Tuesday 30 June 2009
Acura ZDX
Acura’s current design philosophy showcases sharp angles at all four corners, bright satin metal accents and high beltlines designed to create speed and flow even when sitting a stoplight. Sensuous curves are found throughout, while a steeply raked roofline adds sportiness. It provides the appearance of a 4-door coupe with sport utility intentions; ready and seeking adventure at every corner.
Acura has never been a company intent on appealing to everyone. Instead, they offer a unique approach to vehicle design, hoping to convince buyers in the near-luxury and luxury segments to live on the edge. The new ZDX concept is the next clean sheet step for this growing, progressive company.
Performance is generated by a powerful V-6 engine matched a 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.
Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, one of the best in the industry, tackles pavement and bad weather with tenacity. Having experienced this for myself during a recent blinding storm in northern Ohio, I can attest to its superior handling abilities. Even at high speeds on snow covered roads, SH-AWD was up to the task.
Inside, the Acura ZDX showcases the latest technology.
The Acura Navigation System is equipped with real-time traffic and weather. Premium audio sound is standard as is an all-new blind spot information system. Though some may experience technology overload when first sitting down behind the wheel of this or any current Acura model, the interface is easy to understand and one quickly appreciates all that is possible. The new Acura ZDX concept is expected to slot in above the Acura MDX for what Acura describes as a segment bending sedan for the 21st Century.
2010 Spyker C8 Aileron
From the outside, the Spyker C8 Aileron styling is an evolution of the previous Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 first shown at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show. While the Laviolette carried a propeller theme through most of the car, the Aileron emphasizes the jet propulsion age via the use of turbine-engine-shaped air scoops. Compared to the Laviolette, the Aileron is longer and rides on a wider front track for improved driving comfort and stability.
Power for the Aileron comes from an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 400 bhp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Either a Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox or a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission can be ordered with the car. The chassis is new, an aluminum space-frame design with suspension designed and produced by Lotus. The front and rear aluminum double wishbone suspension carries 19-in. wheels that are slowed by 13.8-in. front and 12.1-in. rear brake rotors.
The manufacturer suggested retail price for the Aileron is $209,990 with the manual gearbox, and $219,990 with the automatic, both excluding options. Expect to see a convertible version at this summer's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
More at Road & Track
Slideshow: 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron
2010 Mazdaspeed3
The car's new Nagare-inspired styling follows the same lines as the Mazda3 4-door and 5-door previously introduced. The Mazdaspeed3 distinguishes itself from its more economical siblings with a lower airdam and round foglights, flared front fenders and a Subaru-like hood scoop to feed air to the turbo's charge cooler.
The interior also follows the new Mazda3's design, with a new dashboard intended to give a roomier feel. Of course, it adds Mazdaspeed touches, such as red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shifter boot and center armrest. Plus, for the first time the Mazdaspeed3's instrument cluster includes an LED turbo boost gauge.
The Mazdaspeed3's handling is said to be improved due to stiffer springs, higher damping rates, larger anti-roll bars with new mounting points, as well as a stiffer body shell with double the amount of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel. Giving the car better grip are wider Dunlop tires, size 225/40R-18 (versus 215/45R-18), mounted on new 18 x 7.5-in. alloy wheels with a style similar to those found on the RX-8 R3. Mazda engineers say they've improved steering feel and response by giving the steering rack a more rigid 3-point mounting (previously 2-point), while the power steering has been switched from hydraulic assist to electric.
Although the Mazdaspeed3's 2.3-liter direct-injected turbocharged 4-cylinder is mostly carryover (power figures are identical to the '09 model), Mazda says the improved airflow to the top-of-engine charge cooler via the new, direct hood scoop allows the engine to produce more consistent power, while also freeing up grille space to provide air for the engine's air intake. Because of this, Mazda says real world power and fuel economy have improved.
Mazda says revised gear ratios on the 6-speed manual transmission — 2nd through 5th gears all now slightly taller — make better use of the engine's plentiful torque. Low-viscosity transmission fluid is said to reduce shift effort when the engine is cold.
Despite the flashy new body and numerous small updates, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 will remain a performance bargain when it goes on sale this summer. It will start at just $23,195, versus $22,740 for the 2009 model.
More at Road & Track
Slideshow: 2010 Mazdaspeed3
The latest cars from Mazda for 2009
Friday 1 May 2009
2009 Nissan 370Z - Style Meets Functionality
On the 30th of December 2008, Nissan announced pricing for its 2009 370Z sports car, which debuted in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Starting at $29,930, the 370Z Coupe is about $1,500 more expensive than the 350Z it replaces. The base model comes with a 6-speed manual, while upgrading to a 7-speed automatic brings the total to $31,230.
Nissan knows as well as anyone the dangers in redesigning a popular car. Through the 1990s, it “improved” its Z-car until the bloated 300ZX carried virtually none of the charm (not to mention the sales volume) of the original 240Z. Nissan returned the line to its former glory with the 350Z, and has been rewarded with a brilliantly successful six-year run. And with the 2009 370Z, which is making its debut this week at the Los Angeles auto show, it has proved it has finally learned how to build on success.
2009 Aston Martin One-77
Even with the current economic turmoil, some car makers still want to gain the crown of making beautiful and fast cars. Although it may seem ludicrous to launch a $1.9 million supercar in today’s economic climate, the 2009 Aston Martin One-77 serves as a halo car for the iconic British brand.
“Quite simply it had to be the ultimate expression of Aston Martin,” said CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. “As you can now see, we have achieved that goal in magnificent style.”
Though the sharp edges, quirky headlamps, and ribbed side panels may spur debate among Aston enthusiasts, the One-77 is refreshingly unique. Certain cues - notably the fluted grille and wrap-around taillights - are still present, but the car can’t be mistaken for a “pedestrian” Vantage, DB9, or DBS.
Read more »
Tuesday 14 April 2009
First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight
Honda based the front-end design of the 2010 Insight hybrid on the FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, which is currently available for lease in select California markets.
When Honda introduced the Insight hybrid for the 2000 model year, it was a lightweight, 2-seat car with little everyday utility. Toyota's first-generation Prius (2001-2003) had four doors, but it was a subcompact that didn't offer much room, either. Toyota hit the jackpot when it introduced a larger, second-generation Prius in 2004. Suddenly, American families could buy a hybrid without sacrificing too much. Now, Honda is following suit, resurrecting the Insight as a larger, four-door car. And Honda reps say it's the least-expensive hybrid in the U.S., to boot.
Model LineupThe 2010 Honda Insight is offered in two trims, LX and EX. Standard features on the LX include cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, a 160-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers, a multi-information display and P175/65R15 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers.
Notable additions to the EX trim include heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, cruise control, steering-wheel shift paddles, a USB audio interface, two additional speakers and alloy wheels. Another version of the EX comes with a navigation system, as well as a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, an iPod interface and additional steering-wheel controls.
Friday 20 March 2009
2009 Pontiac Vibe Review - Video
A smooth, clean look coupled with sleek lines clearly makes the sporty 2009 Pontiac Vibe a ride that grabs much attention. With a refreshed look for 2009, the Pontiac Vibe continues Pontiac’s recent styling resurgence.
The Good:Roomy backseat, comfortable ride, versatile cargo area, peppy performance, generous standard safety features, reliable Toyota powertrain.
The Bad:Lackluster acceleration in base model with automatic, Toyota’s version is likely to have better resale value.
The best part is The 2009 Pontiac Vibe remains a smart choice for an affordable, practical and sporty compact wagon. This is why so many people prefer to choose it.
The price of 2009 Pontiac Vibe is only $16,100, this is not expensive at all for such a wonderful car.
Honda Hybrid Insight Price Will Be Under $20,000
Honda said its new Insight hybrid will be priced under $20,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this month, as the No. 2 Japanese automaker takes aim at eco-friendly bargain shoppers.
American Honda Motor Co. said the 2010 Insight will arrive at U.S. showrooms starting March 24 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $19,800 for the base LX model. The Hybrid EX, which will include some premium features, will have a base price of $21,300, Honda said. This is not expensive for such a perfect car. I guess the global economic crisis must has great impact to Honda. Maybe they should consider to fire some of their employees again!
What’s more, Honda has said it planned to make the Insight an economical hybrid. The car is expected to compete head-on for hybrid shoppers with Toyota’s Prius, which has long been the best-selling hybrid in the U.S. So I’m sure it will be a very big competition to American car marketing. Maybe the government would do something to it. But who knows. As we consumers, we care much about the price and the quality. Let the government worry about other things.
So what do you think about Honda Hybrid Insight? How much are you expecting for this car?
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