Showing posts with label CARS GALLERY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CARS GALLERY. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Suzuki’s stand at this month’s 2011 New York International Auto Show will feature two brand new concepts cars, both based on the Kizashi sedan. In the Japanese automaker’s own words, the first study will be a “stylish and socially-conscious sedan propelled by a newly-developed advanced powertrain”, while the second concept will be a “wildly-schemed and amped up homage to Suzuki’s iconic motorcycle heritage”.
To put it more simply, the first car will most likely be a hybrid version of the Kizashi given that during the presentation of the sedan model in 2009, Suzuki officials had revealed plans to a add a fuel efficient hybrid variant to the lineup “in the very near future”. As for the second Kizashi concept, it will be custom tuned model with numerous styling cues inspired from the company’s motorcycle division.


Photos


















A new, more fuel efficient model has been added to the Opel Astra’s European lineup. The Astra 2.0 CDTI 160HP comes equipped the ecoFLEX package, which includes Start/Stop functionality. Already available for the Astra 1.3 CDTI, the package is offered as an optional extra for the 2.0-liter diesel hatchback and Sports Tourer models in combination with the six-speed manual transmission.
The ecoFLEX technology lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, especially in city traffic, where the Astra 2.0 CDTI hatchback can save up to 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers, equal to a 13 percent reduction over the standard model without the package.
In the combined cycle, the Astra 2.0 CDTI hatch has a rating of 4.5 liters/100 km (52.26 mpg US), 0.4 liters less than the “normal” model. CO2 emissions are also down from 129 to 119 grams per kilometer. When fitted to an Astra Sports Tourer, the ecoFLEX package lowers average fuel consumption by 0.4 liters/100 km to 4.7 liters/100 km, while also reducing CO2 emissions from 134 to 124 g/km.
Other than the Start/Stop system, the package includes the CleanTech Combustion Technology for the 2.0 CDTI unit, which promises clean combustion while also reducing engine noise by means of adjusting fuel injection to the combustion process in real time. As with the 1.3-liter ecoFLEX model, the 2.0-liter version sports an active aero shutter incorporated in the front grille and refined underbody aerodynamics.
Opel also announced that all Astra model equipped with a manual-transmission will be fitted from now on with a shift indicator showing the driver the ideal moment to change gear in order to improve fuel economy.
The ecoFLEX Technology Package for the Astra 2.0 CDTI adds €300 ($425) to the standard car's price in Germany. By spring 2012, Opel wants to offer 34 car/engine combinations with the ecoFLEX technology, including all Astra diesel and petrol models with manual transmission.


Photos

















Toyota's luxury brand Lexus released the first official teaser shots of the new LF-Gh hybrid concept car, which will make its world debut at the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show (April 22 – May 11). The name of the concept stands for Lexus Future Grand Touring Hybrid, and according to the Japanese company,the LF-Gh “sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan.”
Lexus says that the concept model will give a new meaning to the brand's L-Finesse design philosophy, with the car sporting a bolder, more distinct appearance. The company added that many of the thoughts and ideas found on the concept “may migrate to future Lexus vehicles on a global scale.”
Judging from the letter "G" of the car's name, the concept could preview the next generation GS premium sedan, although there is no official mention of this in the Spartan press release.
The two teaser photos show fragments of the front and rear ends, which display more aggressive and sharp looking headlights and taillights. The front photo also offers a glimpse of the car's massive grille and what appears to be an aerodynamic element or a brake vent located in the low corner of the heavily sculpted bumper. The rear photo only shows the car's taillights, which have an intricate design. There is also an aperture below the taillight, most likely located there for styling reasons.
Lexus didn't offer any technical details about its hybrid concept, but we should expect to find out more about it in the two weeks remaining before the unveiling.


Photos
















In a move to target buyers looking for a more individual look for their car, Suzuki has developed a new range of factory accessories for its 2011 Swift supermini in Germany. The lineup is marketed under the “X-ITE” brand and includes a variety of styling parts for both the interior and exterior of the new generation Swift.

The fun starts with exterior and a new body kit to improve the Swift’s curb appeal and to a lesser extent, aerodynamics. It includes a front apron, side skirts, a roof spoiler and a rear apron. The wheel arches can be filled out with a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/40 R17 performance tires, while the exterior look is complemented by contrasting stripes with the “X-ITE” logo.
The Swift’s interior gets some attention as well with an aluminum sport shift knob, stainless steel door sills and black floor mats with silver stitching and an embroidered logo.
Prices for the new Swift “X-ITE” Accessories products range between €65 for the door sill sets and €620 for the light alloy wheels.


Photos












Friday, March 25, 2011



Whoever believed that the new Ford Focus was just a boring sedan for everyday use was wrong. And Ford has proof of that statement in the form of the new Focus race car arriving today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This new concept demonstrates the car’s potential in road and touring car championships with teams around the world, at least that is what Ford is saying. We don’t know if we buy that statement just yet.
The concept car is powered by a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost I-4 engine and features performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing upgraded sway bars with adjustable end links, front brakes with 320-millimeter two-piece rotors, and race pads. The concept sits on Anthracite 18-inch wheels and Hoosier race tires.
The interior also got the racing treatment with an FIA Super 2000 regulations roll cage, Recaro racing seats, an AIM MXL Pista data system, and an AIM Smarty Cam. Added safety features include a Ford Racing fire suppression system and Ford Racing six-point safety harness.
We’re still not entirely convinced that the Focus race car will make Ford proud out on the track, but this is just a concept as of yet and should serve as a decent base for the production model. Ford is production will be ready by 2012, leaving them plenty of time to build on a good thing.

Gallery