Headline Automotive

2009 Volvo C30, S40, and V50 DRIVe Diesels

2009-06-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

While Americans fret about miles per gallon, Europeans take a serious look at how much carbon dioxide (CO2) their vehicles emit. Volvo's done just that with its new DRIVe range, consisting of specially-tuned versions of its C30, S40, and V50 models. All three produce less than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Powering each of the three cars is Volvo's 1.6-liter turbo-diesel I-4, coupled through a five-speed manual transmission. The powertrain, including the new diesel particulate filter, isn't anything that unusual; it's also offered on other diesel models in Volvo's range.

What are unique to the DRIVe models are a litany of aerodynamic aids, many of which were previewed on the C30 ReCharge concept, shown at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. All three DRIVe models are lowered by 10 mm, use a covered radiator grille, wind deflectors in front of the front wheels, and unique alloy wheels, shod with low rolling resistance Michelin tires. The S40 and V50 also gain a front spoiler from the T5 model, while the C30 wears new underbody panels, a rear spoiler, and an all-new rear bumper fascia.

Volvo's also tweaked some mechanical systems in pursuit of fuel economy. The five-speed manual transmission remains mostly stock, but uses taller gear ratios in third, fourth, and fifth gears. Volvo's also filled the transmission with low-viscosity oil, helping to reduce friction and improve driveline efficiency.

2009 Nissan Maxima

2009-06-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

Nissan Maxima is all-new for the 2009 model year, and this seventh-generation model marks the return of the four-door sports car.

The 2009 Maxima was deliberately built, tuned and aimed at drivers who prefer sporty handling and a firmer ride as opposed to the softer, more luxurious ride associated with many cars in this class.

The Maxima four-door sedan has been part of the Nissan lineup dating back to 1981. Maxima was kicked up a notch when the Altima took over the role as the mainstream sedan and it became the Nissan flagship. This new Maxima now competes directly against sporty upmarket sedans. Among them: Acura TL, Infiniti G35, Chrysler 300, Cadillac CTS, and Toyota Avalon, as well as deluxe versions of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

2009-06-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Only three months in, and the TL has already amassed over 7000 miles, evidence that its luxurious, feature-rich interior is making more friends than its controversial exterior is making enemies.

"I don't love the busy, awkward exterior cues," says Ron Kiino, "but the interior, with its super-thick-rimmed steering wheel and ultrasoft leather, feels and looks great." With around 6400 on the odometer, the TL's maintenance minder light came on, signaling that the first service was due. So we paid a $92.26 visit to Acura of Calabasas for an oil change, full inspection, and tire rotation. Fuel economy, at 20.2 mpg, has been miserly, especially given the 305-horse V-6 and near-4000-pound curb weight. Photographer Brian Vance, on a trip from Carson City to L.A., even saw as high as 27.1 mpg over a 361-mile stretch along Highway 395.(automotive)

2009 Acura TSX Review

2009-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Technology is what sets the new TSX apart. Acura's superb navigation system comes standard and can be operated using voice-recognition. The standard navigation system is the equal of anything in the class, while an optional system displays real-time traffic with congestion re-routing and local and national weather. An airlines display lets you track a flight's progress across the country. The top-line audio system sets a standard for the class, too, with superbly crisp surround sound. Hands-free, Bluetooth cell phone architecture is built right into the car's electronics.

The 2009 Acura TSX is a four-door, five-passenger sedan designed to competed with Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series sedans. It comes with one engine, a 2.4-liter inline-4, and a choice of transmissions, a six-speed manual and a five-speed SportShift sequential automatic. Although horsepower is off slightly, torque is increased by enough to make up any difference in sheer acceleration. Just as important, fuel economy is unchanged with the manual and improved with the automatic. The TSX stays with a front-wheel-drive configuration, whereas true sporty sedans are rear-wheel drive. That said, the TSX is one of the better-handling front-wheel-drive sedans and in its class, hard to beat as an everyday driver that can still be fun on a mountain road.

700bhp Four-Door Koenigsegg Coming to Geneva Next Year

2008-12-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Koenigsegg ,A clay model of the four door model exists so far and despite their being many resemblances between the new model and the CCX(pictured), it will not use the same engine. The Koenigsegg engineers have been developing a new 700bhp V8 engine solely made of carbon fibre which will enable the model to reach speeds of up to 350km/h. According to our record books, this will make the new four-door Koenigsegg the fastest unmodified production car in the world.

Rendered: 2010 Super GT NSX racecar

2008-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

We have seen somne excellent renditions of the Aston Martin one-77 and Mclaren SLR Speedster in the past. Now comes his latest venture in the form of the Honda/Acura NSX Super GT, a rendering that touches the world of motorsport.

The regular NSX roadcar is currently under development by Honda and is due to hit the market sometime in 2010 it will compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Power will come from a powerful V10 engine placed in the mid-front position of the car, a power output of around 450hp has been suggested.

Bugatti Veyron

2008-12-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

The Bugatti Veyron as a shining example of automotive excellence, artist Olaf Nicolai, has turned the iconic car into something of a reflection in the art scene.Observers become part of the exhibit as they see themselves in the same way Bruce Lee did in that movie Enter the Dragon.

releated keyword : Bugatti Veyron

Merecedes-Benz McLaren SLR

2008-12-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Merecedes-Benz McLaren SLR, the modification includes replacing existing components for modified developments by MANSORY. Two examples include new high performance compressors and tailor-made intercoolers. The Renovatio is two tenths faster from zero to 100 km/h than the normal production version. The top speed increases to 340 kph. The Renovatio generates 880 Nm torque and to save weight, the MANSORY body components are made out of carbon.

The Renovatio are one-piece turbine-wheels with five double-spokes, 9 x 20 at the front and 11.5 x 20 at the rear.The car uses 255/30 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres at the front and 325/25 at the rear.releated keyword : Merecedes-Benz McLaren SLR

ACURA,New vehicles for 2009

2008-12-13T14:48:00.000-08:00

ACURA

All three Acura sedans are revised for 2009.
The entry Acura TSX is a larger, second-generation model with updated exterior styling and a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 8 more foot-pounds of torque — to 172 foot-pounds — than its predecessor. Horsepower peaks at 201.

The mid-range TL is a larger, fourth-generation model and has the most powerful sedan engine in Acura’s lineup: a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 273 foot-pounds of torque. This powerplant is available in the uplevel TL SH-AWD version that, for the first time, includes Acura’s special all-wheel-drive system. That not only shifts power from front to rear wheels when needed, but also from one side of an axle to the other for improved cornering.

Acura’s flagship sedan, the RL, has more aggressive styling this year and a more powerful engine: a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 that develops 271 foot-pounds of torque. The new RL has a roomier back seat than its predecessor did, and suspension and tires are upgraded.