SUPER CARS

2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:06:00 +0000

The definitive version of the gorgeous exclusive Alfa 8C Competizione, Gran Turismo car that is to be produced in a limited edition, made its debut on the 2006 Paris Motor Show. The car, designed by Alfa Romeo, is directly derived from the concept car that aroused such admiration at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and has benefited from the best technical and industrial know-how that the Alfa-Maserati Sports Center can offer. The cooperative venture between both manufacturers was conducted with a view to ensuring integration between the Alfa Romeo design departments and the Maserati production departments.

The 8C Competizione is inspired by Alfa Romeo's glorious past, projecting its brand values of technology and emotion into the future. The historical allusions begin with the evocative name, recalling the great sporting tradition of Alfa Romeo. The 8C code was used to identify cars (racing and on-road) of the Thirties and Forties equipped with the revolutionary eight cylinder engine produced by the famous designer Vittorio Jano. The term 'Competizione' is intended as a homage to the '6C 2500 Competizione', a sports coupe driven in 1950 by the duo Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race.

Styling and Aerodynamics: Tradition and Innovation

The attractive shape created by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre makes this car with its two bucket seats unique in the Gran Turismo scenario. The designers have worked hard to ensure that the aerodynamic and performance demands have not altered the car's original concept. The style maintains an incredibly clean shape, uncluttered by any element interfering with the overall harmony.

The solutions introduced on the Alfa 8C to achieve the highest levels of aerodynamic efficiency are not limited to the shape. Air wraps around the car and follows its natural course, unhindered by corners and unevenness. All the pillar and glass surfaces and profiles together with the door mirror shape and position have been optimized by mathematical modeling and also by wind tunnel tests and tests on actual models. Much attention has been devoted to the creation of a ground effect that has allowed a negative Cz (lift coefficient) to help increase stability at high speed, as on racing cars.

V8 Engine: Italian "Belcanto"

The engine is the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo. In this case it takes the form of a brand new 90° V 8 cylinder unit with a cylinder capacity of 4691 cc that was designed with one aim in mind: to ensure extraordinary performance while still offering a smooth drive and being usable in all circumstances, from the track to city traffic.

The top engine performance figures may be summarized as a maximum power output of 450 bhp at 7000 rpm, a peak torque of 347 lb-ft at 4750 rpm and a top speed of 7500 rpm.

Special attention has been devoted to the acoustic definition and tuning of the intake and exhaust in the quest for a sound timbre that enhances the car's character and makes it unmistakable. The result is a full, distinctive sound, emphasized by the permeable intake system and an exhaust system with electronically controlled valves that enhance the car's sound without infringing any type-approval or environmental constraints.

The 6-speed gearbox with computerized speed selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel is designed to ensure ultra-slick gear shifts and may be used in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes.

Interior: Personality and Technology

The car's distinctive look comes from extensive use of composite materials on the facia and interior panels. This is a technical choice but also reinforces the car's spirit and emphasizes its personality. The same thinking lies behind the adoption of anatomical seats made out of carbon-fiber that can be adjusted and customized on the basis of the driver's physical characteristics (a facility previously reserved for racing cars).

Everything is designed and produced to ensure the greatest user-friendliness for the driver and whoever is lucky enough to share the thrill: relaxed driving position, intuitive instruments that are always visible, robotized gear levers secured to the steering column and easy to reach without removing your hands from the sporty steering wheel.

ACURA RSX TYPE-S

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:58:00 +0000

Hot Acura RSX Receives Substantial Enhancements for 2005

Since its debut in July of 2001, the RSX sports coupe has been an unqualified success, winning an array of industry awards including being named to Car and Driver's "10 Best" and Ward's "10 Best Engines" lists. To maintain the RSX's position as the benchmark in its class, Acura's dynamic sports coupe receives substantial performance and styling enhancements for 2005 that update its dynamic looks, refine and modernize the interior and make it even more fun to drive.

For 2005, the high performance Type-S model receives engine and exhaust system modifications that boost horsepower from 200 to 210 and torque from 142 lb-ft to 143 lb-ft. Engine output was optimized by applying high performance camshafts and enlarging the diameter of the intake duct by 10 percent. A larger diameter exhaust pipe and free-flowing catalytic converter helped to boost horsepower by increasing exhaust flow by 10 percent.

Remarkably, given the considerable power, RSX Type-S engine meets stringent CARB Low Emissions Vehicle-II (LEV-2) standards and is designed to run for 110,000 miles before the first scheduled tune-up.

The Type-S is equipped exclusively with a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission for quick, responsive shifting. For 2005, the final drive ratio on this transmission was lowered to provide even quicker acceleration while shift feel was improved by applying carbon synchronizers on fifth and sixth gear.

To meet the demands of the true driving enthusiast, the chassis of the RSX features track-tuned suspensions and steering systems for exceptional handling precision, outstanding cornering grip and a smooth, controlled ride.

Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with a 3-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) help to provide secure stopping power. To match its additional performance capabilities, the RSX Type-S uses larger 11.8-inch ventilated discs up front. For 2005, a larger diameter master cylinder was applied to increase hydraulic pressure, the rigidity of the brake pedal increased and the pedal stroke was reduced. These enhancements combined to both enhance stopping power and improve braking feel.

The exterior styling of the RSX communicates a message of power and precision through short front and rear overhangs, sweeping curves and sharply chiseled accent lines. For 2005, Acura updated the styling to make the RSX look lower, faster and more aggressive. In front, the fascia has been redesigned with lower, rectangular air ducts, aggressive-looking tri-beam headlights and a new Acura-family grille. Side sills on the RSX are now body colored, while the side sills on the Type-S are more substantial, and wrap further around the car to highlight the new wheels and tires. The rear of the RSX was redesigned with new taillight assemblies, a new bumper, larger diameter exhaust tips and, on the Type-S, a deck lid spoiler. The result for both models is a more aerodynamic car that gives off a strong feeling of mass and power.

The interior of the RSX features a driver-oriented cockpit that has been updated for 2005. The seats have been redesigned with more supportive side bolsters and a thicker lower cushion for increased comfort on long drives and support during aggressive cornering. Titanium accents have been added to the integrated headrests and to several key points around the cabin including the step garnish, the shifter boot ring and the hand brake..

ACURA RSX A-SPEC CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:08:00 +0000

First Glance
The RSX is a nice-looking car to start out with, before you start tacking on any accessories. It's low and sleek for a hatchback coupe, not excessively sporty or styled. Acura's quality control is top-notch, so everything on the RSX fits right and is tight as a drum.

The majority of the accessories that make up the A-Spec package are visible on the outside of the RSX-S. An "A-Spec" badge gets installed below the RSX-S logo on the back. 17" alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama rubber dress the corners. The body kit includes front, rear and side underbody spoilers, and a prominent High Wing Spoiler on the back deck. In high speed situations, a wing provides downforce and stabilize your ride. The A-Spec wing isn't excessive. Like all of the A-Spec accessories, it's well constructed and integrated with rest of the car. Still, I would skip the wing if I bought an RSX. I'd just be way too self-conscious.

Driving a car with underbody spoilers, you have to be very careful when you park and when you encounter speed bumps. An average curb can be a hazard, and a wicked speed bump could devastate your investment. If your driveway has a steep approach angle, you'd better find street parking for your RSX, or you'll be cleaning up plastic shards.

In the Driver's SeatThe A-Spec package doesn't touch the interior – the RSX-S doesn't need it. The interior is tasteful and well-appointed, though compared to the rest of the Acura line, it's virtually stark. That's okay with me – the RSX-S is a driver's car. The gauges are big, clear and intelligently located. The climate controls are simple, big knobs, and they're high on the dash for easy access. The dash is non-reflective so you get less glare on the steep windshield.

I love a driver's seat that wraps around my sides like a hug. The RSX-S seats are shaped like racing seats, but have great adjustment. Real racing seats are usually fixed, and don't offer the kind of angle changes that you get in a luxury car. Perforated leather makes for a great seating surface.

Forget about the back seat – you don't want to put any human beings back there, and a child safety seat would be too hard to get to. Send the kids in the minivan – the RSX is your car.

If you do have to pick up some groceries, though, the RSX has impressive cargo space – 16 cubic feet – and you can fold down the 50/50 split rear seat to make even more room. Amaze your friends – when you open the rear hatch, the RSX looks like it splits in half, ready to swallow a HUMMER whole.

On the Road

A-Spec accessories don't make any appearances under the hood of the RSX-S either. The 16 valve 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine pumps out a decent amount of power – 201 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. You've got to get the revs up to really hit the sweet spot – peak hp doesn't arrive until 7800 rpm, and peak torque hits at 7000 rpm. That means that you're sawing through the six manual gears frequently, trying to keep the engine happy. If you love to clutch and shift, if you're great at heel/toe maneuvers, you'll love driving the RSX-S. I wish that the RSX-S had a short-throw shifter option – the spindly shifter stalk has to go. While we're wishing, I also wish for more horsepower and torque to go with the A-Spec package. Where's the supercharger? Where's the turbo option?

The A-Spec does upgrade the suspension to a "sport suspension." Whatever those components are, they work like a dream. The RSX-S feels planted to the road, yet still has enough compliance to make rough pavement and bumps disappear. Maybe that's why there's no turbo option – this car has excellent balance between its power and its handling performance. Many enthusiasts scoff at front-wheel drive. In a well-sorted package like the RSX-S, front-wheel drive is a blast.

Journey's End
If you're considering the Acura RSX Type-S A-Spec, you've got to look at the new Honda Civic Si, which will approach RSX-S performance for thousands less. There's an active aftermarket for the Civic and a line of Honda-endorsed products as well. Take a look at the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart while you're at it, drive the Subaru WRX, Scion tC, MINI Cooper S and Hyundai Tiburon. A used car can make a good starting point for a tuner, too.

Adding the A-Spec package to a new RSX Type-S is not an easy yes-or-no decision – it increases the initial purchase price by more than 25% when you get all finished with installation. If finances are a factor, you might want to consider a shorter list of accessories or putting together your A-Spec package over time. Of course, if the dealer installs the package at initial purchase it can be part of your new car loan or lease – a much less painful prospect on a monthly basis than part-by-part construction. You'll still need to do some engine work to make your car a real screamer, but you can do that after the warranty expires in seven years.

In the meantime you'll have a cool-looking car that will haul a ton of groceries – just be sure to strap that milk down before you hit the twisties.

ACURA RL A-SPEC

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Overview
The Acura RL is all new for 2005, and it's sleeker, sportier and more fun to drive than last year's model. The RL still uses a V6 engine, but it's much more powerful than before. And while previous RL models were front-wheel drive, the 2005 RL uses all-wheel drive for improved grip and superior stability and to handle the higher horsepower. The new RL offers the responsive handling of a sports sedan yet it rides smoothly.

While the previous-generation RL had become big, bloated and boring, slinking around in the shadows of the Lexus LS430 and Infiniti Q45, the new RL compares quite favorably to BMW, Mercedes and Audi as well as Lexus and Infiniti. It's more fun to drive than a Mercedes E320. And while it may not offer the sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics of the new BMW 530i, it's right with it on a race track.

Acura's innovative all-wheel-drive system makes the new RL easy to drive and helps keep its driver out of trouble. Called Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, the system overdrives the outside rear wheel when motoring around corners, improving the handling balance and enhancing stability. It feels solid in corners. It forgives minor driver errors and makes the driver look skilled. And of course it works exceptionally well in adverse weather. Honda's 300-horsepower VTEC V6 provides plenty of power yet the RL is rated 26 mpg on the highway.

The RL is Acura's flagship luxury car. It's more luxurious and slightly larger than the sporty TL. The new 2005 RL is smaller outside but larger inside than last year's previous-generation model.

Model Lineup
The 2005 Acura RL ($48,900) is available as one loaded model. No options are available. The navigation system comes standard along with just about every luxury and convenience feature we can think of.
Active safety features include SH-AWD, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Passive safety features include a driver's and front-passenger's dual-stage, dual threshold airbags, side curtain airbags designed to provide head protection for passengers in all outboard seating positions, and side-impact airbags designed to provide torso protection for driver and front passenger with an occupant position detection system for the front passenger. OnStar operators will direct emergency services to your car if the airbags deploy and you don't respond. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard.

Walkaround
The all-new 2005 Acura RL is actually smaller than the previous-generation model. The new RL is shorter overall and rides on a shorter wheelbase. The track is wider, though. The engine is more compact. That, and other space-efficiency measures, have resulted in a cabin that's roomier than the previous model's. It's a sure sign of improved space efficiency when the outside of the car is smaller but the inside is larger.

The new RL looks sleeker and sportier than the previous model. It's attractive if not interesting. The front end is smooth with nicely integrated bumpers and headlamps. Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps employ Acura's new Active Front Lighting System, which swivels the headlight beams into corners for better visibility.

From the rear, the RL looks vaguely similar to the newest designs from BMW, which are controversial. Viewed from the side, the trailing edge of the RL is somewhat reminiscent of the 7 Series where the rear deck seems separated from the rear fenders. It's far less pronounced on the Acura, however, and won't rise to the level of a controversy.

Interior Features
The interior of the RL is luxurious and functional. The seats are comfortable for cruising and supportive for hard driving. The wide armrests have a nice soft feel. This is a roomy car, though the back seats don't offer as much room as some of the competition's.

The cabin is finished in handsome leather with attractive stitching. Real wood is used sparingly, tastefully around the cabin and it's not too shiny. Acura says it used the finest materials and exacting attention to detail in the interior design. It shows. The RL's cabin is attractive, comfortable and functional. The biggest nitpick we noted is inconsequential: The cigar lighter cover was reluctant to open on the car we drove, and that was a pre-production model, a car built before the assembly line started.

The display is not a touch screen. Instead, an interface dial is used to control all functions. Positioned on the center stack, in front of the shifter, the dial is rotated like a knob and rocked like a joystick to select among function menus displayed on the navigation screen. Pushing down on the knob selects the highlighted function. Functions controlled by the interface dial include the climate control system, audio, navigation, and the AcuraLink satellite communications system. This interface dial is similar in concept to that of BMW's controversial iDrive, but Acura added redundant buttons on the instrument panel and steering wheel for most of the commonly used functions, making this system easier to use than BMW's. For its part, the interface dial has great feel.

As mentioned, everything described here comes as standard equipment, including the navigation system with voice recognition, which features a large 8-inch screen. The all-new AcuraLink satellite communications system delivers in-car traffic information in real time for major cities. LA has the most mature infrastructure to support this, and it's an impressive feature that could make commuting easier by helping drivers avoid heavily congested areas. Traffic flow is shown by color coding the highways in three levels (flying, normal and forget about it). Unlike radio reports, which just hit the highlights and don't provide detailed instructions for getting around tangles, this system uses data from the highway departments and technology developed by XM Satellite Radio to give the RL driver the level of detail needed to change routes on the fly. The RL is on the leading edge of this technology, and it may prove to be well worth taking the time to fully master this navigation aid.

Even without this newest twist, Acura's navigation systems are perennially among the best available. In the past, we've praised them for their ease of operation, clear instructions, speedy route calculations, and absence of errors. As with all of these systems, there is a learning curve. You'll need to study the owners manual and exercise patience before you can fully master the system and use it to its maximum advantage. Even then, trying to program navigation or other functions while driving is very dangerous; you should pull over, program your destination, get organized, then set out.

OnStar also comes standard. Having OnStar and a navigation system should ensure you are always guided to your destination. Pressing the OnStar button calls up an operator ready to assist you in any way possible, whether you need directions to the nearest gas station or ATM or the best sushi bar in town. OnStar operators can quickly pinpoint your exact location and the direction you're headed and won't hesitate to tell you to turn around. They can unlock the doors should you lock the keys inside. They can direct the police to your car should it be stolen. They will direct emergency crews to you should the airbags go off and you not respond to their calls. We've found most of them cheerful, friendly and engaging, patient, often with a sense of humor, though that isn't always true. Their voice comes through a speaker and you talk to them in normal tones while driving. Your voice is picked up through a microphone and there's no need to use your hands.

Nor must you use your hands for talking on the telephone. The RL is set up to operate with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, which allows hands-free dialing and communication. The navigation system also features voice recognition. The Keyless Access System further frees you from having to use your fingers by letting you unlock the doors, open the trunk, and start the car without having to dig the keyless remote out of your pocket or purse.

The back seats are comfortable, though they don't offer quite as much space as some of the other cars in this class. Getting into the back seats is eased by rear doors designed to open wide. A retractable rear sunshade filters the sun, nice on bright days. Retractable rear headrests improve rearward visibility when people aren't back there.

The trunk is nicely finished and offers 13 cubic feet of space. The keyless access system prevents locking the key fob in the trunk.

Driving Impressions
The all-new 2005 Acura RL is much more of a driver's car than last year's model. It handles better. It's tauter, more poised. It grips better in corners, has tauter transient response and stops in shorter distances. The ride is comfortable, firm enough to feel expansion joints but not so firm as to be harsh, and it cruises easily. The cabin is quiet, benefiting from a noise cancellation system that reduces road noise and tire noise but especially boom from the engine exhaust.

Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive improves the handling of the RL considerably. SH-AWD distributes power not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. This distribution of power can be controlled, and it uses this capability to enhance the handling. Essentially, the system overdrives the outside rear wheel in corners to reduce the understeer that is inherent with all-wheel-drive layouts. (Technonerds: It employs the same principles as the old Honda Prelude SH, only at the rear wheels instead of the front, overdriving them by up to 5 percent.) In short, the RL doesn't plow in corners. It simply motors around them.

We found the system particularly helpful in tight corners where it keeps the nose of the car tucked in. The RL seems to respond well to throttle in the corners. The effects of overdriving one of the rear wheels is most noticeable at competition-level speeds, but the system improves handling feel even at a moderate pace. It feels precise, and the RL goes exactly where you want to go. You get improved handling stability on dry or wet roads. All-wheel drive also brings improved traction and stability on snow and ice. The system is biased to the front. When cruising along, 70 percent of the engine's power goes to the front wheels, and 30 percent goes to the rear wheels. Stand on it, however, and up to 70 percent of the power goes to the rear wheels. That means little or no wheel spin when accelerating.

To compare the handling of the RL, we drove it back to back with some other cars on a winding racing circuit, the new Shenandoah 1.2-mile road course at Summit Point in West Virginia. Of particular note was how the RL compared with a Mercedes E320 4Matic (all-wheel drive). The E320 felt heavy and lethargic, like an old Mercedes. Compared with the Acura, the Mercedes lacked grip and suffered from understeer and slow steering; plus it was hard to modulate brakes and hard to modulate the throttle. A previous-generation RL and a previous-generation Audi A6 were also on hand, and both were hopelessly outclassed by the Acura and BMW, serving as stark examples of the superiority of the latest models over five-year-old designs. (There's an all-new A6 for 2005, but there wasn't one available for this test.)

By far, the stars of this exercise were the Acura RL and BMW 530i. The RL was the easiest of the group to drive, making it the quickest. The 530i felt livelier and more fun with its rear-wheel drive and sports suspension. Whether the BMW would ultimately be quicker in timed lap sessions wasn't clear. What was clear was that the RL was the easiest to push to the limit in unfamiliar corners. The new Acura would be an excellent choice if told to drive as fast as possible over an unfamiliar mountain road, and that would be even more true if the conditions were slippery or unpredictable.

Fortunately, there's plenty of power to go with the RL's excellent handling. Its V6 is the most powerful engine ever in an Acura. The 3.5-liter engine generates 300 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. That's impressive power from a V6. You'll get more power and more low-end response from a V8, but the RL offers decent performance. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 7 seconds. It's smooth, responsive and enjoyable. It's quicker than a Mercedes E320 and comparable to a BMW 530i. Better breathing helps the 24-valve, single overhead-cam, aluminum VTEC engine combine substantially increased power yet with lower emissions and good fuel economy: The RL meets the government's stringent standards as a LEV2-ULEV Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle and earns an EPA-estimated City/Highway 18/26 mpg.

The driving experience is aided considerably by the excellent five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. Shifting is crisp and quick but super smooth, making the RL more responsive and more enjoyable. It seems to shift up early, but never seems to hunt. The driver can shift manually using a shift lever on the center console or with paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. It's fun to play with, but most of the time we simply put it in Drive and let it do the job it does so well.

We found the brakes to be excellent, with a good, firm pedal. Acura says it upgraded the brakes to create a true high-performance system. New 12.6-inch ventilated front rotors use aluminum four-piston calipers in front, with ventilated discs in the rear. Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) automatically adjusts the front/rear brake pressure to suit conditions, while an anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps the driver maintain steering control in hard braking situations. Brake Assist helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident-avoidance situation.

Summary

The all-new Acura RL sheds the stodginess of the previous-generation model and embraces the agile handling and quick acceleration performance of a sports sedan. The RL is easy to drive and helps keep its drivers out of harm's way, with the latest in all-wheel drive technology. Yet it rides nicely, coddles its occupants and exudes a sporty, luxurious ambience.

ACURA NSX

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:32:00 +0000

Acura NSX: Timeless Performance and Style

The Acura NSX supercar exemplifies the precision crafted performance that lies at the heart of every Acura vehicle. Developed out of years of racing experience, the NSX sets the benchmark for Acura technology, combining world-class performance and styling with exceptional drivability and refinement.

The Acura NSX offers two distinct, mid-ship mounted powertrains. The first is a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.2 liter, DOHC, 24-valve, 90-degree V-6 engine coupled with a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission producing 290 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque. The second is a 3.0 liter DOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine with a 4-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that generates 252 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both Acura NSX engines are equipped with Acura's patented VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), a Variable Volume Induction System, direct ignition and a computerized Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system pioneered in Formula One racing. The NSX engine also features titanium connecting rods, which are stronger and lighter than comparable steel connecting rods.

To complement these innovative powertrains, the Acura NSX chassis features an all-aluminum unit body construction that is 40 percent lighter, yet has the rigidity of a steel structure. The 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension features aluminum-alloy control arms and hub carriers that minimize unsprung weight and provide optimum handling. The suspension also features aluminum subframes for the front and rear suspension to further reduce weight. Forged-aluminum alloy wheels reduce unsprung weight while super high performance tires - 215/40 R17 in front and 255/40 R17 in the rear - provide maximum traction and handling.

The NSX's braking system features large-diameter, ventilated four-wheel discs and an advanced 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for confident braking. A sophisticated Traction Control System (TCS) helps limit wheel-spin and enhances control.

The 2005 Acura NSX features a removable roof panel for open-air driving. A sculpted, wedge-shaped body and forward canopy design clearly communicate the car's high performance personality. Additional features include a body integrated rear spoiler and airfoil, power operated sideview mirrors and Xenon High-Intensity Discharge projector-beam headlights. The NSX comes in seven exterior colors, which can be ordered with a matching or complementary interior color.

Inside, the hand-stitched, leather-trimmed interior of the NSX is designed to evoke the image of a jet fighter cockpit, providing excellent visibility, easy-to-read instrumentation and supportive, power operated seats. For 2005, the NSX receives a redesigned meter panel surround, a new shifter knob and a keyless entry system. As with all Acura models, the NSX comes with a long list of standard equipment and comfort and convenience features including an Automatic Climate Control System, power windows and door locks, cruise control and a theft deterrent system with electronic immobilizer. For 2005, the premium Acura/Bose Music System has been enhanced with a trunk-mounted 6-Disc CD changer.

CITROEN C4 WRC

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:54:00 +0000

Citroen C4 WRC: Citroen Sport's New Weapon
The Citroen C4 WRC - Citroen Sport's new weapon - made its debut in the Monte Carlo rally in 2007. It is the car to replace the Xsara WRC, winner of three world manufacturers crowns between 2003 and 2005. In the expert hands of Citroen Sport's engineers at Versailles Satory, the C4 Citroen Sport concept car became the C4 WRC.

Although the overall styling was maintained, the car had to be adapted to international regulations and performance requirements. This is where the design office of Citroen Sport stepped in. The project working group came up with a first rolling model of the Citroen C4 WRC that was already a long way from the original concept. The roof, for example, was no longer made of glass, since this is banned in rally racing. The front and rear wings, bumpers and spoiler were modified to satisfy regulations and performance criteria. To save time and money, a number of body parts were studied in wind tunnels on a scale of 1 before validation of the full-size parts at the end of the project.

The program role of the development program was to validate the parts and powertrain sub-systems developed by the design office. Reliability was the first factor and performance the second. To achieve the desired result, several working sessions were necessary on both asphalt and gravel. The technical team of Citroen Sport then compared the performance of the C4 WRC with that of the Xsara, which remained the standard, the absolute reference.

Designed to be as easy to drive and as reliable as the Xsara WRC, the C4 WRC aims to set even higher standards of efficiency and performance. A car built and developed to enable Citroen to target the "drivers" and "manufacturers" titles once more from 2007.

Like the Xsara, its glorious predecessor, the Citroen C4 WRC features four-wheel drive and a 2-liter turbocharged engine mated to a cross-mounted 6-speed gearbox. At 165.4 inches, the C4 WRC is longer than the Xsara and, in line with regulations, therefore has a larger width of 70.1 inches, compared with 67 inches for the Xsara. This change should provide better stability on bends.

As also laid down in the new regulations, the use of electronic driving aids is limited, in the same way as for the Xsara in its 2006 configuration. Referring again to the regulatory budget cuts, the sub-systems of the C4 WRC - such as the engines, gearboxes, front, central and rear differentials and dampers - must last longer and be more reliable.

CITROEN C-METTISE CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:52:00 +0000

High Performance With a Twist

The elegant design lines of the C-Metisse, the latest out-of-this-world concept car from Citroen, will be unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Exceptionally stylish and powerful, the C-Metisse proves that a high performance car can also be green, combining a top speed of 155 mph with the ability to cover around 45 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.

Crammed with hi-tech innovations and neat touches, the C-Metisse explores new paths in car design and driving pleasure. This model combines coupe styling with 4-door practicality thanks to the show-stopping gull-wing front and rear doors.

In particular, the C-Metisse has been developed to offer good environmental credentials. It boasts an economical HDi V6 diesel engine, coupled with an acclaimed Diesel Particulate Filter System, and two separate electric motors on the rear wheels, capable of developing a massive 295 lb-ft of additional torque. Around town the new concept car can even run in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode.

With its unique and powerful style, this 4-seater, 4-door coupe is visually striking. It is also exceptionally low for a grand-tourer of its size, at just 48.4 inches high, which contrasts with its length of 184.9 inches and width of 78 inches. And with its long bonnet and virtually non-existent rear overhang, its design is classically Citroen.

Both outside and in, the C-Metisse takes styling to another level. The front doors open gull-wing style, while the rear doors spin round to provide good accessibility for a car of such a low height. The large, eye-catching alloy wheels have been specially designed, with central wheel nuts hinting at the model's sporting nature.

Once inside the 'aircraft-style cockpit', occupants are enveloped by the comfortable, individual white leather seats, and are surrounded by smart leather trim and aluminum inserts. Each of the passengers benefits from independent air conditioning controls, individual roof lighting and plenty of space.

Powering the front wheels is a 208 bhp V6 HDi diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, whilst a further two electric motors can drive the rear wheels. Providing an innovative 4-wheel drive capability, each of these motors can deliver up to 295 lb-ft of torque and 20 bhp.

The C-Metisse is focused on providing real driver pleasure and sets extremely high standards for out-of-town driving, as demonstrated by a stunning 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 6.2 seconds and impressive mid-range performance that sees this remarkable concept accelerate from 50-75 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Driving pleasure is increased by a 'boost' function, activated under heavy acceleration, which activates to provide the immediate torque required. This combines the torque of the combustion engine with that of the electric motors that drive the rear wheels to enhance performance without pushing up fuel consumption.

The diesel hybrid drivetrain comprises a pack of high voltage batteries to supply the electric motors. Placed in the centre of the vehicle, the pack is automatically recharged during deceleration phases. The drivetrain and braking control unit automatically manage the energy configuration: transition from 2 to 4-wheel drive, energy recovery and the recharging of batteries.

Particular attention has also been paid to reducing the weight of the vehicle so that it requires less power to run, uses smaller amounts of fuel and therefore emits fewer pollutants. The carbon-fiber body helps reduce the entire weight of the C-Metisse to just 1,400 kg, including batteries.

SCION TC RELEASE SERIES 6.0

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:44:00 +0000

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2010 -- Scion announced today that its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 tC Release Series 6.0 (tC RS 6.0), will begin arriving in dealerships in March. The tC RS 6.0 will be on display in the Scion booth at the Chicago Auto Show, February 10-21, 2010.

The tC RS 6.0 comes painted in a vivid Speedway Blue that is currently not offered on any other Scion model. The eye-catching exterior is complemented with a unique matte-black vinyl graphic that flows along the beltline and features the RS 6.0 logo on the rear quarter panel.

Adding to the coupe’s sporty character, the bright blue motif is carried over to the RS 6.0’s seats and steering wheel. Front and rear seats boast color-tuned surfaces – black fabric with blue highlights – and the leather-wrapped steering wheel comes finished with blue stitching.

The tC RS 6.0 features an Alpine Premium Audio system with navigation that is flashed with a sound curve unique for the RS 6.0’s acoustics and includes a 4.3-inch touch screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, 200 watts of output, RCA output connections, and HD RadioTM technology. The navigation system consists of flash-based global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation, turn-by-turn voice guidance, a three-dimensional map view option, and a tC RS 6.0 route-guidance icon.

Only 1,100 units of the tC RS 6.0 will be built, and each vehicle comes with a unique, individually numbered stainless-steel badge. The tC RS 6.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,620 with a manual transmission, and $19,420 with an automatic transmission.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

On February 16, visit the official Scion Release Series Facebook page at facebook.com/scionreleaseseries and “Get Inside the tC Release Series.” Using Facebook Connect, visitors will be treated to a personalized virtual ride culminating into a 360-degree experience at Scion's most recent dubstep event.

SCION IQ CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:22:00 +0000

Scion introduced its micro-subcompact concept car at the New York International Auto Show this year. The Javits Center is perhaps the ideal location to reveal a concept that is aimed at a young, urban consumer. Naturally, the biggest appeal for a micro-subcompact would be in a very urban setting. Small, maneuverable and eye-catching, the Scion iQ concept would be an ideal vehicle for a young, urban driver. Photo: Press Conference/Arrival.jpg The Scion iQ is lowered from the ceiling at the NYIAS press conference Photo: Scion iQ/Front.jpg Photo: Scion iQ/Rear.jpg Photo: Scion iQ/PassSide.jpg Photo: Scion iQ/RearQuarter.jpg The Scion iQ on display at the NYIAS

Can we really call this a Scion concept? The Toyota iQ concept was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. The iQ went on sale in Japan in October 2008 and in the UK in January 2009. Now, the iQ is being touted as a Scion concept car at the 2009 NYIAS.

Scion Vice President Jack Hollis stressed that the, “Scion concept . . . is innovative and intelligent, but this 'i' in iQ stands for individuality.” He added, “Five Axis of Huntington Beach, California helped us 'Scionize' this concept with aggressive modifications.” Ultimately, though, the Scion iQ is not significantly different from its Toyota counterpart. Toyota unveiled its iQ concept with the statement that the “i” stands for, “individuality, innovation and intelligence.” Photo: Scion iQ/FrontClose.jpg The Scion iQ has an easy smile- but will it sell in the US? Photo: Scion iQ/Headlight.jpg Photo: Scion iQ/iQlogo.jpg This eye-catching color dubbed Radioactive changes from yellow to green depending on the angle it is viewed from.

Changes made to the Scion version appear to be mostly minor cosmetic changes. It's just a little bit longer with larger tires- 18-inches instead of the Toyota iQ's 16-inch tires. Scion has added all of the electronic gizmos that make a car a personal statement and entertainment center instead of simply a way to travel. A retractable 10-inch panel LED screen in the center of the dash provides navigational assistance as well as entertainment for driver and passengers. It will show movies while parked and retracts at the push of a button when not in use. Photo: Press Conference/LEDConsole.jpg

Still, Scion claims that it will be at least a year before they would consider putting the iQ into production in the US. Although the Toyota iQ gets 5-star crash ratings in Europe, it needs to be re-designed to meet more stringent US standards. Citing these redesigns, Mr. Hollis refused to offer a potential price for the iQ, stating that the pricing would be, “competitive.”

In the UK, the iQ starts at 9,495- roughly $14,000. Toyota has moved the iQ rather quickly from a concept vehicle in 2007 to a production vehicle by 2008. The micro-subcompact market is a relatively new market- particularly in North America. Currently, the SmartForTwo is the only vehicle sold in the US that would qualify. Photo:Press Conference/JackHollis.jpg Scion Vice President Jack Hollis

In fact, there are inevitable comparisons between the iQ and the SmartForTwo. The 2009 SmartForTwo starts at $11,990. It is just under nine feet long compared to the Toyota iQ at just under 10 feet and the Scion iQ at just over 10 feet long. The SmartForTwo has seating for two, while both versions of the iQ offer seating for 𔄛+1,” as Toyota and Scion describe it. Interestingly enough, the SmartForTwo is built in France and the iQ was designed in France. Photo:Smart/SmartPassSide.jpg A side-by-side comparison of the SmartForTwo and the iQ reveals many similarities Photo:Press Conference/PassSide.jpg

All that aside, there is a rush to get into the micro-subcompact market. The SmartForTwo has been selling steadily in the US, typically with waiting lists for customers. The Toyota iQ moved quickly into the Japanese and European markets and industry insiders expect the iQ to be available in the US by 2011. It is, in fact, a stroke of marketing genius to package the iQ under the Scion banner for US sales. Scion- representing young, hip, urban buyers- is the perfect marketing tool for a new class of car in the US.

Scion will have to hurry, though, if it wants to be at the front of the pack. Volkswagon has already fast-tracked a micro-subcompact called the VW Chico that it intends to sell in the US beginning in 2012. That gives Scion just one year to muscle ahead of Mercedes and its SmartForTwo before Volkswagon begins competing for a share of the micro-subcompact pie. Photo:VWPassSide.jpg Volkswagons iconic compact car was a bizarre sight on American roads when it was introduced.

Many think that the entire micro-subcompact class of vehicles is hideous. There are any number of derisive comments that are elicited by the mere sight of either the SmartForTwo or the iQ concept. However, the rush towards building these cars represents a new shift in our thinking about cars. Those old enough to remember can think back to the 1970s when a similar shift began. When Grandma traded in her Plymouth Fury III for a Honda Civic, everyone said, &$8220That doesnt even look like a car!” It didnt take long before the compact Japanese imports began to replace the big American cars on Americas highways- and we all know what happened to the companies that resisted the change.

POWERTRAIN

Engine: 1.3-liter, four-cylinder, VVT-i
Horsepower: 93 hp
Torque: 89 lb.-ft.
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length: 126.9
Overall Width: 71.4 without side mirrors
79.3 including side mirrors
Overall Height: 56.9 without antenna
62.5 including antenna
Wheelbase: 78.7
Seating Capacity: 3+1
MODIFICATIONS

Exhaust: Five Axis custom stainless exhaust
Wheels: Five:AD S6:F custom wheels with nickel finish prototyped by MetalFX
18x8.5 ET03
Tires: Yokohama S.drive
2.5/40R18
Suspension: TEIN Super Street coilover suspension
Body: Five Axis widebody conversion
Burnt nickel accents
Custom accented headlights and taillights

SCION TC

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:18:00 +0000

Scion tC Receives Freshened Styling for 2008
The Scion tC, the best-selling vehicle in the Scion lineup, raises the bar in the sports coupe segment as it receives sharp styling revisions, new standard equipment and safety features for 2008.

Freshened Exterior and Enhanced Interior

The 2008 tC is distinguished by the new Scion family front fascia, a menacing horizontal combination of headlights and grille. For the tC this includes a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim. The tC also receives eye-catching rear tail lights similar in style to the headlights with round combination lamps.

Inside, the tC receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and Pioneer subwoofer.

Azure Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors were replaced with Sizzling Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.

Standard iPod Connectivity
Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008. Scion's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and steering wheel audio controls. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's Pioneer speakers.

Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the tC comes standard with rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers, and subwoofers.

The tC's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems will also feature six speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.

Fun-To-Drive Performance
The tC is powered by a 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) produces 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The tC features a five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

Blank Canvas
It's easy for customers to take the tC to the next level with Scion Genuine Accessories. Customers can change the tC's look with the approximately 40 available accessories including EMX Super seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero 255/40 R18 all-season tires, polished stainless steel muffler, color-keyed ground effects and a rear lip spoiler.

For those who really want to express their creativity, Scion also offers the tC Spec Package model aimed at the tuner segment with a lower price point than the standard model. Since wheel changes are so popular in the tuner community, the tC Spec Package model comes standard with steel wheels, 205/55 R16 tires and seven-spoke wheel covers. The tC Spec Package also features a fixed glass panorama roof, unique upholstery, a urethane steering wheel, and a grille and headlight garnish with special treatment.

SCION TC RELEASE SERIES 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:35:00 +0000

tC Release Series 3.0 Debuts

Scion announced that the tC Release Series 3.0 (tC R.S. 3.0) will be on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and hit dealer showrooms beginning in mid-February.

The 2007 tC Release Series 3.0 will come in a frosty Blizzard Pearl white and be decked out with a front and rear KenStyle ground effects kit. Other tC R.S. 3.0 exterior features include darkened headlights, and a custom wide intake-style upper grille with a honeycomb insert that matches the lower grille. This package also has Scion Genuine Accessory clear LED taillights with unique gray trim.

The tC R.S. 3.0 has black Alcantara seats detailed with a gray perforated center seating surface on a white background. Alcantara is a suede-like material often found in luxury or performance vehicles and on aftermarket racing seats. A Blizzard Pearl RAZO weighted shift knob with black leather insert is also standard.

A Pioneer six-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power complements the standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system and is tuned specifically for the tC. This compact subwoofer is mounted in the under-floor storage area, keeping it out of sight and leaving the cargo floor clear. This unique vehicle is completed by an individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge.

Only 2,500 units of the tC Release Series 3.0 will be built. The tC R.S. 3.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,580 over the base price. The base MSRP for the tC starts at $16,400 for the manual transmission model and $17,200 for the automatic transmission model.

SCION FUSE CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:07:00 +0000

Scion Unveils Fuse Sports Coupe Concept At 2006 NYIAS
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new Fuse Sports Coupe Concept vehicle at the 2006 New York Auto International Show.

The all-new Fuse was designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon. Its goal was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one sinister looking package. Most importantly, its styling makes a visual statement about its intention to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes.

The exterior of the Fuse was the conception of Calty designers Alex Shen and Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance statement. Inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the Fuse has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like wraparound windshield is balanced by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.

At first glance, the menacing presence and dark undertones of the Fuse subtly hint there is more than meets the eye. The front of the Fuse glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude. A massive rectangular air intake hints at potential for a large intercooler.

From the back, wide-body rear flares span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical taillamps. The dual exhaust also serves as fog and reverse lamps as lighting encircles each exhaust tip. Wheels are 20-inch custom-machined with LED's on the end of each spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.

On top, two horizontal glass panels run the length of the roof, and slide open in both directions offering all occupants access to a personal sunroof. The rear window tapers down to a speed-activated spoiler.

True to the Scion tradition, the Fuse is equipped with extreme levels of personalization accessories. Headlights and fog lamps can be programmed to illuminate in various colors. Videos or images can be downloaded and viewed on a concealed LCD screen behind the front badge. And then there is the interior.

Calty interior designers Alan Schneider and Ichirou Mukai used the long wheelbase and high beltline of the Fuse to help create the interior theme, which revolves around providing the driver with an intense driving environment and occupants an intimate atmosphere. The activation of a small key-shaped sensor unhinges butterfly doors that open to reveal an interior that merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.

The influence of the "racing tub" in the overall design is obvious. It provides a unique contrast that highlights the floating technical elements of the interior. A drive-by-wire steering interface combines influences from race cars and video game controllers in one innovative driver module. A media station that runs the length of the dash is the focal point of the cabin. Passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.

The Fuse interior concept is referred to as "one plus stuff." The design focuses on the driver by offering surprising versatility in the form of three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations. In its video mode, the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity and instant message their friends. In driving mode, the video screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.

Utility is maximized in a cargo mode where the front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to form a flat surface. And, multi-functioning rear cargo access allows stowage of larger items. The Fuse cabin seats four comfortably, however when the car is parked, additional room is available with a tailgate that converts to provide outdoor seating. A sweep of the foot over an infrared sensor located on the lip of the rear bumper opens the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate to drop down into a curb-high bench. This surprising seating arrangement is paired with rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment. Enhancing the social scene is a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, which is integrated into the rear center console.

Additional features include subtle accent lighting on the seats, doors and overhead lining. Deeply contoured seats are upholstered with soft-to-the-touch "Mythos" fabric that wraps around passengers for maximum comfort. Finally, audio, video and HVAC systems are easily controlled by a "vehicle system/communication interface" touch control board that is similar in appearance to a telephone keypad.

CHRYSLER 200C EV CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:46:00 +0000

Chrysler Showcases its Electric Vehicle Future at 2009 Geneva Motor Show
Company Displays Chrysler 200C EV Concept and Dodge Circuit EV for First Time Outside the United States
Chrysler ENVI inspires a personal mobility revolution, delivering clean, environmentally responsible, no-compromise electric vehicles

Chrysler 200C EV concept and Dodge Circuit EV – in their European premieres – exemplify potential electric-drive vehicle offerings from Chrysler LLC
First Chrysler electric vehicle to be produced in 2010

Geneva, Feb 19, 2009 - With its rapidly growing portfolio of ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles, Chrysler LLC is inspiring a personal mobility revolution, creating a new generation of responsible, no-compromise Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles for consumers who care about the planet’s future and want to take care of it.

At the 79th International Motor Show in Geneva, Chrysler showcases its electric vehicle future with the European premieres of the Chrysler 200C EV concept vehicle and Dodge Circuit EV prototype.

The Company recently unveiled these two vehicles – along with the new Jeep Patriot EV, the updated Chrysler Town & Country EV and the updated Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV – reinforcing a commitment to developing and bringing to market a broad array of advanced electric vehicles for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.
“Our goal is to provide creative solutions to the challenges that our customers face around the globe,” said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales and Global Product Planning Operations, Chrysler LLC. “We’ve made electric vehicles the primary path to developing clean vehicles for all our product lines. We will produce at least one of these vehicles for North American markets in 2010 and for European markets after 2010.”
The Chrysler 200C EV concept is the definitive blend of provocative design and leading-edge technology, representing what a next-generation Chrysler sports sedan could be. The Chrysler 200C EV concept also demonstrates Chrysler’s leading-edge in-vehicle connectivity. With 64 kilometers (40 miles) of all-electric range, this Range-extended Electric Vehicle is capable of a 644-kilometer (400-mile) total driving range.

Dodge showcases the newest version of its all-electric sports car: the Dodge Circuit EV. Featuring new fearless Dodge front and rear designs and a new Dodge interior, the Dodge Circuit EV boasts a range of 241 to 322 kilometers (150 to 200 miles) with zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.
“Chrysler’s broad portfolio of electric vehicle prototypes clearly demonstrates that we are well on our way to bringing electric vehicles to our customers,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development. “With our ENVI-powered vehicles, Chrysler’s strategy is to deliver customers a wide array of electric vehicles that provide an environmentally friendly, clean, quiet and responsible driving experience.”

Chrysler ENVI
The development of Chrysler’s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles is led by ENVI – representing the first four letters of “environmental” – the Company’s in-house organization that was formed in late 2007 to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies.

ENVI is an empowered, cross-functional, nimble team that can move quickly and has access to the vast resources within Chrysler to allow rapid proliferation of electric-drive vehicles.
“ENVI is quickly bringing electric vehicles to market, completely changing the game for our customers,” said Lou Rhodes, President – ENVI and Vice President – Advance Vehicle Engineering. “Chrysler’s ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles will allow consumers to move away from their reliance on fuel stations and traditional maintenance, and instead enjoy a new, more socially responsible level of performance – instant torque, quietness, smoothness and efficiency – that today’s internal combustion engine vehicles can’t offer.
“ENVI harnesses the promise of electric vehicles, but takes it further,” Rhodes added. “By working with electric utilities and with battery manufacturers, we are developing a seamless approach to electric vehicle ownership – an approach that will soon allow consumers to move brilliantly forward in an environmentally friendly, intuitive mobility package.”
ENVI’s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles will significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions.
Chrysler will apply its ENVI electric-drive technology to each of its brands and to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms.
“As demonstrated with our lineup of ENVI Electric Vehicle prototypes, Chrysler is quickly moving toward using electricity to power the bold performance of Dodge vehicles, the versatility and capability of Jeep vehicles, and the comfort and functionality of Chrysler vehicles,” Rhodes said.
Chrysler’s All-electric Vehicle Technology
Chrysler’s ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles utilize just three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.
“ENVI Electric Vehicle technology will provide customers with vehicles that achieve zero tailpipe emissions and a 241 to 322 kilometer driving range,” Rhodes said. “Chrysler’s ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles provide the opportunity to fulfill social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil and eliminate monthly gasoline bills, while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire.”
The result of ENVI’s Electric Vehicle technology is a completely new driving experience that delivers instantaneous acceleration and responsiveness. The electric-drive technology enables a new standard of quiet, smooth and efficient operation.
Recharging a Chrysler all-electric vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt or 220-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a 220-volt household appliance power outlet.

Chrysler’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle Technology
The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the ENVI Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an electric vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s gasoline-powered vehicles – with no compromises in performance.
ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicles can travel 64 kilometers (40 miles) on battery power alone using zero gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions. A small internal combustion engine and integrated generator produce electricity that extends the range to 644 kilometers (400 miles).

Range-extended Electric Vehicles offer environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility.
The recharging process and time for a Range-extended Electric Vehicle is the same as an all-electric vehicle, using either a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet.

CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE LIMITED

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +0000

All-New 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Offers Three in One

Chrysler is raising the roof on the convertible segment, introducing the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. This completely redesigned Sebring Convertible is built on the company's new D-segment platform and offers what no other convertible on the road can offer: Chrysler's sleek and elegant design, fuel efficient performance, a spacious interior that comfortably sits four adults and enough room in the trunk to hold two golf bags, even when the top is dropped.

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers what no other convertible has offered before , three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a first for this new 2008 Sebring Convertible, a body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob. Top that with a standard power hard tonneau cover on all models, and top up or down, Sebring Convertible provides the benefits of coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprisingly affordable price.

Elegant Design
From the front view, the new Sebring Convertible shares many traits with its sedan sibling, including the distinctive face of Chrysler, the brand's signature eggcrate grille and a uniquely sculptured hood that features the Chrysler brand's elegant lines. The Chrysler winged medallion is centered at the top of the grille just below the leading edge of the hood. Large quad headlamps wrap around to the side of the vehicle, where the all-new Sebring Convertible's profile takes on a shape all its own.

From the rear, wide tail lamps are mounted on the corners and deck lid for visibility and visual impact. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup lamps help maintain a uniform appearance among models sold around the world. Chrome-tipped dual exhaust outputs hint at the Limited model's performance capability when equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle.

Exhilarating Performance
Three engine options power the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible sold in the United States: the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited models sold in the United States are available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth quiet operation. Sebring Convertible's 3.5-liter V-6 engine achieves 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

A Breath of Fresh Air
The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible brings new levels of function and technology to the U.S. convertible segment. Innovative new features include the cutting-edge MyGIG navigation/entertainment/infotainment system, a heated/cooled cupholder, YES Essentials stain-resistant seat fabric and an available feature every convertible owner will love , the ability to drop the convertible top and all four windows with the push of a button on the key fob.

"The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible does for the convertible segment what the Chrysler 300 did for the large car segment and the all-new Sebring Sedan does for the mid-size sedan segment , it brings innovative, useful technologies to customers," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "These features make life easier and safer for the driver and passengers, while making the overall driving experience much more enjoyable for all."

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible features MyGIG, a cutting-edge information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications This best-in-class, next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The MyGIG system follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays.

CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:53:00 +0000

2008 Chrysler Crossfire Continues to Distinguish in the American Sports Car Segment

DESIGN Low-slung with a sculpted appearance, the Chrysler Crossfire features distinctive lines and dynamic proportions. The Crossfire's rear view is instantly recognizable with a tapered, "boat tail" appearance that emphasizes the sports car's 19-inch rear wheels. Both Coupe and Roadster versions feature a retractable spoiler designed into the rear of the vehicle that activates when the car reaches 60 mph. The center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) runs the width of the deployable rear spoiler on the Roadster.
To achieve an even more dynamic appearance on the Crossfire Roadster, satin silver painted sport bars appear just behind the driver and passenger seats. They ride in two race-inspired fairings integrated into the top of the tonneau cover, which complete the Roadster's rakish look.
A long hood and fast back give the Chrysler Crossfire a dynamic side view. The car's broad shoulders envelop 19-inch rear wheels, while the front wheels measure 18 inches. The larger rear wheels give the side profile a poised stance.
The Chrysler Crossfire sports a distinctive side view character line that moves precisely and rapidly from front to rear. The character line crosses to a negative formation as it travels from the front through the rear fender, giving credence to the name "Crossfire." A central spine runs from the bottom of the front fascia through the grille, hood and into the rear deck and fascia.

Inside the Crossfire's twin cockpit interior, this same center spine shape bisects the center console, shifter and instrument panel. From the driver's seat, the center spine shape appears to continue from the instrument panel through the windshield and onto the hood, inspiring similar design cues in other Chrysler brand vehicles.
The Crossfire Limited's seats are trimmed in leather with Chrysler's signature winged badge embossed into both head restraints. The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel, as opposed to the steering column, while the car's precise, white-on-black gauges feature black bezels and satin silver trim rings. The center console has a metallic finish that flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car to achieve a twin cockpit look. Satin silver accents are featured throughout the interior, including the doors, steering wheel and instrument cluster.

ENGINEERING
The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe, measured dynamically, has a body structure that is twice as stiff as a Porsche Boxster and as stiff as a Porsche 911. This technical achievement allows Crossfire Coupe to demonstrate its sedan-like ride while maintaining true sports car handling characteristics.

The 2008 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster was developed in parallel with the Coupe from its inception, which enhanced the Roadster's structural rigidity. Chrysler Crossfire Roadster customers enjoy a tight, solid and quiet ride thanks to the car's exceptional body torsional stiffness of 29.2 Hz. Chrysler Crossfire Roadster offers more torque (229 lb.-ft.) than Porsche Boxster (192 lb.-ft.) and BMW Z4 (214 lb.-ft.).
Under the hood, a 3.2-liter, 90-degree, 18-valve, single-overhead-cam V-6 engine delivers 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 229 lb.-ft. (310 N*m) of torque at 3,000 rpm to both Coupe and Roadster drivers.
The Chrysler Crossfire is equipped with a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is designed to help drivers maintain control during extreme steering maneuvers and low traction conditions. The Crossfire's ESP senses when the car is starting to spin (oversteer) or plow (understeer) and attempts to correct the vehicle's course by automatically controlling the throttle and applying the brakes at individual wheels. This provides directional stability in turns, even on uneven surfaces.
All-speed traction control also is standard on all Chrysler Crossfire models. This feature senses drive-wheel slip and individually brakes the slipping wheel and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained. This enhances the Crossfire's mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. It also provides a measure of directional stability control and helps keep the car on its intended course.
The Crossfire Coupe and Roadster's standard four-wheel, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist keep the cars straight and retain steering capability while braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lockup.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
* The Chrysler Crossfire Coupe and Roadster are real alternatives to the offerings from the import power brands, as they incorporate proven quality and technology in a stunning wrapper
* The Chrysler Crossfire Coupe and Roadster capture the dream of the original American sports touring car in a very modern expression
* Since 2003, Chrysler Crossfire has outsold the Audi TT in the United States
* About 25 percent of Crossfire units sold in the United States, and as much as 75 percent in some markets outside the region, have come from buyers trading in import and luxury models
* The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster enhances the appeal of Chrysler Crossfire, as more than 60 percent of the segment's sales are composed of roadsters and convertibles

* Tested at 150 miles per hour, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a one-of-a-kind sports car, as it combines the brand's signature design and convertible leadership with proven engineering
* Designed and developed in parallel with the Coupe from its inception, the Crossfire Roadster captures the spirit of the Coupe's design DNA while enhancing structural rigidity and sharing common components
* Crossfire Roadster complements Chrysler's head-turning collection of convertibles, including the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible

CHRYSLER 300C SRT-8

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:54:00 +0000

Chrysler Adds Even More Horsepower to HEMI with New 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8
With 85 more horses under the hood, the momentum continues for the Chrysler 300 and its HEMI engine. Today, the Chrysler Group revealed the 425-horsepower 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8.

"With a nearly 50 percent take rate, the HEMI is a critical ingredient to the success of the Chrysler 300," said Dan Knott, Director - Street and Racing Technology (SRT). "With the new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8, we are now adding even more horsepower to the HEMI and even more performance to the Chrysler 300C".

Preliminary performance targets for the 300C SRT-8 are 0-60 mph in the low 5-second range and quarter-mile time in the high13-second range.

Powertrain
The 425-horsepower, normally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI is the highest specific-output engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 "Street HEMI." Torque is rated at 420 lb-ft.

When SRT set out to develop a more powerful HEMI for the Chrysler 300C SRT-8, they were mindful of the engine's heritage, which led to adopting traditional HEMI engine cues, such as an orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.

The SRT powertrain engineers who developed the Chrysler 300C SRT-8's engine achieved more horsepower by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing engine speed.

To get more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the Chrysler 300C SRT-8's HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each, to increase the total displacement to 6.1 liters from 5.7 liters. Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, unleashing more energy in the combustion process.

Ride and Handling
The Chrysler 300C SRT-8 is conditioned for outstanding ride and handling across the dynamic range that customers are likely to experience.

Chassis setup for the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 is aimed at all-around performance with a number of enhancements, including tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger-diameter anti-sway bars. New front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height lowered one-half inch from the Chrysler 300C. And, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the SRT-8's performance handling characteristics.

The Chrysler 300C SRT-8 connects with the road via a new wheel and tire assembly consisting of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires (four-season tires are an available option) with asymmetrical tread. Tire dimensions are a beefy 245/45/20 in the front, and 255/45/20 in the rear.

Braking performance goes hand-in-hand with the new Chrysler 300C SRT-8's outstanding accelerating and speed - and the braking system was specially designed to slow and stop the car safely and predictably. All four wheels feature stout performance calipers developed by Brembo - well-known in racing and high-performance circles - equipped with four pistons for even comparing performance.

Design
Befitting its high-performance character, the new 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 exterior styling is a sophisticated treatment that resonates with the Chrysler brand's premium character.

Modified front and rear fascias help direct air flow, particularly through unique ducts that help cool the brakes. In addition, a specially designed rear deck spoiler, while refined in appearance, is also functional - increasing rear downforce by 39 percent without increasing drag.

Other unique touches to the Chrysler 300C SRT-8's exterior include body-color front and rear bumper inserts, body-color grille insert with chrome collar, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.

Two exterior colors are available: Bright Silver and Brilliant Black.

CHRYSLER FIREPOWER CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:26:00 +0000

Chrysler Firepower Grand Tourer Concept Combines Elegance and Performance

Precision and passion are key elements in Chrysler Group vehicles. The Firepower grand tourer concept car, making its debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, exudes Chrysler brand attributes of elegance and performance with high customer value.

"As designers, we challenged ourselves," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design. "How could we best encompass such strong Chrysler models as the Crossfire, which began the brand's move toward a higher level of performance and elegance, while looking to the most extreme expression of engineering and design such as last year's prototype, the ME Four-Twelve, Firepower uniquely bridges these two worlds."

Painstakingly crafted, the elegant and powerful Firepower concept is an example ofautomotive design and engineering within the reach of Chrysler brand customers. The exterior and interior design, flush with fine materials and meticulous details, are matched with performance provided by a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 and a Dodge Viper-based chassis.

The SRT-developed engine is exclusive to the Chrysler Group's high-performance products. Firepower uses a rear-wheel drive chassis with suspension and brakes fitting of a thoroughbred performance vehicle. A world-class 5-speed automatic transmissionwith AutoStick melds luxury and sport. Chrysler Group estimates 0-60 mph performance at less than 4.5 seconds and estimates a top speed of 175 mph.

Firepower uses massive billet aluminum wheels measuring 19x12 inches in the front and 20x12 inches in the rear. Tires are 275/35 R19 in the front and 335/30 R20 in the back.

The exterior is covered in Hydro Silver Pearl, with dark carbon fiber and polished aluminum accents. In addition to embodying Chrysler grand tourer spirit in the exterior design, Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling was used to shape the body with aerodynamics in mind. Design for proper engine cooling as well as down force in the rear are achieved through this modeling.

The interior is befitting of the Chrysler brand image of beauty and elegance. The interior color combination consists of Ocean Deep Blue as a primary hue, with Oyster leather and Behr maple accents. Finely trimmed leather-covered sport seats, automatic climate control and a premium audio system provide a tasteful and purposeful interior environment. All touch surfaces - steering wheel, control knobs, and shifter - are finished with fine materials for a luxury feel. The instrument panel was designed to display vital information through precisely-detailed gauges, completing the look and feel of refinement.
"The Firepower concept embodies the Chrysler brand philosophy," said Creed. "It provides luxury, refinement and sophistication blended elegantly with passion and performance."

CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE SRT-6

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:13:00 +0000

Crossfire SRT6: Performance, Race-Inspired Styling in a New Level of Crossfire
All-around performance with SRT-tuned suspension, benchmark braking system and race-bred exterior and interior refinements.

As the first Chrysler vehicle to earn the SRT badge, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 provides a new level of Crossfire with an infusion of race-inspired, street legal American performance in both coupe and roadster forms.

"The Crossfire SRT6 has proven itself on and off the track as one of the most pleasingly balanced performance vehicles ever produced by SRT," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler, Chrysler Group. "From its awesome supercharged V-6 engine , the only forced-induction powerplant offered by SRT , to its race-bred chassis, benchmark braking system and performance-oriented exterior and interior refinements, the 2006 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 offers all-around performance in a unique package for the Chrysler brand."

The Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and Roadster exhibit the refined, sophisticated level of performance characteristic of Chrysler-brand SRT vehicles.

Powertrain
The 2006 Crossfire SRT6 performance story starts with a hand-built 3.2-liter supercharged V-6 engine boasting 330 horsepower (246 kW) and 310 lb-ft of torque.

The 18-valve V-6 engine features a helical supercharger supplied by IHI and a water-to-air intercooler that helps deliver a relatively flat torque curve, delivering 90 percent of peak torque from 2,300 to 6,200 rpm. It also features a unique SRT engine cover. Combusted gases are routed through a performance-tuned exhaust system.

Output from the engine is handled by an upgraded five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick.

Exterior
Race-inspired exterior appointments that deliver enhanced performance for the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 include a fixed rear spoiler that results in reduced lift and enhanced aerodynamic balance at high speeds, and an integrated front fascia "chin" spoiler that reduces lift while providing greater cooling air flow to the front bakes.

New for 2006, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 features a body-color windshield surround.

The Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 is available in four colors for 2006: Aero Blue, Graphite Metallic, Sapphire Silver Blue Metallic and Black.

Interior
Exclusive premium performance-themed appointments are found throughout the interior of the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6.

A 200-mph (320 km/h) instrument cluster immediately points to the car's performance characteristics.

The Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 features race-inspired seats, designed to provide increased support for everyday driving, as well as spirited on-track driving performance. Trimmed in Nappa Pearl Leather, seats feature enhanced grip, thanks to Alcantara suede inserts and bolsters. "SRT6" is embroidered on the headrests.

Subtle gray stitching on the seats and steering wheel round out the interior appointments unique to the 2006 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6.

CHRYSLER ME FOUR-TWELVE CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0000

The spectacular quad-turbo, V-12 powered, mid-engine Chrysler ME Four-Twelve super car has roared onto the scene to shine as the most advanced Chrysler ever built.

The ultimate engineering and design statement, and a brilliant example of the Chrysler Group's capabilities, the ME Four-Twelve will establish a real-world performance record for a rear-wheel drive, mid-engine super car and may also set a record for lightening-quick vehicle development. Taking less than one year to complete from start to finish, the Chrysler Group partnered with some of the best in the business to assist in its development.

"The ME Four-Twelve has been one of the most closely guarded secrets, not only to the outside world but also within our organization," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design. "The idea for this machine was conceived as a spectacular follow-up to the Dodge Tomahawk shown last year. The big difference is that Tomahawk was a design statement. ME Four-Twelve, however, is as much an engineering statement as it is a design statement."

AMG Powertrain and Ricardo Clutch Transmission
The heart of the ME Four-Twelve is its all-aluminum, quad-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 engine. With electronic sequential multipoint fuel injection and a 9.0:1 compression ratio, the ME Four-Twelve's AMG-developed engine delivers 850 bhp @ 5750 rpm, with 850 lb-ft. (1150 N-m) of torque between 2500 and 4500 rpm on premium unleaded fuel. The specific power output translates to 142 bhp/liter, and with a curb weight of just 2880 lbs. (1310 kg), the ME Four-Twelve has the weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 lbs/bhp - each of these sets new performance records and new benchmarks in the super car category.

And, befitting a machine that will play comfortably in the super car league, the performance of the ME Four-Twelve is stunning. In our projections and modeling, the ME Four-Twelve goes from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds and it will blister through the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 142.0 mph. The estimated top speed of the ME Four-Twelve is 248 mph (400 km/h). The vehicle is designed and packaged to achieve outstanding thermal performance under extreme operating conditions.

The 7-speed Ricardo Double Clutch Transmission was developed specifically for this vehicle and features the latest double wet-clutch technology and electronic control strategy. The exclusive ME Four-Twelve transmission delivers uninterrupted torque to the rear wheels with 200 millisecond shift times.

Advanced Composite Structure
The ME Four-Twelve's advanced, carbon fiber bodywork was designed to mate to a carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque tub. Aluminum crush structures and chrome-moly sub-frames complete the ME Four-Twelve's rigid support structure. Taking advantage of its impressive racecar-like structural rigidity, the ME Four-Twelve's suspension, steering and brakes are engineered for super car performance. Overall, the vehicle's structure - consisting of multiple materials - achieves an ultra lightweight design with outstanding vehicle rigidity and complies with all US federal regulations related to impact testing.

The suspension is comprised of double wishbones, aluminum control arms, horizontally-opposed coil-over dampers with electronically controlled compression and rebound tuning, stainless-steel push rods and a blade configured anti-roll bar.

ME Four-Twelve wheels are cast aluminum: 19x10-inch front and 20x12.5-inch rear. Michelin high-performance radials are 265/35ZR19 in the front and 335/30ZR20 in the rear.

Ultimate Chrysler Engineering and Design Statement
At just 44.9 inches tall, 78.7 inches wide and 178.8-inches long, the two-seat, mid-engine ME Four-Twelve has a striking presence - poised as if ready to pounce. The ME Four-Twelve carbon fiber body work has that "chiseled all from one piece" look, honed from hours of development in the Chrysler Group wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Mich.

The computer controlled active rear spoiler articulates rearward 100 mm to increase down-force to a total of 925 lbs. (421 kg) at 186 mph (300 km/h), while achieving a competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.358. This results in unwavering stability at the ultra-high speeds of which ME Four-Twelve is capable. All body openings have been optimized to achieve maximum thermal performance. In addition, large vented front and rear wheel houses reduce lift as well as active and passive aerodynamic devices that have been implemented to provide stable vehicle performance at all speeds.

Interior Environment
This vehicle breaks the mold of the super car genre because its packaging can easily accommodate drivers in a wide range of heights. Ease of access to driving controls was a primary focus. For example, there are steering wheel mounted controls, including a column mounted F-1 racing style paddle shifter with aluminum shift paddles and centrally mounted driver controls.

"In terms of advanced materials, aerodynamic efficiency and vehicle dynamic performance, the ME Four-Twelve represents the ultimate engineering and design statement from Chrysler," said Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer - Chrysler Group. "It's everything we've learned about creating exciting, desirable automobiles. And, as such, it's not really a concept car but is, in fact, a prototype that will be road-ready by summer."

INFINITI ESSENCE CONCEPT

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:14:00 +0000

The essence of the brand Infiniti distilled in a car and taken to the extreme to satisfy the most demanding lovers of world… This is the Infiniti essence concept.

Presented as a concept to 79. TH, Infiniti essence concept International Geneva Motor Show is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 year history as the creator of the performance of the car. But it is also exciting as an exploration of the brand of the future.

Spectacular, design, technology and performance of reports is a gasoline-electric hybrid Court 600PS propulsion. This concept of essence is not infinite, it is simply an este indulgent anniversary of Infiniti in itself.

The concept includes the fundamental values of the inexhaustible source of inspiration for the future as a celebration of the past. Infiniti essence concept features a set of technologies, including hybrids and signal design distinguish the infinite future cars. And the Director of the branch of “inspired performance” super performance, reduce the resources for the first time, instead of Endless repeats of the most unique and dynamic world.

DYNAMIC DESIGN: ADEYAKA
The beauty of the breathing and perfect proportions, Infiniti essence concept exerts a powerful attraction on all those who love cars. It seems that the car from driving, that would only be car worldwide itineraries beautiful house Harpoon.

But Infiniti essence concept is not aggressive sports car. Infiniti “adeyaka” dynamic attitude ensures that essence is strong, but also comfortable, sophisticated and loads of inspiration of these human and natural worlds. To further enhance its appeal, details take a much closer to some ancient Japanese traditions.

The designers wanted to unite all existing design Infiniti of chips with the new design language in a way that never attempted to establish the brand of 20 years. The result is very sculptural but also very delicate. Infiniti essence concept refers to the power, but not intimidating.

The cover is, as you might expect of a myriad of long and short rear deck. With a profile of the “wave” that runs between muscular front and rear essence concept Infiniti highlights, first appears in the mold of sports cars. But there is nothing retro gasoline.

Window graphics provide an advantage especially innovative and distinct style. The window appears to be based on an edge, its line of razor sharp contrast with the sweeping concave of the upper part of the body just below. Imagine the juxtaposition of the flow of water with the scenic contour of a landscape of throat.

The resources section also complex rear of pavement with concave “scoop” that flow down the pillars rear of one of the most distinguished design of indexes Infiniti essence concept: a fold in the form of flight (c) of the side Windows. What is described by a wide stainless steel adds prosper instant slide movement, even when it is immobile.

One of the most characteristic is the detail of cuts around the holes in the side ventilation. Simple but delicate, finely finished in aluminium, is based on “kanzashi”, a hook used by women when they wear the kimono. Other lines and details are inspired by large tracts of Japanese calligraphy. Infiniti essence concept represents a fusion of emblematic cultural references with aesthetics.

Front of gasoline is characterized by the double bow door signature Infiniti, define an angle suggests that the car is going to skip ahead. There is an emblem of Infiniti lit in their hearts. Effectively hide the looseness of rounded corners and make this car of 4.7 meters long that appears anything larger on the meat.
The grid is governed by thin strips of stainless steel, but there are some French and not other gates or entrances, foglights. Forward like the rest of the concept car essence Infiniti, avoids unnecessary embellishments that can stop the normal force at all. Knobs are buttons embedded in the body, while also mirrors in small cameras causing amounts should be placed.

More familiar reference points include infinite lights. Sliding module signature swelling l-shaped guards, selected their top by a row of LEDs. Thin curved red light around the machine in the back seat, with the opening of boot and a fin vestige of the table. The borders with the steel of stainless steel, the wing seems to have been disqualified in unit.

Windscreen flows in a glass roof complete which then reduces to the opening of the boot process – as an alarm most memorable for a team that wasn’t a bad angle to it.

The design of Infiniti essence concept is simple and surprisingly complex, classic and totally dynamic, while at the same time. As the epitome of the “dynamic” adeyaka, said the massive presence. Once given, never forgotten.

THE INTERNAL DRIVER-ORIENTED

Perfect car, taxi driver. The Interior of gasoline is minimalist, ergonomic and fully focused on the work at hand: to give a feeling of absolute control of the person behind the wheel. And however this pilot’s attention is accompanied by an area dominated by the comfort of the passengers, tranquility and elegance to provide the kind of hospitality that is so important for the Japanese and the concept of gasoline also infinite.

The asymmetric cab is divided into two zones separated by a console of large curvature between the seats that scans all to combine with the center of the control panel. The result is two different buds. The controller is on the black theme, the passenger “cocoon” Red Earth.

A flat bottomed and diales stopwatch style wheel announce that the driver is a serious performance car. There is no any gadget or Sci Fi solutions here, only monomaniaque of dedication to driving. Witness to the technical nature of the visualization, the selector of short, overcome their arts and before him, another finger-flick, the bright red engine start button.

The car is the driver who can quickly relax with perfect driving and trademarks of infinite favourable seating position. There are more infinitely many indices such as gears behind the wheel and analogue clock Shift paddle in the center of the control panel.

Infiniti designers better functionality behind the scenes work, appearing only when necessary. They call this ‘hidden’ and technology is the key to the functional minimalism that dominates the design of the control. Controller not perplexed with buttons or overload of information, the Infiniti essence concept offers a sense of well-being, allowing them to concentrate totally energizing driving experience.

Utilizados-pintados materials handmade wood, leather, Alcantara, inspired by traditional Japanese lacquer cabin has an inviting and rich in heat. Attention to detail is such that even the seams of leather on the back of the Bank are different from left to right. Why? Therefore, you can accurately reflect the way in which women and Japanese men tie their kimono.

Gasoline inside promotes a sense of well-being is the key to the endless driving experience.

KINEMATIC CHAIN: AUTHORITY WITH RESPONSIBILITY
The concept of gasoline engine that infiniti is designed to meet the expectations of expressing what everyone expects a pure driving pleasure Infiniti owners. Infiniti essence concept pleasure is taken to new heights at the same time that the innovative ecological engine hybrid preview.

Infiniti essence concept is uncommon, even in the street vibe fastest cars in the world to be able to appeal to a powerful 600PS (592bhp). Ensure responses of high-performance on a road in any situation. Infiniti essence concept is nevertheless an intimidation of sports racer. As the design, the performance is designed to be refined and discreet performance with a human touch.

The hybrid system is a logical extension of the commitments of the revolutionary group green father Infiniti. Offers high performance and energy efficiency with the performer zero emissions, combining an engine with an electric motor. “Operate independently or simultaneously as a parallel hybrid system”

In congested urban areas, the single electric motor is all that is needed for the concept of infinity silently glide gasoline between red lights, with none of the exhaust gases.

Delete traffic, petrol responds with a performance of road machine that few can match. Activates the “Wizard” mode with total 600PS gasoline and electricity working together.

A fundamental difference in some other hybrid systems is that the V6 and the power of the electric motor power only the rear wheels. Performances are more linear, the response is a result – and more improved driving pleasure as a result.

Family 3.7 liter V6 Infiniti essence is equipped with two turbochargers to increase the power of the engine (434bhp) 440PS. A new direct fuel injection system ensures the engine run more efficiently than ever before the Infiniti essence concept.

Infiniti essence concept preview a new type of electric motor engine called 3D, which is designed to meet the requirements of the size and power output. The result is a particularly good, the disk that has two times the torque of a conventional unit. Its design was made by a 3-d magnetic field analysis to optimize the design of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils.

The concept of endless gasoline engine is situated between the engine and transmission and provides SC (158bhp), design of a lithium-ion battery compact in the boot sector. Because the 3D engine works in propulsion and energy regeneration mode, the battery is kept charged up.

In general the optimized energy consumption the widest possible range of driving conditions is ensured by two clutches apart that they need these types of engines “changes”. A system that requires no torque converter, is still improve the responsiveness and pleasure of driving.

SECURITY: A FUTURE WITHOUT COLLISION
In general, Infiniti is committed to building safer vehicles with advanced security technologies.

Essence of infiniti’s new generation concept car Infiniti Prévisualise security features ensure that they remain among the safest on the road. The main of which is a “security shield”, which is a long way to the dream of a free endless engineers car collision.

Security shield adds two new technologies to help distance control (DCA) and Lane departure prevention (LDP) that are available in the production of Endless today. Prevention of side blocks (PCs) and collision prevention (BCP) backup expand anti-collision shield around the machine.

With the Communists, when the pilot decided to change track side sensors activate a warning if it detects a vehicle approaching in the planned route of the controller. A yaw mechanism is activated by the command of individual wheels to prevent a possible collision of brake. Prevention of working in a backup collisions, detection of a vehicle behind, giving the driver a last warning, but then, if the notice does not listen, automatically activate the remote control of brakes.

The characteristic of preventive security and alarm system are designed to help the driver intuitively with minimal intervention.

PRACTICE: A HIGHLY CUSTOMIZED SOLUTION
The team behind the concept of gasoline Infiniti recalls the beginning of the car to find the right solution for the carriage of baggage. The result is as elegant as always, is surprisingly practical and romantic reverie. More conocidos-Louis Vuitton also restored the historic links between the producer and one of the luxury products.

Vuitton worked before with a famous company, the mechanics of Kellner in 1908, only one of its first sedan luxury with a series of personal baggage. Other repairers quickly to fight for the port of Vuitton in Paris. Custom Vuitton trunks were part of some of the first part of the 20th century’s greatest cars.

The collaboration between Infiniti and Vuitton relaunched the idea of a set of luggage as well as high-quality, more precisely in an area of home. The Infiniti essence concept, there are three rigid parts: a fine pair of handbags at the top of a large trunk. All are made of canvas new elegantly handles and Damier graphite and a global integrated design in harmony with the same machine.

Y-Tech, too. A button of the keys to the door, electrically, open the lid of the trunk, the beginning of the list of Word in silence. It is a home owner will never have to fight for access.

In a blink of an eye to tradition, the case still carry the initials of propietario-acrónimo SN Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of design.

INFINITI M35 HYBRID

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:51:00 +0000

The Infiniti M is a four-door sedan that's been redesigned for the 2011 model year. Now in its third generation, the M sedan was preceded in name only, by an unrelated M30 coupe and convertible that helped launch the Infiniti brand in the early 1990s. The Infiniti M is sized and priced to compete against the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Acura RL, Lincoln MKS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

In 2003, the M45 sedan became the first Infiniti four-door to directly challenge the mid-size luxury sedans from Germany and Japan. A replacement for the droopy-profile I30 sedan, the M45 sported a V-8 engine shared with Infiniti's former luxury flagship, the Q45 sedan. This M was based on the Japanese-market Nissan Gloria, and was sold for three model years as the company prepared a more serious, stylish entry in the class.

That next generation sedan came in two flavors: M35 and M45. Introduced in the 2006 model year, the second M sedan brought a slightly more updated look and a very well-balanced chassis that offered all-wheel drive as an option, though most sedans were sold with rear-wheel drive. Based on the same platform that spawned the Infiniti G35 model range as well as the Nissan 350Z, the 2006-2010 Infiniti M earned praise for its handling and for the added V-6 model, which also shared the 350Z/G35 V-6 powertrain. Though it was smaller than the Q45, this M would eventually become the Infiniti flagship, as the brand discontinued the big Q sedan after the 2006 model year.

For the third-generation M sedans, Infiniti chose an especially expressive theme, inside and out, in the hopes of boosting the car's profile in its crowded traditional luxury segment, which expanded to include the Jaguar XF. First, the company showed a stunning concept dubbed Essence, and pitched it as the future theme for Infiniti vehicles. Then in a virtual-reality press conference, the automaker revealed the outline of the new vehicle in a holographic projection at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The production vehicle made its debut at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show, and subsequently went on sale in the spring of 2010.

The 2011 Infiniti M has risen to the top of our ratings at TheCarConnection thanks to a brilliant V-8 powertrain, that Essence-inspired style, and surprising handling and rear-seat room. The striking sheetmetal is paired with a subtle interior with an option for silver-buffed wood trim, and the fit and finish are among the best in its class. The 400-horsepower V-8 engine teams with a seven-speed automatic and paddle shifters for 0-60 mph acceleration in the 5-second range; the M37's V-6 powertrain is nearly as quick, but noise and vibration are much less impressive. With the best steering and ride quality among its peers, the M sedan also sports a spacious back seat.

Though the new M hasn't been crash-tested, it does offer a range of cutting-edge safety gear, including subtle assistance from the anti-lock brakes to help steer the M back into the proper lane if it should cross into another lane.

Infiniti promises to introduce two new models at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours, and executives suggest the new vehicles could be derivatives of the new M. Some sources report an M Coupe is in the works; an M35 Hybrid with lithium-ion batteries has been confirmed and is due in showrooms in early 2011.

INFINITI G37 CONVERTIBLE

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Indeed, the first and last droptop Infiniti before the new G37 Convertible was the 1990-’92 Infiniti M30 Convertible, a rebadged Japanese-market Nissan Leopard without its roof. The current Infiniti G-series models inevitably indulge in sharing its “FM” platform with the Nissan Z-models, but with two decades of maturation at Infiniti the model line is more independent and the G-series not the stopgap the original Infiniti M-series was.

The subject 2009 Infiniti G37 models were designed from the outset to accommodate the convertible version. It’s not a conversion or chop-topped Coupe. But it’s also not a roadster, like the topless version its corporate cousin S-cars, but a convertible with a with a rear seat. Never mind that it’s a bit snug back there, real adults will fit. The only way that will happen with a Z roadster is by putting the extra people on the rear deck like homecoming king and queen.

One of Infiniti’s goals, too, was to make the G37 Convertible “more female,” to attract a higher percentage of female buyers than the G-coupe traditionally has but without losing its masculine appeal. It’s a fine line because just like an old man will drive a young man’s car, but not vice versa, a guy won’t drive a “girl’s car.”

No worries with the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. The immediate aspect of that dichotomy, appearance is sufficiently on the toasty side of Infiniti’s marketer’s machine-like/warmth continuum while still keeping to the avant garde margin of what Infiniti sees as differences between progressive and traditional. Boil that down and it becomes “inspired performance.”

We’ll buy that. Designed to look good with top and down, the G37 succeeds, though probably better from a traditional sense, with the top up. Of course, “traditional” is not as noted what Infiniti’s designers had in mind. Everything from the A-pillar back—doors, flanks, rear (including taillight clusters) and of course rear deck differs from the coupe, the latter higher than the conventional convertible might have. It looks right, we think, for an Infiniti convertible, styled with its own bit of funk.

The G37 Convertible has the expected chassis reinforcements to compensate for the loss of its roof and has a new rear suspension, still independent, to make room for its retractable hardtop roof. Collapsing the roof under the trunk lid and tonneau takes about 30 seconds. The segments don’t fully nest, however, stowing in what Infiniti calls a “clamshell” configuration for, Infiniti says, more trunk room.

The official trunk volume numbers are 10.33 cu ft top up and a mere 1.99 cu ft top down, and what’s under the roof when its retracted is inaccessible, so those planning to go touring al fresco in the G37 Convertible ought best pack soft-sided luggage and be prepared to throw it in the back seat. As one Infiniti product planning chief put it, “there’s no pretence of a cross country drive in the back seat,” which for passengers is “not pretty but it’s acceptable.”

The Infiniti G37’s interior, however, is luscious, in Graphite, Wheat or Stone (that’s almost black, tan and gray for non-Infinitites), with combined with new G Convertible-exclusive Silk Obi Aluminum trim finish, inspired by a kimono sash, according to Infiniti designers. The seats are sport type with large bolsters for support—adjustable as an option—and the contours favoring the driver. Aluminum pedals and magnesium paddle shifters with the seven-speed automatic transmission are optional.

Optional for audiophiles is 13-speaker Bose Open audio with 24-bit Burr Brown DAC and AudioPilot 2.0 optimized for both top positions, Bose front seat speakers mounted in the headrests and Pod compatibility.

Infiniti’s standard dual-zone climate control automatically adjusts fan speed and air volume to whether the top is up or down and Plasmaclusterair purifier is optional. For true driving decadence, owners can have heated and cooled front seats, and that’s truly cooled, not just ventilated and with a fan. There’s also a rigid, foldable windblocker that clips over the rear seat and makes a huge difference in over-the-shoulder turbulence and cool-weather draftiness.

The 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible can generate draftiness with its 3.7-liter dohc variable valve lift and timing V-6. Rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, the six is available with either the aforementioned computer-controlled (and down-shift blip producing) seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

We had the opportunity to drive both, and Luddites that we are, we favored the manual just out of natural predisposition. However, if we were doomed to spend most of our driving in stop-and-go urban traffic, the automatic would be our choice and not a terrible burden with its easily-controlled and quick-responding automatic.

Thanks to the hardtop and sophisticated climate control options, driving top up would be more endurable in workaday driving as well). A major advantage of open air motoring, however, is the internal combustion symphony that goes with it and there the G37 delivers in spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds. Performance is vigorous as well, though we don’t have acceleration numbers to back that up (Fuel economy is 17 city/25 highway with the 7-speed automatic, one less than that with the manual gearbox).

We were surprised by cowl shake--the quivver often felt in convertibles on bumpy roads--in the G37 Convertible. It's subtle but still there and we hadn't expected any.

The Infiniti G37 Convertible isn’t a sports car or a roadster, however, and particularly with the base suspension, the car has a comfortable degree of understeer, best for the casual driver. A sport package replaces the 18-wheels with 19-inchers and wider wheels, bigger brakes, “sport-tuned” steering, front sport(ier) seats, and the pedals and paddle-shifters we’ve mentioned before. We drove the sport-equipped G37 but not in anger. We’ll have to wait until we can perhaps drive that model again, oh, sometimes in the summer, eh, Infiniti folks?

The G37 Convertible is also offered with a premium, navigation, technology and performance tire and wheel options, plus a standalone choice of a rich African rosewood interior trim.

Tardy shoppers have already missed the special limited-edition Bloomingdale edition. That specially-equipped Christmas gift special sold out almost immediately, even with only the promise of a price of about $60K. Depending on equipment, expect the regular 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible to list in the mid-$40,000 to mid-$50,000 range.

Infiniti expects the 2009 G37 Convertible to sell to a slightly-older and modestly more female clientele than the Coupe, which wound up in the hands of late 40’s and predominantly male drivers. Despite the current unfavorable economic climate, Infiniti claims that a pent-up demand for a convertible G convertible will produce a worthwhile level of sales. That’s perhaps whistling past the graveyard or a bit of smiling through their teeth for the assembled auto scribes, but who knows, maybe there are enough potential owners out there who will indeed ask Infiniti, “What took you so long?” In this particular game of Jeopardy, it’s certainly a worthwhile question for an answer that’s certainly worth driving.

INFINITI FX50

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Close your eyes and stick out your hand. I am going to put a set of keys in your palm and give you some quick stats about which car they belong to. A seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and downshift rev matching. This is linked to a 5.0L DOHC V8 engine pushing out 390 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque to an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Dual stainless steel exhaust pipes bellow out a raucous symphony and large brakes to bring the large wheels and tires to a stop. What kind of car is this? Trick question, it’s not a car; it is the 2009 Infiniti FX50 – a luxury crossover SUV.

The keyless-entry fob is in my pocket so I step on the brake and hit the button marked START. The engine sounds like that of a V8 sports car. I put the seven-speed transmission into SPORT mode and the gear selector shows I am in first. I leave the parking lot – and feed it some throttle… I flick the right paddle, marked with a + sign, and the transmission responds quickly, like a sports car. The suspension is firm, like a sports car and keeps the FX50 flat as I take my first corner. The seat does a good job as it is heavily bolstered but still quite comfortable, like a good sports car. I have to stop the Infiniti so I pull over and step out – and that is the only time I realize I am not driving a sports car.

This paddle makes good things happen – quickly.

The style is not for everyone, but I am a big fan. The exterior lines are more aggressive than the past generation of FX vehicles, and this new one has been called everything from a fast shoe to a bionic cheetah. I would simply call it sleek, stylish and a shape that lets anyone who looks at it realize it is not going off-road anytime soon. From the 21” wheels to the quilted-leather interior, this car is built to entertain on-road, and it does so quite well.

The interior is very comfortable with powered-bolsters and manual thigh support. The FX50 is also loaded down with plenty of tech goodies, some great - some I found intrusive. The 11 speaker + 2 sub-woofer Bose sound system sounds crisp at both the high and low ends. The adaptive front lighting system provides a great view at night, and the headlights are auto-leveling so they are always pointing where you want them to. On the flip side of things, the Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP) is a bit odd for my liking. It senses when you are crossing over a lane that you shouldn’t be and applies slight brake pressure to the wheels on the correct side of the vehicle to gently move you back into your lane. The system sounds great in theory but just felt odd in the real-world application. The nice part however, was that the LDP defaults to off when you start the FX50. Another odd feature is the pre-crash seat belts which squeeze you into place when your first start up the FX. I am glad I didn’t fully test this system but I could do without the reminder that it is there.

Even if I wanted to crash, the rest of the advanced safety features would make it hard to do so. This Infiniti is fitted with a system that warns me about a pending front-end collision, it has another system that warns me if I am heading out of my lane when I shouldn’t be, and it has an intelligent cruise control system which monitors vehicles ahead of me to adjust my speed. All of these are welcome systems but if I wanted to turn them off, Infiniti gives me that option.

The 2009 Infiniti FX50 is filled with the same luxury and technology as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. It has very impressive power and love-it or hate-it standout styling. Accordingly, it has a price to match. The base price for the AWD model as tested here is $56,700.00. The FX50 I reviewed was fitted with the Sport Package, Technology Package, and the Mobile Entertainment System which bring the price to $65,015.00. Not a cheap vehicle by any means but right in line with the lesser-powered 2009 BMW X5, cheaper than the lesser-powered 2009 Audi Q7, and has a slight power edge over the similarly priced 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The 2009 Infiniti FX50 is a true contender in the performance luxury crossover SUV market and a real pleasure when behind the wheel.

INFINITI G37 COUPE

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 09:03:00 +0000

The Infiniti G35 Coupe has only been around since 2003, but it has developed quite a following. Most people go first for the sleek styling that took more than inspiration from the Nissan 350Z two-seat sports car. What was great about the G Coupe was that it was able to seat 4 adults in relative comfort without messing up the swoopy lines that made the Z so popular.
Styling aside, once enthusiasts found out how good the G35 Coupe drove and performed, they were hooked. This car had an amazingly smooth and powerful V6 engine, a well sorted out suspension system and rear-wheel drive. The G Coupe, in fact, was favorably compared with the BMW 3-series coupe, the gold standard for sports coupes, even though the G cost thousands less.
Now after a 5 year run, Infiniti decided to take the G Coupe and refine it not only to better measure up to the Beemer coupe, They wanted to beat the 3 series people at their own game. A tall order, but did they succeed? We took the time to find out.
Despite the similarity in appearance with the previous G35 Coupe, the 2008 G37 Coupe is an all new car. There are no shared body panels with the G35 Coupe that it is replacing. In fact, there are no shared body panels with the new G35 sedan which it is based on with the exception of the hood.
To my eye, the styling is clean and masterfully executed with every line flowing and blending into a beautiful sculpture. This car looks good from every angle.
So let's take closer look at this beauty, but be careful not to salivate all over your keyboard.
Beside the new body, the G coupe has an all new engine that is larger for more power, but gets better fuel economy than the previous generation. The engine is now 3.7 liters up from 3.5, which is why the car was given the new name G37. The previous G35 had a sweet V6 that was one of the best in the business, but this new engine, if you can believe it, is even better.
Beside the fact that this engine generates more horsepower than the previous V6, it also gets better fuel economy than before, an impressive achievement. This is done in the new VQ37VHR engine by the use of a technology called VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift). This system combines hydraulically controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. This new system also allows for a 7,500 rpm redline on the G37.

Infiniti tells us that this engine also features their trademark “Swell” acceleration, a system that utilizes special tuning and computer calibration which allows horsepower to build almost continually right to the redline. They tell us that it feels like a building wave. The sound that comes from the exhaust goes from a sultry murmur at light throttle to a powerful, masculine snarl at full throttle, that sound was accentuated by the well placed shifts of the upgraded automatic transmission that was in our test car.
Still mated to a 5 speed shiftable automatic (a 6 speed manual Sport model is available), the transmission has been calibrated to work beautifully within the engine's power band. For manual control, there are two paddle shifters behind the steering wheel that are fastened to the column and remain stationary when you turn the wheel (these paddles are part of the Sport Package). The left paddle is for down shifting while the right paddle is for up-shifting. Since the paddles are quite long and follow the curve of the steering wheel, there is no problem using them when they are most needed, while snaking around a great winding road. We like these stationary paddles better than the ones that are attached to the steering wheel because you always know where the paddles are regardless of where your hands are or the position of the wheel as you negotiate a challenging road.
The interior of the G has undergone a vast improvement from the previous generation and to my mind is the hands-down winner when compared to the 3 series.. Fit and finish is markedly improved and the layout of the controls is better than ever.
The instrument cluster moves with the tilt steering column so that the instruments are always in full view. The steering wheel also telescopes for a perfect fit.
As long as the "key" is in your pocket or purse, a touch of the start button brings the G to life with a pleasant exhaust note. At the same time, the gauge cluster lights up with back lighting and a soft purple glowing ring in the tach and speedo dials. These gauges are called "Fine Vision" and are easy to read day or night.
The central control stack, which houses the audio system and climate controls, now has a standard color display whether or not you opt for GPS navigation. If you do opt for the nav system and also subscribe to the XM satellite radio service, you get Nav-Traffic. This system will display current traffic flow as well as real-time accident information and construction delays right on the map display. Currently, this system works in many major metropolitan areas.
Nav traffic works by superimposing two lines along side major roadways. These lines represent traffic flow in each direction and are green if the traffic is moving well, yellow if traffic is slowing down, or red, if the traffic is going very slow or stopped. There are also symbols on the map that represent accidents or construction along the route. We were told that this information is updated every 3 minutes.

The dash, door panels and console are trimmed with “Washi”-style textured aluminum-alloy accents. Washi is a form of Japanese hand-made paper that is often used to make origami. It has an interesting texture that gives the interior a rich appearance. This aluminum trim can be replaced with elegant looking Genuine African Rosewood if desired (the wood option is not available on vehicles with the Sport Package).
Front sport seats were very comfortable and did a good job of supporting us as my driving partner and I took turns flinging the G into the corners of the spectacular winding roads we found ourselves on while touring the Pacific Northwest around Seattle.
The G37 is a rear-wheel drive car that is available in 3 models; the base G37 model, the Journey and the Sport 6MT.
The base model is very well equipped to begin with and includes leather, 8 way power driver's seat, 4 way power passenger seat, HID projector beam headlamps, automatic temperature control AC, 18 inch wheels and tires, intelligent key system. In other words, well equipped.
Jump into the Journey and you also get things like automatic on/off headlamps, 6-disc CD changer instead of a single disc unit, 8 way power passenger seat, dual zone climate control, etc. The Journey model is required if you want several of the option packages, which are not available for the base model.
The Sport 6MT is the only model that has the 6-speed stick. In fact, you can't order this model with an automatic. You can, however, get a Sport package added to the Journey model which will get you all the performance and styling upgrades that come standard on the Sport 6MT model
The Sport Package equipped Journey is the car we spent most of our driving time in and, as far as I was concerned, it was love at first sight. The Sport Package gives you the magnesium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and 19 inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels with P225/45WR19 rubber on the front and wider P245/40WR19 high performance tires for the rear. Other features included with the Sport Package are: viscous limited-slip differential, sport tuned suspension, larger brakes with the Infiniti logo emblazoned on the calipers, unique front fascia and side sills, sport-styled seats w/ thigh extensions and driver’s power adjustable torso and thigh bolsters, sport-styled steering wheel stitching and aluminum pedals. Now this is driving in style.
We also got a chance to drive one of these packages equipped with the 4-wheel active steer system, and since we drove it back to back with the standard sport setup, we had a chance to see the difference 4-wheel steer makes first hand. And what a difference it is.
While the standard setup was very good, offering sharp steering control and comfortable cruising with great directional stability, the active-steer car was better. If I were buying this car, I would definitely opt for active 4-wheel steer.
First of all, steering is more direct, if you can believe that. This car simply goes where you point it. At any speed, you could easily thread a needle with this steering. Normally, with a fast steering ratio on a car, it begins to show a lack of directional stability or feels twitchy when you are trying to cruise on a highway. Not so here. Directional stability is as good as any car I have driven, yet it feels extremely responsive.
The four-wheel active steer option includes a computer controlled variable ratio steering gear in front that tightens up the steering ratio during slow speed maneuvering. Below around 35 miles per hour, the steering is quite fast so that I rarely had to reposition my hands on the wheel while driving on twisted country roads. Bring it up to highway speeds and the steering ratio gets less aggressive so it doesn't feel too sensitive for relaxed cruising.

On this option package, not only do the front wheels steer, but the rears do as well. At slow speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite the fronts which tightens the turning radius and allows you to park in a tighter space, or make a U-turn without needing to reverse. On the highway, the rear wheels steer at a small angle in the same direction as the front wheels, which improves highway stability.
To give you an example, the base model with 18 inch wheels and tires has a 16.4 to 1 steering ratio which will give you 3 full turns of the steering wheel lock to lock. If you order the Sport package, you get the 19 inch wheels and tires and a ratio of 14.7 to 1. This will get you 2.7 turns lock to lock. Now, if you order the active steering (which is only available if you also order the Sport Package) you get a variable ratio that goes from 11.9 to 1 to 14.3 to 1 and 2.2 turns to 2.6 turns lock to lock.
The G coupe will be a dream come true for anyone who wants a stylish coupe with great legs and an elegant interior for well south of the BMW 335i Coupe's ,000 base price. The G Coupe has both the looks and the moves to light your fire and, for 2008, is more desirable than ever.

INFINITI G35 SPORT COUPE

noreply@blogger.com (SUPER CARS) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:34:00 +0000

Introduction
The Infiniti G35 offers the sporty handling of a rear-wheel-drive car and boasts one of the best V6 engines available today. The G35 comes in sedan and coupe variants. Either way, it's clear the G35 is intended for serious driving enthusiasts, with rear-wheel drive, a sports suspension, an available six-speed manual gearbox, and nearly 300 horsepower.

Yet these are practical cars, as well. The G35 sedan offers more interior space than other near-luxury sedans. Its daring design, with stacked headlamps, catamaran fenders, and short overhangs, gives it a unique look we find appealing. The G35 costs less than a comparable BMW or Mercedes, but it gives up nothing in handling and performance. Infiniti substantially improved the G35 for 2005, with richer interior materials, more horsepower, bigger brakes, and a more refined ride.

The G35 coupe is more than just a two-door version of the sedan. It's a fastback GT with a visual character all its own. Mechanically, the G35 coupe is essentially a longer-wheelbase, more luxurious version of the Nissan 350Z. But the G35 coupe has a separate trunk instead of a hatchback like the Z, and it has a rear seat that can transport smaller members of the family. In short, it's more practical than the Z. For 2006, the G35 coupe gets some minor styling revisions.

New for 2006 is optional Rear Active Steer for the G35 coupe, which quickens the steering ratio and uses a computer and electric motor to continuously adjust rear suspension geometry. Several option packages have been upgraded for 2006: Premium packages now include a Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Projector-beam bi-xenon headlights are now standard on the coupe. Automatic coupes with the Sport Suspension Package now wear the same aero package as manual-transmission versions.
All-wheel drive is available for the G35x.

Line-Up
The Infiniti G35 comes in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe. Each offers a choice of five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. In both the coupe and sedan, it's rated at 280 horsepower with the automatic and 298 horsepower with the manual.
Leather upholstery is standard, along with automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, heated power mirrors, a 120-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with RDS, steering wheel audio controls, illuminated visor vanity mirrors and high-intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlamps.

The G35 sedan 6MT ($31,050) features the six-speed manual transmission, a firmer, sport-tuned suspension, viscous limited slip differential and W-rated tires on 18-inch alloy wheels.
The G35 sedan automatic ($31,300) comes with a softer suspension and narrower V-rated tires on 17-inch wheels.

The G35x AWD ($33,100) adds ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive, but is otherwise equipped exactly like the automatic sedan.

The G35 coupe automatic ($32,750) and coupe 6MT ($33,350) are equipped identically to the sedans with corresponding transmissions, except that the sport suspension on the manual-transmission coupe includes 19-inch wheels.

G35 automatics can be equipped with the sport-tuned suspension from the manual-transmission models ($750 sedan, $1,600 coupe). Coupes with this Sport Package also receive the same front bumper fascia, side sills, and rear spoiler as manual-transmission models.

Options include a glass sunroof ($1,000), a rosewood interior trim package ($250), Sirius or XM satellite radio receiver ($400), a DVD-based navigation system ($2,000), and an Aero Package ($550) that adds a rear spoiler and under-bumper fairing on G35s with the sport suspension (not available on the G35x).
Premium Packages for the sedan ($3,150-$3,500) and coupe ($2,450) add the glass sunroof, premium Bose audio with eight speakers, automatic headlights, a HomeLink transmitter, dual-zone temperature control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and other convenience features.

Safety features include dual-stage front air bags, curtain airbags designed to provide head protection for front and rear outboard passengers, and front-seat side-impact airbags designed to provide thorax protection. Also standard: active head restraints, seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Active safety features include an electronic stability program (VDC) to help keep you from skidding off the road, antilock brakes (ABS) for maintaining steering control in an emergency stopping situation, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) for shorter stopping distances and more stable braking, and Brake Assist to maintain full braking force in an emergency stop, even if you accidentally relax brake pedal pressure. All-wheel drive further enhances safety on the G35x AWD.

Walk Around
The G35 gets revised styling for 2006, but the changes are subtle. You'd almost have to park an '06 next to an '05 to see that the tail lights are different, with the white reverse lenses more subtly integrated. And projector-beam headlights are now standard up front.

The styling of the G35 sedan was freshened for 2005 with new headlights, revised tail lamps, new bumpers, and an aluminum hood and trunk lid. In the front valance, air intake ports were enlarged. The changes were subtle, but give the G35 sedan a more substantial look and emphasize its resemblance to the G35 coupe. From the front, it looks sportier, more upscale, more expensive. From the rear, it looks tidier and classier.

Coupe or sedan, the G35 grabs your attention with its stacked, vertically oriented headlamps. Fog lamps are integrated into the complex headlamp cluster, adding to its aggressive appearance. The raised front fenders were inspired by a catamaran, and look great from both outside and inside the car. Those fenders also manage airflow by reducing spillage off the sides of the hood. The short rear deck ends in a crisp crease.

Aerodynamics played a strong role in the design, especially underneath the car. Extensive use of diffusers and deflectors helps the G35 achieve 0 degrees of front lift, reducing drag and wind noise at high speeds and contributing to stability. With the optional rear spoiler, 0 degrees of rear lift is achieved. While front-drive sedans use rear spoilers for decoration, the rear-drive G35 benefits, particularly in a wet, high-speed turn. The G35 sedan has an exceptional coefficient of drag of just 0.27 for reduced wind noise and increased fuel economy.

The G35 coupe shares visual elements with the sedan, as well as its 112-inch wheelbase. Yet the coupe is shorter overall than the sedan (182.2 inches versus 186.5), wider (71.5 inches versus 69.0), and lower (54.8 inches versus 57.7). And while the coupe has a lot in common with Nissan's 350Z, the two differ in several important ways. The G35's wheelbase is 8 inches longer than the Z's, and the G35 is nearly 17 inches longer overall. While the Z is a hatchback, the G35 coupe has a separate trunk. And while the Z has no rear seat, the G35 coupe is a two-plus-two, providing tight accommodations for back-seat passengers.

The G35 sedan and coupe share the same rear-wheel-drive mechanical platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car and the Infiniti FX35 and FX45 crossover luxury/utilities. This platform was specifically designed for mounting a V6 longitudinally behind the front axle in the so-called front-mid-ship position. (Front-wheel-drive sedans typically mount their engines sideways, in front of the front axle.) Moving the engine rearward improves the balance of the car, and is key to the G35's excellent handling. Rear-wheel drive is preferred by performance driving enthusiasts for its purer steering response and its inherent capability to turn the car using the gas pedal.

A long wheelbase (112 inches between front and rear wheels) contributes to the G35's stability, especially at high speeds. A wide track (the distance between the left and right wheels) adds to its stability in corners. Short front and rear overhangs, a hallmark of the widely heralded BMW 3 Series, improve handling by moving more weight rearward.
These design elements help the G35 lead the near-luxury class in interior room and trunk volume. The location of the G35's compact V6 also allows for a low, aggressive hood line, which flows into the sharply angled windshield and contributes to the G35's sporty, powerful silhouette.

From a functional standpoint, we prefer the exterior door handles on the coupe over those on the sedan, which aren't as easy to operate.

Interior

The Infiniti G35 is roomy and comfortable, and the sedan boasts a roomy back seat and a big trunk. The G35's interior was improved for 2005, offering a higher quality look and feel, along with a redesigned instrument panel and console area.

We found good headroom for a 6-foot 3-inch driver even with the optional sunroof, along with ample leg, shoulder and hip room. The interior is designed around the driver and succeeds in this regard. Luxury features abound. The interior is nicely laid out and, for the most part, offers sound ergonomics and easy of operation.

The steering column tilts and telescopes. The instrument pod moves when adjusting the tilt of the steering column, improving gauge visibility for drivers of all heights. Infiniti's steering wheel is not a thing of beauty, but features nicely designed cruise controls and audio controls, including a power button for the audio, convenient when you want immediate silence.
The gauge cluster is legible and are brightly illuminated during the day. Infiniti's trademark analog clock graces the dash. A thin panel on top of the dash houses digital readouts for compass and climate settings.

The audio system is not particularly attractive and looks downscale for this car. Ergonomically, it's a disaster, with buttons scattered around on the unit and on the surrounding silver dash panel, so you have to look at it and search for the button you want to press. At least stations can be set up by holding one of the preset buttons down. The CD changer has the capability to play MP3 encoded discs, and the optional Bose stereo sounds great with crisp bass and highs. Volume automatically adjusts for speed.

The climate controls are mounted high on the center stack; like the stereo controls, the switches were improved for 2005 for ease of operation and aesthetics.

Seats for the driver and passenger are designed differently: In the driver's seat, a center mound of high-damping urethane foam, backed by a special spring design, provides support for sporty driving. The front passenger's seat has a flatter lower cushion and is shaped to allow a more relaxed posture. The controls for the power driver's seat are located on the right side of the seat and are a bit awkward; the manual adjustment for rake is on the left. Opt for the sedan's Premium Package, and a two-person memory function means that you won't have to use the controls as often.

The sedan's rear seats are comfortable for a 5-foot 10-inch passenger, with plenty of leg, hip, shoulder and headroom, although knee room is limited when the driver's seat is set all the way back to accommodate a 6-foot 3-inch driver. Hidden front seat rails widen foot room for back-seat passengers. With the Premium Package, rear air conditioning vents help keep back-seat riders comfortable. The rear seat itself is contoured to resemble two wide bucket seats. With the Premium Package, the sedan's rear seats can be reclined.

Storage inside the car is limited. Two glove boxes are provided, but both are small, and the optional DVD navigation system ($2,000) fills the top one. A handy storage compartment on the top of the center dash offers room for wallets and such, but the navigation system replaces it with a clever pop-up display. Center console storage is partly taken up by a power plug that's handy for cell phones. Overhead are nice map lights and a sunglasses holder.

HomeLink is available to open gates and garage doors and turn on the house lights. Visor extensions help keep the sun out of your eyes. Interior door handles are easy to grab and the doors close with a nice thunk. The optional sunroof features one-touch open and close. It's not immediately obvious whether the doors are locked, however, something we've noticed on other Infiniti and Nissan products.

The sedan's trunk leads the class with 14.8 cubic feet of storage. A large pass-through in the center armrest acc

Driving Impressions
The Infiniti G35 is a true sports machine. Like all of the world's greatest sports sedans, the G35 uses rear-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive generally delivers sportier handling than front-wheel drive.

The 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 298 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque when ordered with the six-speed manual transmission or 280 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque when ordered with the five-speed automatic.

The G35 feels stable at high speeds and around fast sweepers. The driver feels well connected to the road. On winding roads, the G35 rewards the driver with quick, precise steering that offers good feedback. Drive it harder and it responds beautifully. It never surprises the driver with errant behavior, yet its chassis can be rotated or steered with the throttle through corners.
The available sports suspension includes special shocks and springs and P225/45WR18 summer tires. The G35 rides nicely with this setup, comfortable but firm. There's a bit of wind noise at 70 mph.

The G35 doesn't offer the razor-sharp response of a BMW, and the rear end bobs a bit in fast, sweeping turns, especially when the pavement is bumpy, but the Infiniti is clearly one of the best sports sedans in the class, offering better handling than any of the front-drive cars. The G35's long wheelbase, low center of gravity, aerodynamic downforce, and lightweight suspension are all designed to keep its tires on the road where they can generate maximum grip.

For its part, the G35 coupe is supremely stable and offers great handling. It's precise, like a BMW, and firm, but has a nice ride. It feels like a high-performance sports car, not a sports-luxury car like the Lexus SC 430. It jiggles on highway undulations, for example. Overall, it's a great balance. You feel connected to the road in the G35. It can be driven precisely at high speeds. It's very stable, perhaps more so than the Z.
We haven't tried the available Rear Active Steer system, but Infiniti claims it improves handling by adjusting the rear suspension geometry according to steering input and vehicle speed. The system's electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of inputs, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs an actuator motor to move both rear suspension lower links. With the Rear Active Steer option, you also get a slightly faster steering ratio (15.1:1 vs. 15.9:1), and the variable-assist servo tracks vehicle speed instead of engine speed.

The G35x all-wheel-drive sedan employs a system Infiniti calls ATTESA E-TS, for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split. That alphabetic mouthful means that a computer controls an active center differential for smoother starts, better fuel economy, and better traction and maneuverability in snow. Most of the time, the system sends 100 percent of the driving torque to the rear wheels, so the G35x handles like a rear-wheel-drive sedan. (Many all-wheel-drive sedans are based on a front-drive system that biases more torque to the front.) Nissan's system will divert up to 50 percent of the power to the front wheels if it senses that the rear wheels are slipping. A Snow mode, selected by a button on the console, locks torque distribution at 50/50 front/rear, and reduces the sensitivity of the drive-by-wire throttle. This is the same all-wheel-drive system used in the Infiniti FX luxury crossover SUVs.
The G35's V6 produces a unique and sporty sound. There's lots of low-rpm torque, which makes the G35 feel responsive around town. Stand on the gas and it delivers brilliant acceleration performance.

Shifting the manual gearbox is direct and precise, though it requires some deliberate attention. It doesn't feel as light as an Acura gearbox, and the clutch pedal is relatively firm, which makes it more challenging to drive smoothly.
The five-speed automatic transmission is super-smooth in normal

Summary

The Infiniti G35 sedan is one of the quickest, best handling cars in its class. It's a compelling choice for drivers who want the performance and handling of a true sports sedan for thousands less than the European benchmark cars. The G35 is also comfortable and practical, with a roomy back seat, a big trunk, and the trappings of a luxury car. The G35x adds the stability of all-wheel drive, making it an alternative to the Audi A4 quattro. The Infiniti G35 coupe is a true sports car. It's more luxurious, roomier and more practical than the Nissan 350Z, with a rear seat and more usable storage space.

New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough is based in California.