Car NEWS log

posted by admin on Feb 18

All the teams bar Ferrari and Toyota tested at Jerez this week. McLaren looked fast, but Williams and Red Bull impressed with their speed as well.

Next week should provide the first opportunity for several weeks to compare the expected 2008 front runners – McLaren and Ferrari. However teams are expecting rain at the Circuit de Cataluntya, which could leave us in some suspence about exactly who is quickest as the first race approaches.

But as far as Jarno Trulli is concerned, Ferrari are miles ahead. (more…)

posted by admin on Feb 18

Not that it makes a huge bit of difference here in the States, but Audi released the pricing for its TTS Coupe and Roadster for our friends abroad and it gives us some indication about what we can expect to pay when the duo of hotted-up TTs make it Stateside. The coupe will come in at £33,380, while the drop-top version commands a slightly higher sticker, with a base price of £35,380. Both models find motivation from the turbocharged, 2.0-liter direct-injection four producing 272 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. While a six-speed manual is standard, buyers can option up the TTS with the S-Tronic sequential dual-clutch gearbox for an additional £1,400.

Just for comparison, the base TT coupe, equipped with the 2.0T, in the UK starts around £25,000, while the 3.2-liter V6-equipped model crests the £30,000-mark. If these prices hold true for U.S. consumers, we should expect to see the TTS coupe go for around $44,000, with the Roadster getting up passed $46k.

posted by admin on Feb 15

2011 Chrysler 300, duck Charger to remain rear-roll drive

season novel CAFE regulations have put many automakers’ futurity rear-roll conveyance plans forward clinch — including catholic Motors – Chrysler’s 300 and duck Charger will warrior forward accompanying a rear-roll drive setup end their 2011 pattern year makeover. season consumer claim for rear-roll drive vehicles is forward the a, The Car Connection says the conclusion to keep the vehicles forward their popular platform truly is owed to a want of funds to develop a novel front-roll drive architecture. (Read the full post about ‘2011 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger to remain rear-wheel drive’…)

posted by admin on Feb 14

Volvo, Mack Offer Free Shipping for Emergency Parts Orders. A new program from the Volvo Group North America means Volvo and Mack Truck customers can concentrate on hauling freight, instead of paying for it when they need a repair. Volvo and Mack Truck have eliminated freight charges. In most cases for shipments of emergency replacement parts from their parts distribution centers PDCs. That means customers now get the parts they need to get back on the road, without having to pay additional shipping costs.

(more…)

posted by admin on Feb 14

Morgan is building the LifeCar to demonstrate, “that a zero emission vehicle can also be fun to drive.” The tiny English car maker – better known for wood framed roadsters – is trying to do what no car maker has done before it: bring to market a fast, fun, desirable sports car that makes no sacrifices for its hydrogen fuel cell.

Built on the same basic architecture as the Aero8, the LifeCar is given a more futuristic art-deco look as well as a significant reduction in weight. By combining that low weight with high levels of hybridization, Morgan predict the LifeCar will have performance to match a sports car while achieving a 200-mile fuel range.

Charles Morgan, the company’s Strategy Director, told CarBodyDesign, “The real challenge is to design and build a car that is fun to drive – a proper sports car. The use of ultra capacitors to store the surplus energy and then use this for acceleration and braking does promise a dynamic ride, especially when combined with our ultra light chassis. The pairing of weight to a minimum is our strength, and allows a much smaller fuel cell than conventionally thought necessary. This gives energy and yet more weight savings.” [Via CarBodyDesign]

Morgan will debut the car at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

posted by admin on Feb 14

At this year’s Geneva Auto Show, Toyota is going to officially unveil its production version of the iQ microcar that was shown in Frankfurt last year for the European market.

The iQ measures less than three meters and seats up to three adult passengers with room left over for a small child or luggage. The iQ is going to go into production at the end of the year.

In addition to the production version of the iQ, Toyota is also going to debut the Urban Cruiser, which is essentially a raised version of the Scion xD that we have in the US. Toyota has yet to release any specs on the car, so you will have to wait until the car is officially unveiled next month.

posted by admin on Feb 13

Standing up to the Chrysler’s motto “Engineered Beautifully,” the Chrysler Crossfire carries a unique style with its low-cut design and delicate lines that go seamlessly with the vehicle’s exterior. The Crossfire’s wide body, smooth curves, and expanded hood make it look like it can run at great speeds, even when not in motion. On top of that, the model is equipped with technological features and auto parts including the Chrysler Crossfire ignition coil to add to the exceptional driving experience.

A Chrysler Crossfire cannot go anywhere without the proper auto parts installed in it. In fact, it cannot even start without a Chrysler Crossfire ignition coil. The ignition coil or spark coil serves as an induction coil in the car’s ignition system. In an internal combustion engine, this autotransformer works with the contact breaker to increase the voltage from the usual 12 volts to 40 kilovolts to ignite the spark plugs.

In the past, vehicles used one large coil supplying all the spark plugs through the ignition distributor. Today, vehicles like the Chrysler Crossfire have an electronically-controlled ignition with smaller ignition coils in either one or two spark plugs. Ignition coils may be secluded or mounted above the spark plug known as direct ignition. Using the “wasted spark” system, one ignition coil can supply two spark plugs. It is more dependable than the single coil with distributor set-up. It also costs less than direct injection. The Chrysler Crossfire ignition coil. is similar to an electrical step up transformer that contains heavily-insulated copper with primary and secondary twisting circuits. The secondary circuits have more coils and are oiled to keep them cool.

Damage resistant with an extended spark period, the Chrysler Crossfire ignition coil is the core of the car’s ignition system. If the car shows signs like lack of power, increased fuel consumption, and increased exhaust emissions, a trip to the mechanic and possible replacement of the ignition coil is recommended.

About the AuthorAnthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

posted by admin on Feb 12

With rival Tata Motors only months away from taking over at Jaguar and Land Rover, Mahindra & Mahindra is desperate to find Western partners.

Rumours have started on the Internet today suggesting that Mahindra is in talks with Chrysler for collaboration with its iconic Jeep brand.

Read more…

Despite what many believe, Jeep and Mahindra have had a long history together, the Indian company distributed Jeeps in India and even based its first cars on the Willys platform.

Given the recent break-up of Daimler Chrysler and the takeover of Chrysler by Cerberus, it’s unlikely that Jeep will be sold of, so any deal signed would still leave the brand in American hands. Either way Mahindra is determined to find Western allies.

“Will we do more car projects, doubtless. Will we do it with someone else, yes, may be. But it’s certain we won’t do cars on our own. The auto industry of the future will be collaboration-driven for the benefits of scale and synergy and that’s in the DNA of Indian companies.” M&M vice-chairman and MD Anand Mahindra said

When asked about a possible deal with Jeep, Mr Mahindra said, “We are talking to automakers around the world to discover whether there are opportunities.

The Indian company, best known to the west for its tractors, has been buying out break-through engineering technologies in order to “leapfrog into the global league as an iconic vehicle maker.”

“Small pieces of the jigsaw puzzle, like our acquisition of an Italian design company recently, add up to a quantum leap in technology,” Mr Mahindra said.

Mr Mahindra also noted that its bidding war with Tata Motors over Ford’s luxury brands didn’t continue because the company “…will never match irrational bidding with irrational bidding”.

posted by admin on Feb 10

Crossover Explorer

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This unibody concept is combined with a smaller turbo engine as Fords attempt to bring a fuel efficient alternative to the market, but they sacrifice off-road and towing capabilities with a new lighter, frameless crossover style body.

EcoBoost Motor

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Ford have been testing a new 4 cylinder 2.0L turbo engine, utilizing their direct injection EcoBoost technology to deliver 275hp, 280 torque, and 20% increase in fuel efficiency with 15% less CO2 emissions. They have also tested a 340hp 3.5L V6 that will have 20 – 30% better fuel consumption than the current Explorer.

Images courtesy of leftlanenews.com

posted by admin on Feb 10

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch of the fully remodeled Mazda Atenza (known as the all-new Mazda6 overseas) in Japan. Available in three body styles – Sedan, Sport (5-door hatchback), and Sport Wagon – Mazda’s globally acclaimed mid-size car goes on sale from today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

Developed in line with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom evolution concept, the all-new Mazda Atenza’s design theme is “Bold & Exquisite.” The exterior look expresses a combination of athleticism and delicate grace in all three body styles. Sporty and sophisticated interior design creates an environment in which drivers can experience real driving pleasure, comfort and a feeling of security.

Launched in Japan in May 2002, the first generation Atenza combined unique and attractive styling with exceptional driving performance. Now, the second generation model takes these characteristics one step further through substantially enhanced environmental and safety performance. With top class aerodynamics, it features improved high speed stability, ride quality and quietness, providing enhanced comfort levels worthy of the “ultimate high speed long-distance touring car.”

Mazda’s newly developed MZR 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, mated to five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions which are newly combined with Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control*1, further evolve the exceptional driving dynamics that were highly acclaimed on the first Atenza. The all-new Atenza is larger than its predecessor, but increased use of high tensile steel has helped reduce the overall vehicle weight. In combination with the top-class aerodynamics, this contributes to improved fuel economy. To lower running costs, the use of regular gasoline is now recommended for all model grades.

Safety features on the all-new Mazda Atenza include Japan’s first rear vehicle monitoring system. When driving at speeds over 60 kilometers per hour, this system uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from behind and alerts the driver. Another new feature is CF-Net (Cross Functional Network) functionality, a combination of switches on the steering wheel with a centralized display at the top of the instrument panel, which provide simple control of all systems, including air conditioning and audio. This helps the driver focus on the road and reduces hand movement away from the steering wheel. Other safety attributes include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Mazda’s Traction Control System (TCS) as standard equipment on all the 2.5-liter model grades. Mazda’s enhanced safety equipment and functionality promote safe and comfortable driving.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices range from 2,070,000 to 2,500,000 yen for the all-new Mazda Atenza Sedan, 2,280,000 to 2,670,000 yen for the Sport version, and from 2,200,000 to 2,670,000 yen for the Sport Wagon model (all prices include consumption tax).

*1: Active Adaptive Shift control: This feature has a slope control function that assesses both the gradient and winding of a road as well as driver intentions such as acceleration and brake operation to automatically select the optimal gear.

- Mazda