Car NEWS log

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”.

Crossover Explorer

*****
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

*****
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

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

Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, an all-new, 10th generation 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known. The new Corolla with an all-new body that delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.

The Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS. A standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla’s sporty look – these include a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.

The 2009 Corolla is offered with a pair of efficient new engines, each of which can be combined with a five-speed manual transmission. The four-speed automatic transmission is combined with a 1.8-liter engine and the five-speed automatic is combined with a 2.4-liter engine.

The Standard, LE and XLE will be equipped with one of the all-new engines. The 1.8-liter 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine, will produce 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. One of the engine’s most important features is its use of Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.

For those who desire just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 2.4-liter engine transmits its power through the five-speed manual transmission, but is available with a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission can be manually shifted sequentially.

Airbags are installed in the steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats and side-roof. Side curtain airbags that help protect passengers in the front and rear seats in the event of a side impact are standard. Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. Toyota’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and cut-off switch available is available as an option.

The all-new Corolla is equipped with an array of standard performance and convenience features. Among the many features on the Standard grade are P195/65 R15 tires, a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM satellite capable, air conditioning with air filter, intermittent windshield wipers, two 12-volt power outlets, daytime running lights, black manual folding power mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.

In addition to standard features on the Standard grade, the LE grade adds power windows with driver-side one-touch-down, shift-activated power doorlocks and color-keyed manual-folding power mirrors.

As well as the features on the LE grade, the XLE grade adds P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, Optitron gauges, center console with sliding armrests, wood grain trim, and driver and passenger rear-seat pockets.

Besides the Standard grade features, the sporty S grade also features standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM capable audio with six speakers.

In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and interior chrome accent.

Additional standard equipment on the XLS grade includes VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, P205/55 R16 tires with 16-inch alloy wheels, a JBL audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, XM® satellite and eight speakers in six locations and navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability.

The Corolla Standard grade will carry a base MSRP of $15,250 for models with a manual transmission and $16,050 for models with an automatic. The LE grade with automatic has a base MSRP of $16,650 and the XLE grade with an automatic a base MSRP of $17,550. The S grade will carry a base price of $16,320 for a manual transmission model and $17,150 for models with an automatic. The MSRP for the premium XRS grade will be $18,760 for a manual transmission and $19,950 for models with an automatic.

- Toyota

A new braking feature in Toyota vehicles links up the braking system with your GPS navigation–ultimately getting us one step closer to full automated butler cars capable to taking you anywhere. The system works by recognizing area with stop signs or other stopping requirements and cross-referencing with road markings that designate an impending stop.

When the system knows you are approaching an intersection it recognizes as having a stop sign, it will begin to audibly and visually warn you to slow the eff down. It will continue to analyze the speed as you approach the impending stop, then decide whether to give you a little help with additional braking force. The system is currently being tested in Japan. [WCF]

Great wheels that seem tailor-made for Mazdas are the Sakata 4 and 5 from TSW Alloy Wheels. TSW has been a leading brand in lightweight racing wheel technology for over 30 years, but don’t overlook their wheels designed for ordinary driving. The same lightweight construction and quality found in their racing wheels, quality that’s earned Europe’s highest TUV rating, can enhance your passenger vehicle.

The Sakata 4 comes with 12 spokes, is available for 17 and 18 inch tires, has a 4-lug bolt pattern and a 2-inch lip depth.

The Sataka 5 looks fuller with 15 spokes, has a 5-lug bolt pattern, a lip-depth varying from 1.5 to 4 inches, and is available in 17, 18, 19 and 20 inch sizes. Both come with a hyper-silver finish, and fit several different makes of Mazda, as well as many other vehicles with 4- and 5-lug bolt patterns.

BMW used Chicago’s Auto Show to announce their return to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) next year with two race-prepped versions of the E92 M3 coupe, set to race in the GT2 class.

The race car features 485hp version of the 4.0L high-rev V8 engine, race-tuned chassis, and a significantly wider and lighter body with an abundance of carbon fiber parts.

The aerokit is quite aggressive to previous BMW race cars and it was developed using numerous F1 techniques including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analysis.

The car also features a new POWER400 ECU system that does away with conventional relays and fuses and saves even more weight.

I wonder if you can get those wheels on the stock E92 ///M3?

Video & Full Gallery (more…)

Mazda has already premiered their new 2-door Hatchback in China, making eco-friendly drivers and space savers alike smile in acceptance. Mazda2 models will make appearances on the streets of Geneva in the near future, and MazdaPedia hopes the Japanese motor corporation will send this puppy to the states. This “3 & 5 door” hatchback features both a 1.3L and 1.5L four-cylinder engine, expected to produce between 80 and 100 horsepower.

A sleek interior comforts your body with full audio control steering and a race car style dash. The Mazda2 may be small, but there’s plenty of leg room for both your front passenger and whoever hops in back.

MazdaPedia is going to keep an eye on the Mazda2, and will bring you a more in-depth review about the performance and user-friendliness of Mazda’s newest baby. Keep your fingers crossed that we will all see Mazda2s cruising the roads of North America in 2008.

SOME customers wait patiently for a new BMW get right down news: 122 were totaled during a rough North Atlantic crossing that damaged 430 of the vehicles.

The Courage, a car carrier headed in New jersey from a North Sea way to Germany, rolling in great winter seas at Jan. 2, breaking BMWs from their lashings and sending them pinballing around a cargo hold. The run close by Newark at Jan. 11. 8220; Then a carriage broken open, them all started running down, 8221; such Entire Plucinsky, a BMW spokesman. 8220; I really do each other in silence. 8221; The smashed cars included 30 examples upon one of the year 8217; s much anticipated models: the high-performance M3 coupe and sedan. Mr. Plucinsky said the M3s were non human models, but were designated as agent introduction events. The 732 BMWs here again included 3, 5, and 7-Series models, X3 sport utilities and the first 1 Series coupes for the United States. The 1 Series, a other work, goes to surrender to March. Mr. Plucinsky said BMW had contacted the customers affected. For models whose damage is lower than 3 percentage of its value, buyers can choose to accept a repaired local or a following example, file should a more tender built to order. Repairable cars with more than 3 percentage rate preference be determined in section employees. It will last be resold for actual used cars, on good evidence of their history. BMW estimated that the be in charge of the totaled cars was more than 6 million.

source

Main peculiarity: cameras instead of side-view mirrors;

Type: exotic car and open top.

(more…)