Hummer H2: the lowdown
It’s best not to look directly at the new Hummer H2 in sunlight; you’ll be blinded by bling. New bits of glitz have appeared on the 2008 model, going on sale later in the year, including newly chromed door handles and a larger, lower grille. This grille, along with larger gaps in the seven-slot full-frontal smirk, helps to cool the more powerful 6.2-litre V8. Otherwise the exterior remains much the same, but the interior has been seriously plushed-up. The all-aluminium small-bock V8 delivers 393bhp, an increase of 20 percent, while torque swells to 415lb ft from 365. We’re promised that variable-valve timing and the six-speed transmission increase efficiency although no figures are given. But then, any improvement over 15mpg would be good...
What’s inside?
The rap stars and moms who so frequently drive this macho beast will appreciate the all-new interior. Instead of the previous austere environment, we’re promised improved materials, leather seats with smart piping and interior gap tolerances of 1mm or less. Kids in the back get a new rear-seat overhead DVD system and a full third-row seat for two with its own heating and cooling vents. The H2 will be able to clamber over rocks just as before, and new safety features for on or off-road include a new electronic stability control system with roll-over mitigation and roof-rail head curtains. It can tow 8000lb, too, and a rear-view camera will help hitch the trailer. Clearly, the H2 is aimed squarely at the US market, and other space-abundant markets; only its smaller H3 brother is deemed small enough to be sold in the more congested European market.
Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 3, 2012
Cadillac STS (2007): first official pictures
Cadillac STS: the lowdown
A new in-yer-face grille will let neighbours know who’s driving a 2008 Cadillac STS. GM’s luxury barge is bigger than ever, and a restyle gives it a confident American look, sharing elements with the flagship Escalade SUV. The multi-faceted grille was first seen on the Sixteen concept, and incorporated onto both Escalade and the 2008 CTS. The Sixteen’s side air extractors also appear on the STS, too. The STS will be available with a new cleaner direct-injection V6 when it goes on sale in the summer; it's the first GM vehicle to be equipped with the new 3.6-litre direct-injection V6 delivering 298hp and 268lb ft, and this will be the first V6 mated to a Hydra-matic six-speed auto. The pairing promises to cut cold-start hydrocarbons by a quarter, while improving fuel consumption by 15 percent. Neat.
Ok, but will it drive better than the current STS?
A new performance handling package will be available for V8 RWD and 4WD models, and rear-drive V6s. This includes 18in chrome-plated wheels with summer-only tyres. Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers provide enhanced braking, too. StabiliTrak is standard on V8 models and it now combines active front steering to turn the front wheels into a skid when the rear wheels lose traction. One great new gadget is optional radar-based blind-spot alert. Not so great is lane-departure warning, which has proved extremely annoying on other vehicles. The STS lands in the UK in right-hand drive form at the end of 2007.
A new in-yer-face grille will let neighbours know who’s driving a 2008 Cadillac STS. GM’s luxury barge is bigger than ever, and a restyle gives it a confident American look, sharing elements with the flagship Escalade SUV. The multi-faceted grille was first seen on the Sixteen concept, and incorporated onto both Escalade and the 2008 CTS. The Sixteen’s side air extractors also appear on the STS, too. The STS will be available with a new cleaner direct-injection V6 when it goes on sale in the summer; it's the first GM vehicle to be equipped with the new 3.6-litre direct-injection V6 delivering 298hp and 268lb ft, and this will be the first V6 mated to a Hydra-matic six-speed auto. The pairing promises to cut cold-start hydrocarbons by a quarter, while improving fuel consumption by 15 percent. Neat.
Ok, but will it drive better than the current STS?
A new performance handling package will be available for V8 RWD and 4WD models, and rear-drive V6s. This includes 18in chrome-plated wheels with summer-only tyres. Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers provide enhanced braking, too. StabiliTrak is standard on V8 models and it now combines active front steering to turn the front wheels into a skid when the rear wheels lose traction. One great new gadget is optional radar-based blind-spot alert. Not so great is lane-departure warning, which has proved extremely annoying on other vehicles. The STS lands in the UK in right-hand drive form at the end of 2007.
Hummer H2 SUT (2007): first official pictures
Hummer H2 SUT
The H2 SUT gains the same 393hp 6.2-litre V8 and six-speed box as the SUV, plus its more refined interior. This might seem incongruous to a Brit: a pick-up is a working vehicle, right? Not in the States. Come any public holiday in America, Hummer owners require somewhere to dump wet gear associated with the boat, jet ski, or whatever else they towed to the nearest water. Self-levelling rear air-spring suspension is available for extreme off-roading or towing on the SUV and SUT.
Ok, so it'll lug my jet ski, but what about my mates?
The SUT can seat four inside, plus gear and pooches in the 4ft by 6ft pick-up bed. If more cargo space is needed, you can lower the rear window and fold the midgate and rear seat down to create a longer bed. At the push of a button, the driver can also lower all four side windows, plus the rear windows to get some breeze in the follicles. The extra chrome will also go down well with cruising owners; the SUT is a favourtite with ‘urban’ customisers.
The H2 SUT gains the same 393hp 6.2-litre V8 and six-speed box as the SUV, plus its more refined interior. This might seem incongruous to a Brit: a pick-up is a working vehicle, right? Not in the States. Come any public holiday in America, Hummer owners require somewhere to dump wet gear associated with the boat, jet ski, or whatever else they towed to the nearest water. Self-levelling rear air-spring suspension is available for extreme off-roading or towing on the SUV and SUT.
Ok, so it'll lug my jet ski, but what about my mates?
The SUT can seat four inside, plus gear and pooches in the 4ft by 6ft pick-up bed. If more cargo space is needed, you can lower the rear window and fold the midgate and rear seat down to create a longer bed. At the push of a button, the driver can also lower all four side windows, plus the rear windows to get some breeze in the follicles. The extra chrome will also go down well with cruising owners; the SUT is a favourtite with ‘urban’ customisers.
Chevrolet Trax (2007): infomation
Chevrolet Trax: the lowdown
How low can you go in the US? That’s the question three compact concepts are asking the public at next week's New York Motor Show. GM revealed just one of the mini car games today - this cute, four-door Trax. It’s smaller than the Kalos/Aveo supermini and powered by a 1.0-litre engine. The Trax, and its yet-to-be-seen siblings, is designed to gauge public enthusiasm for a truly tiny car in the US. All three cars were created at GM’s design studio in Incheon, South Korea, and built on GM’s global mini architecture. They’re designed to appeal to young buyers in urban markets with the promise of fun, economy and value. It also points to a replacement for today's Chevrolet Matiz for Europe. Visitors to the show will be able to vote for their favorite of the three on www.vote4chevrolet.com. The results will show GM which design resonates best with potential buyers.
How low can you go in the US? That’s the question three compact concepts are asking the public at next week's New York Motor Show. GM revealed just one of the mini car games today - this cute, four-door Trax. It’s smaller than the Kalos/Aveo supermini and powered by a 1.0-litre engine. The Trax, and its yet-to-be-seen siblings, is designed to gauge public enthusiasm for a truly tiny car in the US. All three cars were created at GM’s design studio in Incheon, South Korea, and built on GM’s global mini architecture. They’re designed to appeal to young buyers in urban markets with the promise of fun, economy and value. It also points to a replacement for today's Chevrolet Matiz for Europe. Visitors to the show will be able to vote for their favorite of the three on www.vote4chevrolet.com. The results will show GM which design resonates best with potential buyers.
Thứ Năm, 1 tháng 3, 2012
Ford Focus Estate (2010) at Geneva motor show
Ford has shown off the new estate version of the Focus family on the eve of the 2010 Geneva motor show. The new Focus wagon is one of 10 bodystyles planned off Ford's new global C-segment architecture.
The new third-gen Focus family doesn't come to the UK until spring 2011, and although the estate is likely to make up only a small proportion of UK sales, it is set to be the second biggest selling bodystyle globally, predicts Ford.
New Ford Focus Estate (2010): the details
Remind you of a Mondeo estate? It does us, especially in profile. However, the new Focus Estate has a character of its own, with intriguing crease lines down the flank of the car. Like on modern Seats, the line is disrupted with different details picked out.
The estate has a roomy boot and a simple lift-up tailgate (which will be available with a powered option).
When can I buy the new Focus?
There's a bit of a wait; the five-door hatch goes on sale first in spring 2011, followed soon after by the estate. The first C-segment vehicles off the new platform will be the C-Max and Grand C-Max arriving in September 2010.
Ford of Europe chief John Fleming announced in Geneva that a new global performance derivative would join the Focus family, produced by Jost Capito the man behind the Focus RS and ST range. While those badges haven't yet been confirmed for Mk3, the new hot Focus will be a global car for the US as well as Europe, and will feature EcoBoost power.
The current 2.0-litre turbo direct injection EcoBoost engine develops 200bhp, but it can be tweaked up to 240bhp, insiders tell CAR GAMES.
The new third-gen Focus family doesn't come to the UK until spring 2011, and although the estate is likely to make up only a small proportion of UK sales, it is set to be the second biggest selling bodystyle globally, predicts Ford.
New Ford Focus Estate (2010): the details
Remind you of a Mondeo estate? It does us, especially in profile. However, the new Focus Estate has a character of its own, with intriguing crease lines down the flank of the car. Like on modern Seats, the line is disrupted with different details picked out.
The estate has a roomy boot and a simple lift-up tailgate (which will be available with a powered option).
When can I buy the new Focus?
There's a bit of a wait; the five-door hatch goes on sale first in spring 2011, followed soon after by the estate. The first C-segment vehicles off the new platform will be the C-Max and Grand C-Max arriving in September 2010.
Ford of Europe chief John Fleming announced in Geneva that a new global performance derivative would join the Focus family, produced by Jost Capito the man behind the Focus RS and ST range. While those badges haven't yet been confirmed for Mk3, the new hot Focus will be a global car for the US as well as Europe, and will feature EcoBoost power.
The current 2.0-litre turbo direct injection EcoBoost engine develops 200bhp, but it can be tweaked up to 240bhp, insiders tell CAR GAMES.
VW Sharan MPV (2010) at Geneva motor show
This is the new Volkswagen Sharan, and it’s about time too - the original was launched in 1995. In the time it’s taken VW to replace the Sharan, Ford has ditched its Sharan-based Galaxy, launched a new version using S-Max and Mondeo parts, and facelifted it.
We’ve all laughed at the geriatric Saab 9-5, but for the mighty Volkswagen Group this seems like a serious oversight. The new VW Sharan was launched tonight – along with the Polo GTI and Mk2 Touareg – at the company’s huge pre-Geneva 2010 party.
Volkswagen has had enough time to get the new car right – how good is the new VW Sharan?
According to the company, it’s 'the most advanced people carrier Volkswagen has ever produced' and there’s the promise of class-leading refinement, practicality and efficiency.
For a start both rear doors now slide (electrically if you pay for it), allowing easier access to rows two and three. The three seats in the middle row slide back and forth by up to 160mm, pivot forward by 20 degrees to allow easy access to the rear row, and both the second and third row of seats can fold flat into the floor.
On the outside VW’s design team has taken cues from the new Polo – inspiration would be the wrong word – and there’ll be a Seat version shown in autumn 2010. It’s big and slab-sided (we’re aware there’s a boat in the background of one of our images!) but that also means more space inside. And although the Mk2 Sharan is 220mm longer (including a 75mm wheelbase stretch) and 92mm wider than its predecessor – it’s also 12mm lower – the new MPV actually weights 30kg less than the car it replaces.
Under the bonnet there’s the option of two petrol and two diesel engines; we expect the 2.0-litre TDI (available with 138 or 168bhp) to be the big seller, but ex-Golf GTI owners might plump for the 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol. The final choice is a 1.4 TSI with 148bhp. The lower-power diesel manages 52.3mpg and emits just 143g/km CO2.
On the options is sat-nav, VW’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system with three different damper settings (including a Sport mode) and the latest Park Assist device. UK sales start in August 2010, and prices and specifications will be announced later this year.
We’ve all laughed at the geriatric Saab 9-5, but for the mighty Volkswagen Group this seems like a serious oversight. The new VW Sharan was launched tonight – along with the Polo GTI and Mk2 Touareg – at the company’s huge pre-Geneva 2010 party.
Volkswagen has had enough time to get the new car right – how good is the new VW Sharan?
According to the company, it’s 'the most advanced people carrier Volkswagen has ever produced' and there’s the promise of class-leading refinement, practicality and efficiency.
For a start both rear doors now slide (electrically if you pay for it), allowing easier access to rows two and three. The three seats in the middle row slide back and forth by up to 160mm, pivot forward by 20 degrees to allow easy access to the rear row, and both the second and third row of seats can fold flat into the floor.
On the outside VW’s design team has taken cues from the new Polo – inspiration would be the wrong word – and there’ll be a Seat version shown in autumn 2010. It’s big and slab-sided (we’re aware there’s a boat in the background of one of our images!) but that also means more space inside. And although the Mk2 Sharan is 220mm longer (including a 75mm wheelbase stretch) and 92mm wider than its predecessor – it’s also 12mm lower – the new MPV actually weights 30kg less than the car it replaces.
Under the bonnet there’s the option of two petrol and two diesel engines; we expect the 2.0-litre TDI (available with 138 or 168bhp) to be the big seller, but ex-Golf GTI owners might plump for the 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol. The final choice is a 1.4 TSI with 148bhp. The lower-power diesel manages 52.3mpg and emits just 143g/km CO2.
On the options is sat-nav, VW’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system with three different damper settings (including a Sport mode) and the latest Park Assist device. UK sales start in August 2010, and prices and specifications will be announced later this year.
Lambo Superleggera (2010) at Geneva motor show
This beautiful green beast is the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera, unveiled tonight at the Volkswagen Group’s big party ahead of tomorrow’s 2010 Geneva motor show.
This LP570-4 Superleggera will hit 62mph in 3.4 seconds (its predecessor took four tenths longer and the LP560-4 needs 3.7 seconds for the benchmark sprint), dash past 124mph after 10.2 seconds, and reach 202mph flat out. It’s not a harder, faster version of the special edition, rear-drive Balboni Gallardo, but a harder, faster version of the regular LP560-4.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera? That means four-wheel drive and close to 570bhp, right?
Spot on. LP stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’ and means the glorious 5.2-litre engine is mounted longitudinally behind the driver, as in all Gallardos. The ‘570’ designates the output in PS, and ‘4’ means the power goes to both axles.
Over and above the regular LP560-4 Gallardo there is only a modest increase in power (9bhp), but there’s still 562bhp delivered at a howling 8000rpm. And that 562bhp means the dry-sumped V10 produces 108bhp/litre, along with a total of 398lb ft at 6500rpm. Incidentally, the Superleggera's power output, top speed and 0-62mph time match those of the new Ferrari 458 Italia exactly...
The fact that an E-gear equipped Superleggera will spit of 319g/km CO2 and consume a gallon of fuel every 20.9 miles – it’s 344g/km and 19.6mpg if you pick the six-speed manual – might not sound that impressive. Yet put the new Superleggera back-to-back with its 5.0-litre predecessor and Lamborghini claims a 20.5% improvement in fuel consumption and emissions. Thank direct injection for that, and for the increases over the old car’s 523bhp and 375lb ft.
Superleggeras aren’t just about power figures though – how light is the new car?
Superleggera means ‘superlight’ and 70kg has been cut from the kerbweight, giving the LP570-4 Gallardo a dry weight of 1340kg. Some of you might not be too impressed – the first-gen Superleggera was 100kg lighter than standard and tipped the scales at 1330kg – but you can't call Lamborghini's efforts half hearted.
The rear and side windows are no longer glass but polycarbonate, as is the engine cover. The rear deck is carbonfibre, along with the side sills, rear diffuser, fixed spoiler, door mirror casings and various bits of the underbody panelling. Inside the transmission tunnel, door cards and frames of the Alcantara-trimmed seats are all carbon. In total the black stuff accounts for 40 of the 70kg Lambo’s engineers have saved.
Air-con and electric windows are standard, you still get mats and you can spec sat-nav, a nose-lift system and a rear-view camera. There are a few showy options too, including a carbon package for the engine bay, or for the interior that trims the centre console, instrument panel, handbrake, wheel and door handles. Also on offer is an R8-inspired LED package that illuminates the V10, plus coloured brake callipers, though the steel roll cage, fire extinguisher, four-point harness and ceramic brakes are the options that caught the eyes of the CAR office
This LP570-4 Superleggera will hit 62mph in 3.4 seconds (its predecessor took four tenths longer and the LP560-4 needs 3.7 seconds for the benchmark sprint), dash past 124mph after 10.2 seconds, and reach 202mph flat out. It’s not a harder, faster version of the special edition, rear-drive Balboni Gallardo, but a harder, faster version of the regular LP560-4.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera? That means four-wheel drive and close to 570bhp, right?
Spot on. LP stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’ and means the glorious 5.2-litre engine is mounted longitudinally behind the driver, as in all Gallardos. The ‘570’ designates the output in PS, and ‘4’ means the power goes to both axles.
Over and above the regular LP560-4 Gallardo there is only a modest increase in power (9bhp), but there’s still 562bhp delivered at a howling 8000rpm. And that 562bhp means the dry-sumped V10 produces 108bhp/litre, along with a total of 398lb ft at 6500rpm. Incidentally, the Superleggera's power output, top speed and 0-62mph time match those of the new Ferrari 458 Italia exactly...
The fact that an E-gear equipped Superleggera will spit of 319g/km CO2 and consume a gallon of fuel every 20.9 miles – it’s 344g/km and 19.6mpg if you pick the six-speed manual – might not sound that impressive. Yet put the new Superleggera back-to-back with its 5.0-litre predecessor and Lamborghini claims a 20.5% improvement in fuel consumption and emissions. Thank direct injection for that, and for the increases over the old car’s 523bhp and 375lb ft.
Superleggeras aren’t just about power figures though – how light is the new car?
Superleggera means ‘superlight’ and 70kg has been cut from the kerbweight, giving the LP570-4 Gallardo a dry weight of 1340kg. Some of you might not be too impressed – the first-gen Superleggera was 100kg lighter than standard and tipped the scales at 1330kg – but you can't call Lamborghini's efforts half hearted.
The rear and side windows are no longer glass but polycarbonate, as is the engine cover. The rear deck is carbonfibre, along with the side sills, rear diffuser, fixed spoiler, door mirror casings and various bits of the underbody panelling. Inside the transmission tunnel, door cards and frames of the Alcantara-trimmed seats are all carbon. In total the black stuff accounts for 40 of the 70kg Lambo’s engineers have saved.
Air-con and electric windows are standard, you still get mats and you can spec sat-nav, a nose-lift system and a rear-view camera. There are a few showy options too, including a carbon package for the engine bay, or for the interior that trims the centre console, instrument panel, handbrake, wheel and door handles. Also on offer is an R8-inspired LED package that illuminates the V10, plus coloured brake callipers, though the steel roll cage, fire extinguisher, four-point harness and ceramic brakes are the options that caught the eyes of the CAR office
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