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Audi’s All-New 2011 Audi A8 L Flagship Sedan

Posted on 18. Jul, 2010 by admin.

The full-size A8 sedan embodies the Vorsprung durch Technik for which Audi is renowned. The brand now presents the new top version of its flagship: The long-wheelbase A8 L sets standards for luxury, dynamics and efficiency. It will debut in fall 2010 with five engines, including the powerful twelve-cylinder with 500 hp.

The Audi A8 L impresses with a presence of powerful confidence – it is a large, distinguished luxury sedan. Length and wheelbase have both been stretched by 5.12 in versus the standard version; the A8 L measures 17.29 ft. All of this added length is to the benefit of the rear seat passengers.

Audi offers two power-adjustable and heated individual seats as an option for the rear, which can be paired with the optional continuous, elegantly-styled center console with large storage compartments. The individual seats can also be equipped with optional ventilation and massage functions, and features such as a folding table and a cool box make the passengers’ stay even more enjoyable. The top version is the relaxation seat with power footrest. It comes complete with every available luxury option, including a rear seat entertainment system. [...]

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The New Volvo V60 Sports Wagon

Posted on 06. Jul, 2010 by admin.

The Volvo V60 makes its entry onto the car market with its sights firmly set on giving the all-new S60 sedan model a tough match over the title of “The Most Dynamic Volvo Model Ever”.

“Many of the customers who had an advance look at the new V60 during the development process feel that its attitude is at least as sporty as that of the all-new S60,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Peter Horbury.

No less than 90 percent of the annual V60 production of 50,000 cars will find European buyers.

The response of the enthusiastic customers is music to the ears of the project group, which has always had its sights set on giving the V60 the emotive aura, sporty design and dynamic driving properties of a genuine sports wagon. [...]

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BMW Megacity Vehicle Official Details

Posted on 02. Jul, 2010 by admin.

The BMW Group is once again breaking new ground with the Megacity Vehicle (MCV), due to come onto the market in 2013: “The Megacity Vehicle is a revolutionary automobile. It will be the world’s first volume-produced vehicle with a passenger cell made from carbon. Our LifeDrive architecture is helping us to open a new chapter in automotive lightweight design. Indeed, this concept allows us to practically offset the extra 250 to 350 kilograms of weight typically found in electrically powered vehicles.” says Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management for Development.

“The drive system remains the heartbeat of a car, and that also applies to electric vehicles,” said Draeger. “Powertrains also remain a core area of expertise of Bayerische Motoren Werke. Electromobility and the hallmark BMW driving pleasure make an excellent match, if you go about things the right way. For this reason we are developing the powertrain for the Megacity Vehicle in-house – that includes the electric motor, the power electronics and the battery system.” [...]

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New Curve Control Technology By Ford

Posted on 28. Jun, 2010 by admin.

Ford today introduced a new innovation – Curve Control – designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles when taking a curve too quickly.  

Curve Control debuts as standard equipment on the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer going into production later this year, and will be offered on 90 percent of the company’s North American crossovers, sport utilities, trucks and vans by 2015.  

The technology senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly – a situation found to contribute to about 50,000 crashes each year in the U.S. – and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second.   [...]

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2011 Volvo S40 Details

Posted on 21. Jun, 2010 by admin.

When the current generation of the Volvo S40 was introduced in 2003, Volvo Cars had its sights firmly set on younger buyers with high demands on sportiness and premium feel.
A number of distinctive design cues when the model was refined in 2007 took the S40 a visual step closer to the Volvo S80 – giving customers large-car properties in a compact format and with clearly sporty overtones.

The Volvo S40 has a compact body with rounded lines and a clean-cut tail section. The car’s appearance exudes modern design and speed. The short bonnet and pronounced cab-forward stance help create a spacious cabin with generous interior space. The broad shoulders and convex side panels radiate power and emphasise the car’s compact dimensions. [...]

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Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2011 Nissan Versa

Posted on 11. Jun, 2010 by admin.

Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, which are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. With a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $9,990 USD – unchanged from 2009 – the Versa Sedan 1.6 Base retains its position as one of the lowest priced new cars available in the United States market.

Versa enhancements for 2011, following an extensive list of changes for the last model year, include the addition of an in-dash 6-disc CD player for the Sedan 1.8 S, and the addition of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for the Versa Sedan 1.6 (except 1.6 Base).

The front-wheel drive Nissan Versa continues to provide excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess.  Versa features one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and largest interiors in the entry-level segment.   [...]

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Honda Design Philosophy Stresses Function

Posted on 08. May, 2010 by admin.

Honda isn’t typically singled out for its design expertise. Instead, it is the fun-to-drive and rock-solid aspects of Honda vehicles that usually get top billing. But quietly, Honda has been capturing more and more international kudos for its leading-edge design work, and we were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Nobuki Ebisawa, the corporate managing director and general manager of styling and design development, to talk about it.

Ebisawa stressed two simple and overarching themes for Honda design: dynamism and functionality. He said the company’s designers still draw inspiration from the functional designs of the first-generation Honda Civic and first-generation Accord that were drawn in the same nondescript design studio in which Ebisawa and his crew work today. And at the same time, they look back all the way to the 1963 S500 sports car to channel the dynamism that helps set the brand apart. 

Ebisawa is proud of what he calls “an unbroken chain of dynamism and functionality” that stretches from those earliest models through the legendary Acura NSX sports coupe of the ’90s to the Honda Odyssey minivan that transformed its segment. He expects that the upcoming hybrid Honda CR-Z, which was shown in concept form at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, will draw on both aspects of the Honda personality. Functionality will be characterized by the fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain, and dynamism will be expressed by the car’s style and fun-to-drive nature. [...]

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Toyota Takes a Beating

Posted on 17. Apr, 2010 by admin.

The immense wave of controversy, now in its second month, over alleged unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles is having impacting consumer sentiment negatively, according to market research firm Decision Analyst. 

Toyota has become less appealing to 53 percent of Americans, while at the same time 29 percent of Americans view Ford as having increased its appeal. Those were key findings contained in the firm’s New Vehicle Brand Barometer Study of 4,294 American consumers. 

Those are the “high-line” results, and less apparent are the competitive eddies swirling around all automotive brands today that are also impacting the scene. In addition to Ford, Chevrolet and Honda have also gained stature with the consumer populace over the past few years, and Chrysler joined Toyota as the only other net loser. (Chrysler’s loss was not nearly on the magnitude of Toyota’s fall from grace.) [...]

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