Kia eco_cee'd

Kia has announced today that they will be putting their green Frankfurt Motor Show concept car, the eco_cee'd, into production from late 2008, with sales starting in early 2009. Expected to be designated as cee'd 'eco' models, the variant will be available in three, five-door and wagon guise - the economical additions to the line-up 'maximising consumer choice' and retaining the 'lively, spirited drive' of a cee'd while reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Frankfurt's eco_cee'd hosted a number of small, but significant modifications to the standard pro_cee'd's 1.6-litre CRDi diesel powertrain as well as additional equipment. Through many revisions made to the car, can a reduction in CO2 figures and greater fuel economy be achieved. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 17 percent to 3.9 litres/100km, with emissions data registering at 104g/km (down 8.4%). Engines destined for the production version will already be able to meet Euro V emissions standards, due for a 2011 introduction.

Efficiencies in the car's aerodynamics are made by lowering the suspension, fitting under-floor coverings to aid air flow and 'spoiler' lips around the wheel arches - among other enhancements - reducing the drag coefficient by 11 percent.

Kia will be fitting their 'eco' cee'd models with ISG (Idle Stop&Go), utilising regenerative braking technology, switching the battery off when at a standstill and thus allowing a drop in fuel consumption and emissions during 'typical stop-start city driving'.

The addition of a nifty optimum gear shift indicator (which judges when to shift based on road and engine speed) will be mated to a motorway-friendly new six-speed gearbox, favouring lower revolutions for more economical driving at speed.

“The rapid transfer of the green-performance eco_cee’d concept’s features into production ‘eco’ versions of the cee’d, demonstrates Kia’s vision for the way ahead to a greener future,” enthuses the Senior Vice President of Kia Motors Europe, Jean-Charles Lievens.

Continuing, Lievens states: “Our new ‘eco’ range will confirm Kia’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly and fuel efficient production models – without losing sight of customer expectations for cars with a sporty design and fun-to-drive performance.”

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560

When Audi first got it’s hands on Lamborghini, the afficienados were up in arms. “That’s the end of Lamborghini” they cried. But they were wrong. The first car to come along after Audi took over was the Murcielago (now the LP640). A barn-storming brute of a car. A proper hairy-chested monster. And the only thing Audi actually seemed to do is make sure it was built properly. So, round one to Audi. But the second car was the Gallardo, and the doom-mongers had some ammunition. Not a lot, mind you. The main cry was that Audi had taken away the heart. I think they just meant it didn’t have scissor doors and didn’t break down every other day. But you could sort of see what they meant. It felt ’safe’. Well not any more

The starting point for changes is the bodywork. Round the back it becomes a baby Reventon. It’s squatter than before; more purposeful. The back-end was always my least favourite angle on the Gallardo, and this is a big improvement. The front goes the same route, with new air intakes and a more aggressive look. And all that playing with the Reventon has had a great impact on the carry-over work here. The LP560-4 is over 30% more aerodynamic than the Gallardo. Not only does that help fuel economy (which is improved by 18%, as are emissions) but the LP560-4 is more planted. Add to the mix an extra 32bhp and 23lb ft of torque and this is the car the baby Lambo should always have been.

So now I’ve whetted your appetite, you’re wondering how long the waiting list is. Well, I doubt you’ll get one out of Lamborghini until summer 2009, but we’ve got a build slot for Oct/Nov this year, so if you want to be first - be quick!

Tata and Jaguar, sitting in a tree

Car giant Ford is to sell its luxury UK-based car marques Jaguar and Land Rover to Indian company Tata. Tata, India's biggest vehicle maker, is likely to pay about $2bn (£1bn) in the deal, although analysts will be keen to see the exact price and terms. The lengthy sale process started last June when Ford announced its intention to sell the companies as a package. Jaguar and Land Rover employ about 16,000 staff at plants across the West Midlands and Merseyside. Tata accounts for more than half of the sub-continent's truck market and has about 20% of India's car market.

The car workers union, Unite, has said that Tata was the preferred bidder for the company.Tata will commit to following an existing five-year plan to invest in and develop the car manufacturing businesses. Jaguar and Land Rover require hundreds of millions in investment over the next few years and returning Jaguar to profitability will neither be easy or without risks. Ford will inject £300m into Jaguar and Land Rover pension funds.

Ford has never given any details about Jaguar's financial performance. But it is thought that Ford has invested about $10bn in Jaguar since buying it in 1989, for $2.5bn. Despite that investment, analysts say that Jaguar, which has plants at Castle Bromwich, West Midlands and Halewood, Merseyside, has never made a profit for Ford. However, Land Rover, which is based in Solihull, West Midlands, has been profitable under Ford's ownership.

Hyundai i30 vs Kia Cee'd

Which one would you have? And why?

Lotus Europa S

Lotus has finally announced the Lotus Europa S, after spyshots of it being seen around Europe and in Malaysia being test driven along Proton models like the Savvy and the SRM. Alot of speculation has been going on about the name of the new car as well as whether Proton will be offering a re-badge of it.

The Lotus Europa is a 2 seater coupe positioned above the Elise and Exige. The theme for the car is ‘business class’. Much more sophisticated and the lines are smoother and understated rather than the bold sporty styling of the Elise.

The Lotus Europa is only 995kg of course with it being a Lotus. Weight reduction! The car is a mid-engine, and features a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine producing 200 hp at 5400rpm and 263 Nm torque at 4200rpm. 90% of the maximum torque is available from only 2000rpm so acceleration from low engine speeds is great. 0-60mph takes 5.5 seconds and top speed is 140mph.

The Lotus Europa S will start production in Lotus’ Manufacturing Facility in Hethel, Norfolk in the UK.

Subaru Forester

Of the modern-era Subarus, the Forester has been the model that most closely reflects the character that the brand was built on: inexpensive, capable, utilitarian, slightly unconventional, and unconcerned with appearances. A Subaru among Subarus, this grungy earth child has been happily chugging along on the crunchy fringe of the compact SUV market. For 2009, the Forester has undergone a redesign that has made it larger, more SUV-like, and, well, more normal. And although the new Forester looks a lot different from the previous model, it manages to retain many of its predecessors' strengths while expanding its appeal.

With its all-new body, the Forester goes from mutant station wagon to mainstream compact crossover. It's significantly longer, wider, and taller.

All of that makes for additional cargo space (enough for 4590 granola bars with the rear seats up!) and a much roomier cabin. The 3.6-inch-longer wheelbase helps alleviate the formerly cramped rear seat, and access is much improved. The previous model's low cowl is gone, but otherwise Subaru managed to preserve the Foresters best-in-class outward visibility, particularly to the rear. A navigation system and dealer-installed Bluetooth join the options list, while side curtain air bags, stability control, panic brake assist, and an auxiliary audio input are now standard.

As much as the Forester's looks have changed, its driving demeanor really hasn't. The most noticeable difference is that the car seems a lot quieter on the freeway. The output of the base 2.5-liter boxer four is altered only slightly (its down 3 hp, up 4 lb-ft of torque), and the available turbo engine's numbers are unchanged, although its torque curve is flatter.

Despite the new car's 100-to-150-pound weight gain, the base engine is still up to the task of moving it along, and the turbo once again provides welcome and well-integrated extra urge for the Forester XT. Both engines could use an extra gear (or two) for their automatic transmission, which is only a four-speed. The base engine at least can be paired with a five-speed manual; the turbo cannot.

The chassis, which is related to the new Impreza's, switches from struts to control arms in the rear suspension. The new layout no longer impinges on cargo space, but we didn't find any great dynamic benefits, as the Forester understeers readily. It also could use firmer damping and more precise steering. The new Forester has a bit more ground clearance than before (now 8.7 or 8.9 inches, depending on the model), which emboldened Subaru's PR team to have us take a run up a steep, rutted dirt road covered with loose rocks. Sure enough, the Forester churned its way to the top, while a Honda CR-V bogged to a halt halfway up.,

Honda FCX Clarity

It’s got a top speed of 100mph, will sprint from 0-60mph in 10 seconds and costs £300 a month to rent. And it doesn’t use a drop of petrol.

Powered by hydrogen, the long-awaited Honda FCX Clarity doesn’t only represent the future, but the beg­inning, too. That’s because this is the first commercially available fuel cell vehicle in the world.

While it’s no sports car, the Honda certainly moves. Initial acceleration is disarmingly fast and the car gains speed up to and beyond 50mph. The ride is hard, partly because of the stiff anti-roll bars, and on rippled roads it bounces along. However, on smoother surfaces it’s much more comfortable, and the FCX corners well, too.

Yes, the average German saloon would out-handle the emissions-free Honda, but that is missing the point. With oil at nearly $110 a barrel and US petrol prices higher than ever – although still only the equivalent of £1.86 per imperial gallon – green is cool in California, and the FCX Clarity fits perfectly into that groove.

In the future, Honda wants to bring this car, or something very much like it, to our showrooms with a price tag of around £50,000. For some, that can’t come soon enough.

New Hot Hyundai RWD Coupe

Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai's second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.


The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its "Z" bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.

Concept Genesis Coupe
"Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."

DESIGN PROCESS
"The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that."

Designers used the Day Light Opening (DLO — a designer's term for the side glass) from the HCD9 Talus Concept on the Concept Genesis Coupe.

The HCD8 sport tourer concept's sensual body forms influenced the overall design direction of Concept Genesis Coupe.
The powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer's sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept's assertive headlight and taillight designs.
The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan's race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City™ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister.
"Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating."
The concept's rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.
Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser.
An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.

Concept Genesis Coupe

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS

• Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe
• Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches
• Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches
• Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches
• Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches
• Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke
• Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS

• Engine type: V6
• Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
• Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
• Displacement: 3.8 liters
• Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
• Cylinder head material: aluminum
• Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
• Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
• Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
• Transmission type: 6-speed manual
• Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
• Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
• Limited slip differential

Tuned Bentley Continental GT

The Japanese Tuner Premier4509 managed to impress us with an extravagant Bentley Continental GT.

It’s nothing mechanical, just a new handcrafted body kit that includes the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, new exhaust tips, front fenders and rear quarter panels. As you can probably hint from the picture, the final version is slightly wider (by 4-inch).

“The purpose of this design exercise was to enhance the cars aggressive nature while at the same time keeping a refined look that matched with the original body lines,” said Mr. Yokomaku, Premier4509’s President.

Only 100 units (serial numbered) will be available.

Seat Leon FR550 TDI - Limited Edition

SEAT is going to build a limited edition Leon FR550 TDI version. I’ll have to admit that at first I thought FR550 means that it’s going to have an engine to output 550hp but then I realized that it’s not going to be much different from the FR we know and just one step lower than the Leon Cupra.

The 550 is the number of units that will be built.It will have the same 2.0L TDI engine that hits 60mph in 8.2 seconds with a fuel consumption of 39.2 mpg in the city and 47mpg on the highway. Other goodies to make the FR550 TDI special include racing-style buckets seats, USB connectivity, 18-inch “Draco” alloys and some badges.

Renault Laguna GT

By this summer the new Renault Laguna GT is going to be available for sale in a saloon and an estate version. Both petrol and diesel engines have been announced. The diesel is a 2.0L dCi that outputs 180hp at 3,750 rpm and 400Nm of torque, does 0 to 100kph in 8.5 seconds and a mixed fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km (172 g/km CO2 emissions). If you want something sportier than the 2.0L 16-valve petrol engine may be the solution. It outputs 205hp at 5,000 rpm, has a 300Nm torque and does the 100 (kph) in 7.8 seconds. Of course the mixed fuel consumption is a little bit higher, 8.2L/100km and 194 g/km CO2 emissions.

Now that we know what we can expect under the hood let’s see the other details.

It was developed by Renault and their Renault Sport Technologies division, has an Active Drive chassis with four-wheel steering, some new lateral air-intakes, gloss black wing mirrors, smoked rear lamps and aerodynamic sills. My personal favorite are the twin tailpipe and the Celsium wheels equipped with 225/45 18-inch special Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Mazda Furai Concept

Environmentally friendly and sports car, are not two things you normally associate with one another. Mazda have attempted to merge the two with their Furai concept car.

FURAI: (pronounced “foo-rye”), Japanese for sound of the wind.

One of Mazda’s aims with the Furai was to bridge the gap between track car and super car. That said, Mazda neither intends to race Furai, nor is it a supercar the company plans to build and sell in the near future. Furai is a design study, a high powered experiment.

“The major element we did not change is the 450-horsepower RENESIS-based R20B three-rotor rotary engine that provides Furai ample Zoom-Zoom. The ultimate Mazda in our minds is rotary powered; as a company, we have no intention of abandoning that valuable asset. When people think of the very best sports cars in the world, the rotary powered Mazda RX-7 is always on that list,” said Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda North American Operations’ (MNAO) Director of Design.

Furai not only probes future design possibilities, it also ventures ahead with alternative renewable fuels. Consistent with Mazda’s recently announced “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” initiatives, Furai’s three-rotor powerplant has been tuned to run powerfully on ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and ethanol gasoline blends.

Subaru`s new Impreza WRX STI

Subaru have officially launched their All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX STI in both entry-level and spec.R variants, with the range-topper adding lightweight BBS wheels and leather Recaro seats.

Both models are capable of accelerating from in 5.2 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous version. Surprisingly, this little boost in performance has been achieved whilst also improving the vehicles overall fuel economy, with Subaru suggesting the new STI is 11.2 per cent more fuel efficient.

But it is underpinned by the same exceptional five-star occupant and four-star pedestrian safety rating shared by every new generation Impreza.WRX STI’s 2.5 litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine achieves an impressive 7.3 per cent power hike, up from 206 Kilowatts in the superseded model to 221 kW at 6000 rpm. Torque is up 3.8 per cent to 407 Newtonmetres at 4000 rpm.

Pricing for the Impreza WRX STI starts at 30285 pounds recommended retail price (rrp) with the spec. R variant coming in at 32814 pounds rrp.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Chrysler deliver some old school American muscle

There is something about a big old American muscle car that just floats my boat. Obviously I’m not alone, as Chrysler have seen it in their wisdom to revive the classic Dodge Challenger from its 35 years of slumber.

The Dodge Challenger revival began at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit in January in 2006, and is now set to hit the shop floor in the U.S. spring.

Tagged as the “Ultimate Modern American Muscle Coupe”, the Challenger is powered by a mammoth 6.1 litre HEMI V-8 engine capable of a gutsy 425bhp (or 317kW) and 569 Nm of torque.

Performance wise, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 hits the very American 0 – 60 mph time in the low 5 - second range, and can run through the quarter mile in less than 13.5 seconds.
Whilst the Challenger looks unmistakably modern, there is no doubt that it has taken its design cues from the Challengers of old.

“The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tyre-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG™ infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.”

Standard on the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a 13-speaker Kicker High Performance audio system that features a 322-watt amplifier and 200-watt subwoofer, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. A MyGIG infotainment system is also available.
In the U.S. the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will hit the market at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $US37,995. Unfortunately the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is not available to markets outside North America.

GM Holden Coupe 60 revealed to the fans

Overshadowing pretty much all of the other big “reveals” at the Melbourne International Motor Show was GM Holden’s two door performance concept, the Coupe 60. Yes, it’s smells like the next “Monaro”, however at this stage it doesn’t look like the Coupe 60 will see production.

The throbbing 6.0 litre V8 engine was one of the highlights of the show, and drew plenty of attention to the Holden stand. In true concept fashion the Holden Coupe 60 stands out on 21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels. The engine is also calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel.

The Coupe 60 features a whole host of features associated with race bred vehicles. These include full flat under body, rear underbody air diffuser, one piece carbon fiber bucket seats (featuring leather and suede pad design) and a sports-inspired flat bottomed steering wheel with integrated shift light display and LCD sports instrument cluster.
Highlighting the “one-off” nature of the concept, the Coupe 60 features an eye catching liquid aluminium finish.Unfortunately, for the moment at least, the Coupe 60 appears to be a concept only.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said, “Coupe 60 is Holden’s 60th anniversary gift to its fans worldwide.

“It highlights Holden’s heritage of rear wheel drive performance whilst looking ahead to the potential offered by new technologies and materials.

“This is a vehicle I know our designers would dearly love to see go into production, but for the moment it has to remain a concept only,” he said.

From what I have seen, that’s sad news for Holden fans.