Chevrolet Cruze

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze sedan raises the bar for design appeal, build quality and running refinement in Europe's compact value segment.

Backed by an anticipated high level EuroNCAP crash safety rating and an all-new powertrain line-up, Chevrolet Cruze also heralds the introduction of a new global design language for the Chevrolet brand.

"Chevrolet has always stood for value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before," says Wayne Brannon, GM Europe Vice President, Chevrolet. "It redefines value with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out."

Developed to satisfy European tastes in design and chassis performance, Chevrolet Cruze goes on sale in March and will spearhead the launch of a series of new products that share its design and quality standards. Quite simply, Chevrolet believes the introduction of Cruze has 'moved the goalposts' for products seeking to compete successfully in its segment.

The Basics
Vehicle Type: compact car

Drivetrain
Drive wheels: front
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 138 (1.8), 140 (1.4 turbo) (GM estimates)
Torque: NA (1.8), 148 lb-ft (1.4 turbo) (GM estimate)
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Dimensions
Wheelbase: 105.7 inches
Length: 178.5 inches
Width: 70.7 inches
Height: 58.2 inches
Base curb weight: 2,750 lb (CG estimate)

Ref: www.netcarshow.com


Read More..

Toyota's Concept Car: Rin

Designers have lofty goals for their concepts, and the Toyota RiN is no different. With a massive greenhouse, seats that keep your spine in its proper position, an oxygen-level conditioner and humidifier, plus a meter that gauges your mood through the steering wheel and then displays a color based on your psychological state, Toyota thinks it can make better, happier motorists, that are more aware of nature and the society that infuses it. Hyperbolize much?

Other interesting features include the leaf-shaped gas and brake, glass that makes the world outside seem brighter and sliding doors with glass that wraps underneath the floor providing a view of the road below. Plus, you can motor along (supposedly) knowing that when your headlights are on, you won't blind any pedestrians or oncoming motorists because the light is thoughtfully being distributed to avoid such stresses.

The RiN focuses on "increased comfort" and "serene, healthy living". Through their relationship to the vehicle, drivers are encouraged to reevaluate themselves and, furthermore, to turn their attention to society and nature, producing a healthy rhythm for both mind and body.

* Promotes a healthier well-being thanks to features such as seats that help maintain good back posture and image displays aligned with the driver's psychological state that are conveyed within the meter cluster of the "mood-training" steering control.
* In addition to featuring comfortable, heated seats, an oxygen-level conditioner and pinpoint humidifier, uses green glass that reduces infiltration of ultraviolet and infrared light and makes the surroundings seem brighter and clearer to increase cabin comfort.
* Creates a feeling of harmony with the surrounding environment by using sliding doors with a low window that lets you view nature at ground level, as well as headlights with light distribution control that take into consideration pedestrians and vehicles coming in the opposite direction.
* Uses the motif of the deep-rooted and tall-growing Yakusugi tree (a variety of Japanese cypress) for its exterior and interior design to express both "harmony with nature" and "healthy mind and body".
* Contrasts deep green with beige in its interior color scheme to richen the complexions of those onboard and evoke a healthy mental and physical feeling.

Ref: www.autoblog.com Read More..

Nissan Leaf Hybrida Car

Unveiled on Aug. 2, 2009, the Leaf is a medium-size all-electric hatchback that seats five adults and has a range of 100 miles. Pricing was not announced (although the company previously hinted at a price around $30,000.) Nissan’s press release offered a few additional details:

* The Nissan Leaf will go on sale in late 2010.
* Nissan Leaf is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm.
* Driving range is expected to be 100 miles between full charges. Nissan Leaf can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours.
* Nissan Leaf's frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design. The headlights are designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps.
* Nissan Leaf employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day. The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan Leaf's remaining power - or "reachable area" - in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations. Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions - even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

Specification:

Dimensions
Length: 4445 mm / 175.0 in.
Width: 1770 mm / 69.7 in.
Height : 1550 mm / 61.0 in.
Wheelbase: 2700 mm / 106.3 in.

Performance
Driving range over: 160km/100miles (US LA4 mode)
Max speed (km/h): over 140km/h (over 87 mph)

Motor
Type: AC motor
Max power (kW): 80kW
Max torque (Nm): 280Nm

Battery
Type: laminated lithium-ion battery
Total capacity (kWh): 24
Power output (kW): over 90
Energy density (Wh/kg): 140
Power density (kW/kg): 2.5
Number of modules: 48
Charging times: quick charger DC 50kW (0 to 80%): less than 30 min; home-use AC200V charger: less than 8 hrs
Battery layout: Under seat & floor

Ref: www.autoblog.com


Read More..

Acura ZDX

The sneaky spies from Auto Spies snuck into the show early and snagged this photo of a ZDX without its cover. For a vehicle supposed to fill in as a type of BMW X6 halo vehicle it sure looks like a car. According to Acura, the production version "will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup when it arrives at dealerships this fall and offer the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety".

If by "new level of prestige" you mean "an angular Venza" then SUCCESS! Actually, we're happy to see the big buck-tooth grille is getting a little less bucky-toothed. However, we're now not so sure we're liking the whole Pontiac G6-look the ZDX is getting with those lower faux air intakes.

The ZDX is designed to break new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement. With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle. Clean, flowing lines start from the headlights and run the length of the car, accentuating the cars presence and grace. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage. The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

sPECIFICATION
ountry of origin Japan
Numbers built N/A (Prototype)
Produced in 2009
Introduced at 2009 New York International Auto Show

Engine
Configuration V 6
Location Front mounted
Construction aluminum block and head
Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC, VTEC
Fuel feed Fuel Injection
Aspiration Naturally Aspirated

Drivetrain
Gearbox 6 speed Automatic
Drive All wheel drive

Dimensions
Length / Width / Height 4887 mm (192.4 in) / 1994 mm (78.5 in) / 1570 mm (61.8 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) 2748 mm (108.2 in) / N/A / N/A

www.ultimatecarpage.com Read More..