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mercedes-benz concept

2011-07-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

mercedes-benz concept

The Mercedes-Benz GLK-class is just about on sale and the German luxury automaker is bringing four concept variants of its new 'ute to the SEMA show. First up is a GLK modified by famous tuner Brabus. Called the Widestar, it started life as a GLK300 BlueTec and now sports a widebody kit with a redesigned front and rear and big fender flares to reign in the custom Brabus wheels. It also features a special edition interior from Brabus.
Second is the RENNtech Rally Racer. It was inspired by cars that tackle the Pike's Peak hill climb in the unlimited class. This GLK is fitted with RENNtech's first hybrid powertrain to improve acceleration off the line and exiting corners.
Third, a GLK by Boulevard Customs. This shop decided to turn their vehicle into a street machine, giving it a widebody kit hanging over massive 26-in. wheels. Inside the Urban Whip, passengers are treated to a custom interior and a hugely powerful sound system.
Last, the Legendary Motorcars Company has gone the opposite way with their GLK, instead creating an off-roader called the Four Corners Rock Crawler. The vehicle features a unique winching system for bringing skateboarders and wakeboarders up to speed so that they can grind down the vehicle's special side rails.

mercedes-benz concept

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder

2011-06-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder

Even lighter, even more powerful, even more captivating: The Audi R8 GT Spyder delivers breathtaking performance. The open-top flagship version of the high-performance sports car develops 412 kW (560 hp) and - thanks to Audi ultra - has trimmed a full 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) from an already low weight. The Audi R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph).

One year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT in coupe form as the new flagship model of the R8 model line. It wasn't long before all 333 units in the limited series were sold out. Now the open-top version of the high-performance sports car is being launched, with production again capped at 333 units. Each car sports a tag with its individual number on the gear lever knob.

The Audi ultra lightweight technology is the key to the Audi R8 GT Spyder's weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb). That's 85 kilograms (187.39 lb) less than its technical basis, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, consisting of cast nodes, extruded sections and aluminum panels, accounts for just 214 kilograms (471.79 lb) of the total weight. The body is assembled predominantly by hand in the R8 workshop at the Neckarsulm plant. Final assembly of the car takes place in the same way.
The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper. Together, these components provide a weight saving of 5.5 kilograms (12.13 lb).

Visual modifications accentuate the styling of the Audi R8 GT Spyder. These include add-on parts in contrasting titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi offers an optional windshield frame in matt CFRP.

Audi engineers also trimmed weight from the technical components in the area of the transmission, wheels and brakes. In the interior, the bucket seats alone, with their chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), saved 31.5 kilograms (69.45 lb) of weight.

In classic Audi fashion, the Audi R8 GT Spyder features a lightweight fabric soft top that is extremely quiet and fully suitable for highway cruising. Its electrohydraulic drive brings it up or down in 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The extendible glass rear window is nestled in the bulkhead, separate from the soft top. Integrated in the bulkhead is a rollover protection system comprising two pretensioned plates.

Prodigious power: the drivetrain

The performance offered by the new top-of-the-line model in the R8 family is formidable. The 5.2-liter V10 with an aluminum crankcase draws its fuel from an FSI direct injection system. Dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil even under maximum lateral or straight-line acceleration.

With its modified electronic management, the long-stroke engine produces 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and its peak output is 412 kW (560 hp). Each unit of horsepower has only 2.93 kilograms (6.46 lb) to move.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph). In every situation, the engine impresses with its thrust and bite - and that unmistakable sound of an Audi ten-cylinder.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder comes standard with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick. At high load and revs, gear changes take only one-tenth of a second. The launch control program manages the starting sprint with high engine speed and precision-control of the tire slip.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a strong rear-wheel bias, granted by the axle load distribution. If the situation calls for it, the system sends additional torque to the front axle. In tandem with the limited slip differential at the rear, it provides an added measure of traction, stability and cornering speed, giving it a strong lead over the rear-wheel-drive competition.

The suspension, too, is unrivaled in its performance. Aluminum double wishbones locate the wheels, and the rack-and-pinion power steering provides intimate contact with the road. Taut tuning lowers the body by approximately 10 millimeters (0.39 in). The open high-performance sports car has 19-inch wheels, with 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear. The large, lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs decelerate the car with supreme ease. The ESP stabilization program has a sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

Pure comfort: the interior and equipment

Great attention to detail is evident in the materials and workmanship inside the car. The salient aspect of the controls is their logically structured design. The open two-seater offers a roomy interior, and its front end can accommodate up to 100 liters (3.53 cu. ft) of cargo. The rear bulkhead houses three storage compartments.

The interior is black and can be adorned with stitching in a choice of titanium gray or crimson for added refinement. Alcantara upholstery comes standard - on the sport steering wheel and windshield frame, too.

Audi also offers leather in Fine Nappa quality. Numerous details - including white dials and R8 GT logos - provide classy accents. The distinctive R8 "monoposto," a large arch encircling the driver's cockpit, is made of matt CFRP.

Audi ultra requires no sacrifice on the part of Audi R8 GT Spyder owners. The standard equipment includes LED headlights, LED tail lights, an automatic air conditioning system, the navigation system plus, an alarm system and the driver information system with a built-in laptimer.

Audi also offers a sophisticated sound system from Bang & Olufsen and a Bluetooth interface including a seatbelt microphone for carrying on a phone conversation conveniently. Options specific to the R8 GT include bucket seats with a carbon-fiber composite chassis, matt CFRP applications and embroidered logos on the seat upholstery.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder will have a base price in Germany of 207,800 euros.

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder

2012 Ford Taurus Interceptor Stealth Concept

2011-06-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

2012 Ford Taurus Interceptor Stealth Concept

We first laid eyes on the Taurus-based 2012 Ford Police Interceptor back in March, but the automaker is apparently playing with ways the car could potentially fly under the radar. The new Police Interceptor Stealth concept, unveiled at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, mixes the appearance of a sport sedan with the specialized equipment of a police cruiser.
According to Ford designer Melvin Betancourt, the SEMA show car draws the majority of its inspiration from the legendary Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird. Although we doubt the Taurus-based cop car was fitted with ramjet engines and is capable of reaching supersonic speeds at the fringes of our atmosphere, the Interceptor Stealth concept does sport a similar look: black paint, black wheels, black grille inserts, and deep-tinted window glass all around.
2012 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor Stealth Concept Side View
Sounds neat, but seeing as the Stealth was destined for SEMA, Betancourt's team decided to add a little pizzazz. The Interceptor's suspension was lowered by one inch, while stock Taurus taillight assemblies have been smoked to blend in with the paint job. The stock 18-inch steel wheels have been replaced with giant 22-inch rims, which feature staggered rim sections and chrome accents, not entirely unlike wheels offered on the outgoing Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
"The center of the wheel is glossy black, and the rim is chrome," Betancourt said. "So we have that racy, hot rod look, but at the same time we're building a sinister, stealthy, 'Don't mess with me' feeling."
2012 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor Stealth Concept Side View
The stealth theme continues within the Interceptor itself. Along with the black seating, headliner, and pillar trim, Police-spec radios and computers -- equipment Ford worked so hard to integrate into its new Interceptor -- have been hidden within a modified Taurus center console. Additionally, the Stealth concept also receives a locking gun compartment within the glove box.
Although we enjoy the notion of a slammed, bad-to-the-bone Taurus SHO, we'd be a little intimidated to see an Interceptor Stealth popping up in our rearview mirror. Ford hasn't officially announced any undercover versions of the production Police Interceptor, but it wouldn't take much -- a Taurus grille and a SHO emblem, perhaps? -- to make the ultimate unmarked patrol car.

2012 Ford Taurus Interceptor Stealth Concept

2012 Ford Taurus Interceptor Stealth Concept

2012 Ford Focus ST

2011-06-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

2012 Ford Focus ST

Early this year, Ford made a splash at the 2010 Detroit auto show with its next-generation Ford Focus, although some performance enthusiasts were disappointed with the specifications released at the time. Surely the brand that built the mighty Focus RS wouldn't leave enthusiasts out in the cold, would it? At the upcoming Paris motor show later this month, Ford will throw them a bone with the next-generation Focus ST.
Essentially a middle ground between the pedestrian Focus and the unhinged Focus RS, the Focus ST has traditionally offered more power and a sportier look and drive than your average Focus, without the incivility and price tag of the RS. Ford, to its credit, sees no reason to alter this formula. It will show an "early preview" of the next-generation ST, the first car born from the company's new global Performance Vehicles strategy, in Paris ahead of the car's global launch at the end of 2011 or early 2012.
For now, Ford calls it the "range-topping" Focus, a nod to the retirement of the current Focus RS, whose successor is not yet confirmed. All Ford will tell us at this time is that the Focus ST will come equipped with the most powerful version of the new EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing roughly 250 horsepower to the front wheels. Our eyes tell us that this car will deliver the power via a six-speed manual transmission, though it's possible Ford could offer its PowerShift dual-clutch automatic as well.
Assuming the new Focus ST follows the same path as the car it's replacing, don't expect too many more mechanical changes. While it's possible Ford could include the Focus RS' RevoKnuckle front suspension (a variation on the traditional MacPherson strut that reduces torque steer), it's more likely that the car will use MacPherson struts to keep costs down. Given the power output, a limited-slip differential would be a nice feature, but isn't guaranteed. Both the front struts and the rear "Control Blade" multi-link suspension will likely be re-tuned for a stiffer, sportier ride. Ford promises "an intoxicating cocktail of exhilarating performance and handling accompanied by an addictive sound."
Differentiations between the standard Focus and Focus ST won't be hidden under the skin. Ford has torn apart and reworked the front and rear of the Focus to create a distinct Focus ST. A hatchback body will likely be the only variant based on previous ST models, so the car you see here will likely be very similar to the car that arrives at dealers.
Ford has done the most work in front, where it has completely revamped the car's sheetmetal. A revised hood offers deeper strakes around the reshaped headlights and the rows of LEDs that form the driving lights. Below is a gaping grille with blacked-out vertical elements and a small ST badge. Further below, an aggressive splitter hides repositioned fog lights at its outermost edges. In all, the look is vaguely reminiscent of a modern Aston Martin.
Ford's also been busy at the other end of the car. Up top, the standard hatchback's small spoiler has been replaced with a larger, more aggressive piece to match the car's new muscular look. Below it, the taillights have been slightly revised and the beefy rear bumper is all new. It features a futuristic center exhaust tip flanked by diffusers integrated into the bumper.
Around the sides, Ford has given the car sharper lines and bulked up the fender flares for a sportier appearance. The new look is finished off with a set of large five-spoke wheels similar to those seen on a standard Focus, but with thinner spokes to show off the big, body-color brakes, finished in gold with low-profile tires.
The whole car is coated in a new metallic orange paint Ford calls Tangerine Scream that carries over to the all-black interior, where it can be found accenting the bolsters and headrests on the black leather seats and in the accent stitching on the seats, arm rest, shifter boot, steering wheel, door panels, and dash. It's complemented by blacked-out trim on the dash and steering wheel and carbon-fiber trim on the center stack. Brushed metallic accents can be found on the shift knob, steering wheel, and door handles. Finally, Ford has fitted a set of auxiliary gauges to the top of the center stack showing the oil pressure, oil temperature, and turbo boost pressure.
2012 Ford Focus ST Front View
So far, we like what we see, but we're left with a lot of questions. While the Focus ST is a safe bet for European markets, Ford has said nothing official yet about a U.S.-spec car, although we fully expect this ST to come to the U.S. at some point, especially given the "One Ford" mantra that is now in full swing. With rival GM reportedly working on a 260-horsepower version of the Chevrolet Cruze to replace the old Cobalt SS, a Focus ST makes sense here, at least to us enthusiasts. Ford also hasn't announced pricing for this model yet, but it will likely carry a significant premium over a standard five-door Focus.
We should learn more about the new 2012 Ford Focus ST when it makes its debut at the Paris show September 30-October 1, where it will share the stage with all three variants of the standard Focus: sedan, hatchback, and wagon, together for the first time. Stay tuned for our complete show coverage live from the floor of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2011-06-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

General Motors showed a thinly veiled version of the production 2012 Chevrolet Aveo at the Detroit and Geneva auto shows earlier this year. The production Aveo is set to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show this September, but GM has given us an early look at the car, which looks remarkably similar to the concept.
Spared a few concept touches, the 2012 Aveo is a dead ringer for the Aveo RS Concept. The front fascia of the production Aveo is, predictably, a toned-down version of the concept's in-your-face styling. The basic, aggressive shape remains, but the production car receives slightly reshaped headlights and loses the exposed projector beams. Fog lights replace the concept's lower side air vents, and the ride height has been raised to that of a normal street car. But even the hidden rear door handles made it to production.
2012 Chevrolet Aveo Rear Three Quarter View
Chevrolet also swapped the concept's 19-inch chrome wheels for aluminum units, and with the exception of the center-exhaust and black taillights, the rear of the Aveo is virtually identical to that of the RS Concept. Overall, the new Aveo is a far sight better than GM's current Korean-built, four-door hatchback.
As with the Aveo RS Concept, GM isn't revealing dimensions quite yet, but simply says the new car is longer and wider than the outgoing Aveo. According to GM, this increases its interior volume to among the largest in its class.
GM hasn't yet shown interior photos of the car (RS Concept interior pictured), but has intimated that it will feature a wraparound dash and analog/digital tach/speedometer setup -- a pretty similar setup to the concept's interior.
2010 Chevrolet Aveo Rs Concept Interior
In addition to vastly improving the exterior and, hopefully, the interior of the 2012 Aveo, Chevrolet has also upgraded the powertrain offerings. In Europe, the car will be available with a number of small, fuel-efficient four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. A five- or six-speed manual transmission comes standard, depending on engine choice, and a six-speed automatic is optional. We wouldn't be surprised to see GM's new 1.4-liter, direct-injected I-4 find its way under the hood in normally aspirated and turbocharged forms, along with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. For fuel economy purposes, electric power steering has been made standard across the line.
The new Aveo is expected to go on sale in the U.S. sometime in 2011

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

2012 Buick Regal GS

2011-06-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

2012 Buick Regal GS

2012 Buick Regal GS

It's here. Buick enthusiasts have been brimming with anticipation for the return of an iconic performance moniker. We've seen plenty of the new Regal, but here's our first official look at the high-performance-themed 2012 Buick Regal GS.
As expected, the car's European roots and Opel handprint are unmistakable on the visual side. The Regal GS shares many styling similarities with the Insignia OPC, including the satin-metallic, vertical air intake ducts prominently forged to the front fascia. A unique front grille sits between the bi-xenon HID headlights, while trapezoidal exhaust outlets give the rear a more striking look. An integrated rear spoiler and rocker panel extensions build up the theme of aggression. But we'd be remiss to call the Buick an Opel clone, as this Regal comes solely with front-wheel drive and four cylinders beneath the hood.The engine pressed into service was never a secret. Regal GS drivers will be treated to a version of GM's direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four used in the Regal CXL Turbo, only with more power. Buick's tuning team fitted a 3-inch-diameter exhaust system and encouraged the intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharger to compress even greater amounts of air for a more fiery combustion. The gain in performance numbers is obvious on paper: The CXL Turbo is rated at 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque; the GS version puts out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet.
As Buick's gift to the enthusiast, a six-speed manual comes standard and helps propel the Regal GS from 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds (the CXL Turbo we just tested takes 7.5 seconds to get there). Despite its estimated 3710-pound curb weight, fuel economy isn't affected at 19 city/29 highway mpg, which is 1 mpg better in the city than the weaker CXL Turbo. The Regal GS will be offered with a six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control at a later date, and that transmission will be sufficient for 18 city/28 highway mpg.
With fuel efficiency numbers pleasing enough for the CAFE bean counters, let's dive into the components. The target Regal customers (re: young) who are thrilled to row their own gears will no doubt also appreciate the lowered ride height, Brembo front four-pot brake calipers, real-time Computer Damping Control, and Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

2012 Buick Regal GS

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

2011-06-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

Although General Motors announced it was working on an updated mild-hybrid system for its midsize sedan models, the automaker had avoided answering which vehicle would first receive the new powertrain. The answer, it seems, is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse: GM revealed today its new eAssist system will become the entry-level powertrain offering next year.
The eAssist system will be paired with all 2012 LaCrosse models fitted with GM's 2.4-liter I-4, which is mated with the company's six-speed automatic transmission. Although a similar powertrain setup -- sans the mild hybrid boost, of course -- is already offered in the 2011 LaCrosse range, eAssist promises to further improve fuel economy. According to GM, the LaCrosse with eAssist returns an estimated EPA rating of 25/37 mpg (city/highway), up from the 19/30 mpg raiting attained by the current 2.4-liter/ six-speed pairing.
2012 Buick Lacrosse Eassist Instrument Cluster
As previously reported, the eAssist system is an evolution of the belt-alternator-starter -- or, as GM puts it, "light electrification" -- system previously used on the likes of the Saturn Vue Hybrid, Saturn Aura Hybrid, and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. GM has since upgraded the battery pack from nickel-metal-hydride to lithium-ion chemistry, while simultaneously upgrading the electric motor. The company claims the electric motor can provide a 15-horsepower boost during acceleration (bringing the system's net output to 182 horsepower), and can recover 15 kW of electricity through regenerative braking. In contrast, the last-generation BAS system could only add 3 horsepower and recover 5 kW of energy.
Unlike full hybrids, the BAS system isn't designed for full-fledged electric driving. Although the system is capable of EV propulsion at very low (i.e. single-digits) speeds, GM views the system as an assistant to the gasoline engine.
"The battery system is designed to provide power assistance to the internal combustion engine, rather than storing energy for all-electric propulsion," Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the eAssist system, said in a prepared release. "It's really an extension of the conventional internal combustion engine, not a replacement for it."
In order to maximize the potential fuel economy gains produced by eAssist, GM added a number of tweaks to the LaCrosse. MPG-conscious revisions include a revised, low-friction automatic transmission; underbody panels designed to smooth airflow underneath the car; low-rolling reistance tires; and electrically-controlled grille shutters that close at highway speeds to reduce drag.
GM expects 2012 LaCrosse models with eAssist to arrive at showrooms nationwide in the summer of 2011. Pricing has yet to be finalized, but GM estimates the base price of a CX eAssist model should be roughly $30,000 -- about $3000 over an equivalent 2011 CX without the hybrid system.

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

2011 Volkswagen Eos

2011-06-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

2011 Volkswagen Eos

2011 Volkswagen Eos

Six years into its sales run, the Volkswagen Eos was starting to look slightly aged. VW has solved that problem for the 2011 model year by updating the convertible to mimic the rest of the automaker's lineup.
The Eos may be one of VW's worst selling models, but the German automaker isn't giving up on the convertible. Six years into production, the 2011 Eos receives a facelift bringing it closer to the design DNA of its fellow VW stablemates. The Eos loses its flashy chrome grille and bumper in favor of a newly designed geometric three-bar grille. Its headlights now feature LED accents, giving it a more upscale appearance. In back, the taillights also feature LED illumination and are no longer rounded. The bumper has also been reworked to give the convertible an updated feel.
2011 Vw Eos Profile
The Eos' updates aren't limited to design refinements, VW also took a close look at what it could do to improve the functionality of its hard-top convertible. A new convenience allows owners to operate the convertible top with the key fob. Switching from high to low beams is now performed automatically depending on the traffic situation. Newly optional "cool leather" seating surfaces are designed to reflect heat and improve comfort on hot days.
In global markets, the Eos is said to get a few other touches for 2011, including the full 208 horsepower of the newest version of the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, along with standard Hill Start Assist, Vienna heated leather seats, and 17-inch wheels. Unfortunately no mention of similar changes was offered in the automaker's U.S. materials.

2011 Volkswagen Eos

2011 Volkswagen Eos

2011 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

2011-06-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

2011 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

2011 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

2011 Toyota Tacoma X Runner RTR Front Three Quarters Burnout
Toyota invited Motor Trend to the Autoclub Raceway in Pomona, California to watch the median test runs for their "parts-bin" built Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready-to-Race). Toyota brought in 16-time NHRA winner Antron Brown to pilot the RTR down the track as the weather would permit. Gray skies and light sprinkles kept the crew on their toes for the most part.
Based on a stock 2011 Tacoma X-Runner, the standard body and chassis were paired with a modified Tundra-based 5.7-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Supercharger Kit was bolted on to the V8 and brought the SEA certified power to 504-horsepower with 550 pound-feet of torque. To make it work, the stock Tundra rear axle with a 4.3:1 ratio and 10.5-inch ring gear was narrowed by 5.7-inches to fit the Tacoma rear-track width. To maximize traction, the build team added a TRD prototype mechanical limited-slip differential fabricated by Eaton. No special mapping was done to the V8 and it runs on 91-octane gas.
A rerouted exhaust system with two TRD perforated-chamber mufflers and 3.5-inch tubing now exits behind the passenger side wheel, necessitating the only bodywork modification on the vehicle. The RTR's silver and red paint them was inspired by Dan Gurney's late 1960s Courgar XR7-G. The number "95" was added to the doors and represents the year the Tacoma nameplate began to sell in the U.S. A Tundra i-Force badge was painted onto the front fenders and the TRD Supercharger tornado that signifies force induction was added to the hood scoop to showcase the changes made to the beast.
2011 Toyota Tacoma X Runner RTR Rear Three Quarters
The truck sits 4.5-inches lower than stock height. Its stock front Tacoma 15-inch wheels where narrowed to 4.5-inches and wrapped in 28x4.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Front Runners. The stock rear wheels where widened to 10.5-inches for better traction and wrapped in 30x11.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials. The rear shocks where repositioned on the frame well to acuminate the wider rear tires. The X-Runner braking system was left untouched and ABS, stability control and traction control retain all functionality.
The interior was stripped of its audio system, air conditioning , power windows and rear seat to make the vehicle as light as possible. Tundra accelerator and brake pedals replace the Tacoma's and a removable TRD roll bar sits behind the front seats. We also hear there will be few more tweaks to the interior before making its SEMA debut.
After a few runs down the quarter-mile track, Antron Brown's best run came in at 12.018 seconds at 116.57-mph.
The RTR concept truck is a one of a kind in house built race truck to showcase Toyota's performance engineering by using only Toyota parts. It's set to make its public debut at the 2010 SEMA show.

2011 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

2011 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

2011 Toyota Corolla

2011-06-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

2011 Toyota Corolla

2011 Toyota Corolla

2011 is a big year for the compact segment with new entries from Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford, and others competing. Toyota is responding with a refreshed 2011 Corolla, debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Refining the formula for 2011 starts with a few exterior modifications. The new front grille is easy to spot on the sport model pictured here. The taillights have a new design, as well, and the side view mirrors are larger. As on any properly refreshed model, the wheel covers and alloy wheels have been redesigned. Toyota notes that the Corolla's design was created with input from design studios in Turin, Italy, but we think it's safe to say the Corolla still isn't the segment's style leader.
Inside, Toyota has paid attention to details most consumers might actually notice. That includes a new seat color and pattern, as well as a new color on the door trim. The steering wheel on the S model is new. When the 2011 sedan goes on sale in December, it will offer two new colors.
The 2011 Corolla will come with two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance, like all new Toyotas. Will this be enough to fight off new compact sedan competitors? Wait just a few months and we'll have the answer.

2011 Toyota Corolla

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI

2011-06-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI

Celebrating a year of broken records, Subaru is bringing the "Fastest STI Ever" and Travis Pastrana's New Year's Eve jump car to the SEMA show next week alongside a quartet of tuned-up rides.
"SEMA is the pinnacle of the aftermarket tuning world and the perfect place to show our new line of SPT parts," said Charlie Fishman, national accessory manager for Subaru of America. "With the launch of the new 2011 Impreza WRX and WRX STI, Subaru is having a record year for Subaru Genuine Parts and SPT accessory sales. The launch of the 4-door WRX STI has rekindled interest for the 2011 SEMA Show."
To that end, Subaru will be displaying four tricked-out cars at SEMA including the "Get More G's" WRX STI built by Subaru Performance Tuning itself. Joining it will be custom STIs from Kicker Audio and K&N Performance, as well as the Subiefest "Best of Show" Winner, a 2006 STI owned by Jamarri Whiteside. Cool as these rides may be, a pair of big guns will likely steal the show.
Travis Pastrana In His Record Jump Subaru Wrx Sti
In case you haven't heard, Tommi Makinen managed to get a prepped Subaru WRX STI around the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes and 55 seconds. That car, now dubbed the "Fastest STI Ever," will be one half of Subaru's record-setting duo present at SEMA this year. The other half will be the WRX STI driven by Travis Pastrana when he made a record-setting jump over the Long Beach Harbor on New Year's Eve 2009.
he cars won't be the only stars in attendance, either. Pastrana and SRT USA teammate Dave Mirra will be signing autographs at the Subaru booth from 1 pm to 2 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and while not a part of the autograph signing, Makinen will be out canvassing the show floor as well.

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI

2011 Saab 9-4x

2011-06-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

2011 Saab 9-4x

2011 Saab 9-4x

The new Saab 9-4x luxury crossover enters a segment ripe with competition, with the best from Europe, Japan, and the U.S. battling for supremacy. The question is, can Saab regain its mojo with a product based on the Cadillac SRX?
Certainly the 9-4x, which will make its debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, has an elegant design, but it takes more than just quality styling and an ignition switch located between the front seats to make a Saab. Whether engineers were successful in making the driving experience significantly different from the Cadillac SRX will be crucial to the 9-4x's identity and consumer reception.
As is the case with its platform, the 9-4x's engines are shared with GM's Cadillac SRX. A 265-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 is the standard engine, offered with a six-speed automatic and a choice of front-wheel drive or Saab's XWD all-wheel-drive system. The system, sourced from Haldex, varies torque between the front and rear axles as needed. The electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential can also transfer up to 50 percent of rear torque between the rear wheels to help maintain grip.
Step up to the 9-4x Aero model, and you'll find both standard all-wheel drive and a 300-horsepower, 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6. Saab estimates 0-60 mph acceleration times of 7.7 seconds, just a bit quicker than the all-wheel-drive 3.0-liter model, which does the same sprint in 8.4 seconds.
Although the EPA has yet to officially certify the 9-4x's fuel economy, expect the finalized MPG figures to resemble those of its Cadillac cousin. A base SRX gets 18/25 mpg city/highway, while an all-wheel-drive model with the normally-aspirated V-6 is rated at 17/23 mpg. The top-end turbocharged all-wheel drive SRX achieves a 15/22 mpg rating.
On base 9-4x crossovers, 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels are standard. Aero models wear 20-inch "turbine-style" wheels, similar to those used on the new 9-5 sedan. The Aero model also includes bi-xenon cornering headlights and black mesh inserts in the front grille. Saab DriveSense is a technology exclusive to the Aero model. Real-time damping control helps the vehicle react to the driving style and current road conditions. Moving from the Comfort to Sport setting will provide a sharper pedal response and raised gear shifting points. The Eco mode essentially does the opposite to increase fuel economy.

2011 Saab 9-4x

2011 RMR Hyundai Equus

2011-06-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

2011 RMR Hyundai Equus

2011 RMR Hyundai Equus

In his down time from racing in the Formula D championship and piloting wild cars up Pikes Peak, Rhys Millen runs a performance shop in Huntington Beach, California. While generally focusing its efforts on sports-derived vehicles, RMR recently began crafting a custom Equus for the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.
2010 marks the third straight year RMR and Hyundai are working together to bring a customized vehicle to the SEMA show. In 2008 RMR built a Genesis coupe and worked its magic inside and out. Stepping up its game, in 2009 RMR started with a similar Genesis coupe, but stripped its engine and installed the same Tau 4.6-liter V-8 as found in the Genesis sedan and upcoming Equus sedan. With go-fast parts, the V-8 produced somewhere near 500 horsepower. Generally using SEMA to launch its latest and greatest, Hyundai gave RMR a 2011 Equus to customize for the show.
Millen's work on the Equus is subtle and tasteful. RMR's line of high-end carbon fiber Signature Edition parts include the front chin spoiler, rear deck lid spoiler, and side mirrors. A two-tone paint scheme has the top half of the car sprayed to look like carbon fiber, while the bottom is Red Bull blue. A set of gunmetal multi-spoke 21-inch HRE wheels finish off the exterior's mild appearance upgrades.
2011 Hyundai Equus Front Three Quarter
From the factory the Equus comes equipped with plenty of standard niceties. RMR replaced the leather seating surfaces on the front seats with ostrich hides with suede inserts. The only other remaining interior differences from a stock Equus are the embroidered headrests and floor mats.
In stock form, the 4.6-liter V-8 produces 385 horsepower, but being a performance shop, RMR had to tinker with the engine just a little. The addition of a new air intake and stainless exhaust tack on another 30 horsepower, bringing the Equus' output to 415 horsepower. A set of 14-inch brakes bring the 4500-pound beast to a halt.
Hyundai's 2011 RMR Equus is scheduled to roll onto the SEMA show floor next month in Las Vegas.

2011 RMR Hyundai Equus

2011 Peugeot 508

2011-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

2011 Peugeot 508

2011 Peugeot 508

Look familiar? It should, so long as you've been scoping out auto show coverage from abroad. The 2011 Peugeot 508 is the first production Peugeot to wear the brand's new design language, but the look was introduced on both the 5 by Peugeot concept from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, along with the slinky SR1 conceptual roadster.
It's an improvement over Peugeot's outgoing design language, which seemed hell-bent on adding a wild, gaping grille and headlamps that stretched from the fenders to the A-pillars. Instead, the 508 wears a clean, chiseled look -- though we wonder if the entire look is a touch too sedate.
2011 Peugeot 508 Sedan Rear View
While it's designed to replace Peugeot's former flagship, the 607 sedan, the car is actually based on the platform used in the smaller Citroen C5 and the outgoing 407. Looking at the specs, the 607 is roughly 10 millimeters longer than the 407, but 20 millimeters shy of the 607. Go figure.
Apart from dimensions, Peugeot's not releasing much concrete data surrounding the 508. We'd expect a range of gas and diesel engines to be offered, and Peugeot says a new start/stop system will be paired with the diesels to help boost fuel economy by as much as 15 percent. Fuel misers may wish to hold off for a hybrid model due in 2012, which will reportedly offer both 200 horsepower and all-wheel-drive.

2011 Peugeot 508

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2011-06-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Opel revealed its New Astra four-door hatchback just about a year ago and today unveiled the the Astra Sports Tourer, its second body style in the New Astra lineup.
Unlike the four-door hatchback, which places style over substance, the Sports Tourer is more of a pure wagon. The roofline flows straight over the rear seats, giving rear passengers more headroom and continues out towards the hatch, increasing luggage space. Like the hatchback New Astra, it still sports a stylish European wrapper.
2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Rear View
As the Sports Tourer was designed to hold as much cargo as possible as efficiently as possible, the engineers went to great lengths to ensure optimum storage space. At the back, the cargo compartment has been carefully sculpted to eliminate any odd, hard-to-use corners. Additionally, a new "FlexFold" rear seat system has been added to easily fold the rear seats down. The system works using a spring-loaded mechanism that fires with the press of a button, automatically folding the seats down.
2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Rear Three Quarter View
The biggest difference between the four-door hatchback and Sports Tourer is body style, as most of the pieces carry over from the hatch. The suspension from the hatchback carries over mostly unchanged to ensure good ride quality and handling, but the rear suspension has been calibrated to handle higher loads. An optional FlexRide system functions like Audi Drive Select and allows the driver to select a driving mode from among Touring, Standard, and Sport. Sport mode stiffens the suspension for better response and also enhances throttle and steering responsiveness. The Astra Sports Tourer will also feature Opel's electronic trailer stability assist, for those owners who pull trailers.
2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Side View 2
The powertrain lineup mimics the four-door hatchback's, with a total of eight gasoline and diesel engines. Power ranges from 95 horsepower in the frugal Ecoflex Astra with a 1.3-liter turbo-diesel to 180 horsepower in the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. A six-speed manual with an upshift indicator is standard with every engine, and a six-speed automatic is available with most. We also expect start-stop technology to become standard across the Astra range.
The Astra Sports Tourer goes on sale in November.

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2011 Nissan Quest

2011-06-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

2011 Nissan Quest

2011 Nissan Quest

passenger people-mover be forced into the Pathfinder. The 2011 Nissan Quest -- debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show -- is back and ready to take on Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Kia, and Toyota.
Altima drivers who want more space should be an easy sell for the Quest. The real question is whether it can attract buyers who usually would head straight for a Grand Caravan, Sienna, or Odyssey.
The styling of the 2011 Quest should at least generate second glances from minivan consumers, with blacked-out D-pillars that recall the Ford Flex, this segment's unofficial competitor. The front view is all Nissan, with angular headlights joined by a thick bar of chrome, connected to a distinctive six-sided grille. The Nissan's door track isn't hidden as on the Chrysler, Dodge, and Toyota.
As you'd expect, the Quest is based on the same platform as the Altima, Maxima, and Murano. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 253 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy has not yet been rated. A CVT is the only available transmission for the Quest, which has a curb weight of 4367 in base S trim. For comparison, the 2011 Honda Odyssey LX weighs 4337 pounds, while the more powerful 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan comes in at 4510 pounds.
At this point, there's no word on the possibility of an all-wheel-drive Quest. Safety is especially important to minivan drivers, and Nissan has its bases covered. Dual-stage supplemental front air bags are joined by front seat-mounted side air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact air bags with a rollover sensor. Stability and traction controls are standard, but the automaker's Blind Spot Warning system is offered only on the top-line LE trim.
Standard on all trims is a neat feature called Easy Fill Tire Alert that we hope spreads its way to all Nissan's family-oriented vehicles. Perhaps to encourage more drivers to start regularly checking tire pressure, the technology will let you know the system is working by flashing the hazard lights as you fill the tires. When the correct tire pressure has been reached, your Quest will beep the horn.

2011 Nissan Quest

2011 Nissan Quest

2011 Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet

2011-06-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

2011 Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet

2011 Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet

When Nissan first announced it would build a convertible version of its Murano crossover, heads were scratching all over the industry. Well at least Nissan can say it has created 'the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible.' Um, congratulations? Behold, the 2011 Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet.
Here's a snippet from Nissan about its new creation:
The world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design. Set to go on sale in early 2011.
Why would Nissan build such a random iteration of its much-loved Murano?. It's a move designed to attract attention and entice new buyers to the brand.
Admittedly, Nissan's product planners don't expect the new Murano CrossCabriolet to sell in droves.
"It's not going to be a volume car," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president for Nissan sales and marketing, in a recent Automotive News interview. "But there's a degree of bravery for us to bring out a car like that right now. It will surprise a lot of people."
The two-door is said to be the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. It melds the "sophistication of a sedan" with the "utility of a sport utility," says Carolin, and of course, the fun of driving a convertible.
Engineers faced numerous feats when creating the CrossCabriolet. Rigidity had to be upped to compensate for the loss of its B-pillars, so the A-pillars gained significant reinforcement. To keep the standard model's profile, the cabrio's two doors are 7.9 inches longer than the standard Murano's front doors. Its canvas roof (available in either black or light brown) employs a glass window for improved longevity. And despite the new configuration, aerodynamic efficiency remains tidy at 0.39 Cd compared to the Murano's 0.37 Cd.
Cabriolet Top Up Side View
As there will only be one trim level when it goes on sale early next year, exterior features are generous. From HID bi-xenon headlamps and LED taillights, to fog lights and body colored bumpers and facades, the CrossCabriolet will arrive at dealerships plentifully equipped. Twenty-inch split five-spoke wheels cloaked in a titanium finish tuck under each of the bulbous fenders. The model's six colors include Sunset Bronze, Caribbean, Merlot, Platinum Graphite, Super Black, and Pearl White.
It's the same fully equipped story inside. Three leather colors -- black, cashmere, and camel -- can be had in a diagonal quilt pattern with double stitching. Half-matte chrome and wood finishes can be specified as well. A heated steering wheel and front seats, Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System, Bose audio system, and Bluetooth arrive standard.

2011 Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet

2011 Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet

2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

2011-06-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The i-MiEV has grown substantially in order to suit Americans' super-sized tastes. The U.S.-spec car has grown nearly a foot in length, bringing overall length to 12 feet. Width has grown nearly four inches, as have the front and rear track dimensions. Height, however, remains virtually unchanged at five feet.
Predictably, the i-MiEV's bumper fascias have morphed in order to make the micro machine DOT-compliant. Up front, the i-MiEV receives a chunky front bumper, accented by a revised hood stamping with stronger character lines. Large turn signal indicators wrap into both the front and rear fenders, which have been flared to accommodate the wider track. The clear tail lamp lenses of the JDM i-MiEV have been replaced with red lenses, which are complemented by the addition of round red reflectors near the lower edge of the bumper.
Inside, Mitsubishi did more than simply convert the car to left-hand-drive. Designers were given some freedom to spruce up the cabin, adding a new upper dashboard, flush-mounted radio design, vertically arranged HVAC controls, and a striking two-tone color scheme. Although we'll reserve judgment until we step foot inside, the revisions do appear more upscale than JDM cabins.
Underneath the skin, the hardware is identical to i-MiEVs sold in Japan and Europe, meaning U.S.-bound cars will couple a 63-horsepower electric motor to the rear wheels, along with a lithium-ion battery pack. We hear, however, that the difference may lie primarily in calibration. Sources close to the automaker tell us both regenerative braking and throttle input have been revised for our market, likely to make the i-MiEV more at home on high-speed American highways.

2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

2011 Lexus IS F

2011-06-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

2011 Lexus IS F

You'll have to look very closely to see the on-the-surface differences made to the refreshed 2011 Lexus IS F, which is slated to make its world debut at this month's 2010 Paris auto show. In fact the only revision to the IS F's exterior are newly fitted LED driving lights, supposedly added to make the Lexus easier to spot at high speeds (and not to follow the Audi-led trend).
Working within a tight budget, chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi tells us that he was basically happy with the car's exterior styling and that he placed far more importance on "taking the IS F to the next level in handling and ride quality." Good idea, because the IS F was certainly in need of some next level work in that area.
2011 Lexus IS F Rear
With its throaty exhaust note, the IS F is a beast, packing a 416 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 mated to an 8-speed, flappy-paddle gearbox. But pushed hard, the car's chassis would become unsettled, especially at the rear end.
That is not the case with the 2011 revision, which squats nicely in the corners and hangs on like an angry pit bull. Behind the wheel of a pre-production Australian-spec model at Fuji Speedway recently, we were more than impressed at the improvements that Yaguchi and his team have made to the car's high-speed cornering stability.
2011 Lexus IS F Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi
Although the powertrain and the car's 3800-lb curb weight remain the same, the suspension settings have been totally recalibrated. The combination of spring rate revisions and dampers, fitted with new high performance valves in addition to reinforced suspension member connectors and bushes, permit more front-end suspension stroke yet firm up the rear end. This generates greater traction and stability at high speeds. An unexpected byproduct of this revision is the car's more compliant ride, which Yaguchi says "was a bonus but something we aimed for." Adjustments to the steering power-assist mechanism made for more precise and accurate turn-in as well as greater feedback through the wheel.
2011 Lexus IS F Front
The results are that the 2011 IS F can now be pushed even harder into corners; it stays more composed under heavy braking, at turn-in, and while experiencing changes of road camber and elevation. The IS F also exhibits less understeer and more rear wheel grip and stability. In fact, the rear end is now so tied down that a slight enhancement of front-end downforce might generate even greater all-round traction and stability. The new model laps the 2.8-mile Fuji Speedway in 2 minutes, 3.4 seconds -- nearly two seconds faster than its predecessor -- thanks to Yaguchi's subtle, yet substantial, modifications.
To elevate the driving experience even further, Yaguchi completely rethought the instrumentation layout and borrowed design hints from well-known sports cars like Porsche and Ferrari. As a result, the IS F now features a large, centrally located tachometer which spins to a 6800-rpm redline, along with a newly added gear selector and speed gauge. To the right of the tach is a smaller analog speedometer, which Yaguchi says is "...a novelty, just there to show potential buyers that the car is capable of 300 kmh (186 mph)."
2011 Lexus IS F Interior
Another idea borrowed from Europe's hottest sports cars (ahem, BMW) is the newly fitted shift indicator situated inside the top half of the tachometer. While accelerating hard and concentrating on nailing the right lines around a track, a row of lights illuminate within your lower peripheral vision and make it far easier to sense on-the-limit engine revs than in the outgoing model. This new system lights one orange LED at 5000 rpm, another at 5500 rpm and a "shift now" red light at 6500 rpm. "And don't worry, we did not fit automatic up-shifts. The driver has to change gears, even bouncing off the redline," stresses Yaguchi.
2011 Lexus IS F Wheel
Yet another strategic addition (that you won't find on export models, unfortunately) is the 'circuit mode,' a la the Nissan GT-R. It may not mean anything to you, but it does illustrate just how much effort Yaguchi and Co. have put into the revised IS F. Now fitted with a hi-tech GPS sat-nav device programmed with Japan's 14 registered race tracks, the IS F will automatically disengage its 180 kmh (112 mph) speed limiter (all Japanese domestic cars come equipped with such a speed limiter) when the vehicle enters a race track. After the track session, and only if the driver so desires, the system will send the vehicle's lap times to a central dealer database accessible by all IS F owners, thus setting up a platform for bragging rights to best laps. Neat trick...
2011 Lexus IS F Gauges
So, when will we see this bright-eyed, better-handling IS F? We'll likely know more during the Paris show press days (Sept. 30-Oct. 1), but we expect to see the revised model here soon. After all, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, an ardent racing fan who has piloted a Lexus LFA in the 24-hours of Nurburgring, says he wants to add more "fun" to his cars. And where better to start than with one of the company's highest performing vehicles?

2011 Lexus IS F

2011 Lexus IS F

2011 Lexus CT 200h

2011-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

2011 Lexus CT 200h

The product planning minds at Lexus thought they were getting a jump on the market. They'd introduce the first small luxury car that was also a hybrid, and catch the competition flat-footed, much the way parent company Toyota did with the Prius. The market -- if sales of the HS 250h are any indication -- had other ideas.
Given the direction competitors including Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are taking, it wasn't a bad idea. What it was, though, was a rush to market. Critics quickly derided the HS 250h as a Prius in a fancy suit, with a designer price tag to match. Sales flat-lined pretty much out of the gate, while the third-generation Prius got all the glory, what with nearly as many amenities, far better fuel economy, and a much better price.
2011 Lexus CT 200H Front View
The Lexus CT 200h, on paper, is the car the HS 250h should've been: a proper luxury car with real hybrid credentials, not a mechanical compromise with an uncompromising price tag. At face value, the CT 200h is a much more attractive offering than the HS 250h, literally and metaphorically. Under the surface, it appears to be a combination of the best attributes of the Prius and HS 250h.
2011 Lexus CT 200H Front Three Quarter
The CT 200h is built on a "highly modified existing platform," which appears to be Lexus PR-speak for the HS 250h platform, if the components are any indication. Both ride on a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension not shared with the Prius, have similar dimensions, and will be built on the same production line at Toyota's Kyushu plant, next to the Lexus RX 450h hybrid SUV. Lexus promises, though, that the CT 200h's suspension has been thoroughly revamped with lightweight and low-friction components to improve handling and efficiency.
Where the CT 200h and HS 250h depart significantly is under the hood. Though often chided as a tarted-up Prius, the HS 250h actually derived its powertrain from the Toyota Camry Hybrid, sourcing its larger 2.4-liter engine to compensate for the HS 250h's portlier curb weight. The CT 200h, though, weighs about the same as a Prius -- some 600 pounds less than the HS 250h -- and therefore sources the Prius' even more frugal 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with its variable valve-timing and its 98 horsepower. Under the hood of a Prius, it makes 105 lb-ft of torque, but Lexus hasn't announced torque numbers for the CT 200h yet.
The magic, of course, is in the hybrid drivetrain. Here, too, the CT 200h more closely resembles the Prius in sourcing its 60-kilowatt electric motor, good for 80 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. Together, Lexus puts peak output at 134 horsepower, just like the Prius. Power is fed from a 27-kilowatt battery stashed under the cargo floor and ahead of the rear axle for optimal weight balance. Power, regardless of the source, goes to the front wheels through a CVT automatic. Should it come from the battery only, Lexus says the CT 200h can travel up to one mile at up to 28 mph on the electric motor alone, which can also act as a generator to recapture braking energy to replenish the battery.
2011 Lexus CT 200H Headlight
Altogether, Lexus says the CT 200h will run to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, or about the same as a Prius. That is, of course, more than a second slower than the HS 250h, owing to the HS 250h's larger engine and its 187 total horsepower. What the CT 200h gives up in performance, though, it makes up in fuel economy. Lexus estimates 42 mpg combined, which is significantly better than the HS 250h's 35 mpg combined and not that far off the Prius' 50 mpg combined. The real differentiator, though, is in the software. Lexus says the CT 200h's drivetrain will be smoother and more refined than the other two.
Furthering that goal is a new driving mode selector parsed into two "driving moods," Relaxing and Dynamic. "Relaxing" covers the first three driving modes, including EV, ECO, and Normal. Normal, of course, is self-explanatory, with ECO, predictably, muting driver inputs and the power of the climate control system. EV mode, as you might expect, restricts the powertrain to the battery and electric motor only for low-speed city driving, relegating the gasoline engine to generator duty once the battery is depleted. Emphasis in all these modes is on ride comfort, powertrain smoothness, and Noise/Vibration/Handling.
If you're in a "Dynamic" mood, switch the drive mode over to its last setting, Sport. Free of the ice cap-saving nannies, the CT 200h's throttle and steering response sharpen up while the gauges dissolve from a soothing blue color to a sporty red and the Hybrid Power Indicator becomes a tachometer. Meanwhile, the traction and stability control are put on light duty so you can have a bit of fun. There isn't any apparent effect on the suspension or handling.
2011 Lexus CT 200H Rear View Static
That's not to say that the suspension doesn't have a trick or two up its sleeve. Lexus wants buyers to think of this car as a sporty hybrid, so the suspension tuning is biased towards more aggressive driving on its 17-inch wheels. The most interesting aspect of the design, though, is the new Lateral Performance Damper System. Rather than affix rigid braces between the front strut towers and the rear suspension mounts, Lexus has fitted a damper in each location, similar to the shock absorbers hiding behind your wheels. Though not as firm as solid braces, the dampers resist chassis flex and soak up vibrations from the road for a smoother ride.
2011 Lexus CT 200H Front View Static
Aiding the suspension's mission is a chassis made of high-strength steel and a hood, tailgate, and bumper reinforcements made of aluminum. They ride on the aforementioned lightened suspension components, and, taking it to the nth degree, Lexus went so far as to hollow out the brake pedal to save weight. The stereo, meanwhile, uses speakers made with bamboo charcoal resin and bamboo fibers in the diaphragms that are claimed to be 10- to 15-percent lighter and 20-percent stiffer than traditional speakers.
Complementing the weight savings are a host of aerodynamics and power-usage tweaks to further improve efficiency. The air conditioning and power steering are both driven by electric motors and most of the exterior lighting comes from LEDs, including the headlights if you check that option box. The body, meanwhile, is sculpted to smooth out airflow as much as possible and includes underbody panels to reduce drag, and a very un-Lexus spoiler on the hatch. The car slips through the air with an impressive 0.29 coefficient of drag, which nonetheless tails the Prius at 0.25 and the HS 250h at 0.27, but bests its doppelganger, the Mazda3 hatch, at 0.31.
2011 Lexus CT 200H Cockpit
You see it too, right? The Mazda3-hatch-with-a-Lexus-IS-nose look? It's more than skin-deep. The CT 200h is nearly identical in width to the Mazda3, slightly shorter in height, and 7 inches shorter in length. The wheelbase is an inch-and-a-half shorter and the curb weight is nearly identical. Though the CT 200h easily bests the Mazda's fuel economy, the Mazda is a second quicker to 60 mph and edges out the Lexus in interior space with more head, hip, and shoulder room in front and rear, and 3.5 inches more rear-seat legroom. In fact, the CT 200h also has slightly less interior space all around than either the HS 250h or the Prius. And while the CT 200h has more cargo space with the seats up than the HS 250h with 14.3 cubic-feet, it can't match the longer Mazda3 or the even more spacious Prius.
What some may call a dearth of interior space, Lexus calls a sport-oriented cockpit. The company spent a great deal of time working on the driver's seat, going so far as to lower the hood for better a better view from the driver's seat with its low H-point. Both steering wheel and pedal angles were optimized for sporty driving, and the CT 200h gets thickly bolstered seats to keep you planted. Driver amenities include adaptive cruise control, an optional back-up camera, standard traction and stability control, and a Pre-Collision Safety system that warns you of an impending collision and prepares the brakes and seatbelts.
2011 Lexus CT 200H Center Console
Other nifty features include a hard-drive-based navigation system with 40 gigabytes of onboard storage and a voice recognition system that understands English, French, and Spanish. A six-speaker stereo is standard, as are USB and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth, and steering wheel controls. An optional premium stereo adds a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 10 speakers and an eight-channel amplifier that's tuned for the quieter environment of a hybrid interior and uses less power than similar systems.
Following its production debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show at the end of September, the Lexus CT 200h will enter production in late 2010 before going on sale in early 2011, likely as a 2011 model. Pricing hasn't been announced, but Lexus says the car was designed with a younger, hipper European audience in mind, one that appreciates sportiness, practicality, and the environment. The company also says the CT 200h will be the new entry point for the Lexus brand, making it likely that the starting price will fall below the HS 250h's $35,525 entry point after delivery charges when it goes on sale in the U.S.

2011 Lexus CT 200h

2011 Lexus CT 200h

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011-06-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Kia's first hybrid will be offered through one of the brand's most significantly overhauled vehicles in its history: the 2011 Optima..
The Optima's parallel hybrid powertrain uses a modified Theta II: The base, normally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four forgoes direct injection and runs on the Atkinson cycle and a 13.0:1 cylinder compression ratio. The revisions sacrifice torque and horsepower (final output: 166 hp, 154 pound-feet) in the name of efficiency (namely, a 10-percent gain in the engine's fuel economy) but a 40-hp electric motor mounted directly between the four-cylinder and six-speed automatic supplement the oomph of this uniquely styled car.
After tuning, the combined power rating is 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, a two-pound-foot gain over earlier figures established by the sister Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. . A 96-pound, 1.4 kilowatt-hour lithium-polymer battery serves electrical charge for zero-emissions driving up to 62 mph, with 151 lb-ft of starting twist available up to 1400 rpm from the electric motor.
Other key efficiency-related pieces include a Hybrid-Starter-Generator that helps manage hybrid operation, four-disc regenerative braking, electric steering, and an electrically driven air-conditioning compressor. The transmission oil pump is electrically assisted as well, and a hybrid-specific gauge cluster takes over the driver's view.
Dimension-wise, the Kia is slightly longer, narrower, and shorter than the Sonata, but contains the same 110-inch wheelbase. The Optima Hybrid's front end and underbody is altered to increase aerodynamic efficiency but doesn't embrace the radical front makeover strategy employed by the Sonata Hybrid. The headlights and foglights are very mildly retouched.
More importantly, an active, speed-sensitive air flap system has been installed behind the front grille to combat turbulence. The flaps are simple in theory: They shutter at high speeds (from 30 mph and up according to Kia staff) but their operation ultimately depends on engine operating and ambient temperatures. Larger engine loads at any given speed would presumably leave the flaps open for cooling purposes. In engineering metrics, a 0.26 drag coefficient is the final result, only 0.01 off the Hyundai.
An early curb weight estimate lists the Kia at 3490 pounds. Smoothly sculpted 16-inch alloy wheels come wrapped with low-rolling resistance rubber while chrome accents adorn the side sills and front and rear fascias. LED taillights and a trunk lip spoiler ensure pedestrian have something to look at from behind.
Speaking of the passerby populace, the Optima Hybrid comes standard with the Virtual Engine Sound System, which plays a pre-recorded engine sound when the car is running solely on battery and motor. A Premium Technology Package adds heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, HID headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and 17-inch alloys (as seen on show car), for a fee of course. Most critically, Kia expects fuel economy to be 36 city/40 highway mpg.
The Optima Hybrid is due early 2011. With two new Korean hybrids on the market, the impending midsize sedan comparison can almost write itself.

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

2011-06-17T09:34:00.001-07:00

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

2011 Hyunda Sonata Turbo Sema Render Rear Three Quarters
Joining Hyundai's ARK Performance Genesis Coupe time attack car at this year's SEMA Show will be a pearl white 2011 Sonata Turbo built with luxury and style in mind. Unfortunately, this is the only teaser image we received from Hyundai.
Fabricators say that Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Porsche sports cars inspired their design direction. Its aggressive exterior lines, for example, take much from the Brabus CLS Rocket. The car rides on 20-inch one-piece wheels as well, much like the Rocket.
Inside, "strategically placed stitched leather" like that of the Ferrari F430 wraps nearly every interior surface. Carbon fiber accents add more sportiness to the Korean car's repertoire.
Under the hood, engineers added an upgraded turbo, exhaust, and intake systems. No word on power output, but it should be considerably more than the stock 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo's 274 horsepower.
Check back here for more 2010 SEMA Show coverage direct from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

2011 Hyundai ix20 Concept

2011-06-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

2011 Hyundai ix20 Concept

2011 Hyundai ix20 Concept

The ix20 wears Hyundai's corporate Fluidic Design language from head to toe, with a front fascia similar to that used on the latest Tucson (ix35, as the Europeans know it). Lost in translation, however, is the wide stance, flared fenders, and large wheels suggested by the sketch -- a pity, too, as it lent the tall hatchback an aggressive look.
2011 Hyundai Ix20 Side Vi
For whatever reason, Hyundai has yet to release any physical specifications on this tall hatch. Reports indicate the B-segment hatchback may be offered with a choice of a 1.6-liter, 125-horsepower gasoline I-4, or a 89-horsepower, 1.4-liter unit. Diesel engines are also realistic possibilities (they're already offered in the i20 hatchback), but Hyundai's release only says the ix20 will deliver class-leading CO2 emissions.
Expect more details on the ix20 to emerge at the 2010 Paris Motor Show on September 30, but don't expect the car to arrive stateside anytime soon. Company representatives insist this will remain an European exclusive.

2011 Hyundai ix20 Concept

2011 Hyundai ix20 Concept

2011 Honda Fit Hybrid

2011-06-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

2011 Honda Fit Hybrid

Information about the upcoming Fit Hybrid has been floating around for more than a year, but Honda has officially released images and information about the production vehicle before the official debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in September.
As has been long speculated, the Fit Hybrid uses a powertrain that Honda hybrid enthusiasts are most certainly familiar with. Honda packs the same parallel hybrid powertrain used in the current Insight into the little Fit hatchback, providing it with a 1.3-liter I-4, a continuously variable transmission, and an electric motor sandwiched between the two. According to Honda, the setup is good for 98 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, which isn't a dramatic departure from the 117 ponies and 106 pound-feet delivered by the Fit's standard 1.5-liter I-4.
2011 Honda Fit Hybrid Rear Three Quarter View
To flaunt its green powertrain, Honda dressed the Fit Hybrid up with a new grille, blue-tinted headlamps, revised bumper skins, clear taillights, and chrome tailgate trim. If that isn't attention-grabbing enough for buyers, they can spring for an unique Lime Green metallic paint (pictured). Inside, Honda blessed the cabin with a new dashboard and instrument panel (here's hoping they're rolled out across the entire Fit lineup), and European models are offered with optional leather seating surfaces.
Fuel economy and emissions figures for the Fit Hybrid haven't been finalized, but early reports suggest it bests the Insight's 40/43 mpg (city/highway) EPA ratings, which places it far ahead of the 28/35 mpg rating earned by a normal Fit with an automatic transmission. Expect Honda's preliminary numbers to emerge closer to the auto show, along with a price tag. We've heard rumors that the Fit Hybrid could undercut the Insight's price tag with a base price of roughly $17,800.
According to Honda, sales of the Fit Hybrid will begin in Europe early next year, but a timetable for a possible U.S. launch has yet to be announced.

2011 Honda Fit Hybrid

2011 Honda Fit Hybrid

2011 Ford WRC Fiesta RS

2011-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

2011 Ford WRC Fiesta RS

2011 Ford WRC Fiesta RS

Scores of production and concept vehicles are being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show today, and three automakers are taking the opportunity to show off their latest World Rally Championship contenders. Along with Mini and Citroen, today Ford revealed its competitor for the 2011 WRC season, the Fiesta RS.
Based on a standard, two-door Fiesta hatchback, Ford's rally car builder M-Sport stripped the car and completely rebuilt it to WRC specifications. As expected, front and rear fenders were widened to fit the larger wheels and tires, while a complete body kit helps the hatch slice through the air with less resistance. Its hood, roof panel, and rear spoiler have also been modified to redirect air. Inside, Ford insists the car will remain fitted with several production components in order to bear a resemblance to a production Fiesta.
2011 Ford WRC Fiesta RS Front.JPG
"We've worked hard to ensure the car is undoubtedly related to the best-selling Fiesta road car," said Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe's head of motorsports. "We can't wait to debut our official car in the hugely demanding World Rally Championship next year."
In order to conform to the FIA's 2011 WRC engine size regulations, Ford ditched its 2.0-liter powerplant in favor of a 1.6-liter I-4. The new, smaller, turbocharged engine is based on the same 1.6-liter engine found in European Fiestas, and could produce up to 300 horsepower. Unlike a dealership-spec Fiesta, the WRC contender will feature a full roll cage and all-wheel drive.
Final testing is being carried out by the teams as the new Fiesta RS prepares for its rally debut at the start of the 2011 WRC at Rally Sweden next February.

2011 Ford WRC Fiesta RS