2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: A-Line

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today launches “Subaru Impreza WRX A-Line” which is a new addition to the current WRX STI model. The model goes on sale nationwide through Subaru dealerships today in Japan.Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the WRX STI A-Line model was developed to offer its distinctive driving performance to a wider range of customers by integrating 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine and 5 Speed Automatic Transmission with SPORTSHIFT*.
In addition, the current WRX STI was given some refinements to enhance comfort and quality feel; 8 way power adjustable front seats and a new body color, “Satin White Pearl”, is now available.

*SPORTSHIFT is a registered trademark of Prodrive Ltd.

Outline of Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line
The model features the exclusively developed 2.5-litre Subaru BOXER turbo engine with SPORTSHIFT* E-5AT, while retaining the basic component such as chassis and body of the WRX STI, Subaru’s performance flagship.

Engine:

* The unique 2.5-litre BOXER engine comes with a single scroll turbocharger and produces a flat torque from the low and mid-rev range to high-rev range.
* Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) was adopted to control continuously valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves, which improves low and mid-range range torque, high-rev range output and environmental friendliness.
* Tumble Generation Valve (TGV) controls the intake air stream to generate high combustion efficiency.

Drive train:

* SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive), that enables the drivers to choose three different engine mappings, is standard.
* Paddle shift is featured to allow manual shifting without requiring the driver to release the steering wheel.
* Downshifting Blipping Control system was adopted. When down-shifting, the automatic transmission control unit interacts with the engine management system and increases engine revolutions instantly and to the exact required setting.
* Changing gears with the paddle shift can also be done by a temporary operation that does not require the selection lever to be set to the manual position.
* VTD (Variable Torque Distribution)-AWD system was adopted to provide excellent stability of the vehicle, which controls the torque distribution ratio between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions.
* 17-inches ventilated dual piston disk brakes for the front, and 16-inches ventilated disk brakes for the rear were fitted.
* VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) System is standard.

Interior:

* 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat is standard. Leather seats are available as optional and include (front) seat heating. Soft leather door trim with silver stitch is featured.

Major specifications:
-Engine type: Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
-Displacement: 2457 cc
-Maximum output: 221kW (300 PS)/6200 rpm
-Maximum torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgf·m)/2800-6000 rpm
-Turbo type: Single Scroll turbocharger

2009 Nissan GTR FIA-GT1

For 2009, Nissan continues to participate in the SUPER GT series, GT500 class, which is the highest level in Japanese domestic motorsports, with the Nissan GT-R. Nissan will also support grassroots activities in select countries outside of Japan to help nurture the motorsports culture, which has millions of fans throughout the world. The R35 model Nissan GT-R will be entered in the GT500 class of SUPER GT. This year’s entries will incorporate...

Volvo C70 Facelift Sheds the Car’s Stodgy Past

The new Volvo C70 looks like a panther crouched and ready to leap. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Swedes have revealed a model that will put its past well behind and generate plenty of excitement on its way by. The new Volvo C70 sports a retractable hard top, a sleek front end and headlights positioned to peer into the darkness. This beauty carries all of the great safety features you’ve come to expect in a Volvo without compromising style or performance. With three engine options generating 140hp, 170hp, or 230hp, Volvo has positioned itself for a roll, a sprint or a dash down the high fashion runway.

US Only 2010 Nissan Leaf Electric Car

Nissan has always been unsure about the success its alternative-fuel car in the US but it has in store is bound to change the trend next year. And, the confidence oozes from the fact that the Nissan Leaf (its first pure-electric car) will be a US only model. The design form belongs to the category of a front-drive C-segment Hatch which can seat four to five people. The company has great emphasis on the ability of this car which can behave an as everyday option rather than some specialty with its 100-mile range. Nissan believes that this range should be ample given the number of people who drive less than those 100 miles in s day (the figure stands at 80%).A lot of emphasis has been laid on the design to ensure that the appearance is unique but not something bizarre or strange. The rarity of the car also lies in its powertrain as it churns out 90 kW of power using a array of thin, laminated lithium ion cells, while it’s front-mounted electric motor delivers 80 kW with 208Nm of torque. This helps the car clock 140km/h when the throttle is choked to the floor.

TYM Switzer’s R850 Nissan GTR

You need to be an extreme racing enthusiast to park one of these into your garage. Tym Switzer’s 800hp Nissan P 800 GTR is one such variant that thrives on race-gas to clock those magical timings but you need to be prepared to strain the driveline a bit for such is the impact of the gas that powers the car.

The P in the name actually symbolizes the package as a daily use one meaning that it is an 800hp car that can be driven daily but then nothing can be done about people who prefer no limits. For that kind of a lot the R package has been used and this R refers to the race fuel. With this gas in the tank the numbers obviously sore to 850 hp and 820 lb-ft torque but the driveline loss is about 15%.

This latest R package will be priced at $20,990, and it includes pump gas and race fuel tunes, as well as Switzer’s updated cooling package that features a dual-core radiator, thermostat and revised Switzer MONSTER intercoolers.

Honda fit

The Honda Fit was chosen by a 60 member panel, that was comprised mostly of automotive journalists, as Japan’s Car of the Year. Unavailable in the U.S at this point, the Fit is a hot item in Japan with expectations of 12,000 units per month in initial sales and in the first 2-weeks of availability sales of over 20,000 cars.

Boasting a new larger size and sleeker look, the second generation subcompact Fit is expected to garner more U.S. interest when it becomes available in the U.S next year. Honda Fit has a well-matched five-speed transmission with strong first and second gears. It has a 1.5 liter engine with 109 horsepower, 1-5 pound-feet of torque and does 0 - 60 mph in 9.8 seconds. It is available in FWD as a 5-passenger 4-door hatchback.

The EPA city/highway fuel economy for this little jewel is 31/37 mpg and while it might not be the coolest car you will ever drive, for the price its a good value automobile.

Major Sound and Lighting Firm Depends on New Kenworth T170s for On-Time Performances

MONTREAL, Quebec, June 4, 2008 – When the greatest names in show business go on tour, many entrust their intricate sound, lighting and video extravaganzas to Solotech, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec.
Solotech was founded over 30 years ago and has supplied the technical equipment for major world expos including Seville, Spain; Hanover, Germany; and Aichi, Japan. The company provides hardware and expertise for television production companies, touring bands, outdoor festivals and indoor show events of all kinds. “Our lighting, projections and sound systems wow audiences all over the world,” said Gilles Deguire, transport director at Solotech. “We have to deliver on time. If we have a delay or a truck broken down on the side of the road, it can be disastrous. We simply cannot risk it. That’s why we own Kenworth trucks.”
In eastern Canada, Solotech maintains a fleet of 15 trucks, mostly Kenworths. In January, the company took possession of four new Kenworth T170 Class 5 models, some of the first to go into service in North America. “These new trucks were thrown right into our harsh Canadian winter,” said Deguire. “I can tell you they handle very well in snow, slush and ice.” Two new Kenworth T170s serve Montreal, while the other two trucks serve the rest of the Quebec market. When deciding to purchase the Kenworth T170s, Deguire wanted — first and foremost — an extremely durable truck that is comfortable to drive, highly maneuverable and can operate nimbly in an urban environment for a long, long time.
“Here, we don’t trade our trucks after three or four years; we drive them forever,” said Deguire. “Kenworth trucks are constructed so much better, and that’s important to us. We want the longest lasting truck we can find.”

Solotech’s trucks average about 100,000 km (60,000 miles) per year. “Ninety percent of those kilometers is in city traffic,” Deguire said. “Our trucks run all day making deliveries to shows, hotels, festivals and so on. They operate seven days a week, day and night. We can’t afford delays, breakdowns or unreliable trucks.”
With just three months of service on his new Kenworth T170s, Deguire said he already sees a trend. “Our drivers are very happy with the T170s,” he said. “The visibility is great and the power is excellent for city driving.”
Solotech’s T170s are spec’d with PACCAR PX-6 engines and Allison 5-speed automatic transmissions. “That’s a really good transmission, really smooth,” said Deguire. “It doesn’t kick out between speeds and has a lot of torque.”
Since purchasing its first Kenworth truck in 1995 — a T600 still in operation — Solotech has worked with Kenworth Montreal to handle all its maintenance needs. “It’s a pleasure working with Kenworth,” said Deguire. “They have a very stable and reliable staff, so I know I am in good hands. They understand our business and whenever a truck goes in for service, they know we need it back quickly. They always take care of us.”
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best™ heavy and medium duty trucks. In addition, Kenworth is the recipient of the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Over The Road, Pickup and Delivery and Vocational Segment Class 8 trucks. Kenworth’s home page is www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the "small Silver Arrow" to make a big first impression. One glance reveals the bold spirited styling with a distinctive nose and radiator grille that emanate controlled aggression. You'll note the new sportier alloy wheels and the newly-designed exhaust tailpipes.
This year its air-piercing, arrow-shaped body features newly-redesigned exterior mirrors with integrated, arrow-shaped indicator lamps. There's divinity in the details as well. Such as new darkened tail lights, a shorter car-wash friendly aerial and some spectacular new metallic paint choices to finish it off. The SLK-Class has clearly taken poise to a whole new pinnacle.

2009 Subaru Forester And EXIGA Awarded 6-star JNCAP Ratings

Subaru has announced that its new generation Subaru Forester and EXIGA have received the top six-star crashworthiness ratings for occupant safety in testing conducted by the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP).
JNCAP testing is conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism along with the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims Aid.
The little we have been able to dig up on JNCAP testing, suggests that it evaluates occupant protection under high-speed full-frontal, offset frontal and side collisions.
Brake performance is also tested in wet and dry conditions, with stopping distances and vehicle stability being evaluated when emergency braking from 100km/h.
Both the Forester and Exiga received a six-star rating for driver’s seat and front passenger seat protection and a high Level Five rating for pedestrian head protection.
Last year, the Subaru Impreza was awarded JNCAP’s Grandprix award for its high occupant safety rating.
We first saw the Exiga in the flesh at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show, where it was announced that Australia will become the first export market for EXIGA, when it is launched locally around December.

Toyota iQ

Thanks to Patrick Norton for the heads up on this: Just a year after it was unveiled, the Toyota iQ (super-compact) car won the Japanese Car of the Year award.
The iQ is a super-compact car targetted directly at the Smart Car fortwo market, offering a similarly sized car that is designed to seat 4 people instead of 2. The iQ’s ultra-compact design offers fuel economy in the form of almost 60 MPG, while obvious concessions are made with regards to engine performance:
998 cc 3 cylinder
67 bhp (50 kW/68 PS)
67 lb·ft (91 N·m) at 4800 rpm
0-100 km/h 14.1 seconds.
The car was designed from the ground up to use the newest in “miniturization technologies” to keep everything in the car small, tucked away and compact which still maintaining the highest in safety ratings. The iQ currently enjoys the Euro NCAP’s 5-star safety rating.

Some of the design decisions that allowed the car to stay compact are as follows:
Newly designed differential allows the iQ to keep the wheels at the extreme corners of the car with very short overhang.
A flat fuel tank that rides right under the floor
Heater and AC unit have been shrunk, allowing front-seating to be moved forward, closer to the windshield.
Read-window air bags have been added to address rear-seated passengers being much closer to the rear window now
The car is set to launch in the UK in January of 2009 with a £10,000 price tag (roughly $14,800 today), an excellent starting point for such an economic car IMO (last time I checked the Smart fortwo was hovering in the $22-24,000 range, which I thought was rediculous for a golf cart).

Hummer jeep

DaimlerChrysler Files Suit to Block Copycat Jeep® Grille Says GM'S New Hummer Violates Jeep Trademark and GM Files back seeking legal protection for use of the HUMMER grille design and GM's federally registered trademark for that design.
Earlier this year DaimlerChrysler Corporation filed suit against General Motors Corporation for what they claim to be appropriating one of the world's most recognizable automobile features in order to enhance the appeal of GM's new Hummer sport utility vehicle. Basically the new Hummer looks too much like the trademarked Jeep - at least when it comes to the grill.According to Daimler Chrysler the lawsuit was brought to protect their trademarked Jeep® grille design, which is protected by three federal trademark registrations and has been made famous though over 50 years of use on Jeep vehicles. They said that an independent analysis conducted by a respected market research firm confirmed that the new H2 design is likely to mislead potential SUV buyers. When shown photographs of the new H2, nearly two-thirds of all Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee owners, who took part in the survey, incorrectly associated the new H2 with a DaimlerChrysler vehicle, and more than half of other SUV owners reached the same conclusion. When asked why they identified the H2 as a DaimlerChrysler vehicle, most respondents referred to the distinctive Jeep grille design.
In its suit filed in U.S. District Court in Toledo, Ohio, DaimlerChrysler is asking the court to block GM's use of the Jeep grille; force GM to recall any H2s distributed with the Jeep grille; account for all profits derived from the use of the Jeep grille; and award DaimlerChrysler damages for trademark infringement and other violations.
Well GM responded by filing for a declaratory judgment seeking legal protection for use of the HUMMER grille design and GM's federally registered trademark for that design. Their stand is as follows: DaimlerChrysler waived any claim they may have had against the HUMMER grille by remaining silent while AM General manufactured and sold the HUMMER for 16 years, including the civilian version since 1991. Chrysler gave public notice in 1995 that it did not oppose AM General's registration of a U.S. trademark for exclusive, nationwide use of the HUMMER grille design on trucks of every size and type. Consequently, AM General officially was granted that exclusive trademark registration from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 1996. GM acquired the HUMMER brand and related grille trademark from AM General in December 1999, relying on the unopposed trademark registration. DaimlerChrysler did not object until after the transaction had been completed. GM also stated the distinctive HUMMER grille has remained the same since the vehicle was introduced by AM General nearly two decades ago. Jeep, meanwhile, has used a variety of grille designs on various models during that period.

BMW 7series

The BMW 7 Series, consisting of a standard version, the E65 and an extended version, the E66 is the flagship sedan in the BMW line. First introduced in 1977 as the E23, this product line has always been the full-size luxury or executive class option. Later releases included the E32, and E38. The current release, the E65 and E66, began manufacture in 2002. Many options are available, including an array of engines, eleven in Europe and four in the United States. The E65 and E66 designate the vehicle chassis, while the engine type is designated by a three digit number, beginning with the series number, in this case seven. A variety of luxury components and technology are either standard to the BMW 7 Series or an optional package. These include the BMW iDrive system which controls the audio, heat and cooling and other systems in the vehicle, as well as providing real time driving assistance, continuous passive motion comfort technology, new rims and power folding mirrors."

Toyota Vitz

This article is about the Yaris/Echo hatchback, for the Yaris/Echo sedan see the Toyota Belta/Toyota Platz
The Toyota Yaris (sold in different markets as the Toyota Vitz and Toyota Echo) is a line of subcompact cars first launched by Toyota in 1999, designed by Sotiris Kovos. The Yaris is a 3 and 5 door hatchback automobile.
In Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the Vitz is sold as the Yaris Liftback (or simply Yaris). Up to 2005, the Vitz was known as the Echo Hatchback in Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, with the Toyota Platz sedan being known as the Echo; the first generation Vitz was never sold in the US. Since 2006, the Vitz and Belta are marketed in US/Canada as the Yaris Hatchback and Yaris, respectively.
The Toyota Belta sedan, which replaced the Toyota Platz, shares underpinnings with the Vitz. However, while the Vitz was designed at Toyota's European design studios, the Belta was designed at Toyota's Japanese design studios – two completely different design projects for similar cars marketed toward different demographics. While the outgoing Vitz and Platz models look and feel virtually alike (the only things the cars don't share is the front clip, lights, rear doors, and bodies from behind the B-pillar), the new Vitz and Belta are much more subtly related. Sharing a similar but different dashboard, they do not employ the same components. The cars share only a frame and the drivetrain options. The sheet metal is completely different.

First generation (1999–2005)
Europe
The Toyota Yaris went on sale in Europe early in 1999. After the launch of the European Yaris hatchback in February 1999, a slightly modified version went on sale in Canada for the 2004 model year as the Echo hatchback, but not in the United States, where the Toyota Echo sedan and coupe were the lone models. The Toyota Yaris was voted European Car of the Year in 2000, defeating the innovative Fiat Multipla by a narrow margin.

audi

Audi has succeeded in repeating its successes of recent years in the “Best Cars” reader poll sponsored by the magazine “auto motor und sport” (ams). The readers of ams voted Audi models the best cars in three separate categories: the Audi A4, Audi A6 and the recently launched Audi Q5 were all among readers’ favorites. Rounding off an outstanding set of results, the Audi A3, A8 and R8 each secured second place in their respective categories. The awards were presented today in Stuttgart’s Alte Reithalle.
With three outright wins to its name, Audi is again one of the most successful brands. The Audi A4 repeated last year’s triumph in the “Midsize” category. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, who attended the ceremony to accept the award for Audi’s volume model, remarked: “The A4 has brought full-size virtues into the midsize category with its innovative technology, stunning design and superior feel and quality.”
It is becoming a regular feature of the ams reader poll for the Audi A6 to emerge on top in the “Upmarket Midsize” category. The sporty business sedan asserted its superiority over competitor models for the fifth time in a row. “Our A6 is a sporty but fuel-efficient option. And that is what customers in this segment ultimately want,” commented Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, at today’s presentation in Stuttgart.
The new Audi Q5 captured top spot in the “Off Road Vehicle” category at its very first attempt. The various accolades already captured by this newcomer include the coveted design awards sponsored by ams and Auto Bild, and the “Golden Steering Wheel” voted on by readers of Bild am Sonntag. At the awards ceremony Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, emphasized: “The Q5 shows that lifestyle all-rounders are just as much in demand as ever. Particularly when they are as expressive, powerful and efficient as this one. This car still has immense potential.”
The successful showing in the ams reader poll was rounded off by second places for the Audi A3 in the “Lower Midsize” category, the Audi A8 in the “Luxury” category and the Audi R8 in “Sports Cars”.
This was the 33rd auto motor und sport reader poll, with more than 92,000 of the magazine’s readers casting their vote.

Lexus Debuts Revised LS 460 With New Styling And Telematics

New Exterior Styling Includes Revised Front Fascia, Headlamps and Taillamps
New Optional Sport Package For RWD Models Combines Sport Tuned Air Suspension, Brembo Brakes, 19-inch Forged Wheels with Aero Body Design Elements and Exclusive Interior Features
New Audio and Telematics Technology Adds Convenience
The Lexus LS 460 flagship luxury sedans debut revised styling, new electronics and a new optional performance-tuned Sport Package for 2010. Lexus continues to offer the LS 460 and long-wheelbase LS 460 L, both available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
In front, the 2010 LS 460 models stand apart with a revised grille, bumper, and headlamps, while rear styling is enhanced with revised taillamps, license plate surround and exhaust diffusers. New side mirrors feature integrated turn signals, and the standard 18-inch wheels have a new 10-spoke design.
The new Safety Connect™ and Lexus Enform™ telematics systems are available with a complimentary one-year trial subscription. Safety Connect is standard on all LS 460 models. Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, available on vehicles equipped with the optional navigation system, adds premium subscription convenience services.
For drivers who desire a more engaging driving experience, Lexus offers an all-new Sport Package for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) 2010 LS 460. The Sport Package combines distinctive Aero kit exterior styling with special air suspension tuning and exclusive interior features. The exterior styling is also available alone as the Appearance Package. Common to both packages are the unique front grille and Aero kit, which features a front lower spoiler, side rocker panels, and rear lower spoiler. RWD models with the Appearance Package also ride on 19-inch five-spoke wheels.
The Lexus LS was among the first cars in the world to offer a Pre-Collision system, and for 2010 offers the available Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) that debuted on the 2009 Pebble Beach® Edition LS 600h L. APCS is the world’s first active pedestrian system designed to help detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path and to react by braking. Using two small cameras mounted at the front of the car that work in conjunction with millimeter-wave radar, APCS is sensitive enough to detect certain objects with low reflectivity or an object’s lateral position.
As part of APCS, the Driver Monitor System is available for the first time on the LS 460 L. A camera mounted on the steering column monitors the orientation of the driver’s face. If the camera detects that it appears the driver is not looking directly ahead for a few seconds or more, and/or if an obstacle is detected ahead, the system alerts the driver first with a warning chime and a flashing light.
As the car gets closer to the obstacle, APCS can begin to gently apply the brakes on its own. The system also prepares the brake system to respond with full force when activated by the driver and automatically retracts the front seatbelts in anticipation of a possible impact. To help assist the driver in maneuvering around the obstacle, the system reprograms the steering ratio, amplifying the intensity and quickness of the steering response.
When equipped with APCS, the LS 460 L adds Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The front-mounted cameras detect visible lane markings on the road, and if the system detects the driver drifting into another lane, it sounds a warning and can apply torque to the electric steering system to help the driver stay in the intended lane.