Entries from October 2009 ↓

This rough sketch released by Mitsubishi today reveals a new baby 4×4 which the company plans to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show next year.

The new Mitsubishi will use the company’s mid-size platform – used already on the Outlander and Lancer – and will feature the familiar ‘jet-fighter’ front end to bring it in line with other newer models in the Mitsubishi range.

Mitsubishi Motors today announced that it would introduce a new compact crossover model next year. First sales will be in Japan in February 2010.

Although details of the new car are sparse, it seems that this is Mitsubishi’s competitor for Nissan’s hugely influential Qashqai, which pioneered the concept of a Golf-class people carrier/SUV crossover when it was introduced in 2007.

Mitsubishi says that the new car will supports its “strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars and crossovers”, although it doesn’t look as though it is completely abandoning the SUV market, where its Shogun models have a long-established presence.

Mitsubishi hasn’t yet revealed any details of the new car’s drive-train, so it’s not yet clear whether it will join the recent trend to treating four-wheel drive as an optional extra on SUVs and crossovers rather than as a “must have” feature.

The base engine will be a 136 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit churning out 206 pound-feet of torque. It will be mated to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST gearbox and an all-wheel drive system. The new engine is planned to have class-leading power output courtesy of a high-efficiency turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics.

Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] announced today that a consortium led by Zhejiang Geely Group Holding Co. Ltd. is its preferred bidder in the ongoing discussions concerning the possible sale of Volvo Car Corporation.

Ford said that while it will be engaging in more detailed and focused negotiations with Geely, no final decisions have been made.

“Ford’s objective in our discussions with Geely is to secure an agreement that is in the best interests of all the parties,” said Lewis Booth, Ford Motor Company executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Any prospective sale would have to ensure that Volvo has the resources, including the capital investment, necessary to further strengthen the business and build its global franchise, while enabling Ford to continue to focus on and implement our core ONE Ford strategy.

“Ford believes Geely has the potential to be a responsible future owner of Volvo and to take the business forward while preserving its core values and the independence of the Swedish brand. But there is much work that needs to be completed in the more substantive discussions that are agreed to take place. We have no specific timeline to conclude the discussions.”

While Ford would continue to cooperate with Volvo in several areas after a possible sale, Ford said it does not intend to retain a shareholding in Volvo.

John Fleming, chairman of Ford of Europe and Volvo Cars, said: “Ford fully understands the iconic Swedish nature of the Volvo brand and the responsibility we have as Volvo’s custodian to its employees, local communities and other key stakeholders.

“Any sale also would need to take into account the significant connections between Ford and Volvo in terms of continuing component supply, engineering and manufacturing.”

Ford and Volvo will maintain appropriate communications with key stakeholders, such as Volvo’s employees, unions and the Swedish government, during the ongoing process.

“Volvo’s management team welcomes today’s announcement as a positive step forward,” Volvo CEO Stephen Odell said. “At Volvo, we are continuing to keep our attention firmly fixed on engineering and building great Volvo cars, to reduce our cost base and to return the business to sustainable profitability at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation is seeking to make an entry into the already burgeoning Filipino market by introducing new vehicles and increasing the level of visibility in that country. Philippines is a major consumer of automobiles in the region and Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi revealed that Mitsubishi’s market share in the Philippines has increased to 18 percent this year, despite recession.

Mitsubishi can expect a bigger market share in the coming years as new models are being prepared to be launched in the Philippines soon. One of them that will be launched in the coming years, will be the Global Small, a 1.1 liter that will join the entry-level passenger car category. By the end of the year, MMPC will likely introduce another variant to a popular model.

This same Project will be as Ecocar porject in Thailand too.

*Lexus’s 21st century supercar delivers extreme, race-bred performance, with advanced technologies and absolute exclusivity

*Powered by mid-front mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine with 9,000rpm red line

*Rear wheels driven through bespoke, rear-mounted six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG)

*Maximum power 552bhp, maximum torque 480Nm

*Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds, top speed 202mph

*Extensive use of advanced materials, including Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction and Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brakes

*Production limited to 500 examples

*UK launch price €368,000 (approximately £336,000)

INTRODUCTION

The new LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. A true “clean-sheet” design, the LFA was created by a small, passionate and dedicated team of engineers whose achievement has been to push the boundaries of technologies materials and engineering at every stage to produce a car like no other to have carried the Lexus badge.

Constructed using advanced carbon fibre technology, the rear-wheel drive LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552bhp 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, giving 200mph-plus performance.

In the words of Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi: “The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience. Over the past decade we have pushed every boundary in pursuit of this goal and I believe we have created the most driver-orientated car we possibly could.”

CARBON FIBRE CONSTRUCTION

Keeping the car’s weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of the LFA and this led to the decision to switch from using aluminium for the car’s construction to advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork.

Moreover, Lexus decided the CFRP structure should be built in-house rather than by a third-party supplier. In doing so, it drew on Toyota Motor Corporation’s heritage in textile weaving technology to push the boundaries of its technical abilities, developing new carbon fibre looms and a laser system for monitoring the integrity of the material.

At four times the strength of aluminium, CFRP gives the LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure, and also delivers major weight advantages, saving around 100kg on an equivalent aluminium body. CFRP accounts for 65 per cent of the body-in-white, with aluminium alloy used for the remaining 35 per cent.

Unlike the few other vehicles on the market that use CFRP construction, the LFA uses the same advanced resin technology favoured by cutting-edge aerospace programmes for its unmatched weight and strength properties.

ENGINE

The heart of the LFA is a bespoke, naturally aspirated V10 engine that sets new standards for compact dimensions, lightweight architecture and scintillating performance. From the outset it was determined the engine should have a 4,805cc capacity, develop 552bhp and rev to a wailing 9,000rpm red line. A 72-degree angle between the cylinder heads is ideal for achieving balance in the engine for exceptionally smooth running, while providing individual, electronically controlled throttle bodies for each cylinder gives excellent throttle response.

Using a dry sump lubrication system allows the block to be positioned deep in the engine bay, lowering the car’s centre of gravity and moment of inertia, and enabling the engine to handle sustained, high-speed cornering.

The V10 produces 480Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 3,700rpm all the way to the 9,000rpm red line, thanks to Dual VVT-i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume, 12-hole fuel injectors. This gives searing in-hear acceleration at all engine speeds and in any gear: nought to 62mph takes just 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is 202mph.

With a kerb weight of 1,480kg, the LFA has a power to weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne, while specific output of 115bhp per litre is among the highest of any current supercar, aided by a high, 12:1 compression ratio, low friction internals and optimised intake and exhaust flow.

In spite of its potency, the V10 is an object lesson in compact and lightweight packaging, being about the same size as a regular V8 engine and weighing about as much as conventional V6. It is also as reliable and refined as any other Lexus power plan and exceeds Euro 5 emissions standards.

The engine was developed in conoctction with Yamaha through the established collaborative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japanese specialist engineering company.

TRANSMISSION

The formidable performance of the V10 is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. To help achieve the optimum 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution, it is contained in a transaxle mounted over the rear axle.

The ASG is operated by paddle shifts mounted on the steering column and is engineered for exceptionally fast shifts: an upshift can be effected in just 0.2 seconds.

The system has four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. Each mode has a specific gearshift programme, and engine and brake control logic systems to let the driver tailor the car’s performance to suit driving conditions.

SOUND

The LFA’s acoustics, induction system and exhaust notes have been specially tuned to deliver an awesome “soundtrack” that expresses the car’s extreme performance, both outside and inside the cabin. Referred to by the acoustic team as “Octave Harmony”, it is inspired by the sound of a Formula 1 engine at full revs and is unlike that of any other road car, with different harmonic qualities created as the engine moves up towards its maximum 9,000rpm.

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INFINITI CONFIRMS PLAN FOR A ZERO EMISSIONS VEHICLE

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 20, 2009) – Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., announced at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show that Infiniti plans to introduce an electric vehicle – one that will be true to the Infiniti brand’s promise of “Inspired Performance.”

Mr. Ghosn stated that a concept is being developed for a stylish, compact, high performance four-seat luxury Infiniti with zero emissions.

With the addition of a high-performance V6 diesel to Infiniti’s Western Europe line in 2010, and the Infiniti M Hybrid, which will be available in the U.S. in the spring of 2011, Infiniti will soon offer an almost unrivalled choice of powertrains compared with other luxury brands.

Nissan has revealed the first details of its new global small car project at a briefing at its new global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan.

The new ‘V-platform’ project has been designed primarily to make financial sense in emerging markets, while being sophisticated enough for Western Europe.

The new supermini will sit on all-new V platform – the V standing for versatile – which is lighter and roomier than before. It will spawn a saloon model (destined for emerging markets such as India and China) and an MPV too, replacing the popular Note in late 2011.

The V-platform will underpin cars up to 1600kg in weight and with a maximum torque output of 148lb ft. This means that the largest engine fitted to the family of small cars will be a 1.5-litre turbodiesel unit.

Engineered by Nissan in Japan, the V-platform project focuses on reductions in both weight and in the number of components that make up the future models.

The V-cars have 18 per cent fewer parts than Nissan’s previous small cars, the company says. The complete dashboard assembly is made up of just 28 parts instead of 56 and the seats are now made up of 50 parts, down from 85.

The V platform’s weight reduction was achieved by reducing the number of components and simplifying the car’s systems – for example, the new exhaust system is 3kg lighter than in the current car, the fuel tank is smaller and 2.2kg lighter, while the number of components that make up the cockpit module were halved.

Nissan says the new car will be very fuel efficient, but would not be drawn if that would mean the car would have engine stop-start technology, or whether a hybrid version would be made, but conceded that this might be possible.

The majority of V-platform cars will be powered by new ‘low-friction’ three-cylinder engines, which Autocar understands will come in 0.9- and 1.2-litre capacities. It’s possible most versions of the motor will get turbochargers.

Nissan engineers say the combination of lightweight engineering and torquey engines could deliver significantly better fuel economy than rival vehicles.

The company has also engineered a new, very compact, ‘low-friction’ CVT transmission, which has a much higher top ratio than normal.

The V-platform has been primarily engineered for comfort on the demanding roads in emerging markets such as India and China. For Western versions of the V-cars, extra emphasis will be placed on more refinement and body control.

The new model will not be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, but instead will be produced at a variety of factories in emerging markets including Thailand – where it will be first launched in March 2010 – and India.
This approach will help Nissan to keep costs down – so expect the new Micra to be very competitvely priced when it goes on sale here, most likely just in five-door form (a three-door has yet to be confirmed) in October 2010.

Nissan launches two models – Tiida and Tiida Latio. The Nissan Tiida, features a five-door sporty style car (five-door hatchback Tiida) with spacious cabin and modern style, suits best for new generation. Tiida Latio aims to penetrate in the market of the multifunctional family cars, providing the same spaciousness, and to highlight the unrivaled comfort.
Bangkok (15 October 2009): Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. confirms its success on Tiida by launching its two models, as a response to the demand of new generation customers.
The Nissan Tiida emphasizes on modern and cool concept, spacious cabin with the feature of sports car. This makes Tiida different from other ordinary marketing cars. While Tiida Latio focuses on simplicity stylish and comfort for all family uses.

The interior design and exterior of the Tiida features on spacious cabin, it provides enough room for all imagination of life and obviously shows the uniquely distinction of the car for new generation.
Tiida Latio pursues the concept of the eye-catching family car which is simply elegant and cozy, providing adequate room to fulfill all of happiness for everybody’s love ones. It is certain that Latio is second to none. The introduction of the newly extra functions can enhance the advantage of the product, comparing with the competitors in the market. But, the spaciousness, modernity and comfort are still remained.

There is a new design for the console of the Tiida by changing the front grille, the same shape as Nissan Murano’s, in order to fit it with the new head lamps and bumper. For Hatchback, its front grille is dark grey according to the concept of sports car while Latio’s is light grey as a luxurious and tasty car.

Additionally, fog lamps are designed as water drop-like shape. To enhance good features eye glance.

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Nissan Celebrates Four Decades of Sports Car Leadership With New, Limited Edition 370Z “40th Anniversary” Model

Forty Years After the Debut of the Original Datsun 240Z, the Iconic Z Continues to Capture the Imagination and Passion of Sports Car Enthusiasts Worldwide

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 15, 2009) – The 25th anniversary is silver, the 50th is gold. And the 40th? Another precious metal, or more correctly metal, rubber and glass – the Nissan Z. Forty years ago, on October 22, 1969, the Datsun 240Z arrived in North America, heralding a new era in sports car design.

Where previous sports cars were primarily a.) imported from England or Germany b.) expensive c.) fragile or unreliable or d.) all of the above, the new import from Japan offered the performance of a Porsche, the looks of a Jaguar and the price and reliability of, well, a Nissan. The 240Z was a revelation to the automotive world – an affordable sports car that could be driven every day and was accessible to anyone with the $3,626 base price.

And though the price of a new Z might have changed a little in the past 40 years, its unmatched value, style, performance and segment leadership remains stronger than ever. To celebrate, Nissan has created a special, limited production version of the current 2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe, the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition. It will be available at select Nissan dealers nationwide beginning in spring 2010.

“Throughout the history of the automobile, a rare handful of cars stand apart as vehicles that not only capture the imagination of the world but also embody the essence of the automaker’s brand, engineering and ideals. The Z is just such a vehicle,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Changing Times – Literally When the original Datsun 240Z debuted as a 1970 model, its design and performance were considered state-of-the-art: a 150-horsepower 2.4-liter single overhead cam inline 6-cylinder engine, 4-wheel independent suspension, 14-inch wheels, choice of a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, and a quarter-mile acceleration time of 17.1 seconds at 84.5 miles per hour. The 240Z was conceived as a closed coupe body, rather than the typical open-top sports cars of the age, to enhance body rigidity and, therefore, improve handling and durability.

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