2010 Peugeot SR1 Concept

Through the Peugeot SR1 Concept, the Marque reveals the stylistic design trends for its future models. The concept car embodies the new world of Peugeot, reflected by the new Lion badge which adorns its body.

Dynamic, balanced, sensual, with an exclusive high-tech interior, this “dream car” explores and reinterprets the theme of the “Grand Touring Car”.

The use of HYbrid4 technology allows the Peugeot SR1 to offer an engineering specification in keeping with its styling: 230 kW (313 bhp) with emissions of only 119 g/km of CO2 (0 in electric mode), 4 wheel drive and steering…. for an ideal blend of excitement and efficiency.

 

Styling that predicts the future

Elegance, purity, dynamism, allure, controlled power… these ideas find their fullest expression with the Peugeot SR1 Concept, the dream car par excellence.

More than ever, the aesthetic traits of this concept show the general design trends of the Marque’s future products, renewing Peugeot’s strong stylistic identity.

In short, this concept car creates a new design language.

The Peugeot SR1 Concept is a vehicle with timeless, ideal proportions, revisiting the great traditions of grand touring cars of the past: a large bonnet, flowing wings and a very low centre of gravity.

The design of the body gives the car a new balance: a sculpted bonnet, sweeping sides and a chiselled rear design. At the side the styling lines merge into the side windows and the front windscreen, emphasising the design of the bonnet.

This overall effect blends easily with the design detailing: the design of the lights and the air intakes, the shape of the door mirrors… these elements merge seamlessly with the vehicle’s carbon “skin”. In parallel, some features (“full LED” internal headlamp functions, radiator grille contour); stand out, as if suspended.

The hard top echoes the feel of this intense, high-tech assembly: It uses preformed profile technology derived from the world of sailing. It blends with the body, creating the illusion of a Coupé. The Peugeot SR1, however, radiates the same visual strength, with or without the hard top.

Finally, the Peugeot SR1 Concept displays the new Peugeot Lion badge. Redesigned, finely worked and sculpted, it mirrors perfectly the perception of the vehicle as a whole.

Overall the Peugeot SR1 concept car gives the impression it has been carved from a solid block of material, monolithic, protective, sculptural and dynamic. At every moment it makes a great play on contrasts: purity and technological sophistication, authenticity and advanced technologies, expressiveness and understatement. making it a car that is quite simply. desirable!

A modern and exclusive “2+1″ interior

The interior, too, promotes the idea of contrast. While the driver’s seat and all controls are dedicated to out-and-out enjoyment for the driver, the passenger compartment is designed to provide optimum versatility and new sensations for all its occupants.

There is room in the vehicle for three people as the third rear seat nestles in the middle, behind the two front seats. Entry to this seat is facilitated by the centre console, which can slide forward to improve access.

The interior ambience blends colours and materials, with strong references to “a past motoring era” combined with “the latest advanced technology”. Inside the vehicle, patinated leather and different grained wood are examples of the use of authentic and natural materials, warm, sensual and charged with history, that blend seamlessly with, “high tech” materials such as nickel and satin-finished chrome.

The construction of the fascia panel, optimised to perfection, gives a visual prominence to certain mechanical components such as the steering column and a number of peripheral controls. Similarly, the instrumentation combines analogue and digital read-outs, giving clear emphasis to every item of information conveyed to the driver. This is the case for instantaneous fuel consumption and vehicle range, displayed on two glass crystal gauges directly in front of the driver.

Another technological innovation is the creation of an exclusive wristwatch, designed in partnership with Bell&Ross®. This timepiece, with milled inserts of solid aluminium, slots perfectly into a dedicated housing on the fascia panel.

Every component and every detail has, therefore, benefited from meticulous attention, both in terms of design and manufacture, to guarantee perfection and an unrivalled refinement of perceived quality.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Quadra-Lift system features five height settings for optimum ride performance: •Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.1 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving •Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.5 inches for added height in clearing obstacles (9.6 inches) •Off-road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 3 inches of height for 11.1 inches of ground clearance •Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.5 inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress. NRH and Park mode are driver-selectable giving the driver control over vehicle ride height •Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle .6 inches from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls. In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Selec-Terrain™ traction control system lets customers choose the off-road setting for the optimum experience on all terrains. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The Selec-Terrain’s control dial allows the driver to choose from five driving conditions in order to achieve the best driving experience on all terrains: •Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, and torque is tuned for optimal performance •Sport: Provides enhanced on-road “fun-to-drive” capability •Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation •Snow: Vehicle traction and Quadra-Lift adjust for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads •Rock: Quadra-Lift suspension raises to maximum height (11.1 inches) and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers legendary Trail Rated® performance. With the front air dam removed, and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 35.9-degree approach angle, (compared to 32.3 on current model), a 29.2-degree departure angle (compared to 27.5 on current model) and 25.1-degree breakover angle (compared to 20.4 on current model). The all-new independent front and rear suspension features isolated front and rear suspension cradles. Variable-rate rear springs deliver improved on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle’s off-road capability. The new rear suspension allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II).

Quadra Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull. The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.

Quadra Trac II’s two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Source: topspeed.com

2010 Honda HSV-010 GT

When the Japanese automaker Toyota wanted to show the world what their latest super car, the LF-A could do, they entered a pair of preproduction Supra successors into a number of exhibition style endurance races at the world famous Nurburgring. Following a similar path, Honda’s domestic racing program has just announced that they will be returning to the island nation’s top tier of motor sport when they debut their next generation super car, the HSV-10 GT on March 20 at the beginning of the 2010 Super GT season. It is only fitting that the NSX’s successor, the Honda Sports Velocity turns its first wheel in competition at the at the Suzuka Circuit, being that it is the automaker’s own test track, making it an even more important initial run for the HSV because you know that all of the people that are going to decide the new sports vehicle’s fate will be in attendance.

Despite the exotic V10 powered future NSX rumors, the new HSV-10 GT is powered by a low displacement 3.4 Liter V8 with a maximum output of over 500 HP. The high output engine is mated to a Ricardo sequential manual gearbox, the same unit used by Nissan and Toyota in their Super GT machines, ensuring that their drivers will be hard pressed to miss a shift. With a body that is somewhere between 21st century NSX and an ASL Garaiya from the Japanese Autobacs tuning shop, the future HSV-10 GT is guaranteed to carve out a place for itself in Japanese automotive culture.

2010 Toyota Highlander

When we first received the Toyota Highlander into the Top Speed test fleet we immediately noticed just how big the Salsa Red Pearl crossover from Japan really is. Even our base model Highlander came rather well equipped, and is the perfect new car for a growing family on a budget. The Highlander that Toyota chose for us to drive is representative of the automaker’s high quality economical transportation options.

The CUV came with everything you need to get the job done, like third row seating and plenty of interior space to go along with the comfortable ride, minus a few of the pricey creature comforts that the segment has become synonymous with; keeping the new car’s price well in the affordable range. On the outside, everything about the Highlander is big, like the oversized grill and machined six spoke alloys measuring 17 inches in diameter, giving the crossover a more powerful presence rather than a playful persona, unlike the majority of the CUV field. Meanwhile the interior is spacious and wrapped in cloth continuing the cost effective crossover theme.

Although Toyota offers both V6 and Hybrid equipped Highlanders, under the hood our car came equipped with a rather large 2.7 Liter VVT-i four cylinder engine cranking out 187 HP and a gas sipping six speed automatic transmission that is good for 20 MPG in the city and as much as 27 MPG at highway speeds. The package is more than enough to scoot the nearly two ton crossover around town comfortably, all for under $26,000.

Source: topspeed.com

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8

There’s no question: The $43,655 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is challenging. Challenging to certain male egos; challenging to judgmental mothers-in-law; challenging to humorless, Saab/Volvo/Honda Odyssey-driving soccer moms…. Challenging even to some muscle-car aficionados who think the big, bad Dodge is just a little too retro.

Still, fans and even critics cannot help but check out this car. Example: At the strip mall I dashed into the supermarket for 15 minutes, parking the Dodge at the far edge of the lot, the better to avoid rogue shopping-cart dings. When I emerged pushing my own cart a gaggle of males had gathered around the SRT8, wagging their tongues, pointing out details. We chatted; the younger guys took turns behind the wheel; the older ones asked about specs; guys in the middle asked if I’d smoked the tires—had I shown anyone up at a stoplight?

If you like attention you’ll get plenty driving this car. Save from women, who almost universally thought I was suffering from a mid-life crisis (even female friends who know that I review cars asked after my mental well being when they saw the Dodge). Women. Don’t. Get. Muscle. Cars. ‘Nuf said.

Still, provided you’re drawn to a car like this you’re probably already secure in your relationships with the fairer sex—or will give up anything to enjoy 0-60mph times under five seconds and the absolute thrill of starting up a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 with 425 horsepower. This much is hard to argue; the Challenger with this motor can hustle. Luckily, it can also handle. It helps that the baddest Challenger model comes with fat, 245/45ZR20 rubber and a smartly tuned fully independent suspension. Smart? Recall that this is a breed of car that in its original and even very recent guise was measured only by one factor: quarter-mile times. We have, thankfully, arrived at a more nuanced age (at least in this regard), one in which even the engineers of muscle cars have learned how to make all those ponies do more than one trick.

Source: thecarconnection.com

2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and S65 AMG, the powerful top-of-the-line S-Class models, are now even more appealing: thanks to a series of subtle yet extremely effective fine-tuning measures, the two performance saloons are even more striking and priceless than ever before. The updated technology is aimed at ensuring a more dynamic driving experience as well as optimum active and passive safety.

Exclusivity and dynamism combined with effortless superiority and state-of-the-art technology – both of the top S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG embody all of these characteristics and more: the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, with its 386 kW/525 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 630 Newton metres of torque, is capable of accelerating to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, meanwhile, demonstrates even greater superiority: its AMG 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine delivers maximum power of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Both saloons are electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite no changes having been made to the engine data and performance values, it has still been possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 3 percent.

Contributing to the even more exceptional status of the models is the new, more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, featuring twin chrome-plated louvres in the case of the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG. The new front apron incorporates striking, AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and two transverse air outlets on each side. Further striking features include the “6.3 AMG” or “V12 Biturbo” lettering on the front wings and redesigned exterior mirrors.

Side sill panels emphasize the elegant line of the front apron through to the rear of the vehicle, where the new rear apron features yet another highlight: the centre section of the diffuser insert is now painted in the same colour as the vehicle body. New rear lamps with 52 LED’s in the form of a double “C” also give the S‑Class an unmistakable appearance from behind. A distinctive element of both models comes in the guise of the sports exhaust with two chromed twin tailpipes, featuring a V12 design in the case of the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG. Visual aspects which distinguish the V8 from the V12 model also include the attractive AMG light alloy wheels: the S63 AMG has 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres. The S65 AMG, on the other hand, comes with 20-inch forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a mirror finish and fitted with 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tyres.

Source: netcarshow.com

TechArt Porsche Panamera (2010)

TechArt has completed its Individualization Program for the Porsche Panamera model range. As of now, sportscar lovers are able to get the Panamera S and the all-wheel-driven Porsche Panamera 4S refined according their own vision.

OE quality in every detail – true to the own brand principle TechArt has developed the Individualization Program for the Porsche Panamera model range in its well-known and extraordinary style. Only genuine TechArt individualization reflects the typical TechArt design philosophy – technical and aesthetical, visible and invisible.

The Aerodynamic Kit I presents the four-seater in an elegant and excitingly sporty way. The three part front spoiler discreetly hallmarks the dynamic front apron of the Porsche Panamera. At the same time, it reduces effectively the buoyant forces at the front axle and ensures optimal flow of cooling air to the braking system.

The transmission of power to the road is the job of a choice of elegant 21-inch TechArt Formula or sporty 22-inch TechArt Formula II light-metal wheels. For the necessary road holding, TechArt recommends Conti Sport Contact 3 tires or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

Quality and dynamics – in the interior as well as at the exterior

TechArt handcrafted interiors are world famous for an extraordinary level of quality and accuracy. For the Porsche Panamera model range, TechArt is presenting exclusive two-color leather finishing in teak and black. Decorative stitching with matching yarn, a roof liner in the same colored Alcantara, details such as interior color-matched roof handles and foot mats with leather edging in the color teak give rise to extensive individualization. The new TechArt precious wood trims are being used for the first time in the Porsche Panamera model range. The prized ash veneer with a tactile grain decorates the doors, the dashboard and center console.

Source: netcarshow.com

2010 Kia Sorento

Longer and lower, the new Kia Sorento brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban CUV. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia’s new CUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty.

The 4.7-metre long new Kia Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication.

As part of Kia’s drive to expand market coverage with its latest CUV, the new Kia Sorento will be manufactured with a total of four engines – with different engines being available in various regions around the world in order to best suit local requirements and with CO2 emissions from just 173 g/km.

The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established 4×4 and SUV brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a ‘maker of small cars.’

Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the Kia design team aimed to deliver futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism, to once again differentiate Kia’s larger CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) from potential rivals by incorporating Kia’s new design DNA.

“The dynamic design of new Kia Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Sporty and striking, the new Kia Sorento represents a new breed of vehicle,” commented Peter Schreyer, CDO of Kia Motors Corporation.

Bold frontal styling incorporates Kia’s new ‘signature grille’ that blends seamlessly into the new Kia Sorento’s four-light, black bezel wrap-around headlamps. The profile’s rising upper belt-line and the dynamic bevel treatment beneath the greenhouse plus the unique trapezoid C-Pillar adds tension and endows new Sorento with a unique appearance. Extending the rear window to the outer edges of the simply styled tailgate hints at the spacious cabin and the large tail lamps enhance the sporty appearance.

During the development of the new Sorento, Kia engineers ditched the body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell with room for up to seven occupants. Building on those new foundations, they concentrated on eight key areas – class-leading performance, increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved on-road handling, more fun-to-drive responsiveness, greater cabin space and comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies.

The original Kia Sorento earned widespread media and public acclaim for its innovative styling, durability, off-road abilities and value-for-money. Since 2002 it has attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia and achieved global sales of almost 900,000 units.

“With the new Sorento, we have created an all-new, seven-seater CUV that will soon be recognized as an ‘exciting all-rounder’ with a much broader customer appeal,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of the International Business Division. “Despite the current economic uncertainties, we are confident that the new Kia Sorento will significantly increase Kia’s share of the CUV market, achieving annual global sales of 140,000 units from 2010.”

The new, longer bodyshell created for the new Kia Sorento, with its repositioned A-pillars and dashboard (moved forwards) and extended tailgate (moved rearwards), ensures that the cabin is much more spacious than the current model. The real and perceived quality of the cabin is greatly enhanced and available high-tech features will include: keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof.

The new Kia Sorento’s interior styling echoes the sense of power and dynamism created by the exterior appearance. Kia is confident that existing Sorento owners and new customers will be equally impressed by the cabin’s generous proportions, sweeping dashboard design, high-quality fit, discreet trim accents and the availability of numerous high-tech features.

Source: netcarshow.com

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has just announced details about the 2010 Lancer Evolution X for its home market and it looks like they are only making it better. Mitsubishi made enough of these turbocharged all wheel drive sports car in 2008 to last through the 2009 model year, so the announcement of a new 2010 model is a good sign and means that things are back on track for the super car fighting sport compact from the diamond star carmaker. Keep in mind that these updates are currently only being confirmed for the Japanese spec model, but it shouldn’t take too long for the U.S. market to feel the benefits of the upgrades.

The JDM 2010 EVO X now comes with a lower hanging set of side skirts and some new lightweight plastic pieces that actually shed about three pounds off the X’s front end. The new appearance package improves the looks of new Evolution model making it ground effects package that looks as nice as any aftermarket kit on the market. On the inside Mitsubishi has upgraded the monochromatic LCD display on the EVO’s gauges with a more colorful unit that also features a few more performance enhancing functions.

Aside from the aesthetics, the single largest change to the Lancer Evolution lineup is that even the entry level GSR, the 4B11 turbocharged four banger will be mated to a six speed twin clutch transmission from the current top of the line MR model. That means that there will be no more heel toe shifting or manually banging of the five forward gears that made driving an EVO have a more visceral feel. That is not to say that there is anything wrong with an extra cog to improve fuel economy on the highway or a gearbox that is more intelligent than the human behind the wheel, at least when it comes to shifting. However this means that tuners looking to upgrade their vehicles will now have to worry about modifying their SST transmissions as well.

Source: topspeed.com

2010 Heynsdyk 2500SF

Dutch car builders have always taken a unique approach to creating eye catching automobiles, as is evident by the aeronautical inspired super cars that roll out of Spyker’s workshop. However there is a new kid in town, the new Heynsdyk 2500SF from the small independent sports car builder in Eindhoven. The 2500SF is based on the Porsche 944 platform, one of the best handling German sports cars of all time and an interesting build for the backwards engineered Porsche brand with its front engine rear wheel drive layout, and can be custom ordered to suit the buyer’s desires as a kit or even a fully finished turn key roadster.

Eindhoven offers the Heynsdyk 2500SF with up to six different power options, ranging from the base 163 HP variant of the 2.5 Liter four cylinder all the way up to a 250 HP turbocharged flame spitting piston pumper. Part of what makes the new Heynsdyk such a great performance vehicle is the sports car’s 1,980 pound curb weight, which not only allows it to go around corners quite quickly, but also accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in only 6 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 155 MPH.