SUV buster

2008 Infiniti EX35: ready to get one?

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:07:00 +0000

Nissan's luxurious brand has officially confirmed that the 2008 Infiniti EX35 crossover SUV is now on sale in the United States. The vehicle is available for order in four trims, namely RWD ($31,300), RWD Journey ($34,850), AWD ($32,700) and AWD Journey ($36,250).

The choice of engines is limited to only one 297 hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6, which is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic may work in both Manual Shift Mode and Drive Sport Mode but the low number of gear ratios is rather disappointing now, when you can get a vehicle with seven- or even eight-speed gearboxes.

Top of the line 2008 Infiniti EX35 Journey trim comes with standard power moonroof, leather-appointed seats, automatic second row seat, auto dimming mirror, HomeLink garage doors and home security systems control system, front and rear sonar, and automatic headlights.

The list of options, company is reporting in its press release, includes the Around Vehicle Monitor (AVM) parking assistance technology, Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system.

See also: Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

Technorati tags: Infiniti, EX35, AWD, RWD, Journey, price, SUV

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line SUV is in the works

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:19:00 +0000

Volkswagen's "special engineering" department VW Individual is reportedly working on an "R-Line" trim for the yet to start selling VW Tiguan compact SUV. Although officially called a design "study", the trim will possibly be available for the SUV's prospective buyers. At least, it would be nice to see the tuning kit installed on otherwise dull and uninspiring Tiguan.

The kit, as you can see on the photos, consists of new front and rear bumpers, 19-inch multispoke wheels, naturally-looking wheel arch extensions and a new grille with chrome parts.

Inside the VW Tiguan R-Line you'll find a multifunction steering wheel and a pair of sport seats for the driver and front passenger.

See also: Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport to be unveiled in Frankfurt

Technorati tags: VW, Volkswagen, Tiguan, R-Line, tuning, SUV

2009 Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid is a go

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:49:00 +0000

General Motors is planning to start selling an electric plug-in version of its 2008 Saturn Vue compact SUV sometime "in 2009," Detroit Free Press is reporting citing Saturn's general manager Jill Lajdziak.

Having a powertrain combining lithium-ion batteries and GM's two-mode hybrid system, the electric-powered Vue will be capable of traveling up to 10 miles on a single charge before switching to an internal-combustion engine.

The batteries will possibly be recharged on the go with the help of regenerative braking technologies. There will also be a less convenient option of plugging-in the car to the electric grid via a standard 110-volt household outlet; although the company says nothing about how long will it take to recharge the batteries to full capacity.

There is still no info about the vehicle's price.

See also: Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

Technorati tags: Saturn, Vue, plug-in, hybrid, GM, SUV

Permalink: 2009 Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid is a go

2007 Mazda CX7 is available in the U.K.

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 02:53:00 +0000

British customers are now able to buy the brand new Mazda CX7 crossover SUV. Formerly available only in Japan and the United States, the sporty crossover has finally come to Europe. The car, it follows from Mazda's press release, will available only in one basic trim and will start at £23,960.

For the money, you'll get a car-based SUV equipped with a noisy 2.3-liter turbocharged engine we've come to know from Mazdaspeed6 and Mazda MPS. It is capable of delivering 260 ps and 380 Nm.

The list of standard equipment includes leather seats, Xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys, air-conditioning, cruise control, parking sensors in front and rear, and a BOSE surround audio system.

See also: Mazda CX-7 is dressing up for Europe

Technorati tags: Mazda, CX7, crossover, engine, Bose, SUV

Permalink: 2007 Mazda CX7 is available in the U.K.

Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport to be unveiled in Frankfurt

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 04:40:00 +0000

At the upcoming motor show in Frankfurt, Toyota will present its new Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport vehicle. Well, it takes a lot of guts to envision a cross-country version of a car that was supposed to be an off-roader for starters.

The last generation of Toyota RAV4 was essentially a city-dweller that only looked like a small SUV. Unfortunately, current model doesn't even sport a SUV-like appearance, looking more like a station wagon with slightly increased ground clearance. No wonder that Toyota's marketing department has eventually decided to introduce a trim with more muscular and SUV-like looks.

The Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport will be powered by a choice of three engines, including a 2.0 liter 152 hp VVT-I and a 2.2 liter D-4D diesel.

The list of equipment includes 17-inch alloys, LED tail-lamps, a DVD navigation system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, parking assistance and anthracite colored seats.

The car is expected to arrive in European dealerships by the middle of this month.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

Technorati tags: Toyota, RAV4, Cross Sport, DVD, LED, SUV

Permalink: Toyota RAV4 Cross Sport to be unveiled in Frankfurt

Ford Escape Hybrid flex-fuel vehicles go to Illinois

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 03:07:00 +0000

Ford has delivered first seven out of twenty hybrid-powered Ford Escape SUVs capable of working on E85 flex-fuel. The vehicles have gone to the State of Illinois, Illinois Corn Growers and Commonwealth Edison.

There are more than 140 E85 refueling stations in Illinois so Ford has a good opportunity to field-test its flex-fuel hybrids in real conditions.

First introduced in January at the Washington, D.C. auto show, the Ford E85 Escape Hybrid produces about 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a gasoline-fueled Escape Hybrid. Another advantage of the car is that it runs on a completely renewable fuel, helping reroute some money from the Middle East to the Middle West.

See also: Twenty Ford Escape Hybrid E85 SUVs go to six states

Technorati tags: Ford, Escape, hybrid, E85, Illinois, SUV

Permalink: Ford Escape Hybrid flex-fuel vehicles go to Illinois

Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 21:27:00 +0000

Audi has finally provided some more information on the hybrid version of its Audi Q7 SUV currently in the works. Although sharing its 7L platform with Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg, the Q7 will probably not get the upcoming hybrid drive from the Cayenne and will have to use Audi's own job.

The Audi Q7's hybrid drive, Audi says in its press release, will possibly be combined of VW's current 280hp/375Nm 3.6-liter FSI V6 and a 50hp/285Nm electric motor. To ensure the maximum fuel efficiency, the electric device will be nested between the engine and the torque converter of the automatic gearbox.

Having about 660Nm of combined torque, the Audi Q7 Hybrid will propel itself from zero to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds and sprint from 60 to 120km/h in 11.9 seconds. In EU combined cycle, the hybrid SUV will consume about 9.8 liters of gas per 100 km (it is around 29 mpg). That's really not bad, considering that the vehicle weighs 2,480 kg (5460 lb) and that the base model drinks has 23 percent worse mileage. And its level of CO2 emissions will also drop from 304 g/km to less frightening 231 g/km.

See also: Audi Q7 SUV may go hybrid

Technorati tags: Audi, Audi Q7, hybrid, VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, SUV

Permalink: Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

2008 Dodge Journey to debut in Frankfurt

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:31:00 +0000

Chrysler will use the upcoming IAA motor show in Frankfurt to officially debut its 2008 Dodge Journey crossover SUV. Set to compete against such strong players as the new Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Opel Antara, and the recently introduced 2008 Toyota Highlander, the Journey will definitely have hard time getting to customers' wallets.

The 2008 Dodge Journey, company is reporting in its press release, will be based on the GS platform, used by the 2008 Dodge Avenger, as well as by the aforementioned Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Compass, and Dodge Caliber. The platform was stretched by 124 mm, though, to accommodate seven (or, actually, 5 + 2) passengers.

The vehicle will be available in both front- and all-wheel-drive and will be equipped with a choice of at least three engines. The most powerful 3.5-liter V6 powerplant will generate up to 325 hp and 232 lb-ft (314 Nm) of torque. Another engine, a 2.4-liter inline four-pot, will produce only 173 hp and 166ft-lb (224Nm) of torque, while the last powerplant, a 2.7-liter V6, will squeeze out 186 hp and 191ft-lb (259Nm).

There is no info on pricing and general availability yet.

See also: Dodge Nitro UK pricing announced

Technorati tags: Dodge, Journey, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Highlander, crossover, SUV

Permalink: 2008 Dodge Journey to debut in Frankfurt

Phoenix electric SUV to be delayed?

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 02:47:00 +0000

It seems that Phoenix Motorcars company will not be able to start shipping its long-awaited SUVs and SUTs by this fall as it was promised. The company still struggles to work through certification process with ARB, solve problems with financing and set their own production facility. The first vehicles will be shipped to customers in early 2008. So far the company has received 500 orders for the vehicle.

The vehicle in question is based on the Chinese-owned and Korea-produced Ssangyong Actyon SUV and Ssangyong Actyon Sport SUT. The Actyon's internal combustion engine is replaced with an electric motor, which is powered by lithium titanate batteries. Currently, the EV SUV may run about 130 miles on a single charge reaching a top speed of 100 mph.

Produced by Altair Nanotechnologies, lithium titanate batteries have significant advantage over the other types of electric accumulators -- once exhausted, they may be recharged in about half an hour.

See also: 150 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cells in the Project Driveway giveaway

Technorati tags: Phoenix, electric, EV, SUT, SUV

Permalink: Phoenix electric SUV to be delayed?

150 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cells in the Project Driveway giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 01:11:00 +0000

Well, it's not exactly a giveaway. General Motors plans to have "up to" 150 experimental Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell crossover SUVs to be delivered to a group of select drivers both in the U.S. and Europe. Those lucky ones chosen to participate in the program, will be used as ~~guinea pigs~~ beta-testers of the hydrogen-fueled vehicles. They will also get their H2 fuel for free.

It is reported that the first parties of Equinoxes will be delivered to California, New York and the Washington, DC areas. Another lot of the Chevies will cross the Pond with the HydroGen 4 nameplate installed.

See also: 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV will start at $26,620

Technorati tags: Chevrolet, Equinox, fuel cell, H2, SUV, CO2, price

Permalink: 150 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cells in the Project Driveway giveaway

BMW X5 E70 will get greener

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:28:00 +0000

BMW is reportedly readying a comparatively 'green' version of its latest BMW X5 E70 highway-bound SUV. Trying to save its customers about fifty bucks for every time they enter the City of London (and save its own perishing sales, too,) the German company is working on its green Efficient Dynamics technology.

The British Business Car magazine says that new BMW X5 3.0d and BMW X5 3.0Sd equipped with this fuel-saving technology will feature an impressive drop of CO2 emissions -- to 214 and 216 g/km respectively. This is considerably below the current 225 g/km level set by London authorities.

How will Mr. Livingstone respond?

See also: Eco-friendly 2002 Chevrolet Suburban Mad Max-style

Technorati tags: BMW, X5, E70, Livingstone, SUV, CO2

Permalink: BMW X5 E70 will get greener

Infiniti EX 35 coupe SUV to pull BMW X6's nose

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 19:18:00 +0000

Clearly aiming at the upcoming BMW X6 crossover SUV, Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti has revealed its latest and greatest Infiniti EX 35 coupe-like crossover. Based on the current Infinity G35 sedan, the new SUV sports the same VQ35HR 3.5 liter V6 engine, rated at 290 hp and mated to a five-speed manumatic with DS sport mode with DRM, and ASC.

Featuring almost the same interior as the G35, the Infiniti EX 35 has a set of jokers in its sleeve, including a Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, a self-healing Scratch Shield paint and a pretty cool Around View Monitor (AVM) providing a bird's eye view on the vehicle's vicinity.

The Infiniti EX 35 crossover SUV was revealed this week at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and will arrive at Infiniti's European dealerships by Autumn 2008. Its price is yet to be confirmed.

See also: 2007 Infiniti QX56 gets the price

Technorati tags: Infiniti, EX 35, coupe, crossover, SUV, BMW X6, price

Permalink: Infiniti EX 35 coupe SUV to pull BMW X6's nose

2007 Lexus RX 400h will join U.K. police force

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:48:00 +0000

U.K. bobbies will soon find themselves inside both luxurious and environmentally friendly Lexus RX 400h SUV with hybrid drive. The SUVs, along with the new Lexus GS 450h sports saloon and Lexus LS 600h executive saloon, have been presented to future customers at the National Police Fleet Managers Association Conference ending today.

British police has been experimenting with hybrid vehicles for a long time, already having in its fleet vehicles like Honda Civic Hybrid used by the MP's Community Support Officers.

The 2007 Lexus RX 400h SUV can be ordered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. It offers impressive fuel efficiency of 34.9mpg in the combined cycle (EU) and emits only 192g of CO2 per kilometer.

See also: 2008 Lexus RX 350 will start at $37,400

Technorati tags: Lexus, RX 400h, Hybrid, mpg, police, CO2, SUV

Permalink: 2007 Lexus RX 400h will join U.K. police force

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV will start at $26,620

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:17:00 +0000

The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV may be looking boring and uninspiring but it is anyway one of the most affordable mid-size sport utility vehicles on the American market. Its hybrid version, it appears, will also be one of the cheapest SUVs being even less expensive than the 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid and second only to the 2WD 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.

The front-wheel drive model, Boston Herald is reporting, will start at a mere $26,620, which is almost $2,000 less expensive than the last year model. Well, the price reduction came, err, at a price: the cheapest version of the SUV lost its full-wheel drive.

Anyway, the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid features decent mileage of 34 miles per gallon in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway and, theoretically, can provide you with 500 miles travel on a single 15-gallon tank of gas. So, the Mariner seems more fuel efficient than the more expensive 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h.

See also: GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe go hybrid

Technorati tags: Mercury, Mariner, Hybrid, mpg, price, 2WD, SUV

Permalink: 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV will start at $26,620

Range Rover Sport LE to invade the U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:19:00 +0000

Land Rover North America is readying its new über weapon set to conquer the U.S. market. Called Range Rover Sport LE, the new executive-class SUV will be limited to 250 copies only, making it one of the most exclusive SUVs in the world.

The upcoming Range Rover Sport LE will come equipped with flush-fitting front and rear bumpers, an extended rear roof spoiler, body-colored lower side panels, a new rear exhaust treatment, tread strips and 20-inch Stormer wheels (wheels alone will add to the vehicle's cost around $5,000 USD, so you get the idea how expensive the rest of the package is).

Inside the Range Rover Sport LE you will find adaptive cruise control, some luxurious leather upholstery, cold climate option, adaptive front lighting, hand-polished oak wooden trim, center console cooler box and carpet mats.

Rear passengers will also receive an audio visual entertainment system of their own.

All this luxury on wheels will be motivated by a powerful 4.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine mated to a permanent four wheel drive system equipped with Range Rover's Terrain Response system.

Land Rover North America plans to sell the Range Rover Sport Supercharged LE will at a price of $81,450. Ouch!

See also: Range Rover Sport TDV8 tuned by Arden

Technorati tags: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover, LE, Stormer, price, SUV

Permalink: Range Rover Sport LE to invade the U.S.

Hamann tunes Range Rover Sport Conqueror, offers wide body aero-kit

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:39:00 +0000

German tuning specialist Hamann continues its exploits in the highly respectable field of making Range Rover SUVs' owners a little bit happier with their luxurious iron horses. This time Hamann has presented a comprehensive tuning program for the expensive Range Rover Sport Conqueror, a decent rival to the large and famous Cadillac Escalade SUV.

After receiving Hamann's treatment, the Range Rover Sport Conqueror now sports a muscular wide body aerodynamic kit with as well as an ECU engine upgrade kit and a sports braking system consisting of two slotted and inside-vented brake discs in the dimension 380x34mm, two Hamann eight-piston fixed caliper brakes in red plus special brake pads and steel flex brake pipes.

After remapping, both 2.7-liter V6 oil-burner and the 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engines show significantly increased power output. The diesel engine, for example, now produces 225bhp @ 4,000 rpm of power and impressive 510 Nm @ 1,900 rpm of torque. The naturally-aspirated V8 is able to deliver up to 323bhp @ 5,500 rpm and 450 Nm of torque available at 3,500 rpm. Customers living outside the EU may also order a supercharged version of the engine with a sports high-performance header, sports metal catalytic converters and a sports rear muffler installed and capable of delivering up to 475bhp at 5,740 rpm and the maximum torque of 610 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

Of course, the program also includes a set of 315/25R23 wheels fitted to 23-inch multi-pieced Edition Race rims, a 4-pipe sports rear muffler and 90mm stainless steel tailpipes.

See also: Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

Technorati tags: Hamann, Range Rover Sport, Conqueror, diesel, tuning, ECU, cars, SUV

Permalink: Hamann tunes Range Rover Sport Conqueror, offers wide body aero-kit

2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:07:00 +0000

The new generation of Highlanders will be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model of the popular crossover SUV. In return, Toyota promises more power, better fuel efficiency and an impressive set of safety features coming as standard.

Based on the Toyota Camry sedan, the 2008 Toyota Highlander will be available in three trims -- Base, Sport and Limited. They will all be motivated by the same new 3.5-liter V6 VVT-i engine capable of producing up to 270 hp, which is 55 hp more than the older 3.3-liter engine could provide. Toyota says that, although being more powerful, the new motor will not be significantly thirstier than the engine available with the last-year's Highlanders.

The crossovers will also be much safer than the older model. The list of standard safety equipment includes enhanced vehicle stability control, with electronic power steering, traction control, seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active headrests for the driver and front passenger, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

As to the prices, the Base trim will be available at $27,300 for the 4x2 models and $28,750 for the AWD. Both models will be about 2 percent more expensive than the outgoing vehicle.

The Sport trim will carry a little bit heavier price tags of $29,950 for the 4x2 and $31,400 for the 4x4.

The top of the line Toyota Highlander Limited will be available at $32,700 for the 4x2 and $34,150 for the 4x4 model. Both members of the Limited trim will be 6 percent more expensive than the current Highlander. Dollar is getting cheaper all the time, yeah?

See also: Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

Technorati tags: Toyota, Highlander, V6, crossover, VVT-i, cars, SUV

Permalink: 2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 dCi got 'Best SUV' award

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 21:18:00 +0000

Recently introduced Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 dCi equipped with ALL-MODE transmission has just received its first award. The editorial staff of the British "What Diesel Car?" magazine has granted the small crossover SUV the 'Best SUV' award praising the vehicle's "lovely drive", capability and good look.

The magazine considered the Nissan QASHQAI 2.0dCi the best option in the whole range taking into account its decent mileage (which is up to 40.9 mpg) and low CO₂ emissions of just 184g/km "when fitted with manual transmission and in 4WD configuration."

The diesel engine produces up to 150hp @ 4,000 rpm and generous 320Nm of torque peaking at 2,000 rpm.

See also: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $25,700

Technorati tags: Nissan, QASHQAI, dCi, crossover, diesel, cars, SUV

Permalink: Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 dCi got 'Best SUV' award

StarTech exterior tuning for the Jeep Wrangler

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:23:00 +0000

Startech keeps introducing its fresh tuning packages for the recent bunch of American compact SUVs. The complete tuning program for the new Jeep Wrangler is yet to be developed, but the owners of the all-terrain vehicle may now order some exterior enhancements elements developed by Startech's designers.

The most interesting part of the package is the new set of polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels designed to feet the SUV's 285/50 R 20 both on- and off-road tires. The company insists that the rims not only provide the vehicle with more exclusive look but also ensure 'more agile' and safer handling.

There will also soon be available stainless-steel tubular side guards, a spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring, and a stainless-steel exhaust with a pair of oval chrome tailpipes.

Inside the Wrangler, you can install new scuff plates and a Startech sport steering wheel.

The German tuner also promises to soon add a STARTECH SD 4T tuning module for the Jeep Wrangler's recently introduced 2.8-liter common-rail oil-burner.

See also: Jeep Compass Rallye Package from Mopar adds insult to injury

Technorati tags: Startech, Jeep, Wrangler, tuning, cars, SUV

Permalink: StarTech exterior tuning for the Jeep Wrangler

Range Rover Sport TDV8 tuned by Arden

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:05:00 +0000

Arden has again done its best in refining the top of the range (no pun intended) Range Rover Sport TDV8 SUV. Although the body kit offered with the tuning program looks as lousy as usual (I mean, converting an SUV into a race car looks more like a kind of perversion, not personalization), the engine tuning makes quite a solid impression.

After all the modifications, the TDV8's turbodiesel engine produces 315 hp (the original model squeezes out no more than 275 hp if the weather is good) and its peak torque has also been increased to monstrous 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).

The vehicle comes equipped with a custom stainless steel exhaust system, 22-inch monoblock 'Dakar' rims, V_max deactivation unit and new electronic air suspension system

See also: Range Rover SportAR6 Stronger by Arden

Technorati tags: Arden, Range Rover, TDV8, tuning, cars, SUV

Permalink: Range Rover Sport TDV8 tuned by Arden

Mazda CX-7 is dressing up for Europe

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:30:00 +0000

Mazda CX-7 small crossover, which has already been launched in Japan and North America with about 46,000 units sold to date, has been undergoing serious tuning to meet the Europeans' somewhat different tastes and local safety and environmental regulations.

The mini-SUV has been tried and tested at Mazda's European research and development center in Oberursel, Germany with tests conducted at both local Autobahns and the famous Nurburgring's Nordschleife race track.

As the result of the tests, the Mazda CX7 has got its body rigidity increased and different parts of chassis reinforced. The vehicle's top of the range 2.3-litre gasoline-powered DISI turbo engine, which is capable of producing up to 260 PS and 380 Nm of torque has also been mated with a specially developed six-speed manual gearbox.

Looks like the Europeans have again received a product, which is considerably superior to its sibling delivered across the Pond.

See also: 2007 Mazda CX-7 is one of the safest SUVs on the market

Technorati tags: Mazda, CX7, Europe, DISI, cars, SUV

Permalink: Mazda CX-7 is dressing up for Europe

BMW X5 E70 4.8i M Sport package

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:13:00 +0000

The new generation BMW X5 E70 sport utility vehicle is now available with the legendary M Sport label. Clearly aiming at the latest Porsche Cayenne SUV, the new BMW X5 M Sport is a potential hit since about 90 per cent of all X5s are sold in a Sport trim anyway.

The BMW E70 X5 4.8i M Sport will offer not only horsepower and torque but also almost excessive luxury. The car comes to market with Nevada leather upholstery, and Dark Walnut interior trim, which may also be changed to Brushed Aluminum, Dark Bamboo or Light Poplar at no additional cost.

Equipped with a 4.8-liter 355 hp engine featuring Bi-VANOS and Valvetronic variable valve technologies, the X5 M Sport will be available with 19- or 20-inch V-spoke M alloys, Sports suspension, M Aerodynamic body styling, Sports seats, matt aluminum surround to the side window frames, high-gloss Shadowline roof rails, Anthracite headlining and M leather steering wheel.

And it is fast too. BMW promises that your new and shiny BMW E70 X5 4.8i M Sport will take only 6.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62 mph and will reach a top speed of 150. What's really nice (it's not really crucial if you are ready to pay some £53,440 for the beast) is that being that powerful, the X5 M Sport will feature up to 22.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

It is promised that the M Sport package will soon be available for both 3.0d and 3.0si models.

See also: BMW X5 E70 tuned by Hamann

Technorati tags: BMW, X5, E70, M Sport, cars, SUV

Permalink: BMW X5 E70 4.8i M Sport package

Art Tuning X64 package for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:15:00 +0000

The latest Mercedes-Benz GL-Class family of full-size SUVs is so good as it is that most tuners' attempts to make it even better look really futile, not to say stupid. Nevertheless, serious tuning companies keep presenting their own packages for the highly successful SUV. Now, Art Tuning joins the fray with its X64 program.

On the outside, the package gives the Mercedes-Benz GL a new spoiler with additional air-intakes and a new rear apron with integral air diffuser and four huge chrome-plated exhaust tips. The vehicle has also got a new set of xenon headlamps, LED running lamps and foglamps. As usual, the Mercedes' running boards feature tuner's logo in brushed stainless steel.

Inside, there is a fortune of expensive leather and Alcantara, a leather-clad steering wheel with wooden or carbon fiber parts and a luxurious multimedia entertainment system with an impressive LCD monitor installed on the ceiling.

The Art Tuning X64 package, Inside Line is reporting, includes "optimization" of the GL's original turbodiesel engine (similar packages for both the V6 and V8 petrol engines are also in the works) and an inevitable reprogramming of the Airmatic adjustable air suspension, decreasing the GL's ground clearance by about 7 cm.

See also: Mercedes-Benz GL450 got 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

Technorati tags: Mercedes-Benz, GL, tuning, X64, cars, SUV

Permalink: Art Tuning X64 package for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

2008 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $25,700

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Sat, 19 May 2007 12:18:00 +0000

Nissan North America has just begun selling its 2008 Nissan Pathfinder full-size SUV. Offered in six trims, the refreshed SUV is for the first time available with new 5.6-liter V8 engine, capable of producing up to 310 hp and impressive 388 lb-ft of torque. The standard model features less potent 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque 4.0-liter V6, though.

All models except for the top one are available with a standard five-speed automatic with a choice of either 4x2 or 4x4 drive.

The least expensive 2008 Nissan Pathfinder S comes at MSRP $25,700 and features 4x2 drive, standard V6 engine and you will have to through in additional couple of grands to upgrade it to the full-wheel-drive.

The mid-range 2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE trim is also available in either front- or full-wheel-drive and costs $30,600 or $32,850 respectively. These vehicles are shipped with the already both V6 and V8 engines, and feature new chrome applique for body side moldings, a RearView camera and a new rear lift gate with power cinch feature.

The top of the line 2008 Nissan Pathfinder LE starts at $33,900 and is available only in full-wheel-drive.

See also: Nissan Pathfinder scored well in EuroNCAP tests

Technorati tags: Nissan, Pathfinder, V8, price, cars, SUV

Permalink: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $25,700

Abt tunes VW Touareg

noreply@blogger.com (nektotigra) — Thu, 17 May 2007 19:52:00 +0000

Marking the fifth anniversary of Volkswagen's aggressive charge into the field of premium SUVs, German tuner Abt has prepared its tuning program for the 2007 VW Touareg.

The program includes power enhancements for all of the engines that the new Touareg comes equipped with. The popular 3.0 TDI oil-burner gets a power bump of 45 hp, producing 270 horsepower and 550Nm of torque. A little bit smaller 2.5 TDI diesel engine now sports 195 hp instead of standard 174 hp. Touareg's top of the diesel line VS10 5.0-liter ten-cylinder turbodiesel engine got its power increased to 360 hp. And the most powerful 4.2-liter V8 now features as much as 500hp instead of the standard 350hp.

The Abt Touareg has also been given with new air suspension with Abt Level Control, as well as the Abt brake system, which replaces Touareg's standard brakes.

As to the SUV's appearance, it is equipped with a new front spoiler lip, side skirts, fender extensions, a rear wing, rear skirts and the mighty looking four-pipe exhaust system. The Abt Touareg may be delivered with the 19, 20 or even 22-inch Abt AR-wheels.

See also: Edo Competition tunes VW Touareg. Makes it a Porsche

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