Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.
We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning.
But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD.
You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right?
More Photos
How could Chhabari possibly inflate the price of the Nano by some $218,000? According to reports coming out New Delhi, DC plans to completely overhaul the budget runabout, replacing all the body panels, brakes, suspension and interior components, along with fitting 20-inch wheels and replacing the 33 horsepower, 624cc engine with a 1.6-liter mill that's able to propel the five-seat hatch to a maximum speed of 124 mph. We figure we could do all of that on a LeMons budget, so either something got lost in translation or we'll have what he's having.
DC Designs came out swinging at this week's Auto Expo 2010, and in addition to revealing its Imperator and Ying Yang concepts, the Mumbai-based firm's namesake – Dilip Chhabaria – revealed plans to produce a bespoke Tata Nano that's set to cost... wait for it... 10 million rupee. That's $220,000.
Chhabari told the AFP that he expects, "...people from Bollywood to be interested in this project, but I think generally it will be people who have a passion for cars." DC plans to sell between two and five modified Nanos each year and expects to not only market his creation in India, but also export his $200k hatch to outside markets. Hey Dilip, stop hogging the hookah.
Tokyo, January 7, 2010 - Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)* is pleased to announce the launch of the Subaru Impreza "R205", a special performance version. The model will go on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan. Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the R205 enhanced the sheer driving performance it shares with former special performance models, such as the "S203" and the "S204", developed by STI. The R205 is the top performance model of the WRX STI. It features new and exclusive equipment and makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts of the "WRX STI spec C" model, the sporty performance model launched 2009. The "R" of R205 stands for "Road Sport".
Most efforts focused on refining handling performance by adopting STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and Bridgestone's specially designed RE070 tyres. Thus the R205 ideally balances agile driving and confident driveability by enhancing a linear steering response and excellent road-holding capability. This is exactly the distinctive ride quality that STI is pursuing as its vehicle development theme, "strength and nimbleness" driving. The R205 offers enhanced total driving control not only in city driving on the road or winding road but also in sporty driving at the circuit.
In addition, STI carried out verification tests of selected performance parts of the R205 through the participation of the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race with an Impreza WRX STI. Making full use of this precious race-track experience at Nurburgring - in which any road condition is condensed - STI successfully completed the model in order to offer sheer excitement and unique driving feeling as a distinctive "Road Sport Model".
The R205 delivers an increased 235kW (320PS) of maximum output, and 431N.m (44.0kg.m) by adopting the exclusively designed turbocharger with ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECU (Engine Control Unit), and the sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive) is also available to neatly suit driving style in any driving situation at driver's command. The front under spoiler, newly developed rear under spoiler, and the black rear spoiler improve aerodynamics. Exclusively designed 18-inch alloy wheels, specially colored front grille and side STI garnish accentuate its uniqueness.
*Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles. The company manages motor sport activities of Subaru.
Major equipment of Subaru Impreza R205
Mechanism:
* STI tuned inverted strut and coil springs for front suspension * STI tuned damper and coil springs for rear suspension * "brembo" 6-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for front brake * "brembo" 4-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for rear brake * STI designed 18-inch cast aluminum wheels * Bridgestone specially designed "POTENZA RE070" (245/40R18) tyres * STI designed flexible type front strut tower bar * STI designed flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension * R205 ECU (Engine Control Unit) * R205 exhaust pipe * R205 twin scroll turbocharger with flexible type ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing * R205 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust * R205 front stabilizer
Interior:
* R205 side sill plate * R205 serial number plate
Exterior:
* R205 front grille (black) * STI designed front under spoiler * STI designed side STI garnish (black metallic) * STI designed rear under spoiler * STI designed rear spoiler (black) * R205 badges on front grille and rear gate
Others:
* The planed production is limited to 400 units * MSRP; 4,510,000 JP Yen (without tax)
Major specifications:
-Engine type; Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine -Displacement; 1,994 cc -Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission -Maximum output; 235kW (320PS)/6,400 rpm -Maximum torque; 431Nm (44.0kg.m)/4,000 rpm -Overall length X width X height; 4,415 X 1,795 X 1,465 mm
The "e-Spark" is GM India's bold move into the Battery Powered Electric Vehicles and will be India's first 4 door Passenger Electric Vehicle! The e-Spark is a local initiative of GM India in collaboration with Reva Electric Car Company. This is a path breaking initiative that has the ability to re-define how automotive companies in India plan for future mobility solutions keeping the carbon footprints and environmental issues in mind. The e-Spark will be one of the leading platforms of GM India in its Drive to Green initiative.
The e-Spark is a true Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). It is going to be based on the existing Chevrolet Spark architecture and will be powered by the RECC EV powertrain. The vehicle will be equipped with a host of smart consumer friendly features.
This car will boast of smart and comfortable seating for four. The 4 doors will allow for ease of entry and exit. The e-Spark will be an "automatic drive" car owing to its unique propulsion system and will be extremely easy to drive without the hassles of using a clutch in the dense city traffic conditions. The easy drive system will be coupled with an equally informative and intelligent Driver Display System that will provide all necessary and vital signals on the dashboard, easily visible to the driver.
The Electric Drive AC Motor provides 100% torque on tap as soon as the accelerator pedal is pressed down. This leads to fantastic acceleration performance. The e-Spark will have a Regular Drive Mode and a Boost Mode that will provide power to the vehicle through a high torque AC electric motor. The Boost Mode will provide additional torque to the driver for a short duration to manage driving style and during those critical moments on the go! The e-Spark will be launched end of this year. More Photos
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 11, 2010 ... As an exciting example of its EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy, BMW announced the North American debut of the 7 Series with a twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. Featuring BMW's award-winning inline-6 engine that produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption, the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. Both models will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010. The M.S.R.P. of the 740i is $71,025 and the long wheelbase 740Li will retail for $75,425 (prices Include $875 Destination and Handling charge). In 1977, the original BMW 7 Series was launched exclusively with inline-6 propulsion. The United States first met the BMW 7 Series in the 1978 model year as the 733i Sedan. The 733i featured a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine rated at 197 horsepower. The 733i remained on sale in America until it was replaced in 1985 by the BMW 735i Sedan. The 735i, which featured an updated inline-6 engine producing 218 horsepower from 3.4 liters, enjoyed a production run that lasted through the end of the 1992 model year. The 735i was joined by the extended-wheelbase 735iL in May of 1988.
A keystone of BMW's EfficientDynamics philosophy is "virtual displacement," the notion that BMW's modern engines of smaller displacement can equal or exceed the outputs of traditional engines of larger displacement and more cylinders. This principle is already seen in the BMW 750i model, which features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine performing at the level of BMW's previous-generation V12 engine. Virtual displacement provides the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions signature of a smaller engine. The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li feature BMW's internationally acclaimed twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine with up-rated output of 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. All-aluminum construction, High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft technology, and Brake Energy Regeneration are a few of the technologies used under the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy to place the 740i and 740Li among the most powerful six-cylinder luxury sedans in the world. Delivering power to the rear wheels is BMW's 6-speed automatic transmission, well-known for fast, smooth gearshifts and an ability to intelligently adapt to the driver's style.
Both models will be available with the full complement of well-known 7 Series options and packages, including the M Sport Package, Driver Assistance Package, Luxury Seating Packages, Rear Entertainment Package, and even the BMW Individual Composition Package. Source: BMW
A two-door, rear-engined Lamborghini SUV / Crossover makes as much sense as a vegetarian working at slaughter house but if anything else, you can't blame independent designer David Cordoso from Belgium for not using his imagination. More photos after the jump.
Westfield Sportscars join EV Cup with their innovative electric race car, the iRACER. Westfield's iRACER is a track focused electric vehicle designed and engineered to support a growing demand for zero emission sports cars. With a target total weight of 600kg, powered by two motors delivering 80kW, the final vehicle will have a sub 5 second 0-60mph time, with an electronically limited top speed of 110mph.
Using an intelligent and flexible design, over half (approx. 100kg) of the state of the art Lithium Phosphate batteries will be stored under the floor to lower the centre of gravity. For a greater range and for better weight distribution, additional batteries can also be positioned towards the front of the vehicle. While this flexibility presents a number of practical and financial benefits, it also offers an additional competitive element for optimal vehicle setup for different circuits on the EV Cup calendar.
Westfield's iRACER joins an already exciting SportsEV class line up. Dr. Paul Faithfull, Technical Director of Westfield Sportscars, "we are excited by the prospect of racing against other electric vehicles at circuits across Europe and beyond. EV Cup represents a great opportunity for us to develop vehicle technology on the back of this direct competition, a way to benchmark and to show that electric racing can be as dramatic and exciting as conventional motorsport."
Says Managing Director Sylvain Filippi: "Westfield's iRACER is another example of the excitement behind performance electric vehicles, this time, open top and very lightweight. We look forward to working with Westfield and witnessing the success of their iRACER."
The iRACER is the result of a collaborative project between Westfield Sportscars, and Niche Vehicle Network partners Potenza Technology, Delta Motorsport, RDM Automotive, and Coventry University. Funded through an Advantage West Midlands programme, the vehicle has been styled by upcoming designer Elliott Hawkins from the Royal College of Arts.
Westfield's iRACER is a track focused electric vehicle designed and engineered to support a growing demand for zero emission sports cars.
Westfield iRACER Specs
General:
Kerb Weight - 600kg
Length - 3600mm
Width - 1635mm
Installation - Rear, rear wheel drive
Bodywork - Lightweight and recyclable
Technical:
Drive motor - Oxford Yasa Motors, 80Kw, 1000Nm @ the wheels
Battery - 170kg, Lithium Phosphate
Performance:
0-60mph - under 5 seconds
Top speed - 110mph (electronically limited)
Range - 55 race miles on a single charge (extendable)
Recharge - 2 hours charge time from three phase generator
This new hybrid drivetrain is a full parallel system – meaning it can run on electricity alone for short distances – utilizing a 1.2-liter gasoline-burning engine with a 50 kW electric motor. Unlike many hybrids that use a CVT transmission, the SX4 is equipped with a five-speed automated manual unit. A lithium ion battery pack of unknown capacity stores the electrons.
Also new is the front bumper, which now places fog lights were air inlets used to be. Instead of oversized upper grille and lower air intake, the car now takes on a more modest and realistic look. However, the new rear bumper is more robust and sporty, which has the unfortunate effect of making the car look a bit disjointed.
In addition to the cool R3 MPV, Suzuki is also showing off a new SX4 Hybrid concept vehicle at the New Delhi Motor Show. Interestingly, this SX4 uses a previously unseen hybrid system developed by Maruti Suzuki with assistance from India's National Hybrid Propulsion Program and the (deep breath) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources' High Energy Density Battery Development Program.
Maruti Suzuki, the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese automaker, will showcase a fleet of the hybrid cars at this year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Developed under a partnership with several government programmes, the Suzuki SX4 Hybrid could enter mass production within five years.
Suzuki's subsidiary in India has introduced a new concept version of the SX4. The automaker introduced the vehicle at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. More Photos
New details have emerged about BMW's facelifted 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible (E92/E93). The latest round of E92 coupe facelift spyshots, which looks to include mostly minor tweaks to front lights (including a new kink in its shape like the new F01 7-series and F10 5-series), revised front and rear lower bumper, and LED rear lights.
The interior dash is also slightly revised per the X1 layout (i.e. seat warmers are now on the air condition panel).
More importantly, BimmerFile is reporting BMW will offer a new "iS" model for the United States. It will boast a double-clutch transmission (a 'Sport Automatic' will also be available), an aerodynamic body kit, and several M styling cues.
As our previous spy photos have shown, the updated 3-Series will feature modified bumpers, new LED taillights, and revised fog lights. Other changes will include new colors choices (both interior and exterior), Anthracite Bamboo wood trim, and revised paddle shifters. The M-Sport package will now feature 19-inch wheels (instead of 18-inchers) and automatic high beam assist will become an optional extra.
BMW did not stop there, there will be an “iS” version (US exclusive model). This ultra sporty version will include a transmission choice of the DCT or a Sport Automatic as well as special styling and aerodynamics. Certain M Sport items, such as a steering wheel will be included. Expect similar engine tweaks to the inline 6 N54 twin turbo as have been found in the 7RR package on the X6 and of course the recently released Z4sDrive35iS. Source:bimmerfilevia:worldcarfans
This is a rendering of the upcoming Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera by graphic artist Jon Sibal. The rendering. The debut for the new Lamborghini is set for the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March.
The new Lamborghini will have the same LP560 gear box, a weight reduction of 70 Kg , and a power increase of 10HP, giving the LP570-4 Superleggera a 2.35 power to weight ratio. 0 to 60 is in 3.5 seconds.
Distinguishing the Superleggera will be the Italian flag colored stripes on the side of the car, as seen in the image here.
The LP570-4 Superleggera will be offered in 6 colors.
Orange
Lime green
Yellow
Black
White
Grey
Exclusive white & Italian flag bordered “Superleggera” stripping on the side. The green, orange, and yellow Superleggera’s will have extensive carbon fiber black interiors with the stitching matching the cars exterior while the grey, white, and black Superleggera’s will be the same but with grey stitching. Here are the different color version of the rendering reflecting the color options for the LP570-4 Superleggerra.
As a refresher, the 650-hp, Viper-based coupe was unveiled last year in Pebble Beach and was due to go into limited production this year in Southern California. We even had the chance to go for a spin the GTX late last year after one of the prototypes set a lap record at Laguna Seca. Devon hoped to thrust America back on the main supercar stage with the bespoke coupe, but without a source for the chassis and 8.4-liter engine, those plans have apparently been dashed. We're hoping to get more details directly from Devon, so stay tuned for an update.
The report of the GTX's demise comes from a "source close to the project," and not an official company statement, but without production of commercial Viper parts, the operation is unlikely to be self-sustainable at the volumes a 650-horsepower hand-built supercar can generate--Devon had planned on a maximum of 36 cars per year.
UPDATE: We've just heard back from company founder, Scott Devon, and the rumors are unfortunately true – the Devon GTX is dead. However, Devon Motorworks will live on, focusing instead on apparel and an upcoming motorcycle project. So what will happen to the one-time Laguna Seca lap-record-holding Devon GTX? One of the two prototypes will be put on display at the company's flagship store opening in Beverly Hills this April. The other might see track duty in the hands of development driver Justin Bell. Here's the official response from Devon:
The Viper platform being discontinued and the inability to amortize tooling costs are the key reasons. But we have two beautiful prototypes and might still race the Laguna Seca car with Justin Bell in GT2. However, our Devon brand plans have expanded to include jeans, leather jackets, watches, scents, and eyewear. Our Beverly Hills flagship store will open this April. We also have a line of motorcycles being made by legendary builder Shinya Kimura. And the black and chrome GTX will be in the store as a display piece of automotive art. I wish we could have gone into production but have no regrets and feel we achieved a significant contribution in auto design along with the Laguna Seca record.
After first announcing plans for a new sports car company last November, Lee Noble, the man behind the newly established Fenix Automotive, has released several teaser sketches of a brand new supercar project his company is working on. Due for launch in the second half of the year, the Fenix Automotive supercar will be a two-seater mid-engined vehicle with up to 650-horsepower and cost upwards of £100,000 (approximately $162,504).
Lee Noble calls it 'a natural, but even more focused successor' to the M12. And it'll be quick: power comes from a choice of two GM-sourced V8s mounted amidships and driving the rear wheels through a Graziano transmission.
'The M12 was hugely successful, but we needed to move the game on in terms of design,' he says. 'The new car’s styling owes nothing to what I’ve done before and has quite literally been a ‘clean sheet’ exercise from the start. It’s edgy, with powerful lines, and aerodynamically will be in another league to any of my previous cars.'
Several different versions will be developed, with power ranging from 480-horsepower in the base model equipped with a GM-sourced LS3 V-8 and topping out at 650-horsepower for the supercharged LS9-equipped range-topper. The gearbox will be a Graziano six-speed manual unit, which incidentally is the same one used in the upcoming Noble M600. Other details include a 2,645-pounds kerb weight and a 0-60 mph time of less than 3.5 seconds. Top speed will be in excess of 200 mph. According to Noble, the car will feature a special feature that will make compliant on the road or the track. The first prototype is already in development and production should start in the middle of the year. Only 100 units are planned and no details have been released on whether it will be manufactured in left-hand drive. via:motorauthority
The New Small Concept is Honda's proposal for a low-cost five-door hatchback in booming emerging markets such as India and it was introduced today at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. Honda was quite secretive about the five-seater supermini's underpinnings and mechanical hardware, but the company did reveal that it is planning to introduce a new model based on this concept sometime in 2011.
It is expected that the official launch of this new small car will be done by second half of year 2011. Not only India but other emerging countries are also expected to witness the launch of this new small car. Honda India launched its Honda Jazz model in the country though because of its high price failed to convince an average Indian hatchback buyer. The new small car of Honda will compete with other upcoming small cars like Volkswagen Polo and Ford Figo. Along with small car concept, Honda will also showcase its Hybrid Sports car concept, CR-Z also in this year's Auto Expo.
It goes without saying that the series model's styling will be toned down a notch or two compared to the concept, though some features such as the hidden rear-door handles could make it into production.
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