2011 Subaru Trezia

Auto Car | 2011 Subaru Trezia | Meet the All-New 2011 Subaru Trezia, the latest in a long line of Toyota-Subaru transformed as part of an ongoing collaboration between the two Japanese automakers. 2011 Subaru Trezia is basically a rebadged version of the Toyota Verso S (Ractis called in Japan), which was introduced in Europe in Paris Motor Show this year.

Differences between Subaru Trezia and Verso-S twin is limited to the Refreshed 2011 Subaru Impreza like grille, chrome treatment on the rear doors and of course the Subaru logo. Everything, including the interior and even the wheels and the construction of the hub cover remains unchanged.

Like Toyota in Japan with Ractis, Subaru Trezia will offer buyers the choice of a 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter engine and front wheel drive layout. 2011 Subaru Trezia Prices in Japan range from 1,360,000 yen to 1,870,000 yen.

The new Trezia is the latest in a long line of Toyota models turned into Subaru as part of the ongoing partnership between the two Japanese automakers. The Trezia essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Verso-S, which was introduced in Europe at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

View same Verso-S including the interior and even the alloy wheel and hub cover designs remain unchanged. And the differences of both are limited only to the Impreza-like front grille, the chrome treatment on the tailgate trim and of course, Subaru’s logos.

2011 Subaru Trezia will offer buyers a choice of a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter engines as well as front- or all-wheel drive layouts. Prices in Japan range from 1.36 million Yen to 1.87 million Yen.

2011 Subaru Trezia is new car that similar to Toyota Verso-S a.k.a Toyota Ractis Japan.
The Trezia car is completely the same with Toyota Verso-S except the Impreza-like front grille, the chrome treatment on the tailgate trim and of course, Subaru’s logos.
In general Subaru Trezia is packed with
-two engines choiches, a 1.3i version and a 1.5i unit
-CTV transmission
-two wheel drive or four wheel drive configuration
The Subaru Trezia is the form of ongoing partnership between Japanese auto makers and they prepared fo FT-86 G concept, a car drawn in Toyota’s ED2 styling studio in France. It features Subaru engineering, including the 2.0l boxer engine fitted on it.

Source : autocarsnews.info

2011 Takayanagi Miluira

Auto Car | 2011 Takayanagi Miluira | An EVs with retro style and the little open-top Takayanagi Miluira from Japan featuring a design that resembles cars from the early 1900s, it measures just 2.18 meters (85.8 inches) in length and can only accommodate the driver.

This car really isn't very serious... Even so, the Japanese EV is quite eye-catching and we wouldn’t mind taking one for a spin. When the Miluira hits the market in 2011, it will be priced from 6.3 million yen or about $74.768.

It is electric car like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. According to the manufacturer's website, the Miluira has a range of 35 km (22 miles) and can reach a top speed of 60 km/h or 37 mph. Both figures attest that the little EV could be used for short commutes, as long as the weather has no objections.

The fiddling open-top 2011 Takayanagi Miluira on retro style by Japan having a design that resembles autos by the early 1900s, it appraises just 2.18 cadences (85.8 inches) in duration and could only accommodate the device driver.

2011 Takayanagi Miluira’s interior follows the vintage styling theme of the exterior, though we’re not sure if the material covering the steering column is real wood or plastic, but, in any case, it’s too “loud” as far as color and texture goes.

Source : carssmart.blogspot.com

New Suzuki Wagon Solio Introduced in Japan, Go On Sale on January 2011

Auto Car | New Suzuki Wagon Solio Introduced in Japan, Go On Sale on January 2011 | Suzuki is now ready to introduce a new Solio 2011 model into the Japanese market. The model, which first arrived on the international market back in 1997, has a box-shaped hatch-back body with a clear focus on interior space. The 2011 Solio model promises better fuel economy and more cabin room than its predecessor, and also comes with sliding doors on both sides for easier access to the back seats in crammed car-parks.

The new model will arrive in Suzuki’s Japanese dealers starting January 7th, 2011. It has been developed as a tall, compact wagon that’s user-friendly and offers good fuel efficiency figures. Convenient left- and right-hand rear sliding doors are complemented by a one-touch double-folding rear seat that permits a variety of seat arrangements. The body of the car is compact, measuring just 3,710 mm (146 inches) in length and 1,660 mm (65 inches) in width. The small wagon will only be available with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine producing 91HP, combined with a CVT and front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

Suzuki created the new Solio to be an ideal choice for Japanese customers looking to move upscale from minicars and for those looking to downsize to a more compact model. Suzuki expects the new Solio to join the Swift as a pillar of its sales growth in the compact category. The Japanese carmaker is targeting domestic yearly sales figures of 12,000 Solios.

Shortly after the announcement of the new model, Suzuki and Mitsubishi have released a joint statement revealing that the two companies have mutually agreed on the OEM supply of the vehicle to Mitsubishi. The agreement, which is meant to improve its productivity and lower production and development costs, will see Suzuki deliver 800 Solios per month to Mitsubishi, beginning with spring 2011.

New Suzuki Wagon Solio reported has been introduced in Japan.
The car comes with engine 1.2 liter powerfull but fuel economize 22.5 km per liter or 1:22.5.

This car is higher than the previous variants and has a sliding door o on the passenger door both right and left door.

The Solio measures 3,710mm in length and will be available exclusively with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine producing 91HP, linked to a CVT and either front- or optionally, four-wheel drive. The Japanese automaker said it targets domestic yearly sales of around 12,000 units.
Solio reported also would labeled with Mitsubishi after Suzuki signed the agreement with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Source : www.autoevolution.com

2011 Detroit Preview: Mini Paceman Concept hints at two-door Countryman

Auto Car | 2011 Detroit Preview: Mini Paceman Concept hints at two-door Countryman | Having a boring Saturday? Mini is here to brighten up the day with a new concept that it will debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next month. Known as the Mini Paceman Concept, the model hints at a two-door version of the four-door Countryman that will go on sale early next year.

The Mini Paceman Concept is based on the same ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive platform as the Countryman crossover and also has the same dimensions. However, it cuts out two-doors, creating a largest tailgate than the Countryman.

Power for the Mini Paceman Concept comes from a John Cooper Works 1.6L twin-scroll 4-cylinder turbocharged engine making 211 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Torque can be increased to 207 lb-ft with the Overboost function.

Mini makes it clear in the press release that the Paceman has not been approved for production but “could form yet another building block in the development of the Mini brand.” We’re guessing this is Mini’s direct shot at the Land Rover Evoque two-door crossover segment.

MINI is marking an important milestone in its history by once again presenting a fascinating new vehicle concept for the MINI family – the MINI Paceman Concept. Exactly 10 years ago, visitors to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit witnessed the relaunch of the MINI brand in North America, which signalled the beginning of an unparalleled success story. And now the brand is also preparing to celebrate this landmark anniversary at the NAIAS – taking place from 10-23 January 2011 – with the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept. This spectacular study vehicle establishes a totally new category of car with its potential for providing even more driving fun and an even greater range of usage. The MINI Paceman Concept could become another building block in the ongoing development of the brand and its product portfolio.

The MINI Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI – its uniqueness, go-kart handling, agility, dynamic capability and individual design – and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting-edge technology and an innovative body concept. It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. And it brings together the classical MINI concept, the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe to harmonious effect. The result is a MINI with visual “muscle car” design cues, which displays its dynamic capability from every angle and showcases it impressively both when viewed from the side and in the design of the rear.

The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design makes it the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, blends lifestyle elements with premium quality. It is the ideal car for young, modern, extrovert urbanites who love the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, enjoy stand-out individuality, place great importance on the personality of a brand and buy into its character and ethos. They are confident types, who live according to their own style and express their distinctive individuality in a MINI, who use the big-city mobility the MINI provides to embark on voyages of discovery through the urban jungle, and who experience driving fun in its most concentrated form thanks to the excellent ride comfort of the MINI both in everyday driving and over long journeys.

The masculine design language of the MINI Paceman Concept spotlights both the stand-alone identity of the concept and its membership of the MINI family. The four-seater study, whose two large doors and a wide-opening tailgate mark it out unmistakably as a MINI, imbues the sporty, cutting-edge Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) category with undeniable appeal. The platform of the MINI Countryman, with its hallmark MINI proportions, increased ground clearance and raised seating position, defines the study’s compact dimensions.

Exterior: Sports Activity Coupe – urban and masculine.

The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family front end, but adds its own distinctive flavour. The large headlights with chrome surrounds extend far into the front wings and, together with the strikingly contoured bonnet, emphasise the imposing front end. The MINI Paceman Concept largely replicates the front grille design of the MINI Cooper S Countryman. However, additional intakes in the lower section of the front bumper ensure improved brake ventilation and combine with the study’s deep-set foglamps to sharpen its sporting edge. The MINI Paceman Concept’s fresh interpretation of the side scuttle at the transition from front wing to door houses both the side direction indicator and an air outlet. The side scuttle has a broad, sturdy-looking design and leads the eye from the A-pillar down towards the front wheel, making it an unmistakable, sporty, wheel-accentuating feature.

Large 19-inch wheels designed exclusively for the study car and dark wheel arch borders with side skirts highlighted in the same colour team up with the familiar MINI shoulder line rising up slightly towards the rear to underline the car’s sporty and powerful appearance. The MINI Paceman Concept shows off its roof contours particularly effectively. The flat roofline runs horizontally from front to rear, where it flows into a wide, transparent-looking C-pillar. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass, with the “helmet roof” – in a strikingly contrasting colour – suspended on top. The coupe-specific windows taper as they extend to the rear, and combine with the slightly rising waistline to create a prominently dynamic wedge shape when viewed from the side. The classic MINI three-level split of roof, greenhouse and body is again clearly recognisable in this study vehicle.

“In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car rather more,” explains Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design, to underline the powerful appearance of the study. The new interpretation of the traditional coupe values (the word “coupe” comes from the French “couper” meaning “to cut off”) produces a new homogeneous coupe tail which retains the unique MINI charm. Powerful proportions and the muscular design of the vehicle flanks, with their broad rear wings, reinforce its unconventional, athletic impression.

The newly interpreted rear lights are positioned at the outer edges of the rear and underline the dominance of horizontal lines, which run parallel to one another and emphasise the wide track of the rear axle. As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear apron of the MINI Paceman Concept has a diffuser design. The airflow is channelled between the twin-tailpipe exhaust on the underbody section, further optimising the car’s aerodynamic properties. Even the licence plate recess echoes the form of the air intake in the front bumper, forging a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.

The four-seater car measures 4,110 millimetres in length, 1,789 millimetres in width and 1,541 millimetres in height. In telltale family style, the MINI Paceman Concept has extremely short overhangs, which lend particular emphasis to the car’s athletic stature.

Interior: a blend of modern functionality and luxurious character.

The interior of the MINI Paceman Concept deliberately draws from the MINI design language, yet also comes across as refreshingly new. Behind the study’s masculine exterior lies an elegant yet sporty core imbued with a premium sense of quality. The instrument panel of the MINI study is defined by its distinctive, concave forms and the sporty but functional impression it creates. Particularly large side air vents underline the character of the interior, which is defined by cutting-edge functionality. The central air vents, Centre Speedo and gearshift lever are given broad surrounds in a contrasting colour.

The slim centre console, which maximises legroom for the driver and front passenger, melts between the seats into the Centre Rail familiar from the MINI Countryman, creating a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats. This unique and innovative U-profile rail system runs through the middle of the passenger compartment back as far as the rear seat backrests. Light shades of leather pervade the interior of the MINI Paceman Concept and lend it an expressive, luxurious allure. The new interpretation of the brand’s familiar elliptical door and side trim extends along the length of the cabin, taking in the B-pillar and emphasising the length of the interior. At the same time, the communicative and communal character of MINI cars is clearly highlighted. Embedded in the elliptical main element are the shaped armrests with large stowage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls and the speakers for the sound system. Behind the sports seats are two comfortable individual seats, whose backrests merge boldly into side sections to create fully contoured supports. The “lounge” character that this creates underlines the individual, unconventional appearance of the study car and turns every journey into an experience for the rear passengers, as well as those in the front.

Drive system: powerful and efficient.

Both from a space point of view and in its chassis set-up, the
MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the most powerful drive unit currently available for a MINI to be fitted under the bonnet. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the means to achieve top-class levels of sports performance. The four-cylinder unit develops 155 kW/211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), which can be increased to as much as 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give the MINI concept study an ideal platform for the optionally available MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. This features an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent. Harnessing the power of the brawny four-cylinder engines, in all-wheel-drive form the
MINI Paceman Concept would offer an extra dose of driving fun through a traction-led, sporty expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.

MINI chassis technology has been further developed for the
MINI Paceman Concept to turn the potential of the extremely powerful engines – safely and with impressive poise – into inspiring agility. Precise, sporty handling and excellent ride comfort set the MINI Paceman Concept apart. That is down not least to the go-kart feeling typical of the brand. The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms, while Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance plays a major role in giving the SAC the agility customers expect of the brand. The multi-link rear axle was developed on the back of BMW Group chassis expertise and is designed for use in both the front-wheel-drive and the ALL4 all-wheel-drive versions of the car.

Source : www.egmcartech.com

2011 Detroit Auto Show Kia KV7 Concept

Auto Car | 2011 Detroit Auto Show Kia KV7 Concept | SEOUL, South Korea — Kia Motors has announced that it will introduce its KV7 concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show on January 10. The crossover/minivan concept is notable for a set of rear gullwing doors and 360-degree-swiveling rear seats.

The KV7 has a high roof and CUV-style appearance that Kia calls "convention challenging." The company says the concept previews a production KV7, which of course won't have the gullwing doors.

In addition to side gullwing doors, it has 360-degree swiveling side seats.Kia module build a creation version inferior the gullwing doors.

SEOUL, South Korea Kia Motors has announced that it module inform its KV7 construct at the 2011 city Auto Show on Jan 10. The crossover/minivan construct is notable for a ordered of side gullwing doors and 360-degree-swiveling side seats.
The KV7 has a broad roof and CUV-style attendance that Kia calls "convention challenging." The company says the construct previews a creation KV7, which of course won't have the gullwing doors.

Source : www.insideline.com

10 Best Cars 2010

Auto Car | 10 Best Cars 2010 | This year, for the 28th running of our annual 10Best competition, the rules were simple. First, we raised the price cap from $71,000 to $80,000 (roughly three times the average transaction price of a new car) in the belief that 80 grand is the current point of automotive excellence’s diminishing returns. Cars get more expensive than that, but they don’t get much better. More important, raising the cap makes eligible nominees in two other vital categories: luxo-sport GTs and luxury sedans. Never mind that only two new cars qualified (and one was about to be replaced in a few months, so we left it out).

Second rule: As is the norm, we invited back 2009’s 10Best winners and all the new or significantly altered cars for 2010. Every qualifying vehicle must be on sale no later than January 2010, ergo the complete absence of vaporware.

In all, we hosted a total of 58 automobiles at our secret base hidden amid the farm plots of southeast Michigan. We flogged the cars for a week over our long-standing route, which serves up everything from smooth curves to pockmarked apexes to first-gear corners to high-speed straights to elevation changes.

2010 Audi S4

Back in 2004, when the S4 introduced the entry-level luxury-car segment to V-8 power, it was named a 10Best Car. Fast-forward six years. The all-new S4 lost a couple of cylinders but packs a silky, 333-hp supercharged V-6 (it makes just seven fewer horses than the old V-8 did) and might be the most controversial car on this year’s list.

2010 BMW 3-series / M3

Attacking our 10Best loop each year in a 3-series gives you the sense that this car has been designed for the sole purpose of oozing along that twisting, cratered section of pavement. There, it has a cohesive fluidity that’s unmatched by any of its competitors. But then, the 3 feels similarly sublime on any other stretch of road, too.

2010 Cadillac CTS / CTS-V

Now entering its third year as a 10Best winner, the Cadillac CTS plays at the top of a segment packed with some of the best cars in the automotive kingdom. Its interior is gorgeous, with a truly expensive feel, and it is more spacious inside than most of its similarly priced competition. Outside, the CTS combines uniform shapes and sharp angles that borrow from nobody. But the way the CTS drives is what we keep falling for year after year—its moves are as crisp as its exterior lines. The CTS manages to blend refinement, driving dynamics, comfort, and performance in a refreshing, even exhilarating, way that satisfies enthusiast drivers and luxury seekers simultaneously.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

It’s an unlikely claim, but the Ford Fusion hybrid is in fact the most advanced car on this list. Through the body of this unpretentious family sedan runs the sturdiest bridge between the tech of the 20th century and that of the 21st.

2010 Honda Accord

In 28 years of 10Best competition, Honda’s Accord has made the list 24 times. Somewhere in Japan, there are about 200 engineers wringing their hands and asking each other, “Where’d we go wrong in those four losing years?” Maybe that’s why the car is so good.

2010 Honda Fit

The overachieving Fit is one of our quick-draw answers when people ask us which car to buy. It’s all the car anyone needs—big fun, and as cheap to own and operate as a hamster. Despite the Fit’s microbial footprint, it takes truly Sasquatchian dimensions to be discomforted inside, and all that space is surrounded by quality materials and thoughtful design unmatched in many vehicles costing much more.

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The fundamental mission of a sports car is to put smiles on the faces of its occupants, and few accomplish that mission more effectively than the Miata. After all, a sports car, particularly a roadster, is at least as much about transportation for the spirit as it is about simply getting your body from one point to another.

2010 Mazda 3 / Mazdaspeed 3

The latest Mazda 3 arrives with more than just a shiny new wrapper. It’s more refined, too. In both 148-hp i and 167-hp s versions, the basic Mazda 3 feels more like a genuine car than most of the econoboxes it competes with on price—a bare-bones i starts at $16,045, and the s begins at $19,790. Material quality, ride quality, and chassis control are all a class above. If there are beancounters at Mazda, they don’t get anywhere near the suspension. Getting behind the wheel of the Mazda 3 is a comforting reminder that there is a fun-to-drive car for every economic stratum.

2010 Porsche Boxster / Cayman

There are a lot of words beginning with the letter “P” that can describe the mechanically identical Boxster and Cayman—poised and profitable leap to mind—but we think the most appropriate one is perfect. It’s certainly hard to think otherwise when the Boxster offers a driving experience so sublime and so tactile that it’s really only rivaled by the Cayman’s. Every spin of the steering wheel, every push of a pedal, every fat blat from the flat-six engines, they’re all calibrated to deliver one thing: unparalleled automotive pleasure. In fact, the pair proves even more rewarding than the iconic—and much pricier—911.

2010 Volkswagen GTI

The latest GTI is the sixth iteration since VW invented the pocket rocket (or “hot hatch” in Euro-speak) back in 1976. And while the GTI has grown larger and more powerful, it keeps its original spirit.

It’s relatively inexpensive and supremely practical yet is an immensely entertaining vehicle that’s as happy meandering around mall parking lots as it is being flogged along a great back road. The 200-hp, turbocharged inline four-cylinder is smooth and responsive, although it doesn’t imbue the GTI with the kind of startling acceleration that the brawnier Mazdaspeed 3 possesses.

Source : www.caranddriver.com

2010 Guangzhou Autoshow Opens

Auto Car | 2010 Guangzhou Autoshow Opens | Automakers are forecasting strong China car sales in 2011 despite the end of some government incentives as the country's second major auto show this year kicks off in the southern city of Guangzhou.

China overtook the United States in 2009 as the world's biggest car market, with sales surging 45 percent to 13.6 million vehicles. Monthly sales this year have seen double-digit percentage growth and analysts are forecasting sales may climb roughly 30 percent to about 17 million vehicles for the full year.

Such explosive growth may not continue in 2011 because a tax cut on new vehicle purchases is expected to end. But a rebate of 3,000 yuan ($450) on cars with small engines will stay in place, as the government seeks to encourage people to drive more fuel efficient vehicles.

"We think the fundamentals of growth in China are very strong," said Kevin Wale, president and managing director for GM China, citing an economy that is expected to expand 8 percent or more annually, high consumer confidence and a global economy that is starting to rebound.

"To be honest, the Chinese have developed a love affair with the car."

Unlike its glitzier cousins in Beijing and Shanghai, which are held in alternating years and are aimed more at establishing China's presence globally with product launches, the Guangzhou show has always been aimed at local buyers.

But car makers are still putting on a show for the tens of thousands of potential buyers expected to pour into the eighth annual Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, in bustling Guangdong, one of China's most prosperous provinces. The show, known as Auto Guangzhou, runs from Monday - its media day - through to Dec. 27.

By the time 2010 is over, Wale said, GM will have sold about 2.3 million cars in China, while next year sales will climb about 10 percent to more than 2.5 million.

Other automakers at the show were also optimistic that sales next year would be just as good as in 2010, brushing off the effect of the end of the incentives.

"I expect there will be a rush to buy cars before the tax goes up at the end of the year, then an adjustment period and then things go back to normal," said Richard Baker, deputy general manager of Ford's joint venture in China with Chang'an Automobile Group and Mazda.

Ford expects to sell 305,000 vehicles in 2010 through the joint venture, up 32 percent from a year earlier, Baker said.

For 2011, Ford expects that number to go up, but wouldn't give a sales target. "We hope to sell a little bit more than the market in general" next year, Baker said.

During the financial crisis two years ago, China's government was eager to promote the car industry as a way of boosting China's economy, said John Zeng, head of Asia automotive forecasting at JD Power & Associates.

Car sales boomed but the government is now trying to rein in that growth.

"Now in many big cities the pollution and traffic jams have become a big social issue. Now they are talking about charging congestion fees and raising the car tax," he said.

Zeng predicted that 17.5 million passenger cars and light trucks in would be sold in China this year, while in 2011 sales would grow by 10.5 percent.

For many foreign automakers, China is their best hope as they struggle with weak sales in the U.S. and other developed markets.

Marques from around the world are represented in Guangzhou, ranging from the mass market appeal of Hyundai Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp. to prestige offerings from Porsche AG, Maserati and Aston Martin.

Guangzhou is a big base for Japanese carmakers such as Honda and Toyota, which both have joint ventures with Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group.

Toyota Motor Corp. and its upscale Lexus division are out in force with 45 models on display, three of them making their China debuts. Nissan Motor Co.'s 10th-generation Sunny compact made its global debut. It was one model among the 18 cars it has on show, including six from its luxury Infiniti brand.

Nissan and one of its local joint venture partners, Dongfeng Motor Group Co., hope to sell 772,000 vehicles in China next year, said Ren Yong, vice president of Dongfeng Motor as he unveiled Nissan's new local brand, Venucia.

At the moment, the Venucia is just a concept and Dongfeng Nissan showed just the front half of the car to journalists. The brand is aimed at selling affordable cars to entry level buyers. It follows the release of General Motors' only-in-China entry level brand, Baojun, which started rolling off the assembly line on Nov. 22.

Nissan, which earns a quarter of its global revenue from China, said it expects to sell 1.15 million vehicles in China across all of its businesses next year, up 15 percent from 1 million this year.

Local car makers, which have been itching to expand overseas, also have a presence.

Geely Holding Group, little known outside of China until it bought Sweden's Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Co. earlier this year in a $1.5 billion deal, will have at least 13 models on display.

For its part, Volvo showed seven models including its S60 sport sedan and electric C30, which will be fleet tested in China next year.

Industry observers have been keenly interested in what changes Geely would make to Volvo.

The company now has a "clear plan from the new owners," said Alex Klose, chief executive of sales distribution for Volvo China. And because it is now Chinese-owned, Volvo will "have much more of a focus on China than before," he said.

Source : www.thestate.com

2010 GeigerCars Unleashes Hummer H2 Bomber

Auto Car | 2010 GeigerCars Unleashes Hummer H2 Bomber | In its regular trim, the Hummer H2 not only looks fantastic, but also brings with it a real degree of off-road capabilities. But this can go much further, as GeigerCars.de have proved with the “H2 Bomber” on rubber tracks.

In contrast to the regular wheels with their 8.5” x 20” rims encompassing 305/60 tyres, the specialists from Munich have equipped their project SUV with a Mattracks 88M1-A1 rubber tracks at each wheel. Those massive structures, 40cm wide and 150cm long, guarantee unrivalled traction on virtually any type of terrain, whether the vehicle is needed for agriculture, emergency services or expedition. Even extreme gradients are handled without a sweat, not least thanks to the powerful 8 cylinders under the bonnet which gives you 398 bhp and 574 Nm of torque.

Designed to be the ultimate off-road vehicle, the Bomber features Mattracks 88M1-A1 rubber tracks (8.5" x 20" wheels with 305/60 tires are standard). Measuring 150cm (59.1") long and 40cm (15.7") wide, the tracks "guarantee unrivalled traction on virtually any type of terrain, whether the vehicle is needed for agriculture, emergency services or expedition."

Besides the tracks, the H2 has a matte silver paint job (with Air Force themed lettering) and a roof box with Hella lights. Inside, Geiger installed a sunroof, a Kenwood navigation system, and a rear seat entertainment system.

Power comes from a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 398 bhp (297 kW / 404 PS) and 574 Nm (423 lb-ft) of torque. If that doesn't float your boat, an LPG Autogas system (with a 155 liter fuel tank) is also available.

How well the GeigerCars.de Hummer acquits itself on the rubber tracks can be left to Autobild editor Wolfgang Blaube to experience: He explored to legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in the depths of winter with the circuit covered in snow and was completely captured by the “new dimension of fun” after just a few kilometres.

Also in the interior of the GeigerCars.de “Bomber”, finished in a matte silver, with extra headlights on the roof and the lettering printed in an army style, the fun factor is not missed out: The luxury design fulfils every wish and a sunroof is every bit a part of the Hummer project as the navigation system with a DVD drive from Kenwood, the roof monitor with headphones or the rear-view camera including a monitor in the rear-view mirror. If requested, the Geigercars team can of course equip each Hummer model with an economical LPG autogas system and other extras.

If you’re on the lookout for an off-road master, the H2 is definitely the right choice. With a Hummer equipped with rubber tracks, no terrain remains inaccessible.

Technical details – GeigerCars.de Hummer H2

    Engine: 6.2l V8
    Power: 398 bhp at 5,700 rpm
    Torque: 574 Nm at 4,300 rpm
    Transmission: Six-speed automatic gearbox
    Aluminium wheels: 8.5” x 20”
    Kenwood sat-nav with DVD drive
    Roof monitor with headphones
    Rear-view camera with monitor in the rear view mirror
    Other possible accessories: Mattracks rubber tracks, LPG Autogas system with 155 litre fuel tank, roof box with lighting, special silver matte finish, 35 x 12.50 R20 LT tyres.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com

2008 Honda S2000 CR

Auto Car | 2008 Honda S2000 CR | The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximise the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially improving track times, chassis balance and feel. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned S2000 CR provides more aggressive track-oriented suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at high speeds. A removable aluminium hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.

The aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and specially-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres (in place of RE050 tyres), a larger rear tyre size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabiliser bars and the S2000's new wheel design in Kaiser Silver. 

 

A rear body brace has been added to the area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. Relative to the base 2008 S2000, cumulative weight savings total 51 pounds (hardtop installed) and 99 pounds (hardtop removed). A sport-tuned muffler adds to the vehicles heightened performance feel.

2008 Honda S2000 CRThe S2000 CR interior follows traditional racecar themes. Fabric seating surfaces with yellow stitching help create a sporty appearance while synthetic suede bolsters enhance lateral grip. An exclusive spherical aluminium shift knob on the S2000 CR rests 12.6 mm lower for a 6 percent reduction in shift stroke compared to the conventional S2000 cylindrical shift knob (aluminium/leather wrapped). Additionally, shift load effort increases by 10 percent for even more direct feedback when engaging a gear.

The S2000 CR instrument panel meters include a "peak-power indicator." When the engine is operating at peak power, a round, green light illuminates to the right of the digital speedometer. To save weight, air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed optional equipment.

The design and engineering concept for the S2000 is to deliver race-car-like performance and handling-something an enthusiast driver could use and enjoy, even in everyday driving situations. In addition, the S2000 is intended to be a modern, socially-responsible automobile with low emissions. The S2000's roadster layout also captures the spirit of the legendary high-performance sports cars of the past, as well as Honda's very first sports car, the S500 roadster. 

 

However, the S2000 makes no attempt to be a retro sports car. It is a unique, Honda interpretation of a modern sports car - with high performance, state-of-the-art technology, style, and Honda durability, quality and refinement.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 2.2 litre four-cylinder
Aspiration: Natural
Maximum Power: 237 hp @ 7800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 6800 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Source : www.drivebulletin.com