Archive for September, 2009
Mazda Kiyora
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Mazda plans to introduce the next generation Sky-G and Sky-D engines at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show. The two engines will appear alongside the Mazda Kiyora, a concept first introduced in Paris last year.
The company’s “Sky” approach is to use technologies that improve performance and efficiency simultaneously. The programme’s name comes from the idea of providing people with an “everlasting blue sky” no matter how many drivers are on the road. Thus, the company has pressured their engineers to “employ unconventional thinking to achieve optimal performance in every vehicle that bears the Mazda nameplate,” according to a press release.
On display in Tokyo will be the latest, direct-injection Sky-G petrol engine, and the next-generation clean-diesel Sky-D. Both are getting their world debuts alongside the next-gen Sky-Drive automatic transmission.
In its Japanese debut, Mazda will bring out the Kiyora. Rumor has it that the Kiyora is the basis for the next version of the Mazda 2. In Paris, the vehicle was shown with a 1.3-liter direct-injection engine mated to an electric motor. Using a start/stop system, the car manages an impressive 32 kilometers per liter of fuel (75 miles per U.S. gallon), while emitting only 90 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
Meriva with FLEX Doors Wide Open
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Opel Meriva Spied with FLEX Doors Wide Open
New spy photos of the Opel Meriva, apparently taken in Germany, crossed the WCF newsroom today. In this round of images, we get a full view of the MPV with the FLEX door system fully opened, and much of the camouflage removed.
The MPV is expected to get two different 1.4-liter engines, one with a turbocharger and one without, as well as four diesel units. The turbo model produces about 137 horsepower, while the diesels range up to 155 hp.
In these pictures, we see the front of the Meriva quite clearly, particularly the new headlights and front bumper. New side mirrors are now taller and rounder. Pillars are now blacked out, giving the sides a more seamless look. The kinked beltline in the rear door is clearly visible while at the back, we can see 2-piece upper and lower tailgate applique or outer mouldings that extend up over the taillights. However, these mouldings could be just false covers as the upper piece covers the Opel emblem just below the wiper motor.
The new Opel Meriva is based on the Meriva Concept, fist introduced in 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show.
VW Touareg Latest Spy Photos
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2011 VW Touareg Latest Spy Photos
Volkswagen’s 2011 Touareg has once again been spotted undergoing testing in Southern Germany.
While we can’t gather a lot of details, the new Touareg seems to adopt an evolutionary design with attractive curves and redesigned door mirrors. Despite being heavily-camouflaged, the front end is expected to receive VW’s new grille (from the Poloand Golf), a revised front apron, and more dramatic headlights. Out back, the sport-ute will likely feature highly stylized taillights to ensure everyone instantly recognizes this is a Volkswagen Touareg.
Boasting a more street-friendly setup, the redesigned Touareg is expected to lose 250-300 kg (551-661 lbs) of weight. Despite being slimmed down, rumors seem to suggest the Touareg will offer a third row seat.
Engine options are expected to include a 3.6-liter V6, a 4.2-liter V8, and asupercharged 3.0-liter V6 with hybrid technology. While the latter produces 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque in standard form, it will be connected to an electric motor that turns out 38 kW (52 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) torque.
Volkswagen may debut the 2011 Touareg at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but nothing is official as of yet.
Alfa Romeo Milano Spied During Police Stop
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Alfa Romeo Milano Prototype Spied During Police Stop
New Porsche Cayenne video spy
Posted by: | CommentsNew Porsche Cayenne will be a lighter and more efficient SUV
Here’s the latest spy spotting of the upcoming Porsche Cayenne. This time it’s a video and we get to see the world’s most agile SUV in motion, conducting its own calisthenics around the Nurburgring circuit in preparation for a proper launch in 2011.
We’ve seen the spy shots of a barely disguised Cayenne before. Notable are the more pronounced shoulder lines and the Panamera-style headlights.
Also, the Cayenne looks more compact, although there’s not specific data on its new dimensions. Porsche is definitely planning to make the Cayenne a lighter vehicle and improve its fuel efficiency. It is even planning a Cayenne hybrid. Doing those things can only make the Cayenne a better performer and less of a bulky SUV.
The new Porsche Cayenne is expected to go into production in 2010 with the first deliveries coming later the same year. We are likely to see the new Cayenne debut at a major auto show within the next few months.
source wcf
Renault will stay in F1
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Renault ‘will stay in F1′
Renault’s commitment to Formula One is stronger than ever after its podium in yesterday’s Singapore grand prix, according to its stand-in managing director.
Jean-Francois Caubet said Fernando Alonso’s third place finish was a big boost in convincing company executives that the company should continue its involvement in the sport.
“For Renault it’s important to keep going because everybody asked the question, is Renault stopping or not?, he said.
“It’s not the question for the headquarters it is a question of the team. I think in F1 if you have good results you have no problem, if you start to have bad results then it is a full stop. And we were at the limit.”
Caubet praised the team for its performance on Sunday after a turbulent week of negative publicity after it was found guilty of race-fixing last year’s Singapore grand prix. He also defended Alonso for dedicating his third place to Falvio Briatore, who left the team following the allegations.
“We won two world championships with Flavio and we will keep a very good relationship with Flavio,” he said.
“A few people made a mistake and that is the price of the mistake, that is all. We are here because Flavio built the team and Fernando. That’s the reality and we don’t want to suggest anything else. But we want to turn the page.”
source autocar.co.uk