The Chevrolet Volt, an extended-range electric vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, will use battery packs manufactured in the United States by General Motors, Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced at the North American International Auto Show. (more…)
Category: Auto News
Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.
-
Chevrolet Volt Battery Packs Will Be Manufactured by General Motors in the United States
-
All-New Mazda3 Boosts The Sport Compact Bar To Unprecedented Heights
In sync with consumers’ mindset-change toward affordable, efficient, high-quality automobiles, Mazda presents the all-new Mazda3. This redefined, reengineered, and restyled sport compact climbs atop its predecessor’s tall shoulders to deliver improved appearance and performance, fresh features, and an unmatched level of refinement. (more…) -
Fiat Qubo: Stylish Family Motoring – Made Simple
Blending an eye-catching and attractive new form with class-leading function, the new Fiat Qubo offers chart-topping family friendliness.Using the highly acclaimed Grande Punto platform as a base, Qubo is aimed at drivers who want to combine versatility, space and a car-like driving experience without sacrificing individuality. (more…)
-
TECHART Program for 997 Carrera/Targa: Aerokit I
The new TECHART Aerokit I program for Porsche 911 models explicitly expresses the silhouette and details that characterize the Porsche brand. Inside, you select from high quality materials to customize your automobile for comfort and style. (more…) -
SEAT presents its electric car project to Spanish government
SEAT presented an electrically-driven vehicle prototype on which the Spanish brand is currently working to Miguel Sebastián, Spanish minister for Industry, Tourism and Business. (more…) -
Unstoppable success: 10 years of the BMW X5
With superior dynamic performance on the road and outstanding traction on rough terrain, the BMW X5 has been on an unstoppable course for success for ten years. BMW presented the first generation of the all-wheel-drive five-door vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in 1999, thereby founding the segment of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).
The world premiere marked the start of an unprecedented success story. Within one decade, over 845,000 units of the BMW X5 were sold. As a result of the consistent further development of the SAV concept, there are now three BMW X models to choose from, with a fourth ready for serial production in 2009. What is more, the BMW X5 became the key inspiration for the entire competitive field of all-wheel-drive vehicles. In its anniversary year, with the BMW X5 now in its second generation, the vehicle remains the role model and benchmark of its class in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, versatility, premium quality and safety.
From the very beginning, the key to the success of the BMW X5 lay in its combination of two fascinating qualities which had never been realised in any vehicle previously. The new model successfully transferred characteristic BMW driving pleasure into a completely new market segment. For the very first time, the spacious, permanently four-wheel driven BMW X5 combined the driving dynamics of a BMW sedan with supreme mobility away from asphalted road surfaces. Its integral safety body and independent wheel suspension clearly set the BMW X5 apart from conventional off-road vehicles, with the driving stability system DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including automatic differential brake ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) ensuring supreme driving qualities both on and off the road.
Dynamic performance and versatility were also expressed in the design of the vehicle. Another striking feature was the raised seating position which instantly gave the driver the same sense of supremacy which was provided by the chassis technology. In addition, the spacious, versatile and high-quality interior provided a whole new driving experience for an all-wheel-drive automobile.
The second generation of the BMW X5 launched in autumn 2006 saw a consistent further development of the Sports Activity Vehicle’s characteristic features. With its increased space comfort, luxurious ambience, even more supreme drivetrain technology and innovative chassis along with driver assistance systems, the new BMW X5 once again sets the benchmark throughout the extended competitive field of BMW X models. Like its predecessor it is produced at BMW’s North American plant in Spartanburg and is the first BMW to potentially provide seating for up to seven occupants. Its further developed intelligent all-wheel drive BMW xDrive uniquely enhances both driving dynamics on the road and traction over rough terrain. The permanent, electronically controlled all-wheel drive, which is also networked with the drive stability system DSC, distributes drive power variably between the front and rear wheels.
With the success of the BMW X5, the foundation stone was laid for the current status of BMW as the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium all-wheel drive vehicles. What is more, numerous reputable awards for the vehicle’s design, quality and safety reflect the increased appeal of the large SAV models made by BMW. In 2007 the BMW X5 received the design award “autonis” of the automobile journal “auto motor und sport” for the most attractive design and a gold award in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study in North America, as well as securing class victory in the “auto 1” competition of the international “Auto Bild” Group. These prizes were followed in 2008 by class victory in the “auto, motor und sport” readers’ vote “The best cars”. Twice in succession, the BMW X5 also won a place among the three vehicles with the most stable value in the German automobile market, causing the magazine “Auto Bild” to pronounce it “Value Master of the Year” in both 2007 and 2008.
As long ago as 2000, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US declared the BMW X5 of the first generation to be the safest vehicle ever to be subjected to one of its crash tests. In 2003 the SAV achieved the highest possible score of 5 stars on the Euro-NCAP crash test. The current BMW X5 received the “Top Safety Pick Award” for outstanding crash test results from the IIHS in both 2007 and 2008.
The BMW X5 of model year 2009 also occupies a leading position in the area of efficiency. State-of-the-art 8 and 6-cylinder petrol engines and outstandingly economical 6-cylinder diesel engines in combination with current BMW EfficientDynamics measures ensure that the BMW X5 combines its excellent qualities with fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels which are exemplary in its vehicle and output category. This is also evidence that the development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics has taken impressive effect in the segment of the BMW X models, too. After all, the fuel consumption of all engine types of the BMW X5 has been considerably reduced in the course of its ten-year history – despite a significant increase in power. The BMW X5 xDrive48i of model year 2009 achieves an average fuel consumption of 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle – 13 per cent lower than the BMW X5 4.4i of the year 2000 which had almost 70 bhp less output. The BMW X5 xDrive30i surpasses its predecessor models by 41 bhp, yet it has an average fuel consumption level of just 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, i.e. around 20 per cent less. In the BMW X5 xDrive30d, the output has been increased by 51 bhp, but fuel consumption has been cut by over 15 per cent to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
These figures are all the more impressive when they are viewed in relation to the space and comfort offered by the vehicle. The first BMW to offer space for seven vehicle occupants is available with engines which offer outstanding fuel economy and a low level of exhaust emissions. With an average fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 output of 217 grams the BMW X5 xDrive30d with 173 kW/235 bhp shows a remarkable degree of efficiency, especially considering its seating capacity: even in the segment of small cars, a per-capita fuel consumption of less than 1.2 litres per 100 kilometres and the relevant CO2 output level of 31 grams per kilometre is achieved only rarely.
-
Land Rover Takes The Boat Show By Storm
As the official vehicle sponsor, Land Rover will be showcasing the new Range Rover Sport ‘Stormer Edition’ together with the latest line-up of vehicles at The London International Boat Show this week. The ‘Stormer Edition’ is based on the entry-level Range Rover Sport TDV6 ‘S’ but comes with additional features including 20 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, tail-mounted rear spoiler, deep sculptured front and rear bumpers, integrated rectangular exhaust pipes, body-coloured lower body side mouldings and lower tailgate moulding, leather seats, front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC) and Personal Telephone Integration. (more…)
-
New Generation Toyota Prius Unveiled
A new chapter in the history of Prius opens at the Detroit motor show with the official unveiling of the all-new, third-generation of Toyota’s world-leading hybrid power car. With a heritage of more than one million sales worldwide since the original model was launched in 1997, new Prius takes the benefits of hybrid to a new level, promising even better fuel economy and performance and reduced full lifecycle emissions, from manufacturing through to ultimate disposal. These qualities are combined with sharper styling, improved interior space and comfort and a more rewarding driving experience. (more…)
-
Tesla Motors introduces Roadster Sport
Tesla Motors Inc. began taking orders today for the Roadster Sport, a high-performance sports car based on the world’s leading all-electric, zero-emission vehicle.The Roadster Sport accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, compared with 3.9 seconds for the standard Roadster. It comes with a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. In addition to Yokohama’s Ultra High Performance tyres, the Roadster Sport has improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver’s preference.
The Roadster Sport starts at $128,500 in the United States and €112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe. Deliveries begin in late June.
“This car can beat nearly anything in its price class – yet it is twice as efficient as compact hybrid sedans,” said Michael van der Sande, Tesla’s senior vice president of global sales, service and marketing. “If you refuse to compromise on performance or the environment, the Roadster Sport is your only option.”
The Roadster Sport is the first derivative of Tesla’s proprietary, patented powertrain. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla plans to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emssion Model S five-passenger sedan in 2011.
Tesla has delivered more than 150 Roadsters to customers, and about 1,100 people are on the waiting list. Customers who haven’t taken delivery may upgrade to the Roadster Sport.
“The Roadster Sport embodies Tesla’s spirit of continuous improvement,” said CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “The Roadster has been a great success, but no one at this company remains satisfied with the status quo.”
-
Lincoln C Concept: Big Luxury In Small Package
Lincoln is breaking new ground with the Lincoln C concept, a new big idea for a small luxury car. (more…) -
IFR Aspid approved for Britcar racing championship
The new IFR Aspid sports car has received approval to compete in the Britcar endurance racing car series. The high performance road car, which already meets FIA security specifications, was sanctioned for the championship at a meeting between IFR founder Ignacio Fernández and Britcar founder James Tucker held at the Autosport International racing car show.
“I’m delighted that teams will now have the opportunity to race the Aspid in this championship series,” says Fernández. “The car was designed from the outset to meet FIA as well as EU regulations, so is unique in being a genuine ready-to-race high performance road car. No additional preparation is required to go racing, so teams will find it extremely affordable.”
“We welcome this all new player to the grid,” added Tucker. “We created our endurance race car championship in 2002 with a new set of rules to attract a wide diversity of entries and the Aspid brings an exciting new addition to the series that will add to the racing and overtaking spectacle.”
Tucker has confirmed that teams can enter the 270bhp naturally aspirated Aspid sport model in keeping with the series’ power-to-weight ratio regulation. Due to the car’s extreme lightweight design, the 400bhp supercharged supersport model was considered at this stage to give too much of a performance advantage for Britcar racing, but will be considered for a possible new class of higher power-to-weight ratio race cars in the future.
Racing car driver, Rob Hedley, has already expressed an interest in putting together the first team to race the new car and is lining up potential sponsors.
“I knew I wanted to race it when I first heard about the car,” said Hedley. “The Aspid is a brilliant piece of automotive engineering, developed from first principles, and should prove highly competitive. It’s also immensely strong and offers a robust, reliable and cost-effective racing opportunity.”
The car attracted a high level of interest at the Autosport and PistonHeads show, when it was shown for only the second time in the UK, following its debut at the British International Motor show last July. Racecar enthusiasts and motor industry professionals had a rare opportunity to see it close-up and examine its exciting new technology and design features. Ignacio Fernández, who put together the team of automotive engineers that created the car, was on hand to explain how the Aspid manages to outperform even a World Rally Championship car as well as most supercars … and at a fraction of the price.
The award-winning Cataluña based company he founded five years ago, IFR Automotive, was established to help develop innovative green technologies based on new lightweight automotive designs increasingly required for the mainstream car market.
-
Lexus Stages World Debut of the 2010 HS 250h at NAIAS
Lexus today revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show. The HS 250h will be Lexus’ fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design. (more…)
