Archive for November, 2008
BMW M1 Hommage to become green supercar
November 30th, 2008 | 
Author: The car is set to show off all of BMW?s environmental qualifications, perhaps giving this segment the luxurious touch it needs. Technology used on this vehicle could include stop-start systems, direct injection and recharge braking.
The source is strangely silent though, on the engine range to be utilised, citing a number of models that could be employed, and even including the possibility of a hybrid model. We could take this as an evolutionary moment in the supercar sector, which to stay alive, is going to need some new, environmentally-friendly life. A supercar model will also help BMW compete with the likes of the Audi R8 and the Mercedes Slr.
? Source: eurocarblog
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2009 Mini Convertible
* MINI Cooper S Convertible:
Four-cylinder gasoline engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and
direct fuel injection.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 172 hp at 5,500 rpm.
Max torque: 177 lb-ft from 1,600?5,000 rpm
(192 lb-ft with Overboost).
Acceleration 0?60mph: 7.0 sec Manual, 7.2 Automatic, Top speed: 138 mph Manual, 135 mph Automatic.
* MINI Cooper Convertible:
Four-cylinder gasoline engine with VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 118 hp at 6,000 rpm.
Max torque: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration (0?60 mph): 8.9 sec Manual, 10.2 Automatic, Top speed: 124 mph Manual, 119 mph Automatic.
The driving pleasure and individual style that are MINI?s signatures have been tapped to create the next-generation MINI Convertible. With its evolutionary design and increased functionality, specially tuned suspension, powerful, efficient engines and enhanced safety technology, the latest version of the four-seat convertible raises the bar.
The new MINI Convertible will make its worldwide debut in January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Orders for the MINI Convertible are being taken now; the price for the MINI Cooper Convertible is $24,550 and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible $27,450, including the $650 destination and handling charge. Delivery of the first MINI Convertibles will begin on March 28, 2009.
? Source: seriouswheels
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Tags: blog, blogs, car, Cars, Design, fuel injection, functionality, gasoline, gasoline engine, suspension, Technology, wheel, wheels, world | 
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Toyota Applies VAT Reduction to Car Prices
The reductions make the Toyota range even better value for money. For example, the price of the revolutionary new Toyota iQ is reduced by up to ?240, with the model range now starting at ?9,295. The order books for Toyota iQ are open now, with first deliveries to customers in January.
Within the established Toyota line-up, there are significant savings to be enjoyed, for example on the Toyota RAV4 compact SUV, with the added-value XT-R versions now costing from ?19,620 for the 2.0 VVT-i manual model – ?425 less than the current OTR price.
? Source: carpages
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2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD
The Mercury Mariner/Ford Escape hybrids are probably the best products in the Ford portfolio right now. They make sense for a lot of consumers, and the pricing isn’t insane. Sure, the steering is dead, you’re forced to have a continuously variable transmission, and there isn’t a ton of power, but that doesn’t matter. If you’re shopping for a cute-ute, you don’t care about driving for the sake of driving, and this Mariner does everything it’s supposed to do very well.
A hybrid drivetrain (and the efficiency mindset that goes with it) doesn’t really mesh with the heavy, impractical, inefficient-by-nature SUV, no matter how small. As such, I can’t help wondering just how much better the Mariner’s fuel economy would be if it were a tad smaller, a tad lighter, and less of a brick in the wind tunnel. It just seems too much like a stopgap, as if we’re kidding ourselves as to what we really ought to be driving. I feel wasteful, no matter how much less gas I’m using.
Ford has greatly improved the Mercury Mariner (and its twin, the Ford Escape) in the last two years, concentrating on the styling for 2008 and the mechanicals for 2009. The interior of the Mariner is greatly improved over what it was a couple of years ago, but there is still some evidence of cost-cutting, notably the cheap-looking plastic vent covers. Still, the overall look and feel of the interior is quite nice.
On the road, the transition between gasoline and electric power is practically unnoticeable. The trick is to get up to speed and tap the brake slightly, at which point the vehicle will switch to electric power, although you might not notice it unless you’re looking at the RPM gauge. It’s quite a difference from our long-term Toyota Camry hybrid, which noticeably surged and/or stuttered when switching between power sources.
? Source: automobilemag
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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Those “hard lines” in the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara are softened somewhat inside, according to Edmunds: “flowing lines abound, with gauges taking up residence in a multilayered cluster with simulated aluminum trim.” They add “the Limited’s leather is very nice to look at.” According to Kelley Blue Book, “silver plastic accents on the base and XSport are replaced by leather and faux wood in the Luxury model,” but to the tester at Mother Proof, “the rear of cabin proved to be very basic.”
ConsumerGuide reports that this year’s Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by “a 185-hp 2.7-liter V-6,” which, according to Edmunds, is ?paltry compared to the [Toyota] RAV4′s V-6.” Although “not necessarily a top choice for major towing duty, the Grand Vitara can tug up to 3,000 pounds.” If this Suzuki 2008 motor seems to lack power, Motor Trend suggests “torque may be the culprit, as the Grand Vitara’s peak twist resides at 4,500 rpm.”
This lackluster engine “teams with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission” like most Suzuki 2008 vehicles, according to Cars.com, which adds that “the four-wheel-drive system has a Low range and is intended for use only on slippery surfaces.” ConsumerGuide reports that “highway passing can take patience with automatic transmission, which downshifts readily for more power,” and “the manual transmission doesn’t change gears smoothly when rushed.”
Edmunds remarks “fuel economy estimates, at 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for a 4WD model with the automatic transmission, are below average for a compact SUV.”
Overall handling characteristics get moderate praise: ConsumerGuide reports “marked body lean but good grip in fast corners,” adding that “steering is nicely weighted and the turning circle is commendably tight, but test AWD models exhibited some front driveline binding when turned fully to either side” and “firm, easy-to-modulate brakes provided good stopping control.
? Source: thecarconnection
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Tags: blog, blogs, car, Cars, compact suv, rim, suzuki, system, transmission, wheel |
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