy is the only answer for solving the financial crisis at General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Others think the ripple effect of such action would usher in consequences to severe to imagine. In my opinion, the long term benefit of assisting the struggling automakers helps the economy as a whole, and far outweighs the downside of doing nothing. Waiting quietly on the sidelines is sure to invite the ruin of a system already besieged with bad news.

This is not to say providing assistance will solve all the problems of a beleaguered auto industry. And no government assistance should go unchecked. The automakers have a responsibility to make serious decisions for long term viability, as do the frontline workers. Without wage concessions and streamlining of brands, the future for the Detroit Big 3 is far from certain.

But they are not alone. Japanese, Korean and European automakers are feeling the pinch as well. Sales are down at Toyota and Honda, even though, for the most part, both companies are famous for designing reliable vehicles people want to buy. Once believed to be unassailable, it appears no company is out of harm’s way and millions of jobs hang in the balance.

With this as the backdrop, we once again head to the Motor City to see what’s in store at the 2009 NAIAS in Detroit? Here are several of the highlights we expect in early January.

BMW

BMW Z4

Bavarian Motor Works has a great deal planned for the Detroit Auto Show. On display will be the new BMW 7 Series luxury sedan and BMW 3 Series automobiles. The BMW 335d and BMW X5 xDrive35d first displayed in Los Angeles will highlight BMW Advanced Diesel with Blue Performance Technology featuring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Plus, ActiveHybrid technology using an intelligent combination of the combustion engine and electric drive to substantially reduce fuel consumption will be front and center in Detroit as it is expected to reach market in 2009.

The most important introduction for BMW at this year’s NAIAS, however, may turn out to be the launch of an all-new BMW Z4. What more inspiring way could there be to forget about the current economic crisis than to introduce the world to a new luxury two-seat roadster with removable hardtop?

Built in Regensburg, Germany, two engine choices are available with the new BMW Z4. One features fully variable valve management, the other twin turbo technology and high precision injection. The top model is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed sport automatic with double-clutch. Dynamic Drive Control is standard on the BMW Z4, allowing the driver to adjust vehicle performance with the use three unique settings. Could this be the next “must have” roadster?

2009 Honda Insight

2009 Honda Insight

When Honda first announced it would unveil the 2009 Honda Insight at the 2009 NAIAS, we expected a grand entrance for this much anticipated five passenger, fuel saving sedan. So too, did Honda. But with the economic downturn gaining momentum, the Japanese automaker recently announced their intent to display the new Insight on the show floor in Detroit as part of the regular product line-up and forgo any of the normal fanfare associated with an auto show.

So much for the “WOW!” factor. But it should not diminish the importance of this vehicle in the marketplace. Honda expects to sell 100,000 Insight Hybrids a year in North America and there is no reason to anticipate why they can’t.

With an aggressive MSRP expected of $20,000 when it goes on sale in spring, the new Insight hybrid should have a significant price advantage over its main rival the Toyota Prius. For added fun and interactivity, Honda designed the Insight to feature the Ecological Drive Assist System. Part of a bigger plan to increased hybrid sales around the globe; we’ll provide further details in our daily reports from Detroit.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO E-Cell Plus

The creator of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz is set to unveil not one, but three new electric drive concept vehicles in Detroit. The BlueZERO E-CELL is said to be powered entirely by lithium ion batteries. This vehicle is expected to have a range of 124 miles prior to recharge.

Of most interest is the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus as it adds the Smart ForTwo turbocharged 3-cylinder engine to increase range and power. With a full tank of gasoline and full charge, Mercedes-Benz claims a cruising range of 373 miles. The equally unique BlueZERO F-Cell is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle capturing additional energy with regenerative braking. Total driving distance for this concept is expected to be 240 miles.

Ford

Rumors abound that Ford is planning to introduce the next generation 2010 Ford Taurus at the 2009 NAIAS. While one sketchy picture has been posted on the Internet so far, we’ ll have to wait and see what the new sedan looks like for ourselves before releasing photos.

Expectations for this sedan run high as the Taurus nameplate is still one of the most recognizable model designations in North America. Plenty of room for five and a fuel efficient engine should be wrapped in an aggressive exterior design. Supplementary Ford rumors include the introduction of the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and a new Lincoln luxury crossover.

Summary

Additional vehicles expected to be unwrapped in Detroit include a gorgeous Volvo S60 Concept featuring a brand new 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Buick will unveil the next generation Lacrosse and Chevrolet will spotlight a redesigned Equinox along with a production ready Cruze first seen in Paris earlier this year. Toyota should have the new 2010 Prius on hand as well. More surprises await and we will be there covering all the details. Watch for our day one coverage starting January 12, 2009. Happy Holidays!

http://autos.yahoo.com

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2009 Nissan GT-R Introduced with More Power, Better Handling and New Colors

Only a year after the GT-R's market launch in Japan and less than six months after its U.S. introduction and Nissan has proceeded to the sportscar's first major round of changes which include a power increase, suspension upgrades and a new exterior color. The most significant improvement concerns the GT-R's hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine which has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm.

The engine upgrades have also led to slightly better fuel economy figures with Nissan announcing an average fuel consumption in the Japanese driving cycle of 8.3 km/l (19.5 mpg U.S.) instead of 8.2 km/l (19.3 mpg US). In addition, Nissan has increased the GT-R's fuel tank capacity from 71 liters to to 74 liters.

Another update sees the improvement of the sportscar's ride performance with modifications to the suspension spring rate settings while the 2009 model will also benefit from a set of Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tires. Nissan claims that the tire was developed specifically for the GT-R and it "combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its 'time-attack' lap of the Nurburgring", which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds.

Less significant improvements for the 2009 GT-R concern the introduction of the Gun Metal grey colored Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new deep white pearl color called 'Storm' which replaces the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade.

Last but not least Nissan has also hiked the prices for its subtly updated GT-R. In the U.K. for example, customers ordering now will have to pay £56,795 on the road for the basic version with an increase of £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395). This represents an increase of 3.8 percent.

In Europe, the first GT-Rs are scheduled to hit dealerships in April 2009. To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010.

source : carscoop.blogspot.com

Mercedes to Unveil Concept BlueZero in Detroit - Previews 2010 B-Class

Mercedes-Benz, or to be exact, German car magazine Autobild, has released a series of sketches previewing the "Concept BlueZero" that will allegedly make its worldwide debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 11. The all-electric concept car is said to give us a first taste of the next generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class that's scheduled to hit dealerships in early 2010. The most anticipated version of the luxury 5-door hatch will be a fuel-cell powered variant which is expected to go on sale during 2010. According to Mercedes-Benz, it will be the first series production model to be offered with such a drivetrain.

The 2010 B-Class Fuel Cell model will be powered by a new generation of fuel-cell drive that is much more compact than other systems while at the same time offering better performance and, according to Mercedes, will be completely suitable for everyday use.

The electric motor used on the prototype B-Class Fuel-Cell develops a maximum output of 136HP and a torque figure of 320 Nm. Merc's engineers claim that the fuel cell model will give better acceleration figures than a B-Class fitted with a standard 2.0-liter petrol engine while consuming the equivalent of just 2.9 liters of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 km or 81.1 mpg US.

Via: Autobild