Chevrolet Cruze

The new Chevrolet Cruze will premier in the US at the Los Angeles Auto Show on December 2. The car has previously been launched in other global markets including Europe, Asia and Africa. US dealers will receive the latest model in the third quarter of 2010. Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet, said that the Cruze is “extremely gas friendly” with an expected fuel economy of up to 40 miles per gallon.

On the other hand, the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free. Dewar also stated that Chevrolet is focused on “forward-looking technologies” to benefit its customers.

This includes the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze and the Volt electric vehicle with extended range. The Cruze’s engine is a 1.4-liter turbo that provides good fuel economy, performance and driving fun.

In addition, the Cruze offers more interior and cargo space than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. In the US version, features will include Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and a total of ten standard airbags.

The truth about Audi e-Tron’s 3319 lb-ft of torque

There was a time when people can’t seem to contain themselves when talking about Audi’s e-Tron Concept. But now that its claim to have 3319 lb-ft of torque has been explored, the enthusiasm for the concept, which is currently on display at the 2009 L.A. Motor Show, has waned quite a bit.

At the recently held Frankfurt Auto Show, the electric sports car was applauded for its 3319 lb-ft of torque, which is roughly ten times what most other cars have. Now that the e-Tron makes its North American debut in L.A., the excitement has been lessened somewhat due to the discovery that the E-tron’s real torque output is much closer to 300 lb-ft than 3000 lb-ft.

Audi wasn’t exactly lying; it was that it had used a different way of measuring torque. Audi measures the e-Tron’s 3319 lb-ft of torque at the wheels while other firms report peak torque at the output shaft of a motor or engine. The difference between torque at the wheels and at the powerplant is typically about ten-fold due to the torque multiplication effect of transmission and final drive gears. Having said that, Audi hasn’t revealed how much torque the e-Tron actually produces from its four electric motors. The E-tron has 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35 rubber.

The car is believed to have a top speed of 125 mph. Assuming that top speed is at the motors’ redline of 14,000 rpm, this would make it similar to the electric motor in the Tesla Roadster. From this, we can compare the rotational speed of the tires to that of the engine and then the gear ratio can be estimated. With a ratio of 13.2:1 for the e-Tron, the result is a total torque output at the motors of 252 lb-ft. This is still very impressive but far from the 3319 lb-ft boasted by the company. If you compare the E-tron to a Tesla Roadster that makes 273 lb-ft of torque with a V-8 R8 that produces 317 lb-ft, it really remains to be an awesome piece of work. An electric sports car that does 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds is quite an achievement. And it disappoints no one that the e-Tron is headed for production.

Capstone CMT 380

One of the cars that stood out at the LA Auto Show was the Capstone CMT 380, a hybrid supercar with electric power from 96 lithium ion batteries and assistance from a 30 kw bio diesel powered micro turbine. Or what is essentially a jet engine. Designed by video game producer Richard Hilleman, the car is capable of an electronically limited 150mph top speed.

It is capable of accelerating to 60mph in 3.9 seconds. If in purely electric mode, it can go 80 miles but this extends to 500 miles when the turbine is brought into play. No figures are available for emissions but they are described to be “ultra-low.” Capstone is set to raise production next year, with 10 to 15 cars to be sold at £171,000, most likely in kit form. Potential UK customers shouldn’t be dismayed though since company boss Jim Crause considers it a simple process to convert the CMT 380 to a right-hand drive and eventually make it to the UK.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT to make its debut at the LA

Mitsubishi will unveil its new 2010 Outlander GT at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Images of the SUV have recently been released however, the technical details are still undisclosed. There are two engine choices including a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 167-hp mated to a 5-speed manual or an optional CVT automatic with Sports Mode sequential style shift. Powering the top-of-the-line model is a 3.0L V6 that outputs 226-hp and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode sequential style shift change and INVECS Smart Logic.

Scion xD Rally by 0-60 Magazine

0-60 Magazine partnered with Sparco to create the new Scion xD-based rally-inspired car that’s on display at the SEMA Motor Show. This off-road concept is in stark contrast to the Lexus IS F presented at the 2008 show. Sparco provided some of the equipment for the car.

This list includes mud flaps, Pro-ADV race seats, a communications unit, a Safari Race steering wheel, race pedals and a 6-point harness. Other features include an FIA-spec rally cage, front aluminum skid plate, a universal light pod, front bumper pod mounts, Greddy gauges and exhaust system, a carbon bonnet, B&G Custom RS2 coilovers and springs and Volk TE-37 15 x 6.5 wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich rally tires.

Scion xB Tuner by Peter Colell breaks cover at SEMA

Scion has given three of the most innovative and creative visionaries the opportunity to showcase their talents through three project vehicles shown at the SEMA Auto Show. The xB Tuner Challenge was participated in by Peter Colello of Mummbles Marketing, Bowls LA, and Eneri Abillar, who is working with Leigh Guarnieri from BRS Autodesign. The year 2002 was significant for Peter Colello who established his name that year with his work on the Toyota Celica GT 2002 and a 2001 Ford Focus ZTS. At the xB Tuner Challenge, Colello sought to build a well-rounded show car with pure functionality, building and expanding from past projects. Colello added elements such as a wide-body kit, lots of carbon-fiber in the hood, hatch, wing and custom roof, and a color motif of teal. In addition, the car has a turbo kit, air-ride suspension, and TRD exhaust. Of course, Colello put in one of his signatures – an over-the-top in-car entertainment system.

Ford Taurus SHO by Funkmaster Flex

American hip hop Dj and car customizer Funkmaster Flex didn’t pass up the chance to show us his capabilities at the SEMA Auto Show. He made a considerable impact with his latest project, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output). The car is finished in a two-tone black and metal grey paint job and comes with custom 22-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. To lower the vehicle, he used an HR spring kit.

He also added a Billet Grille and custom door handles. Funkmaster Flex describes the vehicle to have much history and having the ability to stand on its own in terms of “design and attitude.” He talked about making the car more subdued and giving a vehicle a “real stealth-like feel.” The vehicle also features a one-off front spoiler and rear window wing. All of the rims and the trim in the vehicle were finished in brushed black chrome. The only thing modified with its interior is the addition of a black suede headliner and the signature FMF logos on the headrests. Earl Lucas, designer of the 2010 Taurus SHO, said that Flex ventured away from what was expected from him. He said that what Flex offers is a perspective of “what’s new, what’s hot and what’s now.”

Kogi xD Mobile Kitchen by MV Designs

Does the idea of a mobile kitchen interest you? Then you should definitely visit the display from Scion and MV Designs at the SEMA Motor Show. If you’re from Los Angeles then you would find this familiar. The car unerringly pays homage to the roaming Kogi Korean BBQ truck that offers a combination of Korean with Mexican food. The show car does the deed by fitting all the required equipment for beers and a barbeque into every nook and cranny of a Scion Kogi xD. How Scion and MV Designs got the inspiration to make such a car is anybody’s guess. Instead of rear seats, there is a fridge incorporated into the left rear door and an ice chest and sink fitted to the right rear door. At the rear, there is a griddle that can be used to cook burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, sweetcorn, etc. In front of that is a 10-inch monitor with utensils pinched from the left taillight and finished off by condiments stored in the right.

Epic Cartel Scion tC

A series of custom-made cars is representing the Toyota brand, Scion, at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. This lineup includes a low-rider tC that was crafted by the EPIC Cartel crew. The tC concept car is said to be inspired by a variety of builds. Its most prominent features are the chopped-down roof that loses its center panel and rear window, and its incredibly lowered ride height. Toyota provides it with huge 22-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/30 ZR22 rubber as well as custom fabricated body parts. The car has a tri-color interior with the 2+2 seating layout. The performance upgrades include a TRD supercharger kit and limited slip differential plus side exhausts and new suspension parts.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec at the SEMA Show

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is arriving at dealerships across the US, bearing a price of $23,750. The first production R-Spec model to arrive in the US made its world debut at the Hyundai booth at this year’s SEMA Auto Show. The core performance equipment of the R-Spec is taken from the 2.0T Track model. This includes Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo braking system and Torsen limited-slip differential. In addition, the R-Spec eliminates non-essential convenience equipment to reduce both cost and weight. R-Spec’s installation of front strut camber adjustment bolts to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response is considered a huge nod at tuners.

Subaru Legacy GTk makes its debut at SEMA Show

Subaru has unveiled another concept — the new Subaru Legacy GTk — at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show. The other two vehicles include Subaru’sWRX STI and Legacy VIP concept cars. Based also on the new 2010 Legacy, the Legacy GTk concept car is a turbocharged, lowered, beefed-up Subaru sport wagon.

It’s ideal for taking to the track or for some autocross action and is described as the “ultimate” track-ready sporty wagon. The new Subaru Legacy GTk concept car is intended to attract performance enthusiasts who have a family. Lift the tailgate and there’s a Coyote Motorsports XP go-kart for the kiddies.

Specialized Vehicles Inc. (SVI), which developed the concept, installed a modified roof, blacked-out headlights, a custom front bumper with integrated fog-lights, hood vents, smoked tail lights and a fully custom black-over-red paint scheme.

With regards to its performance, the powertrain was boosted and is now equipped with a new six-speed manual gearbox, a modified exhaust system and recalibrated ECU, all of which liberates 300 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from the vehicle’s 2.5-liter ‘boxer’ engine. For safety, the designers also added a short-throw shifter, a viscous coupling locking center differential, a new strut tower brace, a Bilstein suspension kit and a full Brembo brake package with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

‘55 Chevy introduces E-ROD crate engine package

After we saw the Corvette Grand Sport with Heritage Package, GM introduced today at this year’s SEMA Show a 1955 Chevy powered by the innovative, new E-ROD crate engine package.

“E-ROD represents a revolution in hot rodding by offering an unprecedented, emissions-legal engine and emissions system that carries approval from the influential California Air Resources Board (CARB),” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, product marketing manager for GM Performance Parts. “We developed this system because it’s the right thing to do, but our engineers did not sacrifice the performance that stirs hot rodders in the first place. It is a compromise-free package that delivers great power and efficiency, with the emissions of a modern vehicle.”

According to the manufacturer, the core of the E-ROD package is the LS3 6.2L V8 engine capable to deliver an impressive 430 hp. This package will be available on the opening day of the 2009 SEMA Show through GM dealers, authorized GMPP retailers and via the GMPP Web site, at a price of $9,375. Standard elements of the kit include: 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque, GMPP LS3 engine wiring harness, GMPP engine control module, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters. oxygen sensors and sensor bosses, fuel tank evaporative emissions canister, mass airflow sensor and sensor boss, accelerator pedal (for use with the LS3’s electronic throttle), air filter and an instruction manual.

“With the E-ROD system, you’re getting 160 percent more horsepower than the original small-block V-8 offered in 1955, but with emissions performance and efficiency that wasn’t even dreamt of half a century ago,” said Meyer. “This is how modern hot rods will be built. They’ll have the efficiency of a modern GM high-performance vehicle, be environmentally conscious and emissions-compliant – all while providing the owner with a smaller carbon footprint.”

Rides Hyundai Genesis Coupe at the SEMA Show

At this year’s SEMA Show, Rides joined forces with LUX Design in order to take the Hyundai Genesis Coupe to another level. The special kit consisting of a new front fascia, rear bumper, grille, sideskirts and vented fenders was created by Sarona Design and is completed by the Vossen 20-inch VF051 rims that sit wrapped in General Exclaim rubber. The car features now also a Porsche 911 GT3 RS orange paint while the roof was refinished in matte black. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine received some improvements such as a Turbonetics GT-K 350 ceramic ball bearing turbo swapped onto the block along with a Spearco front-mount intercooler to keep intake temps down. The GReddy Racing Ti-C turbo-back exhaust improves the high and midrange performance of the vehicle. In order to keep it safe, StopTech brakes were installed on all four corners while the A’PEXi coilover kit not only lowers the Coupe to its aggressive stance, but stiffens up the handling for when you’re pushing the bends.

Lexus IS 350C by 0-60 Magazine and Design Craft Fabrication

What you see here is not an average Lexus IS Convertible, this is the new IS Coupe customized by 0-60 Magazine and Design Craft Fabrication. The new car, transformed into a more aggressive, performance-enhanced luxury two-door was revealed today at this year’s SEMA Show and made quite a buzz. The new car comes with an Ings+1 exterior body kit, GReddy Performance exhaust system, engine management computer and gauges, Advan Racing Lightweight one piece racing wheels with Continental Performance tires, Brembo Brakes with custom front and rear Big Brake kit (rotors and calipers) and KW coilover suspension system. If you don’t like this vehicle you can also check Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon and Jtuned or the Lexus IS C F-Sport by TRD.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT at the SEMA Show

A more capable Raptor should be expected in the 2011 FR Raptor XT, which will soon be offered by Ford Racing. Furthermore, Ford Racing assures everyone though that the vehicle will continue to have the control and comfort in the production Raptor.

The FR Raptor XT is considered an off-road-only pre-runner and builds upon the production Raptor’s impressive capabilities. The FR Raptor XT is described to have nearly the same qualities as the truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but it has all the comfort and convenience you’d find in a production Raptor. This makes the FR Raptor XT as essentially a turnkey professional pre-runner. The FR Raptor XT off-road-only truck will have a production run of 50 units, priced at $99,950

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Trax

At the SEMA Motor Show, Subaru revealed a 400 horsepower WRX STI with snow tracks. The TRAX was based on a rally-prepped 2009 WRX STI and was built by Vermont SportsCar for SRT USA driver Ken Block. Except for its Mattracks rubber track system, the TRAX is almost distinguishable from Block’s #43 SRT USA competition STI.

Vermont SportsCar took a stock Impreza WRX STI and then gutted the interior. It proceeded to lighten the shell and then it fully seam-welded it for added strength. Vermont SportsCar then installed a multipoint steel roll cage. At that point, RECARO SPA ProRacer competition sport seats were then added along with carbon fiber door panels and an onboard fire suppression system.

Additional features include a Yakima FatCat 4 Snowboard Rack, a Yakima Landing Pad rack base, and DC Shoes XFB-C Snowboards. Powering the vehicle is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (with a MOTEC M800 ECU) that gives an output of 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Aside from the pumped-up engine, Vermont SportsCar also installed a KAPS five-speed close-ratio ‘dog-engagement’ gearbox, a Subaru programmable DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-wheel drive system, custom machined hubs, and Group N competition rally dampers by EXE-TC.

The awesome features of the TRAX don’t end there. It also comes with a custom carbon fiber sleigh, which can accommodate four passengers. The sleigh rides on steel skis and a torsion bar suspension. It also has heated leather RECARO seats, a marine-grade Alpine stereo system, LED lighting, and carbon fiber trim.

Hard Kandy Toyota Custom Yaris revealed at SEMA

When Toyota came out with Yaris, the new brand was very fast recognized for having the right value for money. Positioned as a youth brand oriented, Toyota Motor Sales US decided to develop a special version of the Yaris in order to show how customization can make the difference on a Yaris 5-door Liftback.

The Hard Kandy theme chosen as the presentation model at SEMA 2009 is mostly oriented on women and it reflects the personality of an independent woman with high interest in arts, music and design. The custom wrap was developed by Visual Image Systems and it represents the base of the theme, incorporating a design in shades of pink with swirling ribbons for movement and flames. The car features a sport body kit, Toyota CAD roof end spoiler, an Inalfa 845 Signature Series built-in sunroof and comes fitted with 18-inch wheels and Pirelli PZero Nero tires.

At the interior the car shows Roadwire leather and factory matching leather trim colours combined with Alcantara, emphesised custom emboss in harmony with the exterior design. GGBailey.com was in charge with keeping the line with the design for the custom carpeted floor mats featuring thickly serged edges and the computer controlled embroidery depicting the Yaris name in pink. All the pink touches, used also for the door panels and centre cluster, come to suit with the exterior design line.

For a more detailed customization Toyota offers a range of interior upgrades such as interior light kit, sport pedals, sport shift knob, and a Blu-Logic Bluetooth hands-free system. The audio visual system is a premium one signed by Alpine Electronics of America and it gives the possibility of full control of an IPod with the help of a touch screen control interface. West Coast Customs together with VMOD and Vizualogic developed a special system, a media centre, a computer and media management server that can access 3G internet service, giving the possibility to the passengers to stay connected to family or friends.

Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon and Jtuned

After we saw the Lexus IS C F-Sport by TRD, another tuner has decided to bring to us another customized IS C for the SEMA Show. VIP Auto Salon, an aftermarket parts manufacturer, and the Japanese car enthusiast website JTuned worked on the car that they now call the Matador Red IS C.

Before this announcement, a report about Fox Marketing’s bright green top IS C had come out. VIP Auto Salon and JTuned delivered a unique version. What sets it apart from the rest of the crowd of Lexus IS convertibles at the show will be a carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber trunk spoiler, high performance exhaust and a set of custom wheels and tires to round out the tuner transformation.

Those who are interested to purchase one of these Matador Red IS Cs must be able to dish out about $15,000 on top of the sticker price. The delivery will actually be made a month and a half later due to the intricacy of the labor for this vehicle. Highlights of : performance Tube Systems Joe Z series True Dual Header back, exhaust system and intake pipe, TOMS drop in air filter, linear throttle system and fuel map controller, Work Gnosis GS3 MDB finish with Hankook Tires Ventus V12, Down Force, Inc. carbon fiber lip kit, eye lines and trunk spoiler, Seibon carbon fiber hood, matte black emblems, grille and mirror trim and Black leather accents supplied by Katzkin with stitching by Coach Auto Style.

Lexus IS 350C by VIP Auto Salon and Jtuned

After we saw the Lexus IS C F-Sport by TRD, another tuner has decided to bring to us another customized IS C for the SEMA Show. VIP Auto Salon, an aftermarket parts manufacturer, and the Japanese car enthusiast website JTuned worked on the car that they now call the Matador Red IS C.

Before this announcement, a report about Fox Marketing’s bright green top IS C had come out. VIP Auto Salon and JTuned delivered a unique version. What sets it apart from the rest of the crowd of Lexus IS convertibles at the show will be a carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber trunk spoiler, high performance exhaust and a set of custom wheels and tires to round out the tuner transformation.

Those who are interested to purchase one of these Matador Red IS Cs must be able to dish out about $15,000 on top of the sticker price. The delivery will actually be made a month and a half later due to the intricacy of the labor for this vehicle. Highlights of : performance Tube Systems Joe Z series True Dual Header back, exhaust system and intake pipe, TOMS drop in air filter, linear throttle system and fuel map controller, Work Gnosis GS3 MDB finish with Hankook Tires Ventus V12, Down Force, Inc. carbon fiber lip kit, eye lines and trunk spoiler, Seibon carbon fiber hood, matte black emblems, grille and mirror trim and Black leather accents supplied by Katzkin with stitching by Coach Auto Style.

GReddy X-Gen Street Genesis Coupe unveiled at SEMA

Those who want to provide a tuning package for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe or owners who want to enhance their vehicles themselves will be glad to know that Hyundai has partnered with GReddy Performance Parts to design and make high-performance parts for the car.

These parts will be displayed on the “GReddy X-Gen Street Genesis Coupe” show car at SEMA 2009. The vehicle from GReddy is said to be designed for those who want to make changes for daily driving or a weekend at the track. Each of the GReddy parts designed for the Genesis Coupe will be released as a production kit. It will soon be made available to enthusiasts all over the globe.

View this excellent display at the Hyundai booth (# 24387) at the ongoing SEMA Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center . The GReddy Total Tune-Up theme has always been intent to not only increase the performance of the engine, but also improve handling and braking. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T is no different. The car bears the combination of a reliable street performance and a powerful driving experience. Initially, the GReddy-powered Genesis Coupe targets 350 horsepower and 320 ft/lbs of torque with an acceleration time to 60mph of under six seconds. After SEMA, GReddy means to make more engine modifications, pushing horsepower to nearly 500. For its mechanical enhancements, GReddy seeks to include a GReddy Performance Products Turbo Upgrade Kit, large front-mounted intercooler kit, a SE Spectrum Elite cat-back exhaust system, MX racing downpipe, Type-S fully adjustable coil-over suspension among other modifications.

Also featured are six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers. Styling modifications include an Aero lip spoiler, carbon fiber hood, aggressive rear spoiler, Volk Racing G2 wheels and Toyo performance tires. Artists from Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine , Calif. , will be designing and collaborating with the company to create unique vehicle graphics. For its interior, we find Sparco racing seats, modified gauges, boost controller and a turbo timer as well as a remote switching system.“The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a perfect car for the automotive enthusiast and the GReddy products are designed to maximize the performance capabilities of the vehicle,” said Kenji Sumino, general manager, GReddy Performance Parts. “The Genesis Coupe is the ideal car for SEMA and we are building upon the overall concepts originally designed by Hyundai engineers and are looking forward to developing a must-see car at this year’s SEMA Show.”“The performance parts from GReddy allow enthusiasts to capitalize on the rear-wheel drive Genesis platform,” said Michael Deitz, manager, product development, Hyundai Motor America. “The modifications made by GReddy to the Genesis Coupe 2.0T will highlight the performance capabilities of the vehicle that can be achieved in a real-world setting.”