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.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

For those who liked the brand new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG we have a big announcement: the new sports car from the German manufacturer will be available to order from Monday, 16 November 2009. The sales price will be 149,000 euros net and 177,310 euros gross (including 19% VAT). “Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG’s commercial release on Monday.

There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The car can also be configured online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

The new SLS AMG takes the Mercedes-Benz cars into a new era and demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order. Everything found beneath the stylish design is impressive: AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is made in just 3.8 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 317 km/h. Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

Some of the main options include:

- AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9500 net/ €11,305 gross
- AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral
dynamics: €1200 net/€1428 gross
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1130.50 gross
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2000 net/€2380 gross
- AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross
- AMG sports bucket seats: €3300 net/€3927 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4000 net/€4760 gross
- “AMG alubeam silver” paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross
- “AMG monza grey magno” paint finish: €3250 net/€3867.50 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2500 net/€2975 gross
- Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1225 net/€1457.75 gross
- 6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5900 net/ €7021 gross

Jaguar C-Type

Jaguar has plans to produce an all-new C-Type that will be positioned further upmarket and will cost between £45,000-£50,000. The new model, which will sit below the XK, will be designed to rival top-end performance cars such as Audi’s TT RS, the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG and Porsche’s Cayman. With a blend of pace, luxury and practicality, the C-Type will have a futuristic design, an XJ-style grille and distinctive headlight arrangement.

The C-Type is likely to be available as a fixed-head coupé or a roadster. As you can see from these images, the C-Type will be a forward-looking design with an XJ-style grille and distinctive headlight arrangement. With features such as the chrome mesh, sporty air intakes and a bold bonnet bulge, the car is sure to turn heads.

Adding to its good looks are the sculpted edges along the flanks, vast chrome alloys and pert but muscular tail complete with twin exhaust pipes. To complete the look, there is an electrically operated folding canvas roof to be stowed behind the occupants’ heads. The C-Type is as luxurious as it is practical. It has about the same size as Audi’s A5 and is bound to have a useful spacious boot. The images show only two seats but the final design is likely to have four.

Similar to the XK’s, the new C-Type’s chassis will be an aluminum monocoque with extruded body panels. This has an arrangement that may be lightweight but is highly strong and stiff, improving handling response. Powering the car is Jaguar’s latest 5.0-litre V8, producing 380bhp. Other possibilities include a twin-turbo diesel and an R version powered by the company’s supercharged 500bhp V8.

Lumma Design CLR 730 RS based on Bmw M5

LUMMA Design in cooperation with G-Power took a BMW M5 model and turned it into a “unique, extreme, and spectacular” super sports limousine. The LUMMA Design CLR 730 RS is clearly associated with racing and is riveting with its stylish exterior and awe-inspiring performance. The car is able to produce 730 hp and 700 Nm of torque from its G-Power’s V10 bi-compressor engine.

Aerodynamics play a huge role in the car’s capability of getting a top speed of 367,4 km/h and of going from 0 to 100 km/h sprint in only 4.2 seconds. The LUMMA CLR 730 RS has a wide bodykit that consists of ultra light compact carbon components, including a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders.

The car has a special sport suspension that lowers the vehicle 45 mm closer to the ground and allows multiple adjustments on both axles. A set of three-piece LUMMA Racing rims in 10×21” with tires size 255/30-21 on the front, and 12Jx21 with tires size 295/25-21 on the rear axle make the car more agile as well add to its style.

In addition, the car is equipped with a stainless steel LUMMA sport exhaust system with 100 cells racing catalysts and 105 mm end pipes, and a 405 mm (380 mm), 6-pistons (rear axle 4-pistons) brake system. Pure racing style is the theme for the interior. The upgraded cockpit features a bicolor complete leather interior in red/white, carbon beautified elements and Ultra suede improvements.

Infiniti Essence Concept still has chances to be produced

The response to Infiniti’s Essence Concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show has been nothing short of “phenomenal,” according to Infiniti exec Ben Poore who spoke to Motor Trend recently.

The elation wasn’t long-lasting however, since the audience at Geneva was told at the unveiling that the vehicle was only intended to be a concept. Nonetheless, there is a glimmer of hope since Infiniti has said that its stunning design will soon influence future vehicles. Poore had told Motor Trend that the concept, a twin-turbo V6 hybrid coupe capable of a combined 592 brake horsepower, is “only a show piece… for now.” We would be one of those who would be ecstatic to see a production car that will boast a twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 with a lithium-ion backed disc-shaped electric motor.

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.

Mercedes-Benz to decide whether to shift some C-Class production to its U.S. factory

To protect itself against currency swings, Daimler AG is considering an option to shift some of its C-Class passenger-car production to its factory in Vance, Ala.. At a media briefing held recently, Daimler AG said that it will announce its decision by January. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said that a decision on expanding production for the new C class would have to be made in the near future.

The company would be making its decision based on currency rates and on whether the dollar will remain weak against the euro. The C-Class is the largest-selling Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the US and transferring production to its Alabama plant would shield Daimler from further currency swings.

Reports from Germany say Daimler estimates it will produce 80,000 C-Class cars each year in Alabama. A Daimler AG spokeswoman said that shifting the production to the US would require additional investment for the factory expansion and for new tooling.

The next-generation C class is expected in 2013. The Vance, Ala. factory rolls out the M-, GL- and R-Class models. For 2009, the plant has built 83,461 units so far. In 2008, it built a total of 152,500 units.

Subaru version of FT-86 will receive an AWD system and around 250 hp

The collaboration has yet to issue final plans but here are several details on the powertrain and chassis of the Toyota FT-86 showcar, the joint Toyota-Subaru project that was built by Subaru. Inside Line has discovered a Subaru variant of this car that will arrive in 2011. It will share the Toyota FT-86’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-4, but it’s likely that the output will be raised to about 250 horsepower.

On the other hand, Toyota’s car is speculated to have 200 horsepower. Subaru’s version is equipped with all-wheel drive, which means that it will be heavier and would require more power. Both cars will be outfitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Due to a stretched platform, Subaru’s car will be slightly larger than the Toyota. Pricing for the Subaru is expected to start from $30,000, which is about $5,000 higher than the Toyota. That’s because the Subaru is larger, has extra power, and has all-wheel drive.

This leads then to the conclusion that the two coupes are unlikely to directly compete with each other. Encroaching onto the market of the Subaru Impreza WRX also won’t be a problem.

Lotus Evora

Lotus announced today the arrival of the all-new 2010 Evora into the US market during the first quarter of 2010. With a price tag of $73,200, the Lotus Evora will enter the sports car market as the only mid-engine 2+2 in production. As you may know already, the Evora is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 which delivers 276 hp and lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. With these numbers the car can sprint to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and has a top speed of over 160 mph while delivering 30+ miles per gallon on the highway.

“Inside the Evora simplicity meets sophistication in an exquisite combination of detailing and hand-built craftsmanship. By using only the finest leather from renowned experts Muirhead, the interior is hand-trimmed and twin-stitched to create a beautifully tactile and visually striking environment. Genuine aluminum instrument and center console surfaces contain ergonomically positioned controls providing a purposeful drivers’ cockpit.

The leather wrapped steering wheel is tilt and telescopically adjustable, flat-bottomed to ease entry and exit and made from ultra-lightweight magnesium to provide super-precise feel through the wheel. The adjustable Recaro seats cradle the occupants and, along with the perfectly placed aluminum pedals, complete the optimum connection between driver - Evora - and the road. The rear seat area is cleverly hidden within the exotic, mid-engine profile of the Evora. An Alpine audio system with available touch-screen navigation, iPod™ (and other MP3 player) connectivity, Bluetooth and other amenities make the journey all the more pleasant. The Evora is a pure sports car that you can happily, comfortably enjoy every day.

For peace of mind, the 2010 Lotus Evora has a 3-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty with an 8-year chassis perforation warranty. ”

Arash planning to take on the Bugatti Veyron supercar

According to a report from Autocar, British manufacturer Arash is currently working on a 1200 hp supercar to take on the Bugatti Veyron. The new car will be based on the AF-10, will share the same carbonfibre chassis built by EPM Technology but instead 550 hp engine the new car, which is yet to be named, will the receive an impressive 7.2-litre V8 engine fitted with with twin superchargers, titanium conrods and forged pistons capable to develop 900 to 1000lb ft of torque. The braking system will use carbon ceramic discs delivered by AP Racing but the car will also feature an ABS system as well as traction control systems for better handling. Regarding the design, Arash Farboud (the creator of the Arash supercar) said that the new car will look different to the AF-10 and will come with pop-up air brake and active aerodynamics, just like its target, the Veyron. The top speed achieved is expected to be at least 250 mph (402 km/h).

Vw Golf GTI wins the ‘Automobile of the Year’ award

Volkswagen of America announced today that its sixth generation GTI has been named the 2010 Automobile Magazine Automobile of the Year. This would be the second time in its history when the GTI wins this prestigious award.

For those who don’t know, the Vw Golf GTI was first introduced in the United States back in 1983 and this vehicle drew admiration for its combination of sporty performance and practicality. The 2010 GTI comes with the highly acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbo-charged four-cylinder engine capable to deliver an impressive 200 hp and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque. This model is offered with an automated manual DSG transmission that utilizes direct shifting but also with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph while the fuel consumption achieved is 32/24 highway/city when equipped with the DSG transmission. The 2010 GTI pricing starts at $23,490!

“At a time when the world’s economy is in shambles and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are on everyone’s minds, there remains only one car that ticks all the enthusiast boxes without setting off a single wretched-excess alarm. That’s the Volkswagen GTI, and that’s why it is, once again, Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year,” said Joe DeMatio, Executive Editor, Automobile Magazine.

“Having our GTI named AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s Automobile of the Year once again is a tremendous honor for our brand,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled that the staff of AUTOMOBILE Magazine acknowledged that today’s sport’s car consumers are looking beyond horsepower and going fast, rather they are looking for vehicles that are practical, fuel efficient, and fast. The GTI truly embodies what the Volkswagen brand is all about–affordable, efficient, and fun-to-drive German Engineering,” Barnes added.

Nissan launches revised version of its GT-R sports car

Nissan launched its latest GT-R sports car for Europe, boasting improved handling, ride comfort, and compliance with Euro V rules. All the modifications are internal, except for the double coat of clear paint on the bumpers for a deeper color finish.

While styling has been, for the most part, unchanged, the car’s front spring and damper rates have been adjusted and the stiffness of the suspension radius rod bushings has been increased. The purpose of these changes is to offer improved feel and responsiveness during cornering. The logic in the gearbox has been modified to provide a later downshift from sixth to fifth when being driven in automatic mode. However, a more aggressive downshift is adopted when changing down from fourth to third and from third to second gear.

For additional cooling to the exhaust and gearbox, two additional cooling ducts have been added to the carbonfiber underfloor diffuser. The front transmission mount has also been stiffened, reducing vibration under high-load conditions. For improved stability under dry-weather braking, the brake bias has been shifted rearwards.

Moreover, a modified air deflector increases rear brake cooling. CO2 emissions have dropped 3g/km to 295g/km as a result of these changes. A major achievement is that GT-R’s 3.8-litre V6 engine is now Euro V compliant. For its interior, the only changes are new rear seat insulation for more comfort and the speedometer and rev counter now have gun metallic finish surrounds.

Zenvo ST1: official details and specs

Who doesn’t dream of driving a “trackworthy supercar that would be also suitable for everyday use”? With that exact goal in mind, Zenvo Automotive started development of the prototype version of the Zenvo ST1 in 2004. The Zenvo ST1, a Danish supercar whose V8 engine produces more than 1100bhp, will be built in Denmark starting later this year.

Many of its components will come from local suppliers in Denmark and all R&D and design took place in the country. Based on a Corvette Z06, the ST1 is powered by the 7.0-liter V8 engine from the American muscle car, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The supercharged and turbocharged unit has been tuned to produce 1104bhp and 1055lb ft of torque.

The carmaker claims an electronically limited top speed of 233mph and an acceleration time from zero to 62mph of 3.0sec. It weighs only 1376kg due to the use of a lightweight steel spaceframe, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 802bhp per ton. Lightweight carbonfiber panels make up the bodywork.

The ST1 rides on 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear, with specially designed Michelin tires. It has double-wishbone suspension all round, with adjustable anti-roll bars and three-way adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers.

Zenvo has included a range of creature comforts, including climate control, sat-nav, a head-up display and cruise control. Information on fuel economy or CO2 emission figures have yet to be released. No pricing has been confirmed as well. It’s not like it’s up for public consumption anyway since only 15 units will be produced for “specially approved customers.”

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.