Hot Car : Nissan Mixim Concept 2007

Nissan Mixim Concept 2007 :
Nissan’s new Mixim concept shows what a future electric-powered city car might look and act like, the Japanese automaker said as it previewed its concept prior to a Frankfurt auto show introduction.

The Mixim is powered by a “Super Motor” electric powertrain, which Nissan promises will give the concept “unusually rapid performance” and a “usefully extended range.” Since one motor powers the front wheels and one, the rears, the Mixim is all-wheel driven.

The use of lithium-ion batteries will likely be the hot topic at the Nissan press conference in Frankfurt. Both GM and Toyota are experimenting with the high-capacity batteries, but neither has approved them for production - and reports have indicated Toyota would not delay its next-generation Prius hybrid in expectation of using lithium-ion batteries in it.

In terms of its packaging and shape, Nissan says the coupe shape applied to the Mixim will make it appealing to a young driver and two passengers, each sitting on either side of the driver seat. A fourth seat is tucked in beneath the hatchback.

From the outside, the Mixim is said to resemble the visor of a crash helmet, with its staggered roofline and choppy rear end. Diamond shapes are found all around the exterior, from the air intakes to the rear door shape to the LED driving lights. Inside, the steering wheel and controls are patterned after video games.

The Mixim rides on a 99.6-inch wheelbase, is 145.7 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, and 55.1 inches high. More compact than Nissan’s Micra, it weighs about 2100 pounds.

Article Source : http://www.carautonews.com

Best Car Toyota Venza 2009

Best Car Toyota Venza 2009 Picture

Toyota today launched an all-new utility vehicle for the 2009 model year the Venza. The Japanese automaker refers to the car as a “crossover sedan,” which seems like an effort to avoid the use of “station wagon” at all costs. Toyota came up with the designation because the Venza combines “comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan” with the “utility of an SUV.”The crossover was designed specifically with the North American market in mind. The Venza will be sold here exclusively, and it was engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor. The exterior was penned at the Toyota’s Calty design studios in Newport Beach.Rather than styling the Venza to look like an SUV, the Venza was designed with a “sleek sedan concept” in mind, Toyota says. Nonetheless, it features a spacious interior providing room for five passengers and abundant cargo space behind the second row of seats.

Levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.

Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.

All Venza models are equipped with an array of standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control, optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza come standard with dual exhaust tips and is the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low-beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic the system will switch the headlights back to high-beam mode.

Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and Bluetooth technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth, rear seat entertainment system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.
Source :http://www.carautonews.com/category/2009-car-models/

The New 2009 Jaguar XF Sedan

The New 2009 Jaguar XF Sedan

Concept and Specification :

After numerous sightings of the 2009 Jaguar XF sedan, they finally have the first spy photos of the upcoming four door’s interior. Caught at a stop sign just outside Jaguar’s technical center, this XF prototype has what looks like a production quality interior.

The navigation screen looks as though it was pulled straight from the current XK coupe while the climate and radio controls have a straightforward looking layout. Also note the start button just under the arm of the driver. You can expect to see the full production version of this S-Type replacement in showrooms next spring.

Specification Jaguar XF 2009 :

Base Price $ 55,200
Price As Tested $ 58,850
Engine Type dual overhead cam aluminum alloy V8 with
continuously-variable cam phasing
Engine Size 4.2 liters / 256 cu. in.
Horsepower 300 @ 6000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 310 @ 4100 rpm
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase / Length 114.5 in. / 195.3 in.
Curb Weight 4017 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.4
Fuel Capacity 18.4 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires P245/40 R19 94H
Continental Conti Pro Contact
Brakes, front/rear vented disc all around,
ABS and yaw control standard
Suspension, front/rear independent double wishbone
Drivetrain longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive


PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 16 / 25 / 19
0 to 60 mph 6.2 sec


OPTIONS AND CHARGES
B&W sound system $ 1,875
Advanced Vision Pack $ 1,000
Transportation and handling $ 775

New Acura NSX 2009

New Acura NSX 2009 :

After an arduous day of preparation, Honda engineers have finally hit the race track in their mule for the next NSX. Seeing this prototype in the light of day reveals proportions consistent with Acura’s Advanced Sports Car Concept, which debuted at the ‘07 North American International Auto show.

The S2000-based body panels used on this mule don’t exactly correspond to the show car, but it may tell us of the direction Acura is traveling with the next NSX.

First of all, the stacked exhaust set-up on this mule looks similar to the placement on the concept. The mule’s large central air-intake at the front suggests that the production NSX may veer away from the styling of the concept, which had a smoother nose with air-intakes mounted wide on the front bumper. Given the lukewarm reception given to the most recent NSX concept, the design transition from concept to production was expected to involve marked styling changes.

The expansive hood on this mule definitely looks large enough to handle a V-8 or V-10 engine.

Read more details ; www.leftlanenews.com

New Concept Toyota Prius 2009

New Concept Toyota Prius 2009

Toyota’s top-selling hybrid sedan is headed for a redesign next year. The popular Prius four-door is expected to once again differentiate itself with unique styling and class-leading mileage.

Although our spy photo shows an evolutionary shape, it doesn’t represent the final design. It was one of three designs Toyota was considering, but we’ve heard the final decision went to a more conservatively styled Prius more along the lines of the Hybrid X shown in Geneva this year.

Toyota officials have said recently that they hope to bring down the cost premium of hybrids while continuing to improve their efficiency. With new less-hybrid-friendly EPA testing procedures, the 2009 Prius may not show huge gains in its stated fuel economy figures, but its real-world numbers should improve beyond the current 40-45mpg range.

Best Car : Chrysler Approves IMPERIAL

Chrysler executives have approved production of the new Imperial luxury sedan, according to industry sources cited by the Toronto Star. The official announcement is expected June 11th, according to the newspaper.

The company will invest $700 million for Imperial production at its its Brampton, Ontario plant, which already builds the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Magnum.

The news comes not long after Brampton workers rejected a company proposal that asked them to give up $115 per week in exchange for a contract to build the Imperial. The move put plans for production in jeopardy, but about 1,800 workers overturned the decision a few weeks later and accepted changes, according to the Star.

Chrysler announced plans to produce the new Dodge Challenger in early July 2006. Production will begin in early 2008. Chrysler will unveil the production version of the Challenger at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2008.

It’s not known when the company will reveal the production Imperial, or how closely it will match the concept version. Various reports have indicated it will retain its 214-inch length and 123-inch wheelbase.

Another mystery is the Imperial’s price. Chrysler’s Joe Eberhardt previously said he believes the brand enhanced its image enough with the 300 that it can now push further into the premium segment, challenging Cadillac and Lincoln. Eberhardt said Chrysler is not ready for a $50,000 vehicle, suggesting the Imperial will be priced comfortably below that. Analysts have predicted the Imperial will be priced $5,000 to $7,000 above the 300.

Read More in ; http://www.carautonews.com/category/2008-car-models/

Hot Car : Honda Accord Coupe 2008

Hot Car : Honda Accord Coupe 2008

2008 Honda Accord coupe showed, dressed only in light camouflage. This prototype Accord coupe isn’t far from the production models that will arrive later this year.

It’s easy to see that these prototypes have roughly the same overall size and shape as the Accord concept coupe shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Up front, the airdam has a particularly aggressive shape for a Honda. It has a more squared-off shape than before and flares out slightly at each corner. The center intake remains substantial, although much the same size as before, and there are decent-size openings for a pair of useful foglights.

Compared to the current model, the new Accord coupe’s most distinctive design cue up front is its trapezoidal grille. Acura has been using this look recently, so maybe it’s not surprising to see it migrate over to the Honda side.

These test prototypes also reveal a new character line that runs from the front wheel arch all the way to the taillights. It breaks up the slab-sided look of the current coupe without being too obvious at first glance. The rear-end styling isn’t drastically different from the current car, apart from the less triangular taillights and more steeply angled tail section.

In traditional Honda fashion, the engines for the Accord coupe will produce more power while emitting less pollutants and using less gas. An enhanced version of Honda’s VTEC valve-timing system aided by cylinder activation is expected to give V6 models as much as 270 horsepower, while four-cylinder models will get only minor changes. No word yet about whether Honda plans to continue with a manual transmission for this car.

With sales expected to start this fall, official specifications and photos should arrive by the end of the summer.

Source :http://www.carautonews.com/category/2008-car-models/

Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008

Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2008 Picture

Nissan Hybrid MSRP 2008 Picture

Nissan Hybrid MSRP 2008 Picture

Nissan announced a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,070 for the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid, which is on sale now at Nissan retailers in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations — California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Altima Hybrid has been certified by the Internal Revenue Service as meeting the requirements for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, thereby qualifying for a tax credit of $2,350.

Enhancements to the 2008 Altima Hybrid include standard splash guards and Diversity Antenna, along with an available factory-activated XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) monthly subscription required, sold separately).

Altima Hybrid is offered in one model and with four available option packages — Convenience Package, Connection Package, Power Sliding Glass Moonroof and Technology Package.

The 2008 Altima Hybrid ’s EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway. It is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions. Combined with Altima’s standard 20-gallon fuel tank, Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of over 600 miles between fill-ups.

The Altima Hybrid features a high level of standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, power windows/door locks, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio input jack, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Altima Hybrid also features a standard dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered air conditioning system that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped.

Every Altima Hybrid offers an extensive list of standard safety features, including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), front seat-mounted side- impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, roof-mounted curtain side- impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection and front seat Active Head Restraints.

For 2008, Altima is also available in 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter inline 4- cylinder gasoline engine models in 4-door Sedan and 2-door Coupe body styles.
source;autochannel

Cool Hummers

A collection of cool Hummer pictures.











Hummer is a brand of off-road vehicles sold by General Motors (GM). The original H1 was based on the military High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, or Humvee). However, the Hummer H2 and the Hummer H3 were based on other, smaller civilian-market vehicles.

Lamborghini Reventon Pictures

A collection of pictures of a the ultra cool Lamborghini Reventon.
















Each $1.4 million Lamborghini Reventon is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, offering the extraordinary performance that makes the Lamborghini Reventon so unrivalled: posesses the entire technical and dynamic competence of the twelve cylinder under the completely autonomous design.

Lamborghini Reventon Pictures

Sensuality and provocation characterise every Lamborghini, with an aggressively innovative style. Lamborghini prides the extraordinary manufacturer of extreme super sports cars without compromise.

“However, the Lamborghini Reventon is the most extreme of all, a true automotive superlative. Our designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre took the technical base of the Murciélago LP640 and compressed and intensified its DNA, its genetic code,” affirms Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO.The mechanicals, however, are straight from the Murciélago LP640.


The rear-mounted V-12, visible underneath the plexiglass engine cover, spins out just a bit more power here (650 hp, rather than 640 hp, at 8000 rpm). It's controlled via a six-speed e-gear paddleshift manual transmission and drives all four wheels. The wheels themselves have carbon-fiber appliqués bolted to aluminum spokes. The Reventón looks like it could take flight, but its top speed is actually 211 mph; Lamborghini claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.4 seconds.