America And All Worlds Car: April 2010

Rabu, 28 April 2010

Rabu, 21 April 2010

See the Maruti Ritz in Action Car Video

See the Maruti Ritz in Action - Funny blooper videos are here

Rabu, 14 April 2010

The evolution of the Shiver project has no limits. The Aprilia naked that has surprised the world with its technological content which is still not within reach of its competitors, has perfected itself even further with interventions that aim at increasing its personality, riding fun and ergonomic features.In terms of special features, Aprilia Shiver 2010 is without doubt the benchmark bike in the medium cc naked sector. A highly evolved engine fitted with latest generation integral Ride by Wire, a multimap, a first-rate chassis which is able to satisfy all levels of riders, and technical outfit that no other bike even comes close to.Today, these features are highlighted by an even more racing look, with the arrival of a new top fairing and aggressive Wave discs. At the same time, Aprilia Shiver has come even closer to satisfying the needs of riders, with totally revamped ergonomics, a 5 cm slimmer saddle to provide better control optimising bike handling not only on the road, but also when the engine is switched off. The rider and passenger footpegs are also new and contribute to lending the bike an enhanced sporting look. The moved-back rider footpegs and the new handlebar inclination allow for a more sporting use. Thanks to these updates the Aprilia Shiver M.Y. 2010 is now a far more fascinating bike.There are a few key issues which mark the success of Shiver. It is a high-performance efficient bike which can seduce even the most demanding rider, but it is also able to bring on those who are new to the two-wheeled scene, as it is so easy to ride. The 2010 version maintains this as a prerogative. In fact, the new lower and slimmer saddle provides for extra and more effective control.

The main features of the Aprilia 750 Shiver my 2010 are:
V2 90° engine with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft and liquid cooling;
the integral Ride-by-Wire tri-map technology developed for competitions;
modular trellis/aluminium frame with significant torsional rigidity;
aluminium swingarm with stiffener brace and lateral shock absorber;
43mm upside down fork;
racing brakes with radial callipers and 320mm Wave discs
New more protective top fairing
New lower and slimmer saddle
New racing style rider/passenger footpegs

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT

The fifth generation Legacy has undergone a complete restyling for 2010 and our Azurite Blue Pearl 2.5 GT features a bold new design that features a larger one bar grill and a set of Subaru’s new hawk eye headlamps. On the outside, aside from the larger 18 inch wheels, the only thing that gives away the GT as a performance model is the functional hood scoop feeding fresh air across the turbocharged Legacy’s intercooler. The 2.5 GT wears the same bulging fenders as the rest of the lineup as well as their signature side skirts that jut out more than down, giving the Legacy a very wide and stable stance. The 2010 Legacy is a nod at the future of automobile design with its sweptback windshield and short trunk overhang that is more aerodynamic than the traditional three box shape.
Subaru considers their products to be premium automobiles, and it shows on the inside. Our Limited trim Legacy came with a very attractive leather wrapped steering wheel as well as supple seats and a dash adorned with sophisticated wood trim that carries over into the door cards. The 2010 Legacy has been completely redesigned in the interest of a roomier interior and the new car is the most spacious and luxurious Subaru sedan to date. Being the sportiest member of the Legacy lineup, the 2.5 GT is powered by a turbocharged version of Subaru’s 2.5 Liter flat four making 265 HP mated to a six speed manual gearbox and is good for a 0 to 60 MPH sprint of only 5.9 seconds.
Legacy fans will be glad to know that Subaru is taking the car road racing in the Japanese Super GT series as a GT300 race car competitor, and once you have a look at the flared four door, you will never look at the new Legacy the same way again. Starting a just under $30,000 our Limited model benefited from a $3,000 power moonroof and navigation system that brought our 2.5 GT’s asking price up to $34,146; not a bad price to pay for so much all wheel drive machine.
Exterior Impression:

Subaru has completely redesigned the Legacy for 2010. The new car features a striking front end featuring a pair of the new hawk eye headlamps that incorporate all the auxiliary lights into a streamlined housing that swoops back into where the hood meets up with the front fenders. This adds an aggressive touch to the previous generation’s playful lights, just like where the 2009 model had round cutouts in the front bumper, the new Legacy features a set of sharp vertical creases making the mid size sedan look like it means business, just like the new functional hood scoop that is exclusive to the 2.5 GT in order to feed fresh air onto the turbocharged flat four’s top mount intercooler

Aside from the boldly outlined front grill it is nice to see that Subaru has brought back bulging fenders for the 2010 model year. Just like the Quattro automaker Audi, almost all of Subaru’s running gear is placed ahead of the front axle because of their commitment to the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system; the downside is that this layout has traditionally forced both automakers to produce vehicles with very long overhangs. Subaru solved this problem by using a series of boxer engines that by their nature are shorter than a traditional V or inline unit mounted longitudinally. One of the biggest changes for 2010 is that the Legacy’s wheelbase has been stretched in order to give occupants a bigger back seat, but this has also made the front end of the Legacy look visually shorter. Speaking of those rear seat passengers Subaru has also redesigned the doors so that they now feature window frames and make for a larger opening in the interest of easing occupants’ entry into the premium mid size sedan

Out back the Legacy looks a bit larger thanks to the large wraparound taillights and much curvier rear end. Unlike last years model that had a bit of an aerofoil shaped into the rear deck lid design, the 2.5 GT’s trunk was shaped using only obtuse angles which makes it not only look larger but adds valuable storage space underneath. The round theme works well with the new Legacy, especially from a rear ¾ view with the four door’s bold fenders housing a set of 15 spoke 18 inch alloys and wider side skirts make the car look even more planted.

Interior Impression:

The Legacy 2.5 GT is the sportiest member of the new car lineup and because it features the top of the line Limited trim it is also one of the most luxurious aside from being the roomiest Legacy ever. Our GT’s interior came wrapped in Warm Ivory Leather and featured attractive wood trim to break up the two tone theme on the dash and doors as well as few high tech convenience features like dual zone climate control and a 9 speaker Harman-Kardon sound system complete with a large navigation screen that will play DVDs when you are in park.

Then there are the few select silver trim items that add a modern sleek feel to the interior; for instance the leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel is made to look even more aerodynamic thanks to the three painted pieces that connect the comfortable rim to the airbag/horn cover, the center stack and shifter are another example of the 21st century finish. However it is the horizontal wood trim that wraps around the mid section of the interior that was the Legacy’s most upscale touch, going a long way towards separating the larger luxury sedan from the entry level Impreza’s metallic swooshes.

While Subaru does offer one of the best touch screen navigation units in any new car being sold today, the audio and climate controls are teaming on becoming a bit more complicated than they need to be, but after all that is what luxury car buyers looking for, a smooth streamlined center stack devoid of the traditional large round dials. Other electronic creature comforts include heated power adjustable driver’s seat and one touch window that will open and close at the touch of a button to make our Legacy Limited a very well finished sport sedan that is on par with most luxury cars, and even fooled a few of our friends along the way.

THE DRIVE:

Our Azurite Blue Pearl 2010 Legacy 2.5 GT uses Subaru’s familiar 2.5 Liter turbocharged flat four making 265 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque and is shifted with a six speed manual gearbox, the combination is good for a 0 to 60 MPH time of 5.9 seconds while returning an estimated 18 MPG in the city and as much as 25 MPG on the highway. Despite being down two cylinders from our previous 3.6 R Legacy, the addition of a turbocharger more than makes up for the difference in displacement while taking a few pounds off the front axle at the same time. Despite its boosted nature our Legacy Limited makes you want to sit back and relax thanks to the comfortable ride. However there is enough grunt under the hood scoop to inspire confidence behind the wheel despite the luxury of knowing that you won’t ever be forced to use it.

Like all of Subaru’s rally inspired machines, the Legacy 2.5 GT features the Japanese automaker’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive providing the new Legacy with loads of grip and is enough to make you think that you are behind the wheel of a much more compact sports car. The drive train is so good that despite our best efforts, the boosted boxer engine won’t ever push the Legacy to a point past the capabilities of its all wheel drive system; however with the shifter in your right hand and your left foot dancing between the brake and the clutch, it sure was fun to try.

We drive the 2011 Nissan LEAF, kind of

While Chevrolet is still setting the stage for the future of battery powered vehicles with the Volt, the Japanese automaker Nissan has been perfecting the art of the electric car for over 60 years now and their all new LEAF BEV is just about ready to roll off the assembly line in order to become the first mass market affordable electric car. As part of the Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour, the hamburger brand brought their Aqua globe show car from Detroit all the way down to Orlando where we got a chance to get up close and personal with it and a ride behind the wheel of the user friendly test mule that features all of the parts that make it work. Nissan has been investing heavily in the advancement of lithium ion technology ever since they teamed up with NEC to produce revolutionary hybrid battery packs that produce nearly twice the energy density compared to traditional units which mean they will last longer with a much more potent charge that have powered everything from fictional animatronics dinosaurs in Jurassic Park to texting teenager’s cell phones in Japan’s Shibuya district.
The LEAF is about as green as a new car can get, not only does it lack a tailpipe to emit harmful emissions, but the seats were made from recycled plastic bottles and even the tire supplier was chosen because of their diminutive carbon footprint. Despite being an electric car with a compact electric motor in place of an internal combustion engine under the hood, Nissan has chosen to keep with the traditional two box layout, albeit quite curvaceous and a bit wide in the back. Nissan chosen to set the LEAF apart from the rest of the lineup with a variety of blue anodized emblems and Zero emissions logos. The LEAF offers room for five and lots of cargo thanks to the ultra low shelf in the trunk, and even fully loaded, the additional weight won’t compromise the LEAF’s range. Speaking of distances, Nissan expects that their new electric vehicle will be able to travel up to 100 miles between charges, more than enough for the average daily commute, and reach a 90 MPH top speed, making it more than adequate for highway use

Charging the LEAF will be a breeze, using the SAE specified plug powered by one of Nissan’s charging stations and a 220V hookup, the batteries will be topped off in 8 hours. There is even a quick charge feature that provides up to an 80% charge in about a half an hour with a different rapid charging unit, which was described as injecting DC power directly into the battery though the second outlet hidden underneath panel in the nose. For those of us who are all too familiar with running out of gas, the Japanese automaker is also working on a plan as part of the LEAF’s logistics network to provide highway patrolling Road Rangers with their own battery packs capable of giving the EV a quick jolt from a remote source in order to get owners on their way to the nearest charging station. Interested, Nissan is taking reservations starting this spring.

Our trip around the parking lot in the test car, a modified Nissan Versa with the LEAF’s working parts underneath, was a bit brief. However those familiar with the current generation Prius will find the controls to be very familiar, flipping a switch to get out of park before pulling back and to the side on a lever to engage drive. Other than that the mule operated just like any other vehicle, but as with most cars equipped with an oversized battery and energy regeneration units built into the front hubs, everything from the steering to the way it accelerated felt heavy. We were hoping for a bit more oomph from the company that created the GT-R, but after all this car is destined for a completely different market.

"It" cars showcased at 2010 New York Auto Show

The 2010 New York International Auto Show will be taking place April 2nd-11th, 2010 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. Show times are from 11am-10:30pm and tickets are still available at the official website. However, if you want to get some sneak peeks at a few of the new 2011 automobiles that will be showcased at this show then you have come to the right place. We have a list of the hottest “It” cars that will be featured in New York.
"Whether you’re in the mood for a new car, or just fantasizing about your dream ride of the future, the New York Auto Show has got just what you’re looking for," said Show Director Candida Romanelli.
Follow the jump for the list of “It” cars making the 2010 New York Auto Show.

The followong list are some of the hot 2011 models that will be available for preview at the 2010 New York Auto Show.
Audi A8
Saab 9-5
Buick Regal
Lincoln MKX
Ford Edge
Ford Fiesta
Ford Shelby GT500
Volvo S60
Ford Focus
Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Honda CR-Z
Infiniti M
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sorento
Nissan Juke
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Kia Sportage
Porsche Cayenne
Press Release
As New York becomes the center of the automotive universe for the 10-day run of the New York International Automobile Show, it’s time to celebrate our area’s love of the car. For starters, there are the press conferences where thousands of journalists from all over the world come to see the latest unveilings from the automakers. Then, just two days later, the Show opens to the public for its annual automobile extravaganza where in addition to the world and North American debuts, we’ve assembled a host of other scorching-hot new 2011 vehicles that are just a few weeks away from hitting the new car showrooms.

"Whether you’re in the mood for a new car, or just fantasizing about your dream ride of the future, the New York Auto Show has got just what you’re looking for," said Show Director Candida Romanelli.
Here’s a look at the some of the ’It’ cars that’ll be breaking-out in 2010

Audi A8

– With its light aluminum body, powerful and highly efficient engines, improved MMI control system and elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of fit and finish, the new Audi A8 brand flagship will arrive in dealerships later in the year. With new standards of efficiency, fuel consumption in each of the A8’s engines has been substantially reduced by as much as 22 percent. The new luxury sedan’s elegant and powerful body is aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The new full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light functions, are a completely exclusive high-end solution on board the new A8 and give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness.

SAAB 9-5

– Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, the all-new 9-5 saloon offers Scandinavian design purity with advanced technology. Engineered for a sporty driving experience combined with ’high-tech’ features, the 9-5 signals the dawn of a new era for the Saab brand. With its clean, sculpted shape inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5, also offers an array of high-tech features including: an aircraft-inspired heads-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
Buick Regal

– Designed to deliver a driving experience that rivals the best import sports sedans, the 2011 Regal sedan is armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis. Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The CXL will be powered by a standard 182 hp 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine and a 220 hp 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine, estimated to be available in late-summer 2010. Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control. A six-speed manual transmission will be available following the introduction of the turbocharged model.
Lincoln MKX

– Powered by a new 305hp 3.7-liter Duratec® V-6 engine, the dramatic refreshening of the 2011 Lincoln MKX extends to all areas of the vehicle: new exterior design, new interior design with increased use of genuine materials, new powertrain with increased fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and new tires and wheels. With its modern, flowing exterior design and split-wing grille, the new luxury crossover also features the first application of industry-exclusive MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, which creates a whole new way for customers to interact with digital and vehicle technology.
Ford Edge

– The dramatic freshening of the 2011 Ford Edge and Edge Sport includes extensive exterior redesign, improved materials and craftsmanship on the interior and class-exclusive technology (MyFord Touch™). New powertrains include North America’s first application of Ford’s global 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, delivering class-leading fuel economy, plus the new 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6with unsurpassed fuel economy and 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 for Edge Sport.
Ford Fiesta

- Designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable the all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, with sharp reflexes, 15 class-exclusive technologies, and is projected to deliver highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, with a responsive 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine, advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission and Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The 2011 Fiesta – available in four- and five-door body styles – also will set a new small car benchmark for safety, connectivity and powertrain technology.
Ford Shelby GT500

– Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever. With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque from an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine that is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the tarmac-scorching GT500 has a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.
Volvo S60

– With its groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake safety feature, the all-new Volvo S60 promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience combined with innovative safety. In the U.S., the S60 will be offered with the sporty "Dynamic" chassis as standard, while other markets will be offered with a "Comfort" chassis as standard and the "Dynamic" chassis as an option. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver – and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.
Ford Focus

– Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are designed to provide affordable technologies, detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality. The all-new Focus plans to raise the benchmark once more, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet – The open-top two-door four-passenger E-Class Cabriolet, which features a classic fabric soft top, includes the AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop that reduces turbulence substantially for all four seat occupants; modified AIRSCARF®, neck-level heating system, and the soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds. The Cabriolet also features a best in class cd figure of 0.28 marking a continuation of the E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.
Honda CR-Z

– Introducing sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy. Powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system, the two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes and is expected to achieve 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon on CVT-equipped models.
Infiniti M

– The all-new Infiniti M56 and M37 is a stylish performance sedan packed with a raft of new technology and luxury features including: Infiniti Drive, a four-mode driver-selectable control of throttle and transmission mapping that helps optimize vehicle performance; Active Noise Control, which reduces undesirable engine harmonics, providing a quieter cabin; Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI), a world’s first system that helps the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel away from the vehicle in the blind spot area; Forest Air™ system, which helps reduce the intrusion of unpleasant odors into the cabin and provides a more natural breeze-like airflow and Eco Pedal, which provides driver feedback to encourage eco-driving behavior. The 2011 Infiniti M will be offered in M37 and M56 model designations when it goes on sale.
Hyundai Sonata

– The all-new 2011 Sonata is the latest version of the popular midsize sedan, introducing Hyundai’s "Fluidic Sculpture" design language and an all four-cylinder engine lineup to the U.S. market. Initially powered by the new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, the new Sonata gets 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway, a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Blue Drive models will to debut by 2010 year-end.
Hyundai Tucson
– The all-new Tucson, the first Hyundai CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) to be designed and engineered in Europe, features the eco-efficient Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering up to 31 mpg on the highway as well as offering, for the first time, Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). The sleek all-new Tucson crossover delivers better fuel economy and more power wrapped up in a sleek new exterior offering a roomier cabin with extra cargo space to its leap in fuel economy and technology.
Kia Sorento

– The first U.S.-built Kia, the new Sorento encompasses both the brand’s signature design cues as well as its distinct combination of value, safety and style. Completely redesigned for 2011, the Sorento now employs a unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers, offering more space and ride comfort than the previous-generation model.
Nissan Juke

– With its robust stance, high waistline, complex curves, and coupe, the all-new small Nissan Juke crossover SUV, was designed and developed to be a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles by providing both dynamic style and an exhilarating driving experience. The bold interior design features a wide center console that takes its inspiration from a motorcycle fuel tank.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

– The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG captivates with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction, Gullwing doors and superior handling dynamics. Powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 571 hp combined with a seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration and sports suspension and with aluminum double wishbones, the SLS guarantees sensational driving dynamics.
Kia Sportage – With a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – in a sleek and urban-friendly design, the all-new Sportage represents a dramatic shift in design. Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.
Porsche Cayenne

- The new generation Porsche Cayenne is lighter, more agile, with more power, increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact with a complete exterior and interior styling re-design. The Cayenne S Hybrid model is the highlight of the new line-up, with a technically sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive-train which combines the sporting performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder and a unique ’sailing mode’ for even lower fuel consumption. The new Cayenne also features a new Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a wider spread of gear ratios, an Auto Start Stop function, optimized thermal management on the engine and transmission cooling system, on-board network recuperation, and intelligent lightweight construction to reduce fuel consumption while improving speed and handling. Inside, the most significant feature within the brand new, high-quality interior is the rising centre console that extends to surround the gearshift selector and which gives the interior the typical Porsche ’cockpit’ chara