3rd June 2009

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

        

Oh, hell yes.





My wagon fever has been largely dormant of late, but this saucy minx from Cadillac has re-ignited it. There’s something about the combination of Cadillac’s crisply folded styling and a rakish wagon profile that puts my adrenal glands on red alert.

The CTS Sports Wagon joins the Dodge Magnum in a uniquely lustful place in my heart reserved for lascivious sports wagons that, somehow, put me into a tuner mindset. I’m the farthest thing one could imagine from a tuner or a customizer, and no other car triggers that response from me. But I look at the Magnum and CTS and think, “Wow, just imagine that car in deep glossy black, with bigger rims, maybe lowered just a smidge. …” I don’t even recognize myself when it happens.

I have always liked Cadillac’s “Art and Science” design ethic; it’s genuinely fresh and distinctive, without relying on retro callouts or a mishmash of design cues. On the STS and the new CTS, I think the look has evolved and matured into something truly beautiful–completely new and genuinely Cadillac. It looks gorgeous in wagon form. One request for Cadillac–not that I’m unhappy with 305 available horsepower, but I’d love to see a Sports Wagon version of the CTS-V that could challenge the legendary Audi RS6 Avant for mega-wagon supremacy. Please?

“Fill my eyes, with that wagon fever …
No disguise, for that wagon fever …
Ooh, when it gets through to me, it’s always new to me …
My wagon fever gets the best of me!”

–Chris H.



Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

May Car Sales: Worst May Be Over

DETROIT — May car sales in the U.S. dropped 34 percent from a year ago but reports from automakers suggest the worst may be over.

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

2010 BMW 5 Series

BMW is once again defining a brand-new segment in the automobile market. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.


• Through its body design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology. Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology.


• The luxurious and, for a car with this kind of coupé-like silhouette, surprisingly generous and variable interior gives both the driver and passengers a spontaneous feeling of comfort and well-being. This superior feeling is further enhanced by comfortable entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish.


• Flexibly adjustable, the interior of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. In their standard position, the rear seats offer the passengers the same kind of legroom as in the BMW 7 Series combined with the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage capacity is already an ample 440 litres or 15.4 cu ft. Thanks to the partition behind the rear seats, the passenger and luggage compartments are separated acoustically and in terms of climate conditions from one another like in a saloon. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 millimetres or almost 4″, with legroom still remaining the same as in the BMW 5 Series Saloon and an increase in luggage capacity to 590 litres or 20.7 cu ft. And after folding down the rear-seat backrests together with the partition, finally, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1,700 litres or 59.5 cu ft.


• Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience.


• The sheer space and the inspiring, modern design of the interior team up to provide a truly luxurious ambience and the supreme long-distance comfort of a modern Gran Turismo. The sleek surfaces on the front and rear door panels merging smoothly into one another as well as the horizontal arrangement of the instrument panel enhance the impression of supreme generosity. Seat comfort, headroom and elbow freedom are all of the highest standard otherwise to be found only in the luxury performance class. The slightly elevated seating position, the clear, structured arrangement of the controls, BMW’s new iDrive with its Control Display up to 10.2 inches in size, and the cockpit in Black Panel technology all help to give the driver maximum supremacy at all times. The rear seats may be adjusted individually fore-and-aft and also come with individual adjustment of the backrest angle. To meet the greatest demands in terms of individual luxury, finally, two individual comfort seats at the rear are available as an option.


• The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is entering the market with a choice of no less than three ultra-modern drive units carrying over BMW -EfficientDynamics into a new segment in the automobile world. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo offers a truly unique, unparalleled balance of driving experience and fuel economy with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 6.5 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 43.5 mpg imp, and a CO2 rating of 173 g/km. The two gasoline models also set new standards for efficiency in their respective engine class.


• As a world-first achievement introducing a new and even more efficient range of engines, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo comes with the first straight-six gasoline engine featuring TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC and developing maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. The top engine in the range, finally, is the V8 TwinPower Turbo delivering maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo, in turn, comes with a 180 kW/245 hp straight-six diesel of the latest generation with an all-aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct fuel injection. All engines naturally fulfil the EU5 emission standard.


• All model variants come as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission previously to be admired only in the BMW 760i twelve-cylinder luxury saloon. Featuring an innovative configuration of gearsets, a unique level of internal efficiency, and the same low weight and compact dimensions as a six-speed automatic transmission, this high-tech automatic combines gearshift comfort, dynamic performance, and motoring efficiency of the highest calibre. The most advanced engine technology, the innovative eight-speed automatic transmission, and a wide range of unique technologies in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics allow the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to set new standards also in terms of economy and emission management.


• The modern, demanding suspension technology of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is designed for both fascinating driving dynamics and supreme grand touring comfort. The double track control arm front axle and the Integral-V rear axle exclusive to BMW are made largely of aluminium. Standard features also include rear axle air suspension as well as hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a steering servo pump operating on demand. Integral Active Steering is available as an option, combining active steering of the front wheels with rear-wheel steering varying according to driving conditions and current requirements.


• Featured as standard, Dynamic Drive Control influences not only the gearshift dynamics, but also the gas pedal and steering assistance control map. In combination with optional Adaptive Drive, the dampers with infinite variation on both the inbound and rebound stroke contribute to the superior suspension function. In addition to the NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ programs, the driver also has the choice of the COMFORT mode available directly from the Dynamic Drive Control button on the centre console. A further point is that intervention in DSC Dynamic Stability Control is reduced in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.


• The optimised body structure in conjunction with appropriately coordinated and electronically masterminded passive safety systems ensures maximum occupant safety at all times. These systems include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, crash-activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres and a tyre defect indicator. The standard features include foglamps and adaptive brake lights, with bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime driving light function as well as Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution and Bending Lights all coming as an option.


• The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is also available as an option with the complete range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive, including Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View, and a back-up camera. Over and above these outstanding features, BMW ConnectedDrive also offers BMW Online, BMW Assist, BMW TeleServices, as well as an Enhanced Emergency Call function automatically determining and reporting the current location of the car.


• The wide range of standard features offered by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo includes automatic air conditioning, an audio system, an AUX-In connector bush, and the Integrated Owner’s Manual. Optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, a panorama glass roof optimised for noise control and attractive design, as well as an electrically swivelling trailer hook.

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

Honda Marine Introduces All-New 60hp Outboard: BF60 Offers Adjustable Trolling, Power Thrust TechnologyPress Release - Honda Marine Introduces All-New 60hp Outboard - 052009


Press Releases

PrintFriendly Format

05.20.09
Honda Marine Introduces All-New 60hp Outboard: BF60 Offers Adjustable Trolling, Power Thrust Technology

Honda Marine today introduced its all-new BF60 horsepower (hp) outboard engine. Ideal for pontoons, aluminum bass and walleye boats, small center consoles, skiffs, and inflatables, the new motor offers a host of Honda-exclusive technologies and consumer benefits.

The all-new BF60 affords boaters the fuel efficiency and quiet operation of Honda’s legendary four-stroke outboard engine technology combined with light weight and powerful acceleration. Honda’s exclusive Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) system and a high-performance gear case combine for a strong holeshot, while Lean Burn Control provides best-in-class fuel efficiency at cruise. Additionally, a best-in-class 22-amp alternator offers 17 amps of battery charging capacity to keep electronics charged all day, even at trolling speeds. And at 239 pounds, the engine is one of the lightest in its class.

Redefining Mid-Range Four-Stroke Performance

Honda’s all-new BF60 EFI redefines four-stroke performance with the patented BLAST system.

BLAST technology advances the BF60’s ignition spark timing to within one degree of the knock limit during “hammer down” acceleration, dramatically improving holeshot and acceleration. The Engine Control Module (ECM) also steps in to increase injector timing, creating a more potent air/fuel mixture. The resulting boost in available torque at low RPM contributes to a strong holeshot to get the boat up on plane quickly. The ignition spark timing is appropriately adjusted under slower throttle advancement, ensuring a leaner air/fuel mix and class-leading fuel efficiency.

Performance is not limited to top-end speed; slow trolling also is essential. The all-new BF60 EFI excels in this area thanks to the addition of Honda’s adjustable trolling system, which allows for trolling speed adjustment in 50 RPM increments from 750 RPM to 1,000 RPM. Trolling speed is adjusted using a special dashboard switch for remote control models, and via an integrated switch located adjacent to the shift lever on tiller models. Tiller models also feature a handle-mounted power tilt/trim switch located at the operator’s fingertips to ensure user safety and comfort.

The BF60 also features Honda’s all-new high-performance gear case. A longer anti-ventilation plate helps trap water flowing to the propeller to minimize cavitation, while a streamlined front and enlarged bullet reduce drag for enhanced acceleration and fuel efficiency. A front splash plate reduces spray from the hull bottom, helping to maintain a dry deck above.

The BF60 is also available in a special Power Thrust configuration, which offers a unique Power Thrust gear case with a 2.33:1 gear ratio for increased thrust under heavier loads. The enlarged bullet and more robust Power Thrust gear case allow for the use of large-diameter propellers, making the BF60 Power Thrust an ideal fit for pontoon applications. Power Thrust also optimizes the BF60’s 50-degree steering angle by providing additional thrust in close quarters for an astonishingly tight turning radius.

Further contributing to the BF60’s exceptional maneuverability is Honda’s innovative Rudder Angle Indicator, which displays the engine’s steering angle via a dashboard gauge. The gauge eliminates the steering guesswork common among pontooners when docking or getting underway.

A Closer Look Under the Cowling

The 998cc, in-line 3-cylinder BF60 EFI features a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) design that delivers the optimal air/fuel mixture for maximum torque and combustion efficiency. In addition, a Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI) accurately controls ignition timing and fuel flow during start-up to provide instant throttle response regardless of weather conditions. The system also helps improve overall fuel efficiency by ensuring an optimal air/fuel mixture across the RPM range.

Further contributing to the engine’s outstanding fuel economy is Honda’s exclusive Lean Burn Control, which pairs the ECU with an oxygen (O2) sensor to adjust the air/fuel mix according to speed and load, maximizing efficiency in “cruise mode” (3,000 - 4,500 RPM).

The engine’s best-in-class 22-amp alternator (17 amps of battery charging), ignition, and other critical components are mounted near the top of the powerhead to ensure that all are kept cool and dry. Power Thrust models offer a 27-amp alternator with 22 amps of battery charging capacity. The BF60 is also meets NMEA 2000 standards, providing users full compatibility with a host of electronic devices.

The BF60 EFI boasts an Engine Alert System that uses visual, audio, and RPM reduction circuits to alert the operator of conditions that contribute to engine damage, such as overheating, low oil pressure, and over-revving. Tiller models feature a new 4-lamp warning system built into the tiller handle, while remote control models deliver alerts via messaging through Honda’s multi-function digital gauges or a special indicator built into the unit’s control box. Tiller models also feature a reversible shift lever, ensuring ease of use from both port and starboard seating configurations.

The BF60 also features Honda’s exclusive double-sealed and multi-layered Four-Front Corrosion Protection (paint) System, as well as several other features designed to minimize damage caused by the harsh marine environment. A unique one-touch anode check system and improved waterproofing inside the engine cover and gear case are just a few of the innovative features Honda has added to ensure the motor’s long-term durability. Forward-mounted water pickups enhance the engine’s cooling characteristics, while large sacrificial anodes have been added to the gear case to further deter corrosion. Finally, a freshwater flush port serves to remove salt water and debris from the engine after use, greatly improving the engine’s long-term durability.

In addition to improved fuel efficiency and performance characteristics, the BF60 EFI also incorporates a number of features designed to facilitate maintenance. An automotive-type oil filter and color-coded oil fill and dipstick simplify fluid level checks and changes. Additionally, the engine is compatible with Honda’s HDS portable diagnostic system to facilitate on-water service through any of Honda Marine’s 1,000-plus dealers nationwide.

The BF60 EFI is available in 20- and 25-inch shaft models. All new Honda outboard engines sold for recreational use offer an industry-best True 5-year, non-declining limited factory warranty that is the same on the last day as it is on the first.

Honda Marine pioneered four-stroke engine technology, setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and low emissions. Honda’s outboards share the same unparalleled durability, quality, and reliability of its legendary automobiles. With models ranging from 2 to 225 horsepower, Honda Marine’s full line of current production models meets rigorous California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star standards, ensuring their availability and regulatory compliance in all 50 states.

Editor’s Note:

Honda Marine, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., manufactures and markets a complete range of outboard marine engines. Its comprehensive product line is powered exclusively by four-stroke engines.

Information for media regarding Honda Marine products is available at www.hondanews.com.

Consumer information, including model overviews and updates, video clips, and complete specifications regarding Honda products, is available at www.honda.com.

For product inquiries and dealer locations, please visit www.hondamarine.com.




Š2009 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All information contained herein applies to U.S. vehicles only.
Please see our Privacy Policy and Legal Terms and Conditions. Visit Honda.com. View Contact Us.


site map


 

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

Peugeot 5008

Peugeot, French automaker, unveiled official photos and specs on its new 5008 minivan. Peugeot 5008 will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September and ready to go on sale this autumn. The 4.53-meter MPV can accommodate seven passengers in three rows of independent seats (2+3+2 layout), the 5008’s boot capacity, ranges from 758 liters to 823 liters under the parcel shelf with the third row seats folded away.

Inside, the 5008’s dashboard design look like the 3008 crossover.

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

Chinese Company Preparing to Buy Hummer

Chinese manufacturer Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Company has confirmed that it is the party in talks with GM to buy the Hummer brand. GM and Tengzhong have said the deal will keep in business the Hummer plant in Louisiana that makes the H3 and H3T, as well as an American dealer network and even the Hummer headquarters and operations.

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

General Motors has changed its tune on bankruptcy

General Motors sure has had a change of heart about the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection process.

As recently as February, the company told the US Government that filing for Chapter 11 was a high-risk strategy.

In a submission to the US Treasury, GM said there was a “substantial risk” the company could be eventually forced to liquidate if it entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

It said few companies had been able to emerge from Chapter 11 quickly and most had suffered lost market share and damaged reputations.

“Quick has seldom been the pace of bankruptcy proceedings in this country,” the document said.

“The vast majority of these cases took one year or more, with one-third taking two years or more. The size and scope of General Motors makes it unique relative to this sample, suggesting a longer versus a shorter duration,” the submission said.

The submission also claimed bankruptcy would have a “dramatic impact on GM sales and revenue” and “substantially, if not completely, erode consumers’ confidence” in the company.

The company cited market research indicating that more than 80 per cent of people looking to buy a car in the next six months would not do so from a company that filed for bankruptcy.

And in an ominous warning for Holden, the company said its research indicated that US bankruptcy proceedings would have a similar impact on overseas GM subsidiaries.

The document said more than two-thirds of consumers considering buying an Opel (GM’s European subsidiary) would no longer do so if GM declared Chapter 11 insolvency in the U.S.

In the United States, GM’s research showed that 32 per cent of new vehicle buyers who decided not to buy GM cited possible bankruptcy as a reason to shop elsewhere. Bankruptcy was the number one reason for avoidance of the brand.

The submission says:

“Consumer confidence is essential to the Company’s future success. For most consumers, the purchase of a vehicle represents their second largest expenditure (after housing). Consumers view resale value and the assured availability of warranty coverage and long-term parts and service as critical inputs to their purchase decision. It is the judgment of the Company that a bankruptcy filing would substantially, if not completely, erode consumers’ confidence in GM’s ability to deliver on those requirements.

“The consumer, with a choice of a comparable product backed by a manufacturer operating outside bankruptcy, is substantially less likely to opt for the bankruptcy tainted product.

“In a traditional Chapter 11 process designed to address all of the Company’s liability structure, given the complexity and scope of General Motors’ global business operations, there is a substantial risk that emergence from bankruptcy will prove impossible and a liquidation pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code will result.”

What do you think? Is GM simply putting its best spin on a bad situation or do you think they have a genuine opportunity to emerge from bankruptcy a leaner and more profitable company?

Richard Blackburn

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

GM secures buyer for Hummer

General Motors has announced it has found a buyer for its Hummer brand and the deal is expected to be finalised with the unnamed buyer later this year.

GM says the sale will protect 3,000 US jobs in manufacturing, engineering and at the 125 Hummer dealerships in America.

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

Car sales tipped to bottom out

New car sales figures due out today are expected to show that the market is bottoming.

As the country moves into recession mode, official VFACTS car sales figures are tipped to show a 3 per cent reversal of the depressed car sales market.

GM-Holden managing director and chairman, Mark Reuss, said yesterday sales were being bolstered by Federal Government’s small business tax incentive.

“Some of the tax relief for small business is beginning to take hold,” he said.

“So you’ll see the market off around 17 per cent rather than 20 per cent.”

Reuss also said that Holden dealer confidence was up but demand for large sedans, including the Commodore, has softened as buyers opt for smaller, more economical four cylinder cars.

Up until April, the overall local market had slumped 20 per cent on the back of the global financial crisis and shift away from large cars.

In year to date terms about 340,000 vehicles have been sold this year.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries is forecasting a total market of around 855,000 sales this year.

 

 

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments

3rd June 2009

Review: 2009 Volvo XC60 T6

As an Elvis fan, I have to say that the singer created an enormous body of completely unlistenable music. The Hollywood years are particularly execrable, generating as they did an entire canon of crap. In the same sense, Volvo. In recent history, the American-owned Swedish automaker has unleashed a range of vehicles that did little more than remind us how far the iconic brand has fallen. For example, Volvo’s minivan, which—oh wait. They didn’t make a minivan. Right. Volvo’s XC SUVs arrived late, with the wrong engines, with a rep for tank-like build quality and unimpeachable reliability that was only obvious by its absence. Ditto Volvo’s sedans. And now, Volvo’s ‘68 Comeback Special: the XC60.

Read more

posted in Car News Articles | 0 Comments