Entries from November 2009 ↓

The Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan) with European specifications has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme*1 (Euro NCAP) in its 2009 combined safety performance test.

From 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a new evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating that combines the scores achieved in four areas of assessment: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist.

The Mazda3 inherits and evolves the first generation model’s combination of dynamic, sporty styling and exhilarating driving performance. With this maximum safety rating from Euro NCAP as well as its recognition as a 2009 Top Safety Pick from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)*2, Mazda3 is among the safest cars in the world.

Mazda3 is the second Mazda model to be awarded the maximum five-star rating under the new Euro NCAP evaluation system. The Mazda6 (Mazda Atenza) with European specifications received five stars in February 2009. Mazda models in Europe that received the highest possible five stars for Adult Occupant Protection under the previous Euro NCAP rating system include the Mazda5 (Mazda Premacy) in September 2005 and the Mazda2 (Mazda Demio) in December 2007.

They Change Infiniti G37 New Grill and Headlamp and front bumper to sleeky looking.

The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan once again marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. Through its sporting and elegant looks, driving dynamics typical of the brand, outstanding efficiency as well as innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW’s executive express convincingly reflects the supreme standard of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars throughout the entire process of development.

Design: charismatic, elegant, sporting.

With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-like, graceful roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from the competition.

Overall, the aesthetic looks of the car are clearly determined by perfectly balanced proportions. Design features typical of the brand are to be found both at the front with its BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward and on the strikingly chiselled engine compartment lid, in the stylish and elegant side view of the car, and on the muscular rear end.

Within the interior modern function and a superior ambience come together in perfect harmony, unmistakable style and clear orientation to the driver in the cockpit guaranteeing a truly unique driving and travelling experience.

Driving experience: supreme dynamics and outstanding comfort.

The most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies ensure supreme sportiness and an even higher standard of motoring comfort all in one. At the same time optional Dynamic Driving Control enables the driver to set the suspension individually to his personal requirements. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is available with Adaptive Drive encompassing´Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive stability control, as well as BMW’s Integral Active Steering.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is making its debut with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. The range is rounded off by a four-cylinder turbodiesel with an aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct injection. Maximum output in this case of 135 kW/184 hp makes the BMW 520d fitted as standard with Auto Start Stop the new efficiency benchmark in its segment. Average fuel consumption in the EU5 test cycle is just 5.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 56.5 mpg imp), the CO2 emission rating is 132 g/km (provisional figures).

The top-of-the-range BMW 550i comes with an eight-cylinder boasting BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection for maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp. The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp, while the two straight-six power units featuring High Precision Injection and lean-burn operation develop 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW 528i and, respectively, 150 kW/204 hp in the BMW 523i.

Straight-six diesels with the most advanced technology give the BMW 530d maximum output of 180 kW/245 hp and the BMW 525d an equally impressive 150 kW/204 hp. Fitted with optional BMW BluePerformance technology, the BMW 530d fulfils the EU6 emission standard. And it almost goes without saying that all versions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan comply in full with the EU5 standard in Europe.

BMW EfficientDynamics: BMW 5 Series increasing the lead.

All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are available as an option with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 550i comes as standard with BMW’s automatic transmission optimised for efficiency, just like EPS Electric Power Steering featured on all models.

BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are naturally featured as standard in appropriate combinations on each model, with features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control, and on-demand operation of ancillary units including a detachable a/c compressor. Intelligent lightweight construction, finally, is ensured by features such as the doors, engine compartment lid, front side panels and suspension components made of aluminium.

Innovative driver assistance systems with BMW ConnectedDrive.

The driver assistance systems offered for the first time in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive include a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with application of the brakes in conjunction with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go, and a new Speed Limit Device. Further features also available are Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, and a back-up camera.

Description in Brief.

Joint development and production together with the BMW 7 Series.

* The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive story of success. In the course of five model generations, overall sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than 5.5 million units. Now the new model is based on a newly developed vehicle architecture also featured in the BMW 7 Series luxury sedans.

* Joint production of the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 7 Series at BMW Plant Dingolfing, together with the extensive use of shared components, ensures highly efficient production with a supreme standard of quality following the most demanding benchmarks in the market.

* World debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the epitome of the sporting but elegant, innovative and driver-oriented executive express. The sixth generation of BMW’s immensely successful four-door stands out through modern aesthetics in design, conveys all of the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW, and offers unparalleled efficiency in the upper midrange segment.

* The premium character of this outstanding Sedan is underscored by features and technologies otherwise to be found only in the luxury class. In the sum total of its features, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan thus represents the outstanding competence in development of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars.

* The sophisticated aesthetics and dynamic looks of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are the result of perfectly balanced proportions. Again in the typical style of the brand, the new 5 Series Sedan boasts a long and contoured engine compartment lid, short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline as well as the longest wheelbase in the entire segment.

* The charismatic flair of the upright front section and the BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward from certain perspectives, the stylish elegance of the side view and the muscular sportiness of the rear end all come together in typical BMW design language to provide an outstanding look of style and supremacy.

* Within the interior horizontal surfaces and exciting lines create a truly generous and harmonious ambience. The clear structure of the cockpit enhances the high level of driver orientation, while the stylish, modern design of the interior may be further refined by top-quality materials and tastefully composed colour combinations reflecting the individual choice of the customer.

* Benefiting from BMW EfficientDynamics naturally featured as standard, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan further extends BMW’s leadership in the segment also when it comes to efficiency. All power units fulfil the EU5 emission standard, the new BMW 530d with optional BMW BluePerformance technology even comes with EU6. Intelligent lightweight technology is borne out among other things by chassis components as well as the engine lid, front side panels and doors all made of aluminium.

* The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is entering the market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision Injection (300 kW/407 hp). Then there are the world’s first straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC (225 kW/306 hp) in the BMW 535i as well as two straight-six petrol engines with High Precision Injection and lean-burn technology in the BMW 528i (190 kW/258 hp) and the BMW 523i (150 kW/204 hp).

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Lexus Introduces Second-Generation GX 460 Luxury SUV for 2010

* New 301-hp V8 with Six-Speed Transmission
* Standard 10 airbags and Available Pre-Collision System
* More Versatile Interior with a New Standard Power Fold Third Row

Lexus has introduced an all-new, second-generation GX 460 luxury utility vehicle for 2010 that is more powerful, more efficient, quieter and more luxurious than the GX 470 model it replaces. The 2010 GX 460 achieves all of these significant developments while its 10 standard airbags and the available Pre-Collision System help enhance safety.

Positioned between the brand’s LX 570 premium luxury utility vehicle and unibody-based RX models, the 2010 GX 460 combines “right sized” midsize packaging with family-friendly comfort and premium craftsmanship. The GX 460 has a standard seven-passenger configuration. Once again built with rugged body-on-frame construction, the 2010 GX 460 is also equipped with full-time four-wheel drive and the advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) to help provide both exceptional on-road ride and handling and true off-road capability.

The 2010 Lexus GX 460 is powered by an all-new 4.6-liter V8 that is both more powerful and more efficient than the 4.7-liter V8 it replaces. The new engine produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and is teamed to a new six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. Combined city/highway fuel economy is improved by 13 percent to an EPA-estimated 17 mpg (vs. 15 mpg in the 2009 GX 470) — better than other V8 luxury utility vehicles and competitive with some six-cylinder models. The GX 460 has an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

With the same vehicle footprint as the GX 470 it replaces, the 2010 GX 460 provides a more versatile interior. The second row seat slides 4.1 inches fore/aft to maximize passenger and cargo carrying ability. The foldable and reclining second row seats also feature a 60/40 walk-in function to access the standard power fold-flat third row seats. The rear door window uses a flip-up glass panel for added convenience.

Luxury is enhanced in the 2010 GX 460 by an even quieter cabin, as well as new additional standard features and options. The 2010 GX 460 features standard heated and ventilated front seats for example. Among the new luxury options are semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and heated outer second-row seats. New multimedia features – both standard and optional – expand onboard family entertainment choices.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The 2010 GX 460 takes its model designation from an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine. The new 32-valve DOHC engine features aluminum alloy cylinder heads and block with dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i), which controls valve timing and overlap on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, fuel efficiency and emissions. (The previous 4.7 had VVT only on the intake camshafts.) Peak torque is also up for the new 4.6, now 329 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm vs. 323 lb.-ft. at 3,400 rpm for the 4.7-liter engine.

The new 4.6-liter V8 is teamed to a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, compared to a five-speed automatic with the previous 4.7-liter, benefiting both performance and fuel economy. The new transmission fits in the same space as the previous five- speed and features a higher top gear ratio. The new powertrain helps make the 2010 GX 460 feel more responsive in everyday driving and quieter than the previous model. The 2010 GX 460 retains the same 6,500-lb. towing capacity as the GX 470 offered.

The GX 460 comes equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive using an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN® torque-sensing center differential. It also offers a low range for off-road driving. The TORSEN differential distributes power 40:60 under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip.

The ability to change to a 30:70 ratio during steering maneuvers helps enhance vehicle tracking through curves. If the rear wheels spin, the center differential can change the ratio to 50:50 to help control the slippage. The TORSEN differential also helps make the GX 460 less prone to slippage caused by sudden changes in road-surface conditions, such as driving through a puddle or over an ice patch. The rear differential has also been strengthened for 2010.

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the new Fuga luxury sedan, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The all-new Nissan Fuga was created as an intelligent, premium sedan offering a tailored and vibrant experience for its driver and passengers. It combines a dynamic exterior created to appeal to the senses with a spacious, open and comfortable interior. Fuga also features a wide range of technologies, supporting Eco-driving and a high level of safety and security – including an ECO-pedal, Cornering Stability Assist and an advanced Driving Safety Support System for approaching low-visibility intersections, which was developed from the results of SKY Project.*1

Building on the strong features of the first-generation Fuga, which was originally released in October 2004, the new Fuga continues as a Nissan flagship model. Like the original, the new Fuga is expected to be highly appreciated for its outstanding driving performance, interior quality and comfort, all which go beyond the expectations of a traditional luxury vehicle.

The new Fuga is available in a range of models and in a choice of two advanced powerplants, a 2.5-liter VQ25HR engine and a 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine with Nissan’s Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system. The 2.5-liter engine model also qualifies for Japan’s preferential tax scheme for environment-friendly vehicles*2 with automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax reduced by either 75％ or 50％.

A Dynamic Exterior Designed to Appeal to the Senses
Nissan Fuga’s beautiful exterior design starts with its classic rear-wheel drive proportions, with a long hood and center of gravity biased toward the rear wheels. Its powerful, stable stance is achieved with low nose and deeply sculpted fenders with large-diameter wheels, while the large, low-slung, grille and bold headlight design – inspired by “vigor of an ink brush” – establishes a strong presence. The sculptured body takes on varied personalities depending on the angle viewed and the quality of light reflected on its surface.
The sporty “370GT Type S” package employs a special front bumper and large diameter 20-inch aluminum wheels. A choice of seven body colors help enhance the stylish exterior design, including three new colors: Deep Bronze, Grayish Blue and Garnet Black.

A Spacious, Open and Comfortable Interior
Inside Fuga’s spacious interior, a high quality, enhanced luxury feeling is expressed through the use of soft, premium semi-aniline leather and wood grain panels coated with genuine silver powder, which gives them an immaculate mirror finish. At the same time, interior comfort is enhanced with a new “Forest AC” air conditioning system that creates the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of a relaxing forest setting.

The interior’s careful selection of special materials for different areas and functions is based on the analysis of how people’s senses react when they touch things. Softer and more comfortable to the touch compared to the previous generation Fuga, the interior employs semi-aniline leather that combines a soft-to-the-touch feeling and natural texture, along with Sofiless, a special soft, smooth textured trim material.

Fuga also uses high quality luxury accents that one can feel with the senses, including luxurious door trim with refined curved plate and wood graining, a newly designed analog clock and large-diameter meters using white lighting, which enhances both the luxury feeling and visibility. Also utilized is a new center cluster and new designs for the automatic window switches, map lights and instrumental panel switches.

The dramatic wood grain panels, with silver powder applied by craftsmen, is standard on 370VIP and a factory-installed option on 370GT Type S, 370GT, 250GT, 370GT FOUR models.

The new Fuga also offers the “luxury” of a clean, pollutant-free environment through the innovative “Forest AC” air conditioning. The system is designed to prevent the flow of unpleasant air into the cabin, while creating the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings (standard on 370VIP, 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT).

In addition to a conventional exhaust sensor, the system systematically controls ventilation by detecting various odors, such as from smoking in the cabin or animals outside the vehicle, to prevent the inflow of unpleasant air into the passenger compartment. The new-generation plasmacluster ion*3 system generates and supplies plasmacluster ions at higher densities than previous systems. These ions maintain cabin air quality by improving reduction of airborne microbes, decomposing and removing mold or viruses, and minimizing adherence of odors on the interior trim surfaces. A high-performance grape seed polyphenol filter is also utilized, which is designed to more effectively remove pollen and dust mites and deactivate allergens in the cabin.

The Forest AC’s aroma diffuser provides two unique aromas, borneol and leaf alcohol, to alleviate boredom and stimulate the driver’s brain. A sense of fluctuating natural breezes is created by the randomly changing volume of air flow, further enhancing passenger comfort.

The Fuga interior also offers an enhanced Personal Driving Position Memory System, which recognizes each driver through the individual Intelligent Key used to unlock the door. Unlike previous systems that only adjusted seating, steering wheel and mirror positions, the new design also retains the individual’s air conditioner, navigation and audio system preferences as programmed in advance. Two people can program original settings (standard on 370VIP, 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT).

Other advanced systems designed to support interior comfort are the HDD CARWINGS Navigation System with Built-in Terrestrial Digital TV Receiver and the concert hall-quality Bose® Surround Sound System*4 (a factory-installed option on 370VIP, 370GT Type S, 370GT, 370GT FOUR, 250GT Type P, 250GT).

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Within only four years of having taken over Volvo from Ford, Geely plans to launch up to three new luxury models, according to company sources.

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which is Ford’s preferred bidder for Volvo, told the Wall Street Journal that the firm would sell two or three bigger, more luxurious cars within the next four years to boost global sales.

Under Geely’s restructuring plan for Volvo, the target is to achieve global sales of more than one million units per year. Currently, Volvo’s sales are around 400,000 units per year, but Geely plans to more than double this number within five years.

To do so, Geely plans to build a new plant in China with the capability of producing 300,000 units per year. Geely predicts that Volvo could sell up to 200,000 units per year in China.

Last year, it sold 12,600 units. Geely is offering around two billion euro for Volvo but what makes the sale drawn out are the issues over intellectual property rights.

source : Gasgoo.com via evwind.es

According to the Beijing Youth Daily, two to four-seat electric mini passenger vehicles will enter the Chinese market by 2015.

Zhen Zijian, deputy director of 863 major projects for energy-saving and new energy vehicles in the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the projected number of electric cars sold will reach to 2.66 million units, which leads to some 21.2 billion kWh of electricity needed throughout the year.

The electric mini car can be driven at the highest speed of 80 kilometers per hour and run 100 kilometers without charging.

He added that electric city buses and plug-in electric buses will also be produced by 2015. At that time, the output of electric vehicles will make up 10 percent of the total number of electric passenger vehicles.

China National Offshore Oil Corp. is considering building battery-changing stations for electric vehicles, part of a broader push by the state-owned oil giant that could give a boost to electric cars in China’s huge market.

Shan Lianwen, director of corporate strategy at China National Offshore, one of three big Chinese-government oil companies, said it is looking into the possibility of building a nationwide network of battery-changing stations, where drivers of electric vehicles could swap out an empty car battery for a full one.

China National Offshore in July invested 5 billion yuan ($732 million) in Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint-Stock Co., a Chinese company that makes lithium batteries for electric vehicles. Lishen said it would use the investment to build 20 battery assembly lines at a new facility in the port city of Tianjin.

Chinese leaders have adopted a plan aimed at turning the country into one of the leading producers of hybrid and all-electric vehicles within three years, and making it the world leader in electric cars and buses.

China’s intention, in addition to creating a world-leading industry that will produce jobs and exports, is to reduce urban pollution and decrease its dependence on oil. China wants to raise its annual production capacity to 500,000 hybrid or all-electric cars and buses by the end of 2011, from 2,100 last year.

Electric cars have several practical advantages in China. Intercity driving is rare. Commutes are fairly short and frequently at low speeds because of traffic jams. So the limitations of all-electric cars are less of a problem.

BYD has 5,000 auto engineers and an equal number of battery engineers, most of them living at its headquarters in Shenzhen in a cluster of 15 yellow apartment buildings, each 18 stories high.

China’s government is backing the industry’s push toward electric cars. Large fleet owners, in China, that’s mainly regional governments and taxi companies, now get subsidies worth up to $8,800 per vehicle if they buy electric. Beijing has also announced that it will spend $1.5 billion in grants to help its auto industry innovate.

Sculpted to move you – first pictures of the all-new Volvo S60

Here are the first official pictures of the all-new Volvo S60 – sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo model.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

The Volvo S60 can be equipped with Pedestrian Detection – a groundbreaking safety feature that can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver does not react in time.

The all-new Volvo S60 is being unveiled to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March next year. Production of the sporty sedan model will start in early summer 2010 at the Volvo Cars plant in Ghent, Belgium.

“Customers in this segment want emotional appeal, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. The S60 has it all. We are convinced that it will be one of the strongest contenders around,” says Stephen Odell.

Ending months of uncertainty over their joint project to make an ultra-low-cost car, Bajaj Auto and Renault-Nissan have signed an agreement delineating their roles and fixing 2012 as the year when the car will hit the market.

At an impromptu press conference at the India Economic Summit in New Delhi, Carlos Ghosn, the head of Renault-Nissan, said Bajaj would handle the design, manufacturing and sourcing for the car; Renault-Nissan would look after marketing in India and overseas. “It is much better that we take leadership in marketing and selling of products,” he said.

Interestingly, while most of the talk around small cars since Nano has been about the cost and price, Ghosn has started a buzz around the running cost of the car. “It will be an innovative product,” he said. “The product will be competitive on cost and fuel efficiency. The consumption of oil will be substantially low. It will address both the cost and the running cost.”

Bajaj and Renault-Nissan had announced the formation of a joint venture in May 2008 to develop, produce and market a car code-named ULC.

“Our partnership will continue and we will have a clear definition of who does what. We have no illusion. Our strategy in India is not short-term, but long-term. Renault-Nissan has a 10 per cent share (of the car market) globally. We cannot accept a situation in India where we are just about 1 per cent. We have to adapt to India,” said Ghosn.

The cost to the two companies of the car would be lower than any car produced in the country, Ghosn said. That means the car would be produced at a lower cost than the current Nano, whose price ranges between Rs 1.12-1.85 lakh. However, the price to the consumer of the car may or may not be lesser or greater than the market price to the Nano.

“If current highest mileage of a car is 20 kilometers per litre..then our car is going to do much more than that,” he added.

“Bajaj with 2&3 wheelers is very successful here in the Indian market with its given level of increasing sales and profitability. Renault-Nissan is moving down from a segment of making our four wheelers,” Ghosn said.

Asia, South Africa and Asia would be a part of the exports plan for the ultra-low cost car amongst other targeted emerging markets.

Ghosn said all partnerships in India are ‘going well’ though he has not been able to meet Mahindra& Mahindra officials on his visit here.

source: business-standard.com and mydigitalfc.com

On the alliance of Nissan
with Bajaj Motors, Ghosn said that the project for developing a low-cost car as a rival to Tata Nano was still being developed. “Our competitor Tata has already developed such a car, but we continue with our partners for developing this kind of product.”

“The $2,500 car is very important for the Indian market. The price may end up being $2,500 or $2,800 or $3,000 but we are not stuck up on the price,” said Carlos Ghosn, chairman & CEO, Renault-France and president & CEO, Nissan-Japan on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit 2009.