Archive for July, 2010
Posted by admin on
July 27, 2010
The 2008 model year of the Volkswagen Touareg, the first ever sport utility vehicle (SUV) model from the Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer is making its North American debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
Named as the Touareg 2, the vehicle is poised to stir the American car fans at the show with the vehicle’s updated exterior styling featuring the company’s signature Volkswagen “face” design highlighted by the chrome front grille. Other exclusive features of the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 include redesigned headlamps and darkened taillights, redesigned aerodynamics, sporty rear spoiler with integrated third brake light, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS II that improves night time driving visibility in cornering, and several wheel options for different VW Touareg 2 model trims. For the VR6 FSI, 17-inch alloy wheels are standard while the 19-inch alloy wheels are standard for the V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo models. Moreover, the 2008 VW Touareg comes with all-new exterior colors for the customers to choose from. It includes Alaska Gray, Cranberry, Galapagos and White Gold.
Interior highlights of the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 include redesigned luxury seating system featuring standard 12-way power driver’s seat, standard Sirius Satellite Radio, park distance control, power lift gate, new instrument cluster with larger display, new silver metallic trim, available ten speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, and optional keyless access with a start/stop button. Bunch of optional packages are also available like the Lux, Lux Plus and Technologie packages.
The VW Touareg 2 also comes with a host of safety features and driver assistance systems to enhance the vehicle’s handling. These include new rollover sensor system to detect rollover situation and activate the side and side head curtain airbags, enhanced tire pressure monitoring system (TPS), Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), hydraulic braking assist, a preventative braking pressure build-up system, and rain brake support. In addition, the Touareg 2 also comes with the world-first “ABSplus” braking system from Volkswagen.
At the heart of the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 comes a three power plant options for the customers to choose from: the powerful 3.6-liter VR6 FSI, the recently upgraded 4.2- liter V8 FSI, and the monstrous 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo.
The 3.6-liter VR6 FSI engine replaces the standard 3.2-liter engine of the Volkswagen Touareg. The engine now produces 280 hp, an additional 40 horsepower compared to the previous engine. The 4.2- liter V8 FSI features unleaded fuel direct injection system and pumps out 350 hp and produces 325 lbs. ft amount of peak torque. Lastly, the 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 pumps out 310 hp and produces a stunning 553 lbs. ft. of peak torque output, allowing the Touareg 2 to achieve an impressive towing capability of about 7,716 pounds. All of these engines are equipped with quality VW timing parts like VW timing chain. The Touareg 2’s standard gearbox powers the vehicle’s permanent 4XMOTION four-wheel drive (4WD) system. Moreover, the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 also features off-road control systems like Hill Roll Back Assist and Hill Descent Assist.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 will arrive in Volkswagen dealerships this spring carrying a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $39,320.
Benjamin Hudson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/2008-volkswagen-touareg-2-us-debut-in-new-york-130163.html
Posted by admin on
July 23, 2010
Though the 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year, Pontiac introduced its all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan at the Chicago Auto Show.
As the first North American application of General Motors (GM) new global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the G8 is developed by GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden.
The G8 has a styling packages such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The design accents the car’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires, making it very sporty.
Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, and projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. Jewel-like tail lamps are found at the rear. These are mounted in housings and feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models all have red tail lamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets. At the rear of the roof, all models have a mounted antenna.
On its power train,
the base G8 model has a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing. Rated at 261 horsepower (194 kW), it is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
Combined to give the G8 a confident, sharp driving experience are the 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase, 62.7 inches / 1592 mm wide front and 63.3 inches / 1608 mm rear tracks. These give a fully adjustable, four-wheel independent suspension system.
In the rear, the four-wheel independent suspension system has a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link coil-over-shock design. Tuning uses a direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension. This system transcends increased lateral stiffness for enhanced handling.
The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe while the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, which enables more precise, tailored suspension tuning.
When starting the engine, the brand assured that the Pontiac exhaust will release gases smoothly, making it more comfortable for the driver as well as the persons outside the car who will breathe in the exhausted gases.
As to its four-wheel disc brake system, the car has standard anti-lock and traction control features. The system is partnered with a standard electronic stability control system. Its features vented front and rear disc rotors, with twin-piston alloy calipers in front. The rear brakes feature alloy calipers with single-piston actuation.
The G8’s interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in other cars within its price range. A driver-oriented instrument cluster positions the gauges for easy, direct line of sight. Between the large, round tachometer and speedometer, an electronic driver information center is located.
Attention catcher details include jewel-like instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp. While white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac’s signature red lighting enlightens the rest of the instrument panel cluster.
The seats offer firm support to hold passengers and occupants in place during aggressive cornering. As an option, the G8 models will also offer two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with either red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations.
With an all-new Pontiac exhaust system, G8 uses 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission.
Pontiac General Manager John Larson said the company’s commitment to its performance DNA is showed in the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power in G8. He further said they expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment where it belongs, even against cars that cost far more expensive.
Jerick Brooks
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/allnew-pontiac-g8-to-unleash-in-2008-134939.html
Posted by admin on
July 15, 2010
Toyota has been successfully doing business in the US for almost 50 years. In connection with their celebration of their 50th year of operations in the United States auto jungle, they will be producing a limited number of Camry Hybrid units which will be sent out on sale March. The said Camry Hybrid will boast of features which are not present on any other production Camry. The company may have chosen to produce a Camry in their celebration of 50 years of business in the United States because the Camry is their best selling car in their lineup. The fact that they are producing a hybrid shows where the company is headed and this can be compared to a Volvo turn signal which shows where the car is heading – the hybrid shows that Toyota is dedicated to producing environment friendly cars in the future.
Some of the features that the Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition will have are a new and stunning paint color and a unique set of wheels. The Camry Hybrid will sport a Blizzard Pearl paint which makes it looks cool and stylish. It will also sport 16-inch alloy wheels with a graphite finish and it looks like the set of wheels increase the already high aesthetic value of the car. The cars will also sport 50th Anniversary Edition badges that will not appear on any other models. To further add to the sophistication of the car, a power moonroof is provided. Heated power outside mirrors is also part of the package.
Aside from the fuel efficiency that hybrids are known for, another good selling point for the Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition is its luxurious interior. The inside of the Camry Hybrid is trimmed in leather and this in itself gives the interior of the car a luxurious feel to it. The special edition Camry will be equipped with a voice-activated DVD navigation system to provide great entertainment for its occupants. The DVD player has a four-disc changer capability. The front seats of the Camry are heated for the driver and front passenger’s comfort. The Camry also has a carpeted cargo mat, brushed stainless dash, illuminated front door sills, and carpeted floor mats with yet the 50th Anniversary Edition logo emblazoned on it.
The Camry Hybrid is already one of the most popular choices for city dwellers, thanks to its real great fuel economy. Not only is its fuel economy the reason why people opt for the Camry Hybrid. The car has a good handling and suspension system, thanks to the design of the frame and the body of the car. With a wide array of safety features, the Camry is also a top choice for those who are looking for safety features when buying a car. And with the upcoming production of this special edition car, the public will surely welcome the release of the vehicle.
These special edition vehicles will be manufactured at Toyota’s Kentucky assembly plant. Only 3,000 units of the vehicles will be produced which will give the model a higher value in the market. Toyota has placed a $31,680 price tag on the 50th Anniversary Edition vehicles.
The release of the Camry Hybrid to celebrate the 50th year of Toyota doing business in the US shows that in the future they will be providing more energy efficient cars for the public. With the success of Toyota for the past 50 years in the US, they have overtaken Chrysler as the third largest car manufacturer in the US and they are even poised to take over the number two spot from Ford. They are also quickly closing the gap between them and General Motors which currently claims the spot of being the largest car manufacturer in the world.
Glady Reign
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/camry-hybrid-50th-anniversary-edition-to-hit-showrooms-in-march-108266.html
Posted by admin on
July 10, 2010
If there are adjectives to describe the Mercedes Brabus Widestar it’s going to be –sporty and dynamic, exclusive and powerful. This special model is based on the Mercedes ML 63 which has made its debut at the 2007 Geneva Motors Show.
The new Brabus Widestar offers a refreshing and exciting wide track version of the Mercedes ML 63 SUV with its Monoblock E 23-inch forged wheels and Brabus B63 S performance tuning that produces 550 hp/404.8 kW.
The Widestar concept is not only applicable for the Brabus but also to other current M-Class models that combine vibrant looks with a high level of functionality. The graceful flow of lines of the fender flares both at the front and back increases the vehicle’s width by four centimeters which in turn enhances the vehicle’s appearance.
The wider track of the Brabus boosts handling performance. The multi-piece Brabus Monoblock E wheels with size 11Jx23 were specially modified for the wide track version of the M-Class. The forged wheel center creates a symbiosis of strength and light-weight design. Its new light alloy wheels are mounted with high performance tires in size 315/25 R 23.
The sporty road handling qualities of the Brabus is brought about by its 30 millimeters lowered ride height caused by the control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension. The body conversion of the Brabus includes add-on parts for the doors and rocker panels that results to a uniform transition between the fender flares. The complete front and rear fascias replace their production front and back counterparts.
The Brabus front spoiler bumper with its three striking air inlets and four integrated auxiliary headlight minimizes lift on the front axle. The combination of the rear spoiler, the rear fascia with integrated diffuser and the cutouts for the four chrome tailpipes of the Brabus’ stainless-steel sport exhaust system creates a flawless aerodynamic balance.
The well balanced aerodynamic properties of the Brabus Widestar would serve the perfect platform for a tuned version of the ML 63. The Brabus motor engineers are developing the tuned version of the ML 63 using the B63 S performance kit.
The production V8 engine that is equipped on the Brabus Widestar delivers 510 hp/ 375 kW. It is modified using sport air filters and high-performance metal catalysts combined with newly programmed engine electronics that comes complete with custom mapping for ignition and injection. All these factors increase power output by 40 hp/31 kW to 550 hp/404.8 kW. And together they produce a peak torque that increases from 630 Nm to 650 Nm.
The Brabus Widestar can reach 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of 4.9 seconds. Its Brabus V/max unit boosts the top speed from 250 km/h to 275 km/h. And if there is one thing that Mercedes-Benz can be proud of its in terms of safety features. The Brabus Widestar with a high-performance brake system with components such as Mercedes brake pads, 12piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeters discs on the front axle. There is also a 355 x 28 mm Mercedes brake pad and 6-piston fixed calipers in the rear which gives the Brabus an impressive stopping power likened to those purebred sport cars.
The Brabus Widestar is also given exclusive interior options which features stainless-steel door sills with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and upgraded factory leather-covered door trim pieces made from meticulously crafted combinations of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara.
The production front seats are equipped with special rear consoles that extend all the way to the headrests and housed a seven-inch 16:9 LCD screens which is integrated in a DVD player. An electric folding table made from precious wood is also available as an option.
Dwyane Thomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/mercedesbenz-brabus-widestar-unveiled-116616.html
