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New Car 2007: February 2007

New Car 2007

Car In The World

Monday, February 12, 2007

Jaguar XK

by Jessica Howell

Gorgeous.” Gorgeous. I’m sure that I can hear someone whisper it into the wind as I make my way down Highway One of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, along the rocky coast of the Pacific.

You’ve seen the fast paced Jaguar ads that manipulate television screens in a mélange of sexy women, dashing young men, flamboyant wealth and closely cropped shots of automotive detail. Like all effective advertising does, it speaks to the id in us, connecting almost instantaneously with the explicitly human desire for all that glitters. And the tagline for the product – the all-new Jaguar XK – is splashed in such obvious grandeur across the mast of the ads that it almost seems subliminal: gorgeous. Not simply a word, let alone a meager adjective, it represents a lifestyle.

And I’m sold.

The all-new 2007 XK is Jaguar’s answer to the previous model that was the brand’s fastest selling sports car ever, but ceased production in June of 2005. Even more stunning than its predecessor, the 2007 XK is available as either coupe or convertible – same as before – but offers a lighter, faster and more spacious Jaguar that combines the luxe elements of a grand tourer with the aggressive, but captivating, attitude of a sports car.

Sleeker
Fleeting glances are non-existent on XK’s turf. What might begin as a momentary look-over is sure to quickly develop into a lusty, visual affair. Whether ragtop convertible (top stowed) or classy coupe, the XK is right where Jaguar intended – straddling the line between sultry sports car and elegantly appointed four-seater.

Let’s start with the exterior. The coupe demonstrates classic, low -to-the-pavement proportions that streamline a taut and lean muscular body hugging underneath mechanics. Jag’s oval grille opening standardizes the vehicle’s façade but gives way to a body that highlights aggressive rear haunches and smooth, tapered rear; you’ll also notice Jaguar’s new signature front-wing power vents, a nod to special edition XJ Super V8 Portfolio that will likely pop up on future models as well.

The convertible mimics the same design and gets an even prettier profile with top stowed. XK designer Ian Callum reveals that the convertible was designed first since it’s easier to put a hard-top roof on a convertible than to swipe one off of a coupe. He scores points for unmatched fluidity – the convertible stands secure in its design – hardly the ragtop option that accompanies competitor models. These are two separate machines, both brilliantly designed to accentuate their most striking features.

Inside is a 2 + 2 setup that boasts moderate space for driver and front-seat passenger but offers space in the backseat for little more than the notion of practicality. (The trunk, by the way, was created to be large enough for two golf bags. We didn’t test the theory, but measurements account for ten feet or seven feet in the convertible with the roof down – which stows in 18 seconds with the press of a single button.)

There’s no arguing that drivers won’t be comfortable, however. This is a driver’s kind of car and so it can only be assumed that the cockpit was given special attention and created to be driver-focused.
Slip into the low-slung, body-hugging front seat and you’ll reap a wide-open view of the road before you. Airy and spacious, there’s more room for head and legs than in the previous model. The necessities surround you – functionality is at a premium, allowing simple access to what matters most – like a touch-screen that rids the console of rarely touched buttons and switches. Seven inches wide, the touch-screen serves as system center for the car, allowing control of climate, audio, nav, telephone (Bluetooth based) and vehicle settings within as few pushes as possible. Weary eyes will like that icons enlarge upon touch.

Choose an interior color scheme that suits your personality – contrasting Ivory and Charcoal for a mod look; Ivory and Slate Blue speaks of fresh contemporary, Charcoal for the brooding sportster or Caramel for a warm, comfortable setting. Veneers come in one of three choices: Aluminum, Burl Walnut and the edgy Poplar wood.

Lighter
All-aluminum construction makes this XK lighter than competitor Mercedes SL and BMW 6 Series by a difference of nearly 500 lbs. which translates into better handling and performance, as well as increased fuel efficiency. Lighter, however, doesn’t mean looser. The all-aluminum body does wonders for stiffening construction, creating a coupe that is 30 percent stiffer than the previous model and a convertible that garners a hefty 50 percent increase in torsional rigidity.

Safety soars, too. The upgraded strength advantage lends a hand to lower-speed accident repair costs and the fact that there is only a single welded joint in the body (a cosmetic roof joint at that) means greater protection in impacts. Developed by aircraft industry pros, Jag coins this “Lightweight Vehicle Technology.”

Faster
There’s no need to pound on this pedal. Tap lightly and you’ll feel the XK spring into action beneath you – spurred by its naturally aspirated 4.2L V8 offering 300-hp that goes from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. You’ll find the engine standard in both models – coming in less than a half second slower than the previous XKR, Jag’s pumped up performance version.

Accompanying pedal-to-the-metal driving is the healthy roar of the V8. Not noisy enough for discomfort, but loud enough to remind you that of the pouncing feline feist beneath the hood. You have the new Semi-Active Exhaust system to thank for that. It works to vary the flow of gases and features acoustically tuned tailpipes to musically tantalize those left in your dust.

Work the gears with the XK’s new six-speed automatic transmission that features Bosch Mechatronic shift whose adaptive properties respond to road conditions and different driving styles to shift as smoothly as possible. Playful drivers can get a feel for XK’s throttle potential by throwing the gearshift into new Sport mode and toggling steering wheel-mounted shift paddles to up- and downshift. Designed to operate with no torque interrupt, the Jag’s Sequential Shift feels smooth and steady – and completes a shift from touch to turn in approximately 600 milliseconds, making it the fastest automatic transmission available, and quite possibly the fasted Sport shift around.
Safer
A world first, Jaguar’s new Pedestrian Contact Sensing is a deployable bonnet that helps soften the severity of impact injuries between pedestrians and car. If triggered, the bonnet automatically releases upward by a few inches which makes more space, consequently protecting the pedestrian from the engine. A front bumper sensing system is in place to discriminate pedestrian accidents from front-end collisions.
Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Trac Dynamic Stability Control (TracDSC) and traction control are all standard. Keyless entry and keyless start are also standard. Standard also is the Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTS) for driver and passenger safety. Measuring driver position and weight in reference to steering wheel, ARTS deploys airbags at the most efficient energy levels. In addition to these two front airbags are two combined front-seat head and thorax side airbags. Pop-up bars for rollover protection are standard on the convertible.

If the ad doesn’t lie, and my opinion says it doesn’t, you’ll be feeling quite gorgeous in the all-new XK; and you’ll feel safe and protected too. That’s important – because the whispers of the wind can be quite distracting.
For more information visit the Jaguar website here.

2007 Jaguar XK
Description: Coupe and Convertible 2+2 Sports Car
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Overall length: 188.6 inches
Engine size: DOHC 4.2L 90-degree V8
Transmission: 6-speed ZF automatic with Jaguar Sequential Shift with paddle shifts standard
Steering: Bosch® Servotronic 2 power-assisted, speed-sensitive, variable-ratio rack and pinion
Air bags: Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTS)
2 (fr) 2 (side/thorax)
MSRP: Coupe: Starting at $75,500
Convertible: Starting at $81,500

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:39 AM 0 comments

An "R" turns a pampered housecat into, well, a Jaguar

by Steve Siler

It’s hard to think of Jaguars objectively. After all, a Jaguar isn’t just another car. A Jaguar is as much about stimulating the senses as getting you around town. Indeed, transportation becomes quite secondary when beautiful curves, luscious leather and sonorous engines are so, well, inebriating. And no truer has this been since the vaunted, Sixties-vintage XKE than it is in the case of the all-new 2007 Jaguar XKR.

"Gorgeous-R"
Now before we start talking about what makes the XKR an XKR, let’s just spend a minute savoring the sheer sex appeal of the entire XK line. There’s absolutely no denying that all Jaguar models are beautiful. And the muscular and exotic XK coupe is beautiful beyond words. Lead designer Ian Callum, whose design credits include none other than two other unspeakably sexy cars: the Aston Martin DB9 and Vanquish, has brought his expertise to Jaguar and applied what he considers to be fundamental coupe proportions to the XK. Indeed, it’s no accident that the XK looks so similar to the Astons, as he believes there is only a certain way a proper coupe should look: long hood, high haunches, sloping tail, sleek but muscular surfaces. The convertible has a "correctness" to it that could only have come if the convertible was designed first, which indeed is what happened. According to Callum, the stance and proportions of a convertible are harder to get right than coupes, as chopping the roof off a coupe design—even before ever building a model or prototype—is harder to do well than adding a roof to a perfectly honed convertible.

Clearly, he knows what he’s talking about, as his Astons are flawless, and his XKs are too. But while the Astons exude their appeal primarily through their body contours, with a minimum of superfluous ornamentation, Callum felt it necessary to add a bit of body "jewelry" to the Jag in order to make it distinct and luxurious in appearance, befitting of the Jaguar image but stopping short of appearing gauche. And we’re not talking about belly rings and rhinestones. In this case, Jewelry means a side vent with a chrome Jaguar badge, intricately designed head- and taillights and plenty more chrome elsewhere on the car, from the window trim to the grille to the rear tailgate. Nice job, Cal.

But as with the previous XK line, the R version takes a performance bent (more on that in a bit). So when creating the new R, sexy wire mesh was added to the grille, while side vents became metallic. Standard 19- or optional 20-inch wheels engorge the wheelwells, rectangular vents were added to the hood and quad tailpipes were installed out back to suggest that this particular kitty has sharper claws. Oh so subtle changes, but oh so effective.

"Fast-R"
In addition to beauty, something that Jaguars also evoke is speed (go figure). However, the previous XK, as talented and pretty as it was, seemed to be more housecat-being-chased-by-a-Doberman quick, not cheetah-chasing-a-gazelle fast. And in spite of its technologically advanced, aluminum-everywhere body structure—which is both stronger and lighter than the previous model (by a lot), the new XK still feels merely "brisk" and not "fast."

The XKR is equipped with a supercharged version of the 4.2-liter V-8 that’s found all over the Jaguar lineup. This, however, is the most potent version we’ve seen yet, with 420 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque being sent to extra-fat 19- or 20-inch rear wheels wrapped with tires aggressive enough not to be transformed into black pools of molten rubber every time you poke the go-pedal. Compared with the previous XKR, the 2007 model features enhanced breathing characteristics that freed up an additional 30 horsepower, whilst quelling the whine that often accompanies superchargers. Thus, the V-8’s deep, bass exhaust note comes through loud and clear as your body is smashed into the seatbacks on your way to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds for the coupe (5.0 for the ragtop). The six-speed automatic with standard paddle-shift manual controls on the steering wheel made easy and quick work of any shifting we felt like doing ourselves, though we mostly left the gearbox to itself, so effective it was. After several top-down hours test driving this sexy cat in northern Spain’s gorgeous wine country, it became clear that this is how a modern Jaguar should drive. We started looking for gazelles.

Enhancements have been made in other areas as well. Brakes have been upgraded to help the XKR’s deceleration match its acceleration. Considering the R’s razor-thin “tyres,” and marginally stiffer suspension setup, one might expect a stiff spleen-punishing ride is in store. But it’s really quite well composed…a super car that you can drive every day, even on cobblestone streets and bumpy highways. Indeed, the stiff aluminum body keeps vibration out and ensures that everything in the interior will stay together.

"Interi-R"
The XKR’s interior is basically the same as that in the XK, with just a bit more of an edge. The R’s dashboard and doors are trimmed with standard, sporty, patterned aluminum trim which can be swapped for lustrous wood, should one desire a more traditional look. The dash itself is handsome and symmetrical, with a center-mounted screen-based interface system through which many of the controls are adjusted. This is indeed one of the car’s best features, so intuitive and well organized that it absolutely embarrasses Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi’s complicated systems that do less and do it worse.

The unique sport seats are a bit more aggressively bolstered to hold the driver in place better during more "spirited" motoring. The seats are covered in decent leather, but we recommend springing for the premium leather option, which takes its hides from cows that must have moisturized since birth. As with all XKs, the XKR does have rear "seats," but don’t try to seat anyone bigger than a schnauzer there. No, this car is for two and don’t you forget it.

One surprising aspect of the XKR is its versatility, thanks in particular to its large trunk. Combined with the rear seat, which is best used as another storage area, a full day of splurging at the mall is possible without leaving your shopping companion to fend for herself. Furthermore, the coupe is actually a hatchback, making loading things in and out a breeze without ruining is slippery lines.

"Prici-R"
So how much for this everyday supercar? Prices have been set at $86,500 for the coupe and $92,500 for the convertible, placing it below its more powerful competitors such as the BMW M6 (which is more of a hard-core, sports car) and the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (which has way less versatility). Still, this is only about $10K more than the regular XK, but you’re getting about 30% more perform-ance out of it…good solid math that only a cat could teach us.

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:37 AM 0 comments

saturnsky

by Ann Job

Saturn's best kept secret sells out for the calendar year
My nickname for Saturn’s new car, the 2007 Sky, is “Saturn’s best secret.” The reason: During my weeklong test drive, other drivers repeatedly sought me out to ask “what is that?”

They could see the Saturn badge on the Sky. But even if they were familiar enough with Saturn to recognize the badge, many still couldn’t believe that the sexy-looking Sky was from Saturn Company. It’s not their fault. Saturn vehicles over the years have been rather ho-hum in styling. But the Sky stands out in a crowd, just as Saturn officials wanted. Not only does the Sky look good on the outside, the sporty interior looks far more upscale compared with other Saturn vehicles.

Indeed, so many consumers now want to buy a Sky that the production run for the rest of calendar 2006 is effectively sold out, according to Saturn. Based on the same underpinnings as the 2006 Pontiac Solstice roadster, the Sky is a low-slung, stylish, two-seat convertible with a pleasant ride, agreeable power and decent starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $23,115.

This is for the base model with 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The roof, with glass rear window, is fabric, nicely lined inside and goes up and down manually.

A turbocharged Sky Red Line with 260-horsepower, 2-liter four cylinder is due this September. Just don’t look for noteworthy fuel economy. The base Sky is rated at 22 miles a gallon in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway, which is lower than many other convertibles, including the two-passenger Mazda MX-5 Miata and the four-passenger Mini Cooper and Audi A4.

Contemporary look
Saturn and Pontiac have the same parent company, General Motors of Detroit. So, the Solstice and Sky are built at the same Wilmington, Deleware, assembly plant and share the same rear-wheel-drive platform, engines and transmissions, roof mechanism and other major components. Both cars feature long hoods and short rear ends which epitomize roadsters. But every body panel on the outside of the two cars is different.

Thus, where the Solstice is a lighter-weight car with bold styling that exudes a raw roadster personality like that of roadsters of the past, the Sky comes across as a less macho car with more contemporary styling. (Note: The Sky’s body panels are steel, not the plastic that typified early Saturn vehicles.)

The base Sky also comes standard with more creature comforts than does the Solstice, which has a lower base price of $20,490. For example, remote keyless entry, cruise control and antilock brakes are standard on the Sky but optional on the base Solstice.

Four-cylinder power only
The base Sky engine was mated to an optional five-speed automatic in the test car and performed with good spirit. Torque peaks at 166 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm, and I could keep up with city traffic easily and had decent power for passing on highways. But a five-speed manual transmission on another tester didn’t have the short, easy throws of the six-speed manual in the competing 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Maybe this is because the manual transmission in the Sky and Solstice is the same one used in the GMC Canyon pickup truck, which also is a GM product.

Be aware there’s some noisiness from this engine, and it’s not always pleasant.

Nice ride
While the Sky has the same basic, independent, short/long arm suspension in the front and back as the Solstice, it has different tuning. This explains why the test Sky felt so comfortable to drive.

The car is wider than expected and felt stable. It absorbs many road bumps so passengers weren’t jarred or jiggled incessantly, even though they sit quite low to the ground. Note that the Sky is only 4.1 feet tall with the roof on. A few big road shakes came through to Sky pass-engers only on major potholes, old railroad track crossings and rough road. Yet, the Sky tester stuck easily to the pavement on curves, and the power rack-and-pinion steering had good on-center feel.

About that roof…
Unfortunately, both the Sky and Solstice force drivers to get out of their vehicles to put the tops down and back up.

Basically, a driver must push a button inside to spring the rear clamshell cover asnd rear roof buttresses, then unlatch the roof from the top of the windshield and climb out of the car to push the folding roof into the rear, shallow holding area.

After this, the driver must slam down the clamshell cover. I noticed that a GM official who demonstrated this maneuver recently had taken to standing right at the back of the Sky to position himself centrally over the clamshell as it goes down. This seems to help get the clamshell hook in the right position for the latch that’s behind and right between the two seats.

But at 5 feet 4, I can’t stretch myself easily over the metal clamshell for this maneuver -- not to mention it gets my clothes dirty. So I would stand by the side of the car, in front of a rear tire, and push the clamshell down. But I often had to repeat this once or twice before the hook and latch would catch.

The test car had annoying wind noise that emanated from the roof, by the driver’s left ear. And I wonder how the fabric roof buttresses will look after a year or two. On the test Sky, they already had some puckers and didn’t look tight and streamlined.

Maximum trunk room is 5.4 cubic feet with the roof up. But this space is the sum of shallow areas positioned around the gas tank. So hard-sided luggage and even full grocery bags don’t fit. The 13.6-gallon gas tank is problematic, too. I went only 267 miles before the low-fuel warning light came on.
For more information visit the Saturn website here.

2007 Saturn Sky
Description: Compact roadster convertible
Model options: Sky and Sky Red Line
Wheelbase: 95.1 inches
Overall length: 161.1 inches
Engine size: DOHC 2.4-L DOHC, 4-cylinder with aluminum block and twin balance shafts
Transmission: 5-speed manual standard
5-speed automatic optional
Drive: Rear
Steering: Power rack and pinion
Braking: Power 4-disc
opt. ABS/DRP
Air bags: 2 (front) Dual-stage
Fuel mileage city/hwy: 20/28 mpg (manual)
22/26 mpg (automatic)
MSRP: $23,115

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:34 AM 0 comments

007 Ford Sport Trac expanded combines a pickup and SUV

by Bob Plunkett

A heap of sand stacks hundreds of feet high to fashion a mound-like lump looming over Lake Elsinore in the Santa Ana Mountains of Southern California. A twin-rut trail leads straight to the top of this hill, and we find multiple reasons why we should steer our test vehicle up the steep and slippery slope.

The tester in this instance is a four-wheel-drive (4WD) version of Ford's 2007 Sport Trac, a crossover vehicle which rides on the chassis of Ford's Explorer SUV and gets the four-door and five-seat passenger compartment of Explorer yet foregoes Explorer's rear cargo bay in favor of the abbreviated bed of a pickup truck.

With a cabin like a SUV but the brief back box of a pickup, Sport Trac functions as both a truck and SUV, which explains its description as a sport-utility truck, or SUT. Ford originated the concept by fashioning the 2001 Sport Trac off Explorer's platform, but the next generation Sport Trac pops up as a 2007 model using components from the redesigned Explorer of 2006.

This re-do creates a larger and more powerful SUT. Sport Trac for 2007 has a wheelbase of 130.5 inches, which stretches 4.6 inches longer than the predecessor Sport Trac. The overall length increases by 4.3 inches to 210.2 inches, with the width expanding two inches to 73.7 inches and the roofline capping 2.4 inches higher at 72.5 inches.

A robust new tube-through-tube frame that's stronger and far less flexible than the previous chassis becomes a core ingredient for the new Sport Trac, and it carries a suspension system rarely found on a truck -- there are independent components suspending the rear wheels as well as the front ones.

These structural changes for chassis and suspension dramatically affect the ride and handling characteristics.

In effect, Sport Trac feels smooth and settled now like it's a part of the road and, when pitched into the face of a hard corner, the SUT reacts with a flat stance to forge a stable track through the curve without tossing the structure off-center or unsettling riders strapped inside.

The new version features a crisp new design for the sheetmetal outside and upgraded materials in the cabin, with two new engine choices and more safety gear aboard.

Sport Trac looks muscular in the new design posed in tall stance with a bold face, curvy bulges on the sides around wheelwells and large squarish headlamp clusters on front corners flanking a big grille in the shape of an inverted trapezoid.

In profile, Sport Trac appears the same as Explorer from the front bumper and rearward to the pillar behind the second side door. Beyond that pillar, the wagon's enclosed cargo compartment has been replaced with the sawed-off bed of a pickup.

The truck box, 49.66 inches long at floor level and 61.4 inches wide, is made from sturdy composite material and contains three storage bins tucked into the floor, each with a weather-resistant lid and drain plug. The box contains 37.5 cubic feet in volume, with a pickup gate in back and optional rigid tonneau cover as a lid that locks and also folds in half.

Obviously, the box does not approximate the bed of a conventional pickup and it won't accommodate truck load standards like 4x8 sheets of plywood. It will, however, provide enough room for a pile of sports gear, a dirt bike or two or snowboards and backpacks.

Also, there's an option for the U-shaped tubular stainless steel brace which swings out to form a bed-extending rail with the tailgate folded flat for a floor.

Sport Trac comes in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and 4WD versions with equipment increasing through two deluxe trim designations of XLT and Limited.
Inside, the spacious cabin reveals new decorative trimwork, a revised instrument panel with stylish gauges, plus firm front row bucket seats. The second row has a three-seat bench but the seatback splits 60/40 with fold-down seatbacks. With seatbacks folded flat, the space converts to an interior cargo compartment.

Issues of personal safety are addressed with strong structural elements and energy-absorbing crush zones front and rear plus a variety of safety systems aboard.

Both trim versions contain dual-stage frontal air bags for front riders plus side-impact air bags.

Sport Trac also offers roll-over protection via Ford's Safety Canopy curtain-style side air bags housed in the headliner above first and second rows. It will deploy if on-board sensors detect roll-over movement of the vehicle.

Gear promoting active safety includes a fast rack and pinion steering mechanism and standard four-wheel disc brakes, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) anti-skid equipment.

The optional 4WD Control Trac system also relates to safety, as the mechanism has an automatic mode that monitors grip for all wheels and can selectively distribute traction between front and rear wheels to maintain tire bite on slippery roads.

Push-button controls allow the driver to lock the system in high or low range of 4WD for off-road travel and draw upon a torque-multiplying gear set in the transfer case for extra power when tackling deep sand and steep grades.

That's what we used to climb the sandy hump overlooking Lake Elsinore, but Sport Trac took all the work out of that chore, quickly scaling the mound.

Powertrain upgrades apply to the 2007 Sport Trac. The standard engine, a 4.0-liter single-cam V6, has a new camshaft and variable valve timing plus improved emission controls to achieve ULEV II status. It produces 210 hp at 5100 rpm with strong torque dispersed evenly across the range of engine speeds up to 254 lb-ft at 3700 rpm. Tied to the V6 is a five-speed automatic which employs adaptive shift logic through electronic controls.

The optional engine, a new aluminum V8 plant in single-cam design with 4.6-liter displacement and three valves per cylinder, punches out 292 hp at 5750 rpm plus big torque of 300 lb-ft at 3950 rpm.

The V8 mates exclusively with a new six-speed electronic automatic which improves fuel economy and elevates Sport Trac's trailer towing capacity up to 6800 pounds for the 2WD version.
2007 FORD SPORT TRAC SUT
Description: Mid-size sport-utility truck
Model options: Sport Trac XLT
Sport Trac Limited
Engine size: SOHC 4.0-L V6
SOHC 4.6-L V8
Transmission: V6: Auto/5
V8: Auto/6
Wheelbase: 130.5 inches
Overall Length: 210.2 inches
Rear/Front Drive: 2WD/Rear
4WD/Control Trac
Steering: Power rack and pinion
Braking: Power 4-disc
ABS/EBD/RSC/AdvanceTrac/TPMS
Air bags: 2 (front)
2 (side)
+ opt. 4 (side curtain)
Fuel Economy: V8 2WD: 15/21 mpg
V8 4WD: 14/20 mpg
MSRP: V6 2WD: $24,940
V8 4WD: $30,235

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:30 AM 0 comments

Subaru plans Geneva reveal for turbo-diesel

Action stations: The Subaru turbo-diesel is destined for the Outback.

Subaru's new flat-four turbo-diesel could end up powering Aussie Subbies

By NEIL McDONALD 12 February 2007
SUBARU'S first-ever turbo-diesel boxer engine will be unveiled at next month’s Geneva motor show.

Although Subaru is particularly coy about specific details of the engine, it is believed to be a 2.0-litre capacity flat-four, developing about 124kW/338Nm.

The engine is due to be launched in the European market in 2008 in the Liberty and Outback but at present there a no firm plans for an Australia introduction.

However, if the trend to diesel continues for off-roaders, the company may introduce it here.

The compact diesel has similar dimensions to Subaru's equivalent petrol engines. According to European reports, it has not been earmarked for the Tribeca off-roader.

Subaru claims the engine has a very rigid block with low noise and vibration levels, which does away with the need for a balancing shaft.

Left: Subaru's flat-four turbo-diesel.

The company is said to have used the BMW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel as its benchmark.

However, Fuji Heavy Industries, which manufactures Subaru vehicles, has concentrated on refinement to make sure the turbo-diesel delivers the low-speed pulling power and high-speed responsiveness of an equivalent petrol engine.

Apart from the diesel, Subaru will also be displaying an R1e electric car, presently being road tested in daily use by the Tokyo Electric Power Co Ltd (TEPCO). FHI intends to commercialise the R1e as a short-distance commuter car based on the Subaru R1 mini car currently available on the Japanese market.

A TEPCO-developed high-speed charger that will reach 80 per cent charge in no more than 15 minutes will be also be showcased at the Swiss show.

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:25 AM 0 comments

2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible

by J.P. Vettraino, NewCarTestDrive.com

On Sale:
Spring 2007
Expected Pricing:
$39,000-$58,000

The all-new BMW 3 Series Convertible is everything we'd expect, and more.
If you're familiar with other models in the current 3 Series line, you're generally familiar with the convertible. Unveiled at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2007 3 Series Convertible has the same engines, the same basic features and performance and the same options as the current sedan and coupe. It goes on sale this spring.
So what's the big news? The familiar folding fabric top is now made of steel. This fourth-generation 3 Series Convertible is the first BMW with a retractable hard top.
Styling-wise, the new convertible is closer to the 3 Series coupe than the sedan. We've decided that the long hood, low shoulder line and broad-shouldered rear end look better without a roof. The 3 Series Convertible's navigation and radio antennas are hidden within the car, so there's nothing to interrupt the flow of the profile. The standard wheels are 17 inches in diameter, with fun-flat tires; 18-inch wheels are optional.
The retractable top is made of three panels of high strength steel that fold open with one button, stacking one on the other under a rear-hinged cover behind the rear seats. The process takes 22 seconds. With BMW's Comfort Access keyless start option, the top can be raised or lowered with a button on the key fob.
While it adds a bit more weight than a fabric top, the steel top presents several advantages, starting with better visibility and more light when the top is closed. The side windows and rear glass are 30 percent larger than they were on the previous 3 Series Convertible. The steel roof also means lower interior noise levels, even at high speeds. It has more torsional strength, meaning the convertible's overall body/chassis rigidity is closer to that of the 3 Series sedans.
Inside, the convertible features new leather upholstery developed specifically for this car. Special reflective color pigments reflect infra-red radiation from the sun, keeping seat surfaces and leather panels cooler in direct sunlight.
Truck space measures 12.25 cubic feet, which is slightly more than what's available in the 3 Series coupe. Trunk space falls to 7.3 cubic feet when the top opens and stores itself in the trunk, however.

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:18 AM 0 comments

Hsv GTS E Series 6.0

AUSTRALIA is just not big enough for HSV. Holden’s high-performance arm has just laid down the challenge to the rest of the world to try and keep up with its latest E-Series clan of stove-hot (VE) Commodore-based cars – the fastest production cars ever built in Australia. HSV is confident that its new generation is on par with some of the world’s quickest cars for a fraction of the price, and claims it is no longer focused on creating cars that only stand up to Australian demands.

HSV GTS E Series 6.0 Specifications

Engine
Bore & Stroke: 101.6mm x 92.0mm
Displacement: 5967cc
Compression Ratio: 10.9:1
Fuel System: Multi-point injection fuel system
Engine Block: 6.0 litre V8 LS2 Engine
Maximum Power: 307kW@6000rpm
Max Torque: 550Nm@4400rpm
Cylinders: 8
Valves: 2 per cylinder

Transmission: 6 speed manual

Gear Ratios
First: 3.01:1
Second: 2.07:1
Third: 1.43:1
Fourth: 1.00:1
Fifth: 0.84:1 - Sixth: 0.57:1
Reverse: -
Final: 3.70:1

Suspension
Front : MacPherson strut direct acting stabiliser bar. Progressive rate coil springs
Rear : Multi-Link independent rear suspension (IRS). Progressive rate coil springs. Stabiliser bar

Brakes
System: ABS with Elec. Brake Distribution (EBD), Elec. Brake Assist (EBA) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Front : Ventilated discs. Four piston calipers
Rear: Ventilated discs. Four piston calipers

Wheels & Tyres
Wheels: 20 Alloy
Tyres : 245/35 R20

Steering
Steering: Variable ratio rack and pinion

Towing
Towing Capacity: 1600kg

Dimensions
Length (mm) : 4943mm
Height (mm) : 1467mm
Width (mm) : 1899mm
Weight (kg) : -

General
Fuel Tank Capacity : 75 Litres

Comments:
Additional discounts/rebates may apply e.g. manufacturer provided Fleet and Government discounts, special local rebates etc. Please ask the dealer about these before you sign your contract.

Waiver:
Discount New Cars makes no representations about the content and suitability for any purpose of the information contained in this Site. It is provided "as is" without an express or implied warranty of any kind. Discount New Cars disclaims (to the full extent allowable by law) all warranties with regard to this information (including any advertisements), including all implies warranties as to merchantability or fitness for use. Discount New Cars shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever including any special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action in contract, negligence or other tort or statute arising out of or in connection with access to the Site or the use or performance of information contained in it.

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:15 AM 0 comments

Toyota Aurion AT-X

Special Deals on 2006 plated cars

SHARPER pricing, a host of extra equipment, more standard safety features and a more powerful 200kW V6 headline the advantages Toyota's all-new Aurion brings over its most direct rival in Holden's billion-dollar VE Commodore. Aurion brings a surprisingly well sorted ride/handling package and Toyota will also bank on its traditional messages of build quality, resale value and reliability to woo Aussie big-six buyers away from Commodore, Falcon and 380. But can the large Camry-based front-drive sedan win enough fans in Australia to succeed when its Avalon failed so spectacularly? At base AT-X level, which for most part will be directed at fleet buyers, it certainly deserves to.

Includes 3 Years/100,000km Manufacturers Warranty.

Toyota Aurion AT-X Specifications

Engine
Bore & Stroke: -
Displacement: 3456cc
Compression Ratio: -
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Block: 3.5 Litre V6 V Type
Maximum Power: 200kW@6200rpm
Max Torque: 336Nm@4700rpm
Cylinders: 6
Valves: 4 per cylinder

Transmission: 6 Speed Sequential Shift Automatic

Gear Ratios
First: -
Second: -
Third: -
Fourth: -
Fifth: -
Reverse: -
Final: -

Suspension
Front : McPherson Strut
Rear : Dual Link Strut

Brakes
System: ABS & EBD & Brake Assist
Front : Ventilated Discs
Rear: Discs

Wheels & Tyres
Wheels: 16" Steel
Tyres : 215/60 R16 95V

Steering
Steering: Power Assisted

Towing
Towing Capacity: 1600kg(braked) 500kg(unbraked)

Dimensions
Length (mm) : 4825mm
Height (mm) : 1470mm
Width (mm) : 1820mm
Weight (kg) : 1540kg

General
Fuel Tank Capacity : 70 Litres

Comments:
Additional discounts/rebates may apply e.g. manufacturer provided Fleet and Government discounts, special local rebates etc. Please ask the dealer about these before you sign your contract.

Waiver:
Discount New Cars makes no representations about the content and suitability for any purpose of the information contained in this Site. It is provided "as is" without an express or implied warranty of any kind. Discount New Cars disclaims (to the full extent allowable by law) all warranties with regard to this information (including any advertisements), including all implies warranties as to merchantability or fitness for use. Discount New Cars shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever including any special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action in contract, negligence or other tort or statute arising out of or in connection with access to the Site or the use or performance of information contained in it.

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:12 AM 0 comments

Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet

Enquire now to obtain a competitive price on a new Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet.

Includes 5 Years/130,000km manufacturers warranty and 10 Years/160000km warranty on power train(non transferable)

Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet Specifications

Engine
Bore & Stroke:
Displacement:
Compression Ratio:
Fuel System:
Engine Block: 1.5ltr DOHC 16-Vlve MIVEC
Maximum Power: 80kW@6000rpm
Max Torque: 145Nm@4000rpm
Cylinders:
Valves: 16

Transmission: 5 - Speed Manual

Gear Ratios
First:
Second:
Third:
Fourth:
Fifth:
Reverse:
Final:

Suspension
Front :
Rear :

Brakes
System: ABS with EBD
Front :
Rear:

Wheels & Tyres
Wheels: 7 Spoke 16" Alloys
Tyres :

Steering
Steering:

Towing
Towing Capacity:

Dimensions
Length (mm) :
Height (mm) :
Width (mm) :
Weight (kg) :

General
Fuel Tank Capacity :

Comments:
Additional discounts/rebates may apply e.g. manufacturer provided Fleet and Government discounts, special local rebates etc. Please ask the dealer about these before you sign your contract.

Waiver:
Discount New Cars makes no representations about the content and suitability for any purpose of the information contained in this Site. It is provided "as is" without an express or implied warranty of any kind. Discount New Cars disclaims (to the full extent allowable by law) all warranties with regard to this information (including any advertisements), including all implies warranties as to merchantability or fitness for use. Discount New Cars shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever including any special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action in contract, negligence or other tort or statute arising out of or in connection with access to the Site or the use or performance of information contained in it.

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:08 AM 0 comments

Holden Captiva LX 3.2

Would you like this to be your new car? Submit an enquiry now to obtain a competitive price on a new Holden Captiva LX 3.2.

Includes 3 Years/100,000km Manufacturers Warranty.

Holden Captiva LX 3.2 Specifications

Engine
Bore & Stroke: -
Displacement: 3195cc
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1
Fuel System: Sequential fuel injection
Engine Block: 3.2 Litre, V6, DOHC
Maximum Power: 169kW@6600rpm
Max Torque: 297Nm@3200rpm
Cylinders: 6
Valves: 4 per cylinder

Transmission: 5 speed automatic

Gear Ratios
First: 4.575:1
Second: 2.979:1
Third: 1.947:1
Fourth: 1.318:1
Fifth: 1.00:1
Reverse: -
Final: 2.700:1

Suspension
Front : MacPherson Strut, gas pressurised dampers, stabiliser bar
Rear : Independent Four-link, gas pressurised dampers, stabiliser bar

Brakes
System: ABS and ESP with Traction Control (TCS), Brake Assist (BA), Descent Control (DCS) and (ARP)
Front : Ventilated discs
Rear: Ventilated discs

Wheels & Tyres
Wheels: 18 Alloy
Tyres : 235/55 R18

Steering
Steering: Rack and pinion hydraulic power steering

Towing
Towing Capacity: 2000kg (with brakes) - 750kg (without brakes)

Dimensions
Length (mm) : 4637mm
Height (mm) : 1720mm
Width (mm) : 1849mm
Weight (kg) : -

General
Fuel Tank Capacity : 65 Litres

Comments:
Additional discounts/rebates may apply e.g. manufacturer provided Fleet and Government discounts, special local rebates etc. Please ask the dealer about these before you sign your contract.

Waiver:
Discount New Cars makes no representations about the content and suitability for any purpose of the information contained in this Site. It is provided "as is" without an express or implied warranty of any kind. Discount New Cars disclaims (to the full extent allowable by law) all warranties with regard to this information (including any advertisements), including all implies warranties as to merchantability or fitness for use. Discount New Cars shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever including any special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action in contract, negligence or other tort or statute arising out of or in connection with access to the Site or the use or performance of information contained in it.

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 6:06 AM 0 comments

Subaru plans Geneva reveal for turbo-diesel

posted by rizkhey wahyudi @ 5:51 AM 0 comments

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