Friday, July 31, 2009

In BMW test restyling version X3

BMW X3

In the Bavarian concern have started test tests of updated crossover BMW X3 which should appear on roads in a year.

Engineers have closed new design BMW X3 massive "camouflage", but it is possible to assume, that appearance of a crossover will not change radically. But "camouflage" cannot hide that fact, that the car became little bit less. As experts assume, in such a way in the Bavarian concern wish to "outline" distinctions between crossovers X1 and X3 which have today practically identical sizes.

It is expected, that updated BMW X3 will please buyers with a wide power ruler into which four diesel units power from 177 to 299 h.p. the Car will enter will equip also with the new 3 litre petrol engine power of 230 h.p. and 300 h.p.
Hearings that the novelty can receive hybrid installation which structure will include petrol and electric motors but while it only hearings go.

The debut of updated crossover BMW X3 will take place in the beginning of next year, and to dealers the model will arrive in the middle of 2010.

Related Posts: BMW

Studio Edo Competition has presented superpenalties Ferrari Enzo XX

Ferrari Enzo

Tuning studio Edo Competition has presented a unique variant of Italian a superpenalty under name Ferrari Enzo XX.

Power of standard 650-strong engine V12 have increased to 800 h.p., having approached Ferrari Enzo on the dynamic indicators to supercar Bugatti Veyron which is equipped by the motor power of 1001 h.p. As a result of Ferrari Enzo XX about 100 km/h of all for 3,2 seconds, the maximum speed — 390 km/h are dispersed.

Related Posts: Ferrari

Merge Volkswagen and Porsche will change all car industry of Germany

Volkswagen and Porsche

The planned merge of motorcar giant Volkswagen (VW) and the manufacturer of sports cars Porsche will reverse a car industry picture to Germany, and also an alignment of forces on a world car market where VW while concedes to Japanese company Toyota and American concern General Motors, influential economic newspaper Financial Times Deutschland (FTD) writes on Wednesday.

Concern Volkswagen plans to sign on August, 13th with the manufacturer of expensive sports cars, German Porsche, the agreement on purchase of a share holding of the company at a rate of 49,9 % of the authorised capital approximately for 4 billion euro. Such decision to a management of both companies should be accepted owing to heavy financial position Porsche because of financial crisis. According to German mass-media company debts make about 14 billion euro.

"The concern with headquarters in Wolfsburg (Volkswagen) will want to become the first as soon as will finish joining Porsche", — is spoken in article. The newspaper quotes opinion of the head of Institute of the motor industry considering, that such chance at incorporated concern Volkswagen-Porsche is.

"However it will be hard to beat Toyota Motor. The weakest the link here for VW is the North America where the Japanese company sells much more cars. On the other hand, at VW there is also a big advantage are much stronger, than at Toyota, positions in China", — quotes FTD the German expert.

As the newspaper notices, though on pure to sale quantity indicators (99 thousand cars last financial year) Porsche looks the gnome in comparison with other marks Volkswagen (the total amount of sales in 2008 has made 3,6 million cars), creation of the integrated concern making all chain of automodels from Golf to sports cars and lorries becomes treasured dream of patriarch Volkswagen of Ferdinand Pieha — the grandson of the trailblazer of a German car industry Ferdinand Porshe. After all VW already and so luxury models of type Bentley and Lamboghini belong.

All other autocompanies of Germany, have less wide spectrum of made models and a smaller sales volume: concern BMW together with marks Mini and Rolls-Royce has sold in 2008 1,4 million cars, company Daimler could sell last year 1,3 billion units Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach, and Opel with mark Vauxhall hardly has increased volume of the sales to 1,5 million cars.

From the point of view of the known autoexpert of professor Ferdinand Dudenheffera from university Duisburg-Essen, Volkswagen after merge with Porsche will take predominating positions in a segment of cars of a class lux which requirement annually makes 550 thousand cars. But it, according to the expert, can cause legal questions.

"If to count the general sale of group Volkswagen-Porsche in 2007 their share in the luxury market has made 37,9%, and in 2008 — 34,1%, and if to add here model Porsche-Panamera which will go on sale since September of this year this share can increase from an average index in 36% to 40%. It unequivocally means dominating positions in a luxury segment in which Volkswagen without Porsche on the average has 20%", — the newspaper quotes the express analysis of the German professor.

Meanwhile autoexpert Villi Dits considers, that competitive pressure is especially high on Daimler and BMW. "Company Audi in a segment of models of class Premium has already reached their level and has benefited by technological designs of concern Volkswagen. To concerns Daimler and BMW principle business on it to react", — the autoexpert considers.

Related Posts: Porsche

Michael Schumacher Returns To Formula 1


A season that has already produced more than its fair share of thrills and spills just got even more exciting after it was confirmed yesterday that Michael Schumacher is to make a sensational comeback for Ferrari as temporary cover for the injured Felipe Massa.

The 40-year-old seven-time world champion will line up against reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton for the very first time at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Review: 2010 Mazda3

2010 Mazda3

We can't talk about the new Mazda3 without lovingly gushing over the old Mazda3. Introduced in 2003 and produced until this year, the first generation was a segment buster. For about the same coin as its competitors, the Mazda3 gave you more: More sportiness, more refinement, more space and, being a Mazda, more reliability. The Mazda3 was just a better car. And of course there was the beloved MazdaSpeed3 – aka lightning in a reasonably-priced bottle. For 2010, Mazda has built a new, slightly larger 3 packed with polarizing styling, a bigger engine and more creature comforts.

In our First Drive, we mentioned the styling and how it's either a love it or gag on it proposition. Like many contemporary cars, the new Mazda3 has such complicated surfaces that when seen two-dimensionally via a computer screen, much of the subtlety is lost. Porsche's new Panamera shares a similar fate. In real life, the new Mazda is both flowing and cut. Of course, the big news is the grinning proboscis, which you either love, hate or love to hate. Again, we found it much more acceptable in real life than in photographs, but as with all things aesthetic, your mileage will vary.



We tested two Mazda3s, a 2.0-liter "i" sedan and a 2.5-liter "s" sedan. In other words, no five-door. As far as chunky little sedans go, with its new mega-mouth and stubby trunk, the Mazda3 shares a passing resemblance to the Mitsubishi EVO X – that's no bad thing. One aspect we particularly dig are the headlights. They're complicated yet elegant and finely shaped. Some reviews have pointed out the the clear taillights are pretty seven years ago, but we think they look fine. And Mazda did an excellent job with the wing mirrors.

Inside is a darker story. If you've ever found yourself inside a 1980s BMW, you get the idea. Lots of black and a bit of red. Darth Vader would feel right at home. The deep set gauges are inspired from the old car, but we're happy to report they're much more legible. The little 3 now comes with a nav screen (if you get the Grand Touring package), but it's the size of a credit card and hardly worth getting. Also, you can only map stuff with the steering wheel buttons, so its not very useful, either. The Grand Touring package adds all sorts of other luxury amenities including heated seats, dual zone climate, XM/Sirius radio and a quarter acre of leather. But it also burdens the steering wheel with 15 buttons.



Now we come to the transmissions. Our 2.0-liter "i" came with a five-speed automatic. It works just fine, but if you're craving any sort of sportiness from your three, you'd be much better served the five-speed manual. The autobox is simply a mechanical downer. Our 2.5-liter "s" tester came with a six-speed manual, and while we've long been a fan of Mazda's manuals (particularly the stellar 'boxes fitted to the RX-8 and MX-5), sadly, we were thoroughly underwhelmed by the quality of the row-your-own tranny in the new 3. It just felt floppy. The throws are old-school long, akin to a '70s Corvette, and the shifter comes off as chintzy. The "leather" shroud conceals a curved piece of metal where it's been spot welded to the bottom of the knob, and while that's hardly a deal breaker, we simply expect more from Mazda. Tumbleweed.

Our decadently optioned Grand Sport came in at $25,115, and now you're in WRX territory.
On the road, the tale of two engines isn't as different as you might think. Obviously the 2.0-liter "i" mill is aimed at the budget-minded consumer. It's 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque move it around and... that's about it. We would have liked to try wringing this motor out with a manual, but didn't get the chance. For those on a budget or worried about miles per gallon, this is your Mazda3 motor. The sad news is that those looking for some get up and go in the compact class, the 2.5-liter "s" motor isn't the answer. Yes, it's bigger and makes some more power (167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque), but on the road there isn't very much difference. Considering the Subaru Impreza's naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer-four makes 170 ponies and 170 torques, yet the 2.5i Premium starts $1,000 cheaper than the s Mazda3 – $18,495 versus $19,490 – choosing the 2010 Mazda3 over the Subie becomes even more difficult. Thrown in the fact that our decadently optioned Grand Sport came in at $25,115, and now you're in WRX territory.



It's obvious at this point that after a week with the "i" and a few days with the "s", we simply weren't feeling the new Mazda3. Both cars' saving grace is the eager to boogie steering. Regardless of engine/transmission, turning the 3's wheel feels fabulous. Like nearly all Mazda's, the brands sporting DNA shines the brightest through the suspension. The parts aren't novel – MacPherson struts with coilovers up front and multilink coilovers behind – but it's all tuned brilliantly. Maybe then, the key to the 3's salvation lay up in the hills? Off to the canyons we went.

We selected Glendora Canyon – a wonderful, curve-imbued 20-mile blast – to put the 2010 Mazda3 through its paces. We set off with a friend's Hyundai Elantra in hot pursuit. First of all, pounding the holy snot out of (relatively) underpowered cars is a very underrated endeavor. Because the limits are so low, you can reach them quickly (red line in third gear, why not?), and because the chassis are modern the (safety) first tendency is always to understeer. Unlike a Viper, little cars aren't actively out to kill you.



As suspected, up in the canyons is where the Mazda3 came alive. Speeds rarely crested 45 mph, but even still the 3 flowed from one curve to the next. The new 2010s come standard with stability control, which we left off for the entire run – it simply wasn't needed. Aside from the aforementioned understeer, there isn't any bad behavior. There's even enough torque to let the engine do most of the braking for you. This prevented us from riding the grippy 11.8-inch front and 11-inch rear disks into flaming oblivion. Case in point: At the bottom of the mountain the Hyundai's brakes sat and smoked for a good five minutes while the Mazda looked as if it had been strolling through a park.

Without question, the old Mazda3 was the best car in its segment. Luckily for the new model, it's a pretty weak segment. Aside from the nearly-absurd price of our Grand Touring test car, there's nothing glaringly bad about the new 3. But unlike the old car, there's nothing too great about it either. Still, minus a few options and/or trim levels, this is a vehicle that many people will purchase and happily own for years to come. The 2010 Mazda3 will undoubtedly remain the go-to choice for non-pistonhead family members, but for those of us craving more from our compact runabouts, we're keeping our fingers crossed for the 2011 Mazdaspeed3.


[Source: Autoblog]

Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder rendered

Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder

Now that the Ferrari 458 Italia has been let loose to glare at the world, it is only a matter of time before it's followed by a 458 Italia Spyder sibling. While we wait for Ferrari to provide us images of that car, computer rendering artist Jon Sibal has gone ahead and created his version of the newest droptop stallion.

It will be interesting to see how Ferrari intends to fit all of that roof into the severely tapering rear end. If they can keep it looking like the car above, then they'll have worked magic on this car twice.

[Source: Jon Sibal via Sub5Zero]

2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

We've gone to some unusual places for new product unveilings, but today's reveal of a new mid-sized sedan from Suzuki may be one of the most ironic. For some reason, the small automaker of mostly small cars chose a World War II memorial in suburban Detroit for the global reveal of its most aggressive attack yet on the heart of the U.S. car market.

Suzuki has always been a bit of an outlier in this market, although the company has been a strong player in the Japanese mini-car scene. Its most successful entry to date here in the U.S. has been the compact SX4. Now, it's trying to encroach on Camry/Accord/Fusion territory.

Suzuki quoted for us a Global Insight study that projected a 45% recovery in the U.S. auto market over the next two years. They expect much of that to be in the smaller car segments in which the company competes. Even through the worst of this market, Suzuki has been one of only two Japanese automakers to be profitable. In fact, it's been profitable for 57 consecutive years. The Japanese Domestic Market Wagon R has been the number one selling car in Japan for the last four years.

The company now hopes to build on the success of the SX4 in the U.S. and become more of an "aspirational brand". They want younger buyers who "travel light and live fully" and a promotional video they showed to illustrate this made it sound like Suzuki wants to transform itself into Subaru. So far it seems to be working with residual values after 36 months rising from 34 to 48 percent between 2005 and 2009.



American Suzuki also has a new leadership team that starts with Kevin Saito, the new president of the company. Saito previously led Suzuki's efforts in India where the company now has a 55% market share and is more profitable than ever.

The next big step for Suzuki is the Kizashi sedan, which brings the brand into a segment that few people would have associated with Suzuki cars until now. In part the company wants to bring its car image up to par with its motorcycles. That means a much more sporting image. The Kizashi has been completely engineered and designed in-house at Suzuki to that end. The name apparently means "something great is coming", and that's what the company is hoping for.



Gene Brown, VP of marketing and PR, told the group that the world doesn't need another "soul-less transportation appliance", but does need something with the handling and craftsmanship of a European sports sedan and the value of a Suzuki. A video shown during the presentation said that luxury performance cars are no longer just for old rich guys, alluding to the average age of Lexus buyers (55 years old).

Steve Younan, director of product planning, actually gave us the run-down on the Kizashi. Among the cars Suzuki targeted were the Acura TSX, Volkswagen Passat and Alfa Romeo 159 – certainly a higher benchmark than Suzuki cars have previously aimed for. That meant good steering, responsive handling and entertaining performance while retaining good ride quality. The result was a multi-link rear suspension, high performance dampers, 18-inch wheels and high-end Akebono brakes. We've seen plenty of spy shots over the past year of the Kizashi at the Nurburgring, so hopefully the on-the-road reality will live up to the specs.



Underhood, the sole engine is a 2.4-liter high-output four-cylinder with variable valve timing. Power can be sent through either a manual six-speed or CVT transmission, the latter of which comes standard with paddle shifters. The Kizashi has stability control and eight air bags standard, and also meets the 2014 side impact "pole test". We're told that the stability control has been optimized to provide good performance without being too intrusive, and an all-wheel-drive system that's integrated with the stability control will be optional on the sedan. Suzuki is also working on a hybrid version of the Kizashi that will be unveiled after the gas-powered model goes on sale, and a V6 is also in the cards.

The Kizashi has a 107-inch wheelbase, 183-inch overall length and 72-inch width, making it smaller than class archetypes like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Final power and mileage numbers won't be released until closer to its on-sale date this Fall, but expect somewhere in the 180-200 hp range and 30 mpg on the highway.



Inside the Kizashi gets standard sport seats and a decidedly upscale interior. The design is clean, appears well executed and should feel right at home to buyers of some premium brands. In spite of all this, Suzuki is planning to price the Kizashi in the same range as more mainstream models like the Camry and Mazda6. That means it should run from the high teens to mid-$20k range.

Will the Kizashi be a breakout hit for Suzuki here in the U.S.? That's hard to say, as the mid-size sedan segment is teeming with more established and evolved models, none of which are laurel resters and all of which aspire to give buyers a "premium" feel for pedestrian dollars. Hopefully Suzuki is baking elements into the Kizashi that will set it apart, otherwise this Japanese brand will remain on the outskirts of this market's most contested car segment.

PRESS RELEASE

SUZUKI REVEALS NEW 2010 KIZASHI SEDAN
  • Kizashi concept series culminates with world introduction of all-new Suzuki sport sedan.
  • Chic Kizashi production model to deliver Japanese quality and European flair.
  • North American Car of the Year contender to serve as halo vehicle for maturing Suzuki lineup.
  • Kizashi's exhilarating performance and driving experience reflect Suzuki's exuberant brand spirit, backed by the confidence of America's #1 Warranty.
BREA, Calif. (July 30, 2009) - American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) takes a bold step forward today. Known primarily as a maker of small vehicles and high-performance motorcycles, today marks the global debut of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee"), the company's first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Benchmarked against some of the leading cars in the world, the all-new 2010 Kizashi becomes an instant car-of-the-year contender in its own right. With the launch of the Kizashi, Suzuki delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes with premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms this winter, the Kizashi will serve as the company's flagship vehicle, further expanding and strengthening its current product line of high-quality small cars, trucks and SUVs.

"In developing and naming our newest automotive introduction, the Japanese word 'Kizashi,' which tells that something great is coming, seemed appropriate for the vehicle," said Kevin Saito, president, American Suzuki. "Now that the production model Kizashi has arrived, we expect the name and the product itself to clearly demonstrate the bold statement this company knew it would be making with the debut of this vehicle - while also simultaneously suggesting what will emerge in the Suzuki lineup as we look ahead to the future."

The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows a similar design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles. The production Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is tempered by the vehicle's overall mission to provide a strong, refined urban performance.
Powertrain

Built at Suzuki's brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine offering a more potent standard engine than many competitive best-sellers. The engine employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four's durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, along with relaxed - and economical - cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may opt for an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency today's consumers demand, while not compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts. That character is enhanced with paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. With either transmission choice, the Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for fuel-conscious consumers.

In addition to this excellent new powertrain, and to even further enhance the Kizashi's strong efficiency story, Suzuki is developing an even more fuel efficient hybrid version that will be added to the lineup in the future.

Braking and Handling

In order to successfully enter a field already saturated with countless nondescript transportation appliances, Suzuki breaks away from traditional values normally associated with the mainstream, standing firm on Suzuki's belief in delivering a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. That driving experience was validated on Germany's Autobahn, Switzerland's Alpine twisties, cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nürburgring.

An exceptionally rigid steel unibody - with reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension constructed with embedded aluminum - allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, the Kizashi offers a newly developed advanced all-wheel-drive system with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of heartfelt driving enthusiasm and safety. Kizashi's sophisticated braking system offers standard four-wheel disc brakes and includes suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications.
Design

Kizashi's thoughtfully crafted exterior design is best described as the seamless melding of European style and Japanese craftsmanship. Tailored for the driving enthusiast, Kizashi's bold and aggressive stance is complemented by available 18-inch alloy wheels; contemporary styling - with its lean proportion and minimal front overhang - injects the sophistication appropriate to a performance-oriented sport sedan. As with the Concept Kizashi series, the front end of the production Kizashi expresses both strength and style, while the vehicle's impeccably engineered body reflects Kizashi's underlying strength and distinctive combination of capability and refinement.

At Kizashi's rear, the architecture accentuates the 'sport' aspect of Suzuki's sport sedan. The visual dynamic is enhanced with the addition of an integrated dual sport exhaust, communicating - both visually and aurally - the Kizashi's performance-imbued spirit.
Interior

Suzuki has taken advantage of its expertise in the compact car segment to efficiently execute larger - yet still tidy - proportions that afford comfort and practicality without the wasted space. Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel - such as standard sport seats - in line with the vehicle's on-road performance characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi's sporty and elegant instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle's available leather seating, featuring high-density foam and premium quality materials rivaling upscale competitors.

The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki's attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and low fatigue foam.

For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashi's interior delivers by the megabyte. Beginning with standard keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod®1 connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth®2. For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate®3 provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power.

Traction and Safety

The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)4, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Also included as equipment on the Kizashi is Suzuki's developed synergetic vehicle dynamic control. This system assists drivers control and a fun-to-drive experience with minimal intrusiveness.

Kizashi is offered with Suzuki's next generation i-AWD system, a rare option in its class, as this safety and performance enhancing feature is more typically found among luxury sport sedan offerings. Engineered to provide outstanding traction in inclement weather, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system also delivers enhanced cornering capabilities. Activated when the driver selects the "AWD" switch on the instrument panel, power to the rear wheels starts immediately upon acceleration. Torque split remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage and throttle input.

2010 Subaru Impreza pricing announced, Premium model $1,000 cheaper

2010 Subaru Impreza

Good news for you folks in Colorado. Subaru has released pricing for the 2010 Impreza, and while most of the new models are the same price as the '09s, one model gets a price cut. Not only that, but all Imprezas now feature Symmetrical AWD badges (woohoo!). The base car's price remains unchanged at $17,495, however the big news is the Impreza 2.5i Premium gets its price slashed by $1,000 to $18,495. Not too shabby. Also of interest is that pricing for the 265-hp WRX remains unchanged at $24,995 for the sedan and $25,495 for the five-door. And in case you're wondering, an Impreza is a WRX sans turbo and a few other rally-it-up bits. The name means "Buy Me or Else" in Denver.

[Source: Subaru]


PRESS RELEASE

Subaru Announces Pricing On New 2010 Impreza
  • Record-breaking model prices largely unchanged for 2010
  • Premium model price now $1,000 lower

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. has announced pricing of the 2010 model year Impreza line-up, including a new Special Edition Package available on the Impreza 2.5i Premium.

Pricing for the Impreza model, which set a sales record in 2008, begins at an unchanged $17,495 for the 170-hp 2.5i with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. (All 2010 Subaru models feature new Symmetrical AWD badging.)

Impreza blends fun-to-drive performance, safety, and functionality with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it an unmatched value in the compact segment. As well as receiving the highest possible ratings in IIHS crash tests, and being listed as 2009 IIHS "Top Safety Pick", the Impreza also scored NHTSA five-star crash test ratings for frontal impact for both the driver and front passenger, a five-star rating for the driver side impact, and a four-star rating for the rear passenger side impact.

The Impreza 2.5i Premium is reconfigured for 2010, with pricing starting at $18,495 - $1,000 less than the 2009 model.

Impreza 2.5i, 2.5GT and Outback Sport models add a stylish new grille and an attractive new exterior color Camellia Red Pearl is available on 2.5i & 2.5GT models. GT models are powered by a 224-hp intercooled turbo Boxer engine and teamed to standard 4-speed automatic transmission and Active AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

The value continues with the introduction of the new Special Edition Package that includes power moonroof and fog lights as well as the All-Weather Package. The Impreza 2.5i Premium with the Special Edition Package starts at $18,995.

Bluetooth hands-free cell phone capability is now standard on 2.5i Premium and WRX Premium models with the navigation system.

For 2010, the Impreza Outback Sport model adds Paprika Red Pearl/Steel Silver Metallic and a new two-tone exterior color, and retains its starting price of $19,995.

The performance-oriented 2010 Impreza WRX has a starting price of $24,995, again unchanged from last year and is available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. The All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX features a 2.5-Liter DOHC inter-cooled turbocharged engine delivering 265 horsepower, a new exterior side sill, 225/45 R17 lower profile summer performance tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, an Aero Package, WRX upholstery w/red stitching and WRX logo on front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red stitching, and STI type grille w/WRX badge. The Impreza WRX 5-door model has the same features as the 4-door, plus a rear spoiler and has a starting price of $25,495.

Pricing for the high-performance model WRX STI, which for 2010 features black alcantara trim and a black center console with red stitching also remains unchanged at $34,995.

Destination and delivery for all 2010 Impreza models is $695 (excluding Alaska).

More information is available at www.subaru.com.

2010 Impreza Model Pricing

Impreza 4-Door Models

2.5i 5MT $17,495 $18,190
2.5i Auto $18,495 $19,190
2.5i Premium 5MT $18,495 $19,190
2.5i Premium Auto $19,495 $20,190
2.5GT Auto $26,995 $27,690
WRX 5MT $24,995 $25,690
WRX Premium 5MT $27,495 $28,190

Impreza 5-Door Models

2.5i 5MT $17,995 $18,690
2.5i Auto $18,995 $19,690
2.5i Premium 5MT $18,995 $19,690
2.5i Premium Auto $19,995 $20,690
Outback Sport 5MT $19,995 $20,690
Outback Sport Auto $20,995 $21,690
2.5GT Auto $27,495 $28,190
WRX 5MT $25,495 $26,190
WRX Premium 5MT $27,995 $28,690

STI 6MT $34,995 $35,690

Options

Code Description MSRP
01 Base Model N/A
11 Special Edition Package $500
12 Navigation and Power Moonroof Package $3,000
14 Navigation System $2,000
15, 25 Silver/ Gold BBS Package $2,000
16, 26 Silver/ Gold BBS Package + Navigation System $3,800

Tuning studio Project Kahn has finished Mercedes McLaren SLR

McLaren SLR

British tuning company Project Kahn has finished with carbon plastic body Mercedes McLaren SLR, having replaced some details.

The tuning version a superpenalty named Carbon. Except a carbon body, the car has received the supereasy racing wheels F1-X Carbon, everyone on 12kg is easier factory.

Except a styling-package, tuners offer to racing Mercedes the complete set of accessories: design keys and a sports wheel from that carbon, and also, for an additional payment undertake to strengthen power of the engine on 60HP (to 677HP).

Related Posts: Mercedes-Benz

Tuning studio Carlsson has worked over diesel Mercedes GL

Mercedes-Benz GL

Experts from Germany dealt with a flagman off-road car of the Stuttgart company not once or twice.

Completions always were serious enough, but for some reason tuners preferred to increase "muscles" only to the most powerful V8 in volume 5,5 l. Omission is corrected: the turn of consumers of solar oil — versions GL 350 CDI and GL 450 CDI has come.

Thanks to an impudent aerodynamic weather-cloth tuning variant Carlsson GL RS it is visible far off. That there is one impressive lattice of a radiator plentifully flavoured with chrome, yes a logo of studio which has almost caught up in the sizes with round headlights.

Between internal and external full harmony. Diesel "six" 3.0 has received new "software" and the sports air filter that has lifted return with 224 h.p. To 269 "horses" and 612 Nm. Have in the same way trained also turbodiesel V8 4.0: the power gain has made 48 forces (became 354 h.p.).

And that the high off-road car felt on bends is better, it was necessary to lower the centre of gravity. The changed module of management of pneumosuspension bracket Airmatic has allowed to reduce a road clearance by 30 mm. In general, any discrimination if to compare to an upgrade of the petrol version. And the price of the complete set the acceptable: 18 200 euros for all.

Off-road Mercedes-Benz

Related Posts: Mercedes-Benz

New Grand Bentley

Grand Bentley

The world premiere of new British luxury car Grand Bentley will take place in some weeks in California.

In a novelty the technologies are provided, allowing to reduce consumption of fuel and emissions of carbonic gas. In particular, Grand Bentley will receive system of deactivation of cylinders depending on loading.

This technology saving up fuel is used by such motor-car manufacturers, as General Motors, Chrysler, Daimler and Honda. While it is not known, whether will equip the new car as well with is flexible-fuel system, as Continental SuperSports which premiere has taken place in Geneva.

Related Posts: Bentley

Ferrari has officially presented supercar F430 successor

Supercar Ferrari

On Tuesday company Ferrari has officially presented new supercar which becomes the most younger model in scale of eight-cylinder cars of mark and will be shown general public September of this year on automobile show in Frankfurt.

The novelty received the name 458 Italia and developed in studio Pininfarina, will come in the stead Ferrari F430.

The supercar is constructed on the aluminium chassis and equipped by special aerodynamic elements reducing resistance to a running stream of air. Supercar Ferrari F430 is completed by 570-strong 4,5-litre motor V8 with direct injection of fuel and the seven-step robotised transmission with two couplings.

Legendary Ferrari

The maximum twisting moment of this engine makes 540 Nm.
According to Ferrari, from zero to hundred kilometres per hour the novelty can be dispersed for 3,4 seconds. The maximum speed of the car will make more than 320 kilometres per hour.

Besides, rear-wheel Ferrari 458 Italia has received active differential E-Diff, carbon-ceramic brake mechanisms with system "prefill", 20-inch wheel disks, and also "closed" air inlets of a forward bumper (hidden behind a grid of ventilating apertures aerodynamic elements block air stream, reducing resistance).

Ferrari Italia

It is expected, that on sale in the European market the novelty will appear in the beginning of next year.

Cost Ferrari 458 Italia will make about 170 thousand euro.

Related Posts: Ferrari

In Frankfurt universal Mercedes-Benz E-Class debuts

Mercedes-Benz

Concern Daimler AG has confirmed, that on the Frankfurt motor show in September of this year the world premiere new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in a body universal will take place.

Espionage photos E-Class Estate have already appeared on the Internet, and official pictures and characteristics are promised in August. Nevertheless already now it is possible to assume, that universal will receive the same set of engines, as a sedan, including the newest representatives of series Blue Efficiency power of 136HP (diesel engine) and 184HP (gasoline).

Simultaneously with it Daimler AG has reported about sales of new sedan E-Class: made this year, car sales have made 40 000 copies. Thus it is expected, that the updated business sedan from Mercedes-Benz will be even more popular, not looking at all on world financial crisis as, the next months start car sales in the USA and China.

Related Posts: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

There were espionage photos Mercedes SLK of 2012

Mercedes SLK

Internet edition WorldCarFans publishes a photo and video of the image of a test prototype of coupe Mercedes-Benz SLK of model 2012.

As writes the edition, despite a camouflage abundance on the car, it is possible to make out, that at the given stage designers have made a forward part of future SLK similar to model SLR, and a radiator lattice the same coupe Mercedes-Benz of an E-class.

As writes the edition referring to sources to the companies, future SLK in a base complete set it will be equipped by the 3,5-litre petrol engine from AMG. Thus, any harmless and economic versions of model it is not provided yet.

Related Posts: Mercedes-Benz

2010 Ford Mustang NASCAR Specifications


now for

2010 Ford Mustang NASCAR to race in Nationwide series



Ford Antagonism appear today that the Mustang, which hasn’t competed in NASCAR, will chase in the Nationwide alternation back Ford begins a bound rollout of its new car in 2010.

“We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as allotment of its eyes for a ‘muscle car’ rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of appropriate the alternation from Sprint Cup,” said Brian Wolfe, administrator of Ford North America Motorsports. “We admired the idea, so we jumped on the adventitious to extend Mustang’s antagonism bequest to a new alternation extensive a huge and loyal audience.

The Mustang’s motorsports history includes abounding types of antagonism including drag, road, afloat - but this will be Mustang’s aboriginal actualization in any NASCAR series.

Ferrari 458 Italia New WALLPAPER AND REVIEW

Ferrari 458 Italia New

Ferrari 458,  modification, review , race Italia



italian manufacture launched Ferrari 458 Italia New WALLPAPER AND REVIEW 458 Italia, it is the two-seater mid-rear engined berlinetta,this Ferrar is the latest addition to the Prancing Horse's history. Ferrari 458 Italia is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The result of the Ferrari engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

Citroen Hypnos Concept Car Reviews




This is Citroen Hypnos concept, and it been announced by Citroen company , and will be premiered at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.what a beautiful car concept

Citroen style namely Hypnos concept car is being to merge the space of an SUV with the vitality of a coupe and also with the elegance of a saloon. This is Citroen Hypnos concept is Powered by a 200 bhp (147 kW) engine, Citroen Hypnos concept will delivers a 4.5 l/100 km fuel consumption and a 120 g/km CO2 emissions level.

Citroen Hypnos concept interior’s is aiming to make the technology more approachable by humans. More Citroen Hypnos concept’s photos and detailed informations will be available soon when it’s closer to the premiere date.

Citroen Hypnos Concept Car
The special hybrid technology used on Hypnos highlights Citroen’s commitment to the environment and shows once again that this strong ecological focus is always accompanied by driving thrills and efficiency. With its 200 bhp (147 kW) engine, Hypnos combines dynamic performance with low fuel consumption and emissions (4.5 l/100 km and 120 g/km of CO2).

Illustrating the advantages of hybrid technology through a high-tech approach, Citroen has designed a beautifully proportioned coupe with bold styling.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback

2010 Subaru Outback

Before there was such a thing as a CUV, there was a jacked-up four-wheel drive wagon called the Subaru Legacy. A few special editions later, the Legacy Outback edition birthed the stand-alone Subaru Outback in 1995. The precedent was set, establishing the wagon as polymath, master of numerous disciplines: durability, capability, wide range, ease of use and maintenance on-road and off. The styling, however – well, you weren't really buying a Subaru for its styling. Autoblog went to Montana to drive the fourth-generation 2010 Subaru Outback, and all we needed was one look to realize there's finally a Subaru for the rest of us. Then we drove it, and it just got better.

Subaru might be less known for the character of its cars than for the kinds of characters who buy them. The Japanese automaker does its job so well that when someone says "I own a Subaru," it rarely comes as a surprise – your internal dialogue replies, "Ah, of course you do... that explains a lot..." While that might be something to chortle at, Subaru has done so well with its cars and its characters that the company has posted the lowest sales decline of any automaker this year at just 0.8%. It also sold more cars in the U.S. in June of this year than it did in June of 2008, one of only two makers to do so.


What does one do after it succeeds? Keep working. And with the 2010 Outback, Subaru went to work on everything, but it's the styling that makes the biggest impact. See, Subaru wagons are not unlike camels: When you need a ride that can go out and stay out, enduring with little-to-no assistance over testing terrain, and keep you comfortable along the way, you can't go wrong with a Subaru. Or a camel. It's just neither are stylistically compelling.

To our eyes, that's changed with the 2010 Outback. It will certainly attract the brand's usual characters; but much more importantly, it has character. It's not a lozenge with cladding – it's a properly designed vehicle with significantly contrasting planes, lines and details. So much so, in fact, that our first reaction to it was, "That's a good looking car." Outside of the mid-90s WRC Imprezas, that's a line we've yet to uttered when discussing a Subaru.


It's easy to go astray when trying to make a car's surface more three-dimensional. The Outback doesn't do that. The flares on the hood, the pronounced arch cutouts, the sharpened kink from the greenhouse to the body, along with the Outback's overall increased squareness – not to mention the polygon headlights – works well in photos and even better in person.

You can now get all of that sweet, nutty Subaru-ness in a traditionally handsome package.
None of this is revolutionary; you can see the evolution from the current Outback, and many of the new Outback's features entered the design vocabulary elsewhere. What we're saying is that it's handsome, which means you can get all of that sweet, nutty Subaru-ness in a traditionally handsome package. The come-hitherness of a wild horse that hides the indestructibility of the aforementioned camel makes us say, "Yes." What's more, the good news is shared with everyone: There are three trim lines, but the only stylistic difference between the top line (Premium) and the other two is a different color for the front lower lip.

The other noteworthy exterior design detail is the roof rack. The crossbars can be retracted so they sit flush with the roof rails, then extended when you need to carry something. It's a layout that cuts down greatly on wind noise and it's been designed to fit Subaru models up to ten years old.


The sharpening and edging tool that reshaped the exterior was also used to recraft the interior. The pile-up of roundness found on the outgoing steering wheel has been ditched in favor of contrasting, scalloped arms and larger buttons. The instrument panel follows the same general shape, but instead of curves alone there are hard joints, including where the center stack meets the tunnel, and the detail lines that increase the texture and accentuate the dimensionality. And of all makers, Subaru has come up with an ersatz textured metal trim that actually feels and sounds just like metal.

We only had two tiny quibbles with the cabin – one was the inset area atop the dash that contains the clock and outside temperature. We like the way it looks, but we wished that information was on the eight-inch navigation screen. The other thing was the perforated leather; when paired with the perforated leather inserts in the doors, it just began to look like everything had holes in it. But again, these are tiny quibbles, and they only stood out because everything else was love-it-and-forget-it.


And that's easy to do when the cabin is capacious. The Outback has grown 4.1 inches taller and two inches wider, but is 0.8 inches shorter due to decreased front and rear overhangs. The extra height and width were almost directly translated into nearly 13 more cubic feet of cabin room, with larger front seats providing more head, shoulder and hip room, and an increase by four inches of rear legroom and two additional inches of toe room under the front seats. Unless you belong in the WWE or you're an NBA draft prospect from China, sit in the back of the Outback and your legs will not touch the front seats.

Your freight gets more breathing room as well. The tailgate is wider, the floor is lower, and the packaging of the new double-wishbone suspension combine to add a shade less than one cubic foot of extra cargo room over the current car with the rear seats up, and a tad less than six cubic feet with the rear seats down. Those rear seats, by the way, are one-touch fold-down with a 60/40 split, and also recline. The hauling space behind them can be covered with a retractable tonneau, and when you don't want to mess with the cove you can hide it in the subfloor, accessed by lifting the up the rubber mat and carpet.

Subaru has also added features for occupants. Directly as a result of customer research – and the realization that "We carry a lot of junk in our cars" – the center armrest cubby is larger, the cabin has been filled with bins, and the front visor has a ticket holder (Subaru is based in New Jersey, home of a ticket-fest turnpike). Electronically speaking, every 2010 Outback gets an "Auto" setting for the lights, a telescoping wheel, an electronic parking brake, and a revised Hill Hold Assist that keeps the car motionless until you press on the throttle instead of releasing after a couple of seconds.


The Outback has two flavors of engine and three flavors of transmission, trim level, and AWD. The base engine is the 2.5i, an SOHC four-cylinder powerplant with 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. It's been given new intake and exhaust manifolds so the torque peaks at 400 RPM lower in the rev-range. It's also been fettled to improve gas mileage, returning 19 city and 27 fitted with the new six-speed manual, and 22/29 when it works with the CVT. It can also be certified as a PZEV in all 50 of these United States.

What you get is the ride of a car - not a CUV, and not even a wagon. A car.
The 3.6-liter DOHC is a boxer special that comes from the Tribeca and benefits from being expanded by six-tenths of a liter over the current Outback engine. The numbers jump to 256 hp and 247 lb-ft – with 225 lb-ft available from 2,000 rpm – and it will return 18 mpg on the highway and 25 in the city, fitted to the five-speed automatic transmission – one mpg better than the current car.

The 2.5i can be mated to the six-speed manual and the Lineartronic CVT, while the 3.6 makes do with the five-speed auto. The CVT gets a wide ratio spread and is a chain-driven unit; the chain variator route was taken because it makes the system more compact, reduces friction and improves fuel economy. With the larger, 18.5-gallon tank in the 2.5i, the Subie's range is reported to be 444 miles. The CVT also comes with paddle shifters that create a virtual six-speed transmission, with shifts taking a tenth of a second.


The number one reason people say they buy a Subaru is for the all-wheel drive. Understandably, Subaru touts the fact that all its models are equipped with symmetrical AWD and under normal circumstances the power is split 50/50 at all times, not just to the front wheels and then spread about as needed. The base 2.5i with the six-speed manual gets a continuous AWD setup with a viscous center differential and 50/50 split. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set. Opt for the CVT and you upgrade to Active Torque Split AWD, an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch system that responds to driving conditions. For the five-speed automatic, the AWD setup is a variable torque distributing planetary gear setup with electric control. This option technically isn't symmetrical: the power split is 45:55 to heighten handling, but it does continuously adjust to driving and road conditions.

As previously mentioned, trim levels come in base, Premium, and Limited. Subaru threw so many things at the base level, though, that even low men on that totem pole can feel good about themselves – the base gets the steering wheel controls, the fold-down and reclining rear seat, electronic parking brake, Hill Holder, automatic lights, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Nearly everything else is thrown at the levels above – there are really only two options available for the Premium and Limited trims. By the time you get to the top, the only choices left are adding a power moonroof and the navigation system that comes with a very crisp rear-view camera and the ability to use casual voice commands like "I'm hungry" to find restaurants. Nevertheless, if you're not the kind to be pampered, stick with the Premium and add the All-Weather package if the climate necessitates, and you'll be set for plush.


So. How does it all work together? Very nicely.

The 2.5i is perfectly reasonable. Subaru was able to keep the 2010's weight gain to just 95 pounds over the 2009 model with liberal use of high-strength steel, but the fact remains you're using 170 hp to pull a 3,386-pound car. We won't even bother with 0-to-60 times because Subaru didn't give them to us and (nearly all) Scooby buyers aren't concerned about them anyway, and won't be concerned about the pace as it screams "adequate." Although the car might not giddy up and holler, the CVT transmission is eager to give you what you want. You can put the car in "M" and use the paddle shifters, but you don't need to -- the car doesn't hesitate to find the power band necessary to do what your right foot is instructing, even uphill, and even at nearly a mile-high altitude.

The 3.6 is, not suprisingly, where the action is. The salubrious bump in numbers equates to a felicitious bump in zippiness. Hit the gas and go. Next?

No matter which engine we drove, though, we found the ride and refinement well sorted. The Outback is built on an all-new and more rigid platform, and the engine sits in its new cradle on hydraulic mounts. The Outback's wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer, while out back a double wishbone suspension takes over from the multi-link unit and more stout stabilizer bars are located front and rear. What you get is the ride of a car – not a CUV, and not even a wagon. A car.


Then you make a right turn at the sign for the Continental Divide, where the dirt and ruts and washboard and rocks begin, and it's pure Subaru. The Outback – every model, no matter if it wears 16- or 17-inch wheels – has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. That's half an inch more than the Toyota Venza, the car Subaru sees as prime Outback competition, and the same as a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and just 0.2 inches less than a Range Rover. The Outback is unfazed by mud, by repeatedly hitting its bump-stops, by 35-degree inclines. Pick your line, pay attention, and drive. The same Subaru experience that has made the company's name in almost every dusty, snowy, icy, yak-tracked corner of the world.

Now for the price: the 2.5i manual will subtract $22,995 from your checking account, $23,995 if you go for the CVT, plus $694 destination. That's thousands less than most of the competition Subaru has identified, such as the Venza and Volvo XC70. To get close to that you'd be looking at a Jetta SE Sportwagon, and then you lose out on the space, ground clearance and AWD. Step up to the base 3.6 and you're in for $27,995. The tippy top 3.6 Limited starts at $30,995, a $1,000 drop from the current, smaller-engined Outback 3.0 Limited, and once you get to $33,995 you're out of factory options. The MSRP on a 3.5-liter V6 AWD Venza is $30,595. You can get features on the Venza that you can't get on the Subaru, such as a tow prep package, smart key and electronic rear gate, but if you want to add a voice-controlled navigation you need the Premium 2 package which lumps $8,205 onto the bill. As for the Volvo, the fully loaded Outback is $4,000 less than the MSRP of the XC70.


And if they've done their typical Subaru job, the 2010 Outback will outlive Methuselah and the only time you'll find a secondhand manual transmission car is at an estate sale.

If you need a very good car and you don't need flash, get the 2.5i with some frills. If you need a very good car and you want a little bit of zip, get the 3.6. Either way, you're buying a terrific piece of equipment that offers the fortitude of a bison wrapped in the appeal of a pony. And finally, you don't have to shop at Whole Foods to do it.

[Source: Autoblog]