Honda FCX Clarity, a New Zero-Emission Car

MSNBC reporting that Honda’s new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car rolled off a Japanese production line Monday and is headed to Southern California, where Hollywood is already abuzz over the latest splash in green motoring.

 

The picture above is 'HOnda FCX Clarity’ which presented to the media in Tokyo last May.

The FCX Clarity, which runs on hydrogen and electricity, emits only water and none of the noxious fumes believed to induce global warming. It is also two times more energy efficient than a gas-electric hybrid and three times that of a standard gasoline-powered car, the company says.

Japan’s third biggest automaker expects to lease out a “few dozen” units this year and about 200 units within three years. In California, a three-year lease will run $600 a month, which includes maintenance and collision coverage.

The FCX Clarity is an improvement of its previous-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, introduced in 2002.

A breakthrough in the design of the fuel cell stack, which is the unit that powers the car’s motor, allowed engineers to lighten the body, expand the interior and increase efficiency, Honda said.

The fuel cell draws on energy synthesized through a chemical reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen in the air, and a lithium-ion battery pack provides supplemental power. The FCX Clarity has a range of about 270-miles per tank with hydrogen consumption equivalent to 74 miles per gallon, according to the carmaker.

The 3,600-pound vehicle can reach speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

John Mendel, executive vice president of America Honda Motor Co., said at a morning ceremony it was “an especially significant day for American Honda as we plant firm footsteps toward the mainstreaming of fuel cell cars.”

The biggest obstacles standing in the way of wider adoption of fuel cell vehicles are cost and the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations. For the Clarity’s release in California, Honda said it received 50,000 applications through its Web site but could only consider those living near stations in Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine.

Initially, however, the Clarity will go only to a chosen few starting July and then launch in Japan this fall.

Chevrolet Volt launch by 2010-end

Confirming the 2010 launch plan for the Chevrolet Volt, General Motors has said that everything is on track ahead of the deadline. The company’s board has also approved funding for production of the much anticipated plug-in electric car.

Anticipation is sky-high for the Volt. As gas prices show no sign of coming back down, SUVs are on the backburner, and every auto manufacturer is working on hybrids or electric vehicles.

Chevrolet Volt, unlike the new gas-electric hybrids, will be powered entirely by an electric motor and have a battery that can be charged through an ordinary power socket. The Volt’s on-board engine will be used only to power the battery on longer trips. The gas electric hybrids, as you know, run on a system that twins battery power and a combustion engine.

Approval from the GM management and board reiterates the technical goals and marketing of the Volt. The board felt that the technical targets are not only achievable, but achievable generally within the time frame the company had previously outlined. Volt, which is among the most anticipated electric vehicles worldwide, is likely to see a high profile launch.

Industry observers believe that a successful launch of the Volt would be critical to General Motors Corp as America’s top automaker struggles with a heavy lineup of gas-guzzling trucks. The company has been toiling to claim an edge in fuel-saving technology against Toyota Motor Corp and its market-leading Prius hybrid.

So as plans now having kicked off toward realization, the automaker would see to it that the Volt would be rolled out of its  Hamtramck plant in Michigan. There are hassles of course in the form of possible hurdles with regard to parleys with state and local governments for tax sops. All said, General Motors Corp wants to and looks forward to keep its end-of-2010 deadline for the Volt unveiling.

Honda's next hybrid could revive Insight name

First Honda said it was going to press the reset button on its hybrid efforts and come out with something bolder than the Civic Hybrid. Then it laid out plans for a number of hybrids that would be priced considerably more aggressively than the Toyota Prius. One of the concepts, the funky CR-Z, has already got people abuzz.

More details have emerged about the first hybrid to appear, a 5-door hatch with unique styling that's based on the Fit, but three inches taller and one inch wider. It will use the Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist technology and mate that car's 1.3-liter engine with 94 hp to a 15kW electric motor powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Fuel economy, according to insider predictions, will be somewhere around 71 - 82 miles per gallon, but that's based on Japanese domestic use. Expect a drop for U.S. comparison.

Honda is considering a return to the name "Insight" for its first new hybrid, which we're all for. The Insight was a brilliant little ride, and we never understood why Honda let it go. Though it was low on practicality with only two seats and not much storage, it was a purpose-built vehicle for big mpg numbers. This potential new Insight will be Honda's global hybrid, and the company expects to sell 100,000 of them in the U.S. annually. Add this to the other three hybrids Honda is planning, and Honda's hybrid future -- assuming it delivers as promised -- looks quite bright.

Official Subaru Exiga photos, info released

If you want a seven-passenger vehicle in the States, your choices are few. Those of you shopping for just such a vehicle can longingly gaze at the Subaru Exiga. It goes on sale today in Japan, but in the latest press release from Subaru, there are no plans for U.S. export mentioned.

The Exiga's naturally-aspirated 2.0L engine outputs 146 hp, while the sportier GT model with intercooler and turbocharger makes 221 hp. Passengers are treated to a huge panoramic roof that rivals even the new Jetta Sportwagen.

Around the Autoblog office complex, there are several wagon fans who love to get their hands on one of these. But for now, we have no reason to believe Subaru will bring the Exiga over here. Check out our gallery for more high-res shots of the Subaru Exiga and read the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Subaru]

PRESS RELEASE

FHI Unveils New Model Subaru EXIGA, a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring

Tokyo, June 17, 2008 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today
announced the debut of its new Subaru EXIGA in Japan. The EXIGA went on sale nationwide
through Subaru dealerships today.

Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the
EXIGA has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on
its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in
creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation
and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.

The new model represents Subaru's latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built
on Subaru's strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride -all realized by Subaru's
Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru
DC3).

1. Development Concept: a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring

• Seven passengers
Despite a body size that's convenient for maneuvering, the EXIGA comfortably accommodates
up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent
utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility,
ingress/egress, and cargo space.

• Panorama
A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery
outside. The vehicle's low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.

• Touring
In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the EXIGA blends high performance
and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent
environmental performance and fuel economy.


2. FHI offers four EXIGA models:

• 2.0i is the basic model with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range

• 2.0i-L offers high quality finishes and expanded standard equipment

• 2.0i-S is a sporty model with a naturally aspirated engine, featuring dynamic powerful styling
and interior designs

• 2.0GT is a grand touring car that combines potent powertrain performance with environmental
considerations


3. Major Features

• The EXIGA has realized ideal proportions that provide the optimal body size for better handling,
as well as ample interior space through its carefully calculated measurements of the height,
width, length, wheelbase, floor size, and roof design.
• Front and rear visibility is maximized by the creative design and positioning of pillars and
windows.
• The three rows of seats are laid out at three different heights, like gradually elevated theater
seating, placing the first and second rows slightly lower than the third to allow all passengers
better outside views.
• A large panoramic glass roof fully covers area above the second row of seats and enhances the
openness of the interior. The glass roof is available as an option on all models except the 2.0i.
• Large rear door openings with wide plastic door sills are designed to facilitate ingress and egress,
and the rear doors also open nearly 90 degrees for easy access to the third-row seating.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with reduced projection into the interior makes room for
comfortable third-row seats and a wide luggage compartment.
• The subframe between the rear suspension and the chassis helps to reduce vehicle noise and
absorb vibrations from the road.
• By using the newly designed resin fuel tank and optimizing the body frame structure, the floor
has been made flat to provide spacious legroom for passengers in the third row.


4. Design
• The EXIGA exterior design expresses the integration of the utility of a seven-seater and elegant
styling.
• Two distinctively different front grille designs are available. The naturally aspirated models
possess style that highlights refinement and simplicity with flowing chrome-plated contours. The
design for the turbo model stresses a sporty and muscular impression by adopting a powerful
wing-shape embellishment in dark plating on a metal mesh background.
• Headlamps are designed to provide depth from the front view. With a blue-tinted lens placed in
the middle of the lamp, the design accentuates boldness and presence.
• Each of the four EXIGA model types is equipped with distinctive wheels and individually
designed spokes.
• Eight exterior colors are available.

5. Interior design
• Decorative insets with a horizontally flowing pattern from the center panel of the dashboard to
the door trim add spaciousness and a quality look to the interior. Rich and refined interior design
is further accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as
by the indirect blue LED light installed on the overhead console, center tray and some foot areas.
• Ivory tone that accentuates openness and light, and black tone, which highlights both sportiness
and elegance, are available as interior colors.
• The seats are newly designed to firmly support the occupants and reduce fatigue, even during a
long drive, and the seat cushions are made thick to effectively absorb vibration and provide
comfort.
• The meter module on the instrument panel is distinctively designed with the meter background
faces illuminated in blue to make the white dials clearly readable. The Sport Luminescent Meter,
outlined with chrome-plated meter rings, is available on the 2.0GT, 2.0i-L, and 2.0i-S.


6. Utility
• By removing the headrests, the front seatbacks can be tilted back flat to provide room for
occupants to lie down.
• The left and right seats of the second row independently slide back and forth in a range of
180 mm. The seatbacks fold down easily with one-hand operation of the walk-in mechanism,
allowing easy access to the third row seats.
• The third-row seats employ reclining mechanisms for more relaxed travel. The seatbacks fold
down flat with easy operation to provide expanded cargo space in the back of the vehicle.
• Hooks for hanging bags, retractable hooks and 12-volt power outlet are provided in the cargo
area.
• Thanks to reduced projection into the interior of the wheel housing and rear suspension, the
cargo floor has been made flat. The cargo space offers two tiers. There is a layer under the cargo
floor board that offers more space for storing small items. Even tall items like baby strollers can
be placed vertically in that space without the need to fold them and lay them on the floor.
• Courtesy lamps are mounted inside of all doors for better egress/ingress at night.
• Blue lights illuminate the inside of the instrumental panel recesses, the center console, and the
foot of the first and second row seats. They are not only useful at night but serve as elegant and
premium quality décor.

7. Powertrain
(1) 2.0-liter DOHC Engine (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S)
• The use of a redesigned DOHC cylinder head and the active valve control system (AVCS)
promotes excellent environmental performance. Also better fuel economy is realized through
adoption of the regular gasoline engine.
• With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the
equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine's intake and exhaust
performance has been elevated.
• Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to
quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on
emission reduction efficiency.
• By expanding exhaust capacity with the twin mufflers, air flow resistance inside the mufflers is
reduced, and excellent engine output characteristics and noise reduction are realized.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy
by controlling electric generation according to driving conditions.
(2) 2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Engine (2.0GT)
• A lightweight, resin-based intake manifold is used. The inner walls of the manifold are smooth
and less resistant to the intake flow, elevating intake efficiency.
• The turbo charger was exclusively developed for the EXIGA. Optimization of its A/R and
compressor, as well as a redesign of its turbine vane, have distinctively improved low-end torque
and made powerful and responsive acceleration possible.
• Also adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any
gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is
still cool, and it promotes early activation of a catalytic converter.
• Through optimization of the construction of the intercooler, the pressure loss is kept at a
minimum to improve cooling efficiency.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy.


8. Drivetrain and Chassis
• Lightweight and compact 4-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on all
2.0 liter naturally aspirated models. By optimizing the final gear ratio, as well as through
reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance has been enhanced and fuel
economy improved.
• 5-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on 2.0 liter turbo models. The
down-shift blipping control is added to enhance smooth gear change response when shifting
down in manual mode.
6
• The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0GT model offers three different modes
of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.
• The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on all naturally aspirated engine models. The
turbo model comes with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. Both systems distribute
optimal torque to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle
stability.
• Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, all models feature Subaru
DC3, which ensures outstanding handling and vehicle stability as well as superb riding comfort.
• The vehicle is equipped with a strut-type front suspension, which is made lightweight and
resilient. Newly designed cross-members and stabilizers yield excellent steering response.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with optimized suspension geometry settings provides
exceptional traction and vehicle stability, as well as riding comfort, even at full occupancy.
• All models employ four-wheel ABS disc brakes with EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution)
for superb braking performance. The Brake Assist system and a brake booster with unique tie-
rod design appropriately maximize braking control.
• Two types of tires, 205/60R16 and 215/50R17, are available. Both are capable of balancing
various vehicle elements, including stability, braking, comfort, and mileage.
(SPORTSHIFT is the trademark of Prodrive Ltd.)


6. Body Construction and Safety
• The EXIGA uses an advanced form of Subaru's proprietary Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame
Body Structure. Through streamlined body construction and the extensive use of high-tensile
steel, the new model has achieved high body rigidity and light weight.
• A cowl stay enhancement is used to connect the front side frame and A pillar, and supportive
cross-members have been adopted to further improve steering response and increase vehicle
stability.
• The EXIGA, with its advanced frame construction, has realized high levels of safety and crash-
worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear-
impact crashes.
• By enhancing impact absorption in the front bumper and incorporating structural changes to the
hood, the new model addresses safety features for pedestrians and other vehicles in collisions.
• The front wiper system features a new uniform-pressure, fin-shaped design that creates
downforce to prevent blade lift-off during high-speed driving.
• Dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) air bags are standard on all models. SRS side air bags
and curtain air bags that protect the third-row occupants are manufacturer's options.
• All pillar trim adopts impact-absorbing structures. To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a
rear collision, the seatbacks employ new impact-absorbing designs.
• A collapsible brake pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk of foot injuries in frontal
collisions

10. Others
• Ventilation for the rear seats is placed on top of the dashboard, effectively circulating air to the
third row of seats. Standard on all models, the ventilation system is extremely quiet with greatly
reduced operating and airflow noise, yet it efficiently cools the entire cabin.
• The air conditioning system on the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S and 2.0GT models offers a function to allow
temperature adjustments independently on the left and right sides of the seats.
• The combined audio system of CD player and AM/FM tuner, compatible with MP3 and WMA*
formats, and an HDD navigation system with audio capability and a rearview camera
(compatible with Subaru G-Book Alpha telematics service) are optional on all models.
*WMA is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
• A keyless entry system with a push-start button is a manufacturer's option.

2009 Dodge Journey recalled for possible engine fires

Chrysler is recalling 6,692 Dodge Journey crossover vehicles equipped with its 3.5L V6 engine due to a wiring harness problem that could potentially result in an engine fire. NHTSA says the issue can occur when the wiring harness becomes dislodged and makes contact with the transaxle mount. Effected vehicles need to be checked out at your local Dodge dealer where the wiring harness will be inspected for damage. If the harness is damaged it will be replaced, and all harnesses will be secured with a tie wrap to ensure the issue doesn't reoccur. Chrysler has known about the issue since mid-March, but no actual fires have been reported as of this time.

The Journey recall is the second NHTSA action on a new vehicle this month, the Volkswagen Tiguan being the other, with each model having less than 7,000 units effected. Though nobody wants to see a time-consuming recall, it's good to see that issues are being discovered well in advance of any freeway carbeques.

2009 Corvette ZR1 starts at $103,300

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1

General Motors and Chevrolet have just released all their official numbers for the 2009 Corvette ZR1 and... hold on to your butts... its base MSRP (including destination charges) will be $103,300. Add to that a $1,700 Gas guzzler tax, $2,000 for chrome wheels and another $10,000 for the only Option package available that adds upgraded seats, side air bags, Bose audio, a nav system, Bluetooth, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and leather-wrapped interior, and you're looking at a grand total of $117,000. We believe that may make the Corvette ZR1 the most expensive product ever offered by GM, but consider what you get. The ZR1 is a 638-hp supercar that can reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 131 mph (!) and top out at 205 mph, all while returning 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Unfortunately, Chevy didn't hit its target of having the most fuel-efficient supercar on earth with the ZR1, as they admit that the Dodge Viper (13/22) and Porsche GT3 (15/22) are a bit less thirsty. Of course, they're neither as powerful nor as fast, and the Porsche is more expensive. The ZR1 will likely be marked up by dealers far above its $117k asking price, but kudos to General Motors anyway for having the balls to build it.

[Source: Chevy]

PRESS RELEASE

Corvette ZR1 By The Numbers

Chevrolet announces performance results and pricing for the new ultimate-performance Corvette

DETROIT – The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good. Very good:

• $103,300 MSRP (including $850 destination charge)
• EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
• 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
• 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
• Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph

The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1's performance-per-dollar ratio.

"The ZR1 is an incredible machine by any measure," said Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. "There's simply no other vehicle in the world that does a better job of balancing performance, price and fuel economy."

Performance perspective
The Corvette ZR1's 0-60 performance is 0.3-second quicker than the already-quick Corvette Z06 and the 0-100-mph performance is nearly a full second quicker - 7 seconds vs. the Z06's 7.9 seconds. It is performance that is equal to or better than many super cars costing substantially more.

"A favorable power-to-weight ratio gives the ZR1 an advantage over the competition and performance that has to be experienced to fully appreciate," said Tom Wallace, Corvette chief engineer. "Of course, on a racetrack, drivers of competitors' cars may appreciate the ZR1 in a whole different manner."

And the racetrack isn't the only place where the ZR1 trumps its super-car competitors – it beats them at the gas pump, too. According to fueleconomy.gov, the ZR1's EPA-rated 14 city and 20 highway mileage ratings beat 2008 competitors such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (11 city / 15 highway); the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 city / 13 highway) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (12 city / 19 highway). They're competitive with the Dodge Viper (13 city / 22 highway) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (15 city / 22 highway).

Under the carbon-fiber hood
A new LS9 6.2L supercharged small-block engine powers the ZR1's performance capability. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support high-rpm performance, while a new, sixth-generation supercharger (and complementing charge-cooling system) helps the LS9 make big power and torque across the rpm range. The engine is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich.

In addition to the LS9 engine, the ZR1 is a technology powerhouse, designed with lightweight and unique components that reinforce its performance with a confidant feel on either a highway or road course.

Options
The standard ZR1 comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The available uplevel interior package includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); side air bags; Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colors and more. Chrome wheels are the only other available option on the ZR1. Detailed pricing noted below.

$103,300 Base MSRP including destination
$1,700 Gas guzzler tax
$10,000 Option package
$2,000 Chrome wheels

About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category. Chevy cars and trucks have expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Let there be technology: What's under Hyundai's new Genesis sedan

The story of what's underneath -- and inside -- the Hyundai Genesis is central to the story of the car and what Hyundai's trying to do with it. The body-in-white of the Genesis has a larger total body area than the Lexus LS460 and Mercedes S-Class. Yet ten years ago, if we had asked you which carmaker would create a rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan with a body structure that is larger, yet stiffer and lighter than the 5-Series or E-Class, would you have guessed it would be Hyundai?

Of course, you probably wouldn't have guessed that BMW would be selling all the MINIs it could make, or that Alfa Romeo would sell out a run of $200K supercars. The lesson: the games -- plural -- have changed for everyone. Follow the jump to find out how the Genesis is the spearhead of change for Hyundai and, if Hyundai gets its wish, the entire luxury segment.


Before we dive inside, we'll start outside with the Genesis' design. We remember seeing the HCD-1 in 1992, and thinking, "Wow, a Hyundai..." The stream of HCDs that followed have had us thinking the same thing -- meanwhile, we saw almost none of their daring on dealer floors. We were showed slides of Genesis concepts during a presentation in Korea, and some were genuinely stunning. When we got the chance to speak briefly to the designer of the HCD-1, our question was why isn't the Genesis a little bit... bolder?



The various answers we got from him and several other designers were that, essentially, the Genesis should be considered a test of the Hyundai Luxury System. They wanted a mainstream design that wasn't extravagant and emphasized proportion, stability and dynamism. Success on all counts. It's a good looking car -- it's simply not memorable. We were, though, told that a more distinct design vocabulary will come. For now, they don't want to crash the party with something that will make people wonder, "Um, who invited that?"

A discussion of design led naturally to the issue of badging. We really like the winged Genesis badges, and couldn't understand why Hyundai didn't call the thing a Genesis instead of a Hyundai. A few readers have asked the same question, with one commenter nailing it when he wrote, "This is one of the best arguments for a separate brand. I think Hyundai really dropped the ball on this one. A Genesis line (Coupe, Sedan, Veracruz SUV) would make a killing." Hyundai had considered that exact proposition.

There are a number of reasons why they didn't follow through. Hyundai hired an outside consultant to estimate the cost of launching a standalone brand, and the number they quoted was $250 million, with a break-even point 13 years hence. For a company focused on delivering a lot for a little, and not selling cars at a loss, that's a large number to spend in the unscientific arena of penetrating brand consciousness, which is what this would come down to. And we assume that is the necessary number only if the brand succeeds as intended; other standalone brands have spent much more than that to launch in the U.S. and, arguably, still haven't met their objectives.

Beyond hard cash is the softer, marketing-driven reason: Hyundai of America's marketing honcho said "We want to use the Genesis to sell 30,000 more Azeras." When looking for the kind of association that will lead to that kind of sales impact, not creating a separate brand makes sense. A Nissan GT-R can be expected to help shift more 350Zs -- certainly far more than the supposed Infiniti version of the GT-R would.



Hyundai wants you to think of the Genesis as a Hyundai, not a Genesis. Initially, in light of the branding, we didn't realize that -- the banners in Korea all read "Genesis by Hyundai," not "Hyundai Genesis." Once we understood the sales aspect, it made sense. The Genesis will be sold in a special area of a dealer's showroom, described at one point as a "well decorated corner." So it won't be quite like the Maybach, but looking in that direction. Dealers are installing touch-screen kiosks called iTubes that will mirror information onto laptops, and getting copious tours and training on the car.

They'll be rehearsing their lines to talk about some of the 20 new technologies that Hyundai created for the Genesis -- things about which the typical Hyundai buyer isn't used to hearing. They'll also be talking up the segment advantages a buyer would get from what is supposedly a non-premium car. Among Hyundai firsts and segment advantages are:

• HID headlights with auto-leveling depending on the load, and Active Front Lighting that swivels with the steering wheel.
• Navigation with a multimedia controller and MOST fiber optic wiring.
• Parking sensors in front and back.
• Rear back-up camera.
• Brake assist and electronic brake distribution.
• Cooled driver's seat.
• ZF 6-speed transmission in the V8.
• Sachs Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) suspension.
• Acoustic laminated glass (windshield and front side windows).
• Auto windshield defogger with humidity sensor and rain-sensing wipers.
• Highest specific output (HP/liter) V8.
• Iridium double-tipped spark plugs good for the life of the engine.
• 5-link suspension with aluminum knuckles, lateral arms, tension arms, and carriers front and rear.
• Electronic active head restraints.
• Proximity entry with electronic pushbutton start.
• Aluminum hood.
• Replaceable "crash box" structures to absorb low-speed impacts and reduce repair costs.
• Roof and side outer panels fused with a continuous laser weld, not spot welding.
• HD radio.
• 500-watt Lexicon LOGIC7 audio system with 17 speakers, a 12-channel digital amplifier, and available 40GB hard drive.
• Three-stage Smart Cruise Control available after a year.

Speaking of that ZF 6-speed, sixth is geared to run laughably low RPMs -- on the test track, the V8 was doing 3,500 RPM at 130 mph.

Otherwise, on the tech front, Hyundai has teamed with Microsoft to work on future car entertainment systems. According to Hyundai, things like voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices will be available in the U.S. from 2010. The Genesis also has a "cluster ionizer" -- but we didn't press that button for fear it would zap us back to the scene of our parents' courtship.

That's a lot of gadgetry for a Hyundai. Or, Hyundai would probably like you to think that used to be a lot of gadgetry for a Hyundai. Some readers have made much of the troubles Hyundai had with the Excel. Yet if things had really been that thoroughly awful, Hyundai wouldn't be here anymore. Forget about Yugo -- anyone remember Renault, Peugeot, and Fiat?

During our time in Korea, we got a kick out of the story of Chung Mong-koo, Hyundai's chairman. He headed Hyundai Motors' after-sales service division for 20 years when the company was focused on volume more than quality. When he took over the company, he had long experience with the company's quality problems and knew just what needed to change in order to make better cars.

Are there going to be issues? It's certainly possible, as with any new car. But Hyundai was hitting the top three in J. D. Powers' Initial Quality Survey back in 2006, and you get that five years of bumper-to-bumper protection with 24-hour roadside assistance, and that 10-year / 100,000-mile warranty... and $33,000 for the V6, come on -- it's a great deal on paper and continues Hyundai's tradition of offering more car for less money. In this case, the Genesis is a lot more car.

Other tidbits from our time in K-town:

• The Hyundai Corporation comprises 42 companies, including rolling stock, parts, steel, construction, logistics, finance, R&D, and IT.
• The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) is the world's #6 automaker.
• Hyundai made its first car, the Pony, in 1967. Before that it built Ford Cortina and Granada kits imported from Europe.
• Hyundai motors has 6 R&D centers. It also has a proving ground that it "cribbed" from another automaker by looking at Google maps.
• Hyundai's Ulsan, Korea factory is the world's biggest by volume, putting out 1.2 million units annually.
• Last year Hyundai sold 1.7 million cars in Korea, 911,000 internationally.
• Iran and Egypt are the largest importers of Hyundais (build kits).
• In 2009 Hyundai will sell an Elantra that runs on LPG in Korea.
• Hyundai plans on having a fuel cell vehicle in production by 2010.
• On creating the Genesis: Hyundai got the idea for it five years ago; designing the body took three years; it cost $500 million to develop and included 23 months of development work; reliability testing ran for 800,000 miles.
• The Tau engine took 100 engineers four years and $260 million to develop.
• Technologies such as direct injection and air suspension were nixed for cost/benefit reasons.
• The Genesis is ULEV II compliant.
• There is no plan for a diesel Genesis in the near future, nor will the Genesis be going to Europe. The car will go to North America, China, and Russia.
• Hyundai is developing paddle shifters, but don't expect them on the sedan any time soon.
• There is no 4-wheel-drive version planned.
• The guide lines on the reversing camera screen don't turn when you turn the steering wheel.
• All workers in the paint, body, assembly, and quality departments of the Genesis factory have at least 19 years of experience.
• HKAG has 7 new vehicles planned for the US by 2010.
• Now that Hyundai and Kia each have their own designers, Hyundai is planned to be modern and refined, Kia will be sport and dynamic.
• In spite of the economic climate, Hyundai plans on adding forty new dealers to its U.S. network.

ROUSH set to unveil RTC Mustang

This morning we were patiently awaiting our daily news regarding a new version of the Mustang, and ROUSH came through by sending us a sneak peak of its new RTC Mustang that will be officially unveiled this weekend at the National Mustang Show in Dublin, OH. There's no press release available, but from what we can gather it's a coupe version of the aesthetically-pleasing ROUSH Speedster. Standard equipment includes a special red and black two-tone paint scheme, a 4-piece body kit, upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels, and more. A supercharger, 14-inch brakes, and a short-throw shifter can also be installed as options. A complete list of features for the RTC package can be found after the jump.

Roush Mustang RTC Package - $13,375.00

- ROUSH 4 Piece Aero body Kit (Front Fascia, Front Chin Spoiler, Hood Scoop, and Rear Wing)
- Lower Valance Fog Lamps
- High Flow Nine Bar Grille
- Two-Tone Paint
- ROUSH Door Sill Plates
- ROUSH 20-Inch Forged Chrome Wheels with High Performance Tires
- ROUSH Fender and Decklid Badges
- ROUSH Front Windshield Banner
- ROUSH Embroidered Floor Mats
- Locking Lug Nuts
- ROUSH Billet Aluminum Shifter Handle w/ Grips (Manual Transmission Only)
- ROUSH Four-Piece Performance Pedals
- ROUSH White Face Electro Luminescent Gauge Cluster
- ROUSH Sport Leather Seating with Suede Inserts
- ROUSH Lowering Springs and Jounce Bumpers
- RTCSerialized Engine Bay Plaque

Options

Chrome ROUSHcharger (430 hp / 400 lb-ft) $6,250.00
Vent Pod w/ Boost Gauge (ROUSHcharger Option Only) $435.00
Interior Dash Trim Kit (Carbon Fiber Design) $350.00
Quarter Window Louvers (Coupe ONLY) $315.00
Short Throw Shifter (can be used with stock shift knob or Roush billet knobs) $340.00
Short Shifter w/ Chrome Shifter Arm and White Ball Knob $445.00
Short Shifter w/ Chrome Shifter Arm and Black Ball Knob $445.00
Trunk Mounted Tool Kit $355.00
ROUSH Exhaust - Dealer Installed (Post Title) $575.00
Sport Brake Kit (slotted rotors and painted calipers) $1,450.00
Strut Tower Brace $220.00

Dodge Ram production idled at Mexico plant

Another victim of the downturn in sales of full-size pickup trucks was revealed today as Dodge will be closing its Saltillo plant in northern Mexico for a period of two weeks. The plant produced nearly 170,000 Ram trucks last year. Yesterday, Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli indicated that Ram production would need to be adjusted to reflect weak customer demand, and this seems to be the adjustment. According to reports, the plant was idled on Monday and its two-thousand workers are set to return to work on June 23. Last month, sales of the Ram fell by an alarming twenty-five percent. We'd imagine that the last thing Chrysler wants is a large stock of unsold 2008 Ram trucks as it readies the 2009 model, which will thankfully get somewhat better fuel mileage.

Dodge is certainly not the only automaker finding it tough to move large pickups off dealer lots. Both Ford and GM have placed large incentives on their pickups and Toyota, Nissan and Honda have or will shift truck production to passenger cars at plants capable of making the switch.

First Drive: 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD

Those of you who follow the auto industry as obsessively as we do will immediately recognize the all-new 2009 Ford Flex as the production version of the well-received Ford Fairlane "People Mover" concept from the 2005 Chicago Auto Show. The suicide doors are gone and the front has been opened up a bit to allow the engine to breathe... but Ford's execution from concept to production is, for the most part, dead-on. Ford recently gave us the opportunity to drive the new Flex in Southern California, so follow the jump to read our first impressions of the Blue Oval's new people mover.

Ford's Mark Fields calls plug-in hybrids a "national priority"

In these days of nearly nonexistent profits for every one of Detroit's Big Three automakers, R&D funds must be allocated very carefully. In contrast, Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda have been earning profits on a yearly basis. Not long ago, a mild spat arose regarding whether or not the Japanese government helped fund the development of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Even if they didn't do it in the past, Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields indicated that they are doing it now at a conference held today in Washington, D.C. by Brookings and Google.org titled Plug-In Electric Vehicles 2008: What Role for Washington?

Fields called on the U.S. government to step up to the plate, mentioning tax breaks and incentives as one option to aid consumers who'd like to purchase these ultimately expensive vehicles one day. On the manufacturing side, Fields suggests that plug-in hybrids should be a "national priority", with Washington needing to allocate funds for research and development. Another area singled out is a domestic supply of batteries, since most of the units used in today's hybrids are being manufactured overseas.

It should be noted that General Motors already has a head start towards PHEVs with its upcoming Chevy Volt. As far as we're aware, the development costs for this vehicle and its batteries has been moving forward without direct assistance from the government. Feel free to read Field's entire speech after the break.

Whoa, says Toyota. Plug-ins won't be that good

If you read our post yesterday that talked about a lithium Ion-powered plug-in Prius for 2010, thoughts of 100 mpg cars may have danced in your head. Well, take it easy, because the think tank over at Toyota doesn't want you to get your hopes too high. Toyota Advanced Technology manager Bill Reinert spoke in Washington yesterday at a plug-in conference and said that real-world driving conditions will make 100 mpg unattainable for many drivers. While plugging in more powerful batteries will give drivers a full battery and greater EV range, hard acceleration could limit electric-only driving to well under 40 miles.

While it's nice of Toyota to give a plug-in reality check to an efficiency-hungry public, we don't think this message is going to get through to the masses. Besides, if Toyota's next-gen hybrids can reach anything close to 100 mpg, we think shoppers of fuel-efficient vehicles will be too busy foaming at the mouth to even notice.

2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks

In the magical lands where the Focus looks cool, otherwise known as Europe, new images of the hotrod 2009 Focus RS have had enthusiasts atwitter the last few days. While the images are clearly 'chops - the wheels and backgrounds look like they're in high speed motion, while the tire tread is statue-still - they're reportedly legitimate mockups that were used to illustrate internally how the car might look. Ford confirmed their legitimacy today when it released two more photos of an actual Focus RS prototype along with a press release. The two new pics show the RS prototype racing around the Nurburgring where it's being tested ahead of its launch in 2009. The press release confirms that the RS will be powered by a Duratic 2.5L engine that's turbocharged to produce 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Ford also claims it's got torque steer for this pocket rocket in check with a new front-wheel-drive system and limited-slip differential. As for the design, we'll get to see it for the first time at the 2009 London Motor Show in late July. Check out both the photoshopped pics and Ford's two official pics in our gallery below and read the official press release for yourself after the jump.

Väth V63RS latest tuning option for AMG fans

There's no shortage of Mercedes-Benz tuners, and we're used to having news tips in our email box regarding BRABUS, Kleemann, Lorinser, Carlsson, etc. That's why we were curious when we received a tip about a company taht we'd never heard of called Väth. The German aftermarket company has products for the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup, the latest of which is the V63RS Clubsport based on the C63 AMG that you see here. Väth essentially leaves the exterior untouched and focuses on the performance including an upgrade of the V8 to 585 bhp and 509 lb-ft torque that will power the car to a top speed of 202 mph. Other upgrades available include a sport suspension, high performance brakes, 19-inch wheels, and sport seats. Complete cars are available at a hefty 125,000 Euros, although components can be purchased individually, as well. Just like the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow we showed yesterday, black seems to be the color of choice.

Is Tesla Motors working with Daimler?

A few months back, Tesla Motors revealed that its upcoming WhiteStar sedan would be available in two variants, a pure battery electric like the Roadster and a range-extended electric more like the Chevy Volt. We still don't have many details on the car, although we do know that lessons learned while working on the drivetrain for the heavier sedan have been fed back into the Roadster for its updated 2.0 drivetrain.

As a small start-up with limited resources, developing a new engine for the WhiteStar would obviously be problematic. Tesla Chairman Elon Musk let slip in an interview with Fox Business News that the company has reached a technology deal with German giant Daimler (formerly of DaimlerChrysler infamy). Without any official comment from Telsa yet (we'll update you when we here something), one possible scenario for the deal is that Daimler will provide engines for the range extended WhiteStar. Daimler has always struggled to make money from Smart and the micro-car builder has a 1.0L three cylinder engine that might make a good range extender. If Daimler supplied 10,000 or so of those engines to Tesla, it could help drive down Daimler's costs. The other possibility is that Tesla might be licensing battery management technology to Daimler, but that scenario seems less likely.

Update: Tesla VP Darryl Siry declined comment on the matter.

Ford Fiesta snapped in the wild

For once, we don't have to stare at shots of an attractive compact Ford and wistfully complain that it won't be available here. The production Ford Fiesta hatch has been spotted in the wild, and with Ford's confirmation that we're getting the hatchback and sedan for 2010, the potential is there for this vehicle to be a common sight on U.S. roads. The Fiesta is a stylish domestic offering for a segment where the Fit beats all and the only domestic offering is the Aveo. A bigger choice of small cars is a good thing, and while the Fiesta's backlight looks a little pinched in a function-follows-form kind of way, it's still more handsome than the Yaris. Those hoping for a high performance SVT version should start making noise now. It wouldn't even have to be fast, just make it handle like the original Focus SVT and we'd be happy with that

2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995

Back in April we reported a top Chrysler executive had leaked to The Detroit Free Press that the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE would start at $23,995. Apparently this executive is not very much in the loop, as Dodge officially announced today that the base model Challenger SE would start at just $21,995, which includes $675 for destination charges. Just to refresh your noodle, the Challenger SE is the base model and comes with a 3.5L V6 producing 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. And for comparison's sake, a 2008 Ford Mustang V6 starts at $19,650, though that's excluding destination charges. The next best Challenger is the R/T model, which Dodge says can be had with a 370-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 starting at $29,995. Finally, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that's already been on sale for a year will get a hefty $2,000 bump in its starting price from $37,995 to $39,995. The only new items on the SRT8 for 2009 are a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue paint colors with black hood stripes, and a "pistol-grip" shifter with the Track Pak. Otherwise, the 425-hp muscle car remains largely the same. Does the $2,000 jump in price matter much, though, if you'll never be able to buy the car without a big dealer markup? Regardless, all three models will be available this fall and dealers are already taking orders.

2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995

Back in April we reported a top Chrysler executive had leaked to The Detroit Free Press that the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE would start at $23,995. Apparently this executive is not very much in the loop, as Dodge officially announced today that the base model Challenger SE would start at just $21,995, which includes $675 for destination charges. Just to refresh your noodle, the Challenger SE is the base model and comes with a 3.5L V6 producing 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. And for comparison's sake, a 2008 Ford Mustang V6 starts at $19,650, though that's excluding destination charges. The next best Challenger is the R/T model, which Dodge says can be had with a 370-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 starting at $29,995. Finally, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that's already been on sale for a year will get a hefty $2,000 bump in its starting price from $37,995 to $39,995. The only new items on the SRT8 for 2009 are a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue paint colors with black hood stripes, and a "pistol-grip" shifter with the Track Pak. Otherwise, the 425-hp muscle car remains largely the same. Does the $2,000 jump in price matter much, though, if you'll never be able to buy the car without a big dealer markup? Regardless, all three models will be available this fall and dealers are already taking orders.

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saab Turbo X

Turbocharging has been as much a part of Saab's DNA for the last three decades as jets. Saab didn't invent turbocharging, but the Swedish brand has probably embraced it more completely than other carmaker. With 2008 marking the 30th birthday of the first production Saab 99 Turbo, the gang in Trollhattan decided to celebrate with their meanest and fastest iteration yet. As we close out the 2008 model year, our Swedish friends are now starting to deliver the direct descendant of that first turbo, the 9-3 Turbo X.

Saab Turbos have come a long way over those three decades. The original 99 Turbo extracted 143 horsepower from its 2.0L four-cylinder engine to twist the front wheels. Most Saabs today are still powered by turbo four-cylinder engines driving those same front wheels. The Turbo X, however, adds two more cylinders and two more drive wheels. It also has nearly double the power and torque of that first effort. Fellow Autoblogger Dan Roth spent the day thrashing the Turbo X at a media preview a couple of weeks ago. We've now had the chance to spend a full week with Saab's newest baby in everyday use.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V will officially make 556 horsepower

We thought Bentley's announcement earlier today that it's adding a Speed model to the Continental Flying Spur lineup was exciting news for sedan fans. After all, a 600bhp saloon that can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach 200 MPH is pretty exciting, no? Not really when compared to Cadillac's news that the 2009 CTS-V will officially be rated at 556 horsepower, hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12 seconds flat. No offense to Bentley, but a sub-3-second sedan is about as exciting as it can get on a Monday. For the record, the Edmunds' Straightline Blog reports that the sport sedan's 6.2L supercharged V8 will produce 556 hp at 6,100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm. That engine is the LSA, derived from the new Corvette ZR1's LS9 motor and detuned for duty in the CTS-V. Fortunately, the LSA wasn't detuned too much and the '09 CTS-V should destroy its German competition, specifically the BMW M5 with its - can't believe we're saying this - relatively meager 500-hp 5.0L V10.

2009 Chevy Aveo5 and Aveo sedan to start at $12,120

While the outward appearance of the Chevy Aveo5 could charitably be described as "polarizing", its recently announced pricing will likely polarize a few people, as well. Currently, the Aveo sedan and Aveo5 hatchback boast the lowest average transaction price in the United States of $12,258 according to J.D. Power and Associates, but the 2009 model might end that trend with a big price bump for the redesigned 2009 Aveo5. The new five-door Aveo5 hatchback comes in with a starting price of $12,120, which is $1,125 more than the 2008 Aveo5 that starts at just $10,895. This increase is partly due to the fact that the Special Value edition has been dropped. We should also note that the Aveo5 is redesigned for 2009 and features a number of upgrades, but the price bump will still be felt hard by those looking for the cheapest Point A-to-Point B transportation. The sedan version, meanwhile, now has the same $12,120 starting price as the Aveo5, which means its MSRP has actually been lowered compared to the 2008 model that starts at $12,830. Stepping up a notch to the LT model, meanwhile, will get you standard air conditioning and a $14,255 starting point.

Desirable safety features such as dual frontal and side-impact air bags, front safety belt pretensioners, a tire pressure monitoring system, oil life monitoring system and OnStar come standard on all Aveo models. Available on the up-market LT models are XM Radio, leatherette seating trim, steering wheel audio controls, a power-operated sunroof and power-adjustable and heated outside mirrors. Regardless of what you think of the Aveo's styling (we're not fans), its still relatively low price and decent fuel mileage of 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway should yield a good chunk of buyers for GM's entry-level model.

Hertz adding Corvette ZHZ to Fun Collection

Whenever we rent a car from Hertz, we always peruse the Fun Collection then settle on a cheap economy car that won't break the bank. Today Hertz announced that it's adding a new model to the Fun Collection that may change our renting habits this summer. Just like it did with Ford when the rental company offered the Mustang GT-H, Hertz has teamed with General Motors to offer the Corvette ZHZ, a specially customized model of the famous sports car for rental customers to abuse this summer. The car is finished in Hertz' trademark yellow color with a black stripe that starts around the Corvette emblem on the hood and travels back over the roof. It's basically a run-of-the-mill Corvette Coupe with the optional optional dual-mode exhaust system the gives the standard 430-hp 6.2L LS3 V8 a bump to 436 hp. The only other modification are a set of 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels that are chromed and feature seven spokes apiece, and some special "Hertz" and "ZHZ" badging. Only 500 examples are being added to the Hertz fleet and they will be available in 24 major cities. The first locations to get them will be Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. There's no word on what the rental price will be, but we already know that being part of the Fun Collection comes with a price.

Pics Aplenty: 2009 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V

While Cadillac released information on the freshened XLR roadster last week, all we had to look at was a single photo. Well, now we can see the rest of it. XLR.net has gotten hold of several more shots of the halo Caddy in both the standard Platinum trim and in rodded-up V-Series form (above). We were most curious to see the updated interior, but one look is all it takes to see that it's fundamentally unchanged. The gauges simply trade their rounder, Bulgari-designed numerals for a look that's in keeping with what you'll find in other Caddys. The steering wheel is also switched out, and the XLR gets the same unit you'll find in the current CTS. Everything else? It's pretty much the same -- nice, but not done up to the level of the less expensive CTS. For that, we'll have to wait for the next XLR, assuming there is a next XLR.

We already covered the new grille for the base car in our earlier post, as well as the new side vents. The V-Series, however, retains the mesh look in front, as expected. Out back, the XLR Platinum gets a pair of cartoonishly-wide exhaust outlets that appear to be part of the rear bumper cover. The V soldiers on with its Vette-like quad pipes. The XLR is a nice car that turns heads, and the V-Series absolutely hauls ass and sounds great doing it. But $100K (for the V) is a lot to ask for any Cadillac, especially one that still hosts an interior that, while attractive, doesn't meet the high design standard set by the entry-level CTS.

Skoda's 2009 Superb Coming to India

The new generation Škoda Superb is most likely to reach Indian shores by early 2009. Longer and wider than the earlier generation Superb , the car features an aggressively styled front end with BMW inspired headlamps and design cues borrowed from the Volkswagen Passat which is already on sale in India . The Superb’s long list of features include adaptive cornering headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, automatic parking assist and nine airbags along with Skoda's new 'Twindoor' design for the boot which offers users the standard boot opening of a saloon or the fully opening rear of a hatch.

It would be interesting to see which engine variants make it to India as the Skoda Superb featues a varied range in international markets which include the 1.9 litre and 2.0 litre turbodiesels , 1.4 and 1.8 litre petrol engines, and a 3.6-litre V6 topping the range with standard four-wheel drive and six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The new superb is most likely to be sold alongside the current generation model albeit at a higher price, being Skoda’s latest offering in the luxury D-segment of the Indian car market.

If priced right (Rs. 18-20 lakh) the new Superb could turn out to be more popular alternative to the just launched 2008 Honda Accord which is set to dominate the D segment sales as of now.

New Mercedes C230 'Avantgarde' Coming Soon

Mercedes in India has been under assualt from BMW's 3 series and the new Audi A4. Never in its history in India has Mercedes faced such stiff competition. The new C class is brilliant and a lot going for it loses out on power and as a result performance which buyers expect by the bucketloads in this segment. The 200K petrol produces a paltry 178 bhp as compared to BMW 325i's 218 bhp and the upcoming Audi A4 3.2's 250 bhp! Mercedes wants to up the game and is launching the C230 'Avantgarde' soon. The C230 produces 200 bhp from its V6 unit and looks sportier thanks to larger wheels, wider tyres, optional AMG parts and a new grille with a large three pointed star in the center. The C230 would come only with an Auto box and woud cost about Rs. 3 lakh more than the C200k.

Ferrari 612 Scagliettis with F1 Transmission Recalled

Ferrari has announced a US recall of MY 2005 – 2007 612 Scaglietti vehicles equipped with F1 gearbox. Altogether, 366 of the vehicles are being recalled to replace a faulty clutch sensor in the transmission as well as a related cable holder and magnet that might cause problem in gear shifting or even complete inoperation. Only model year 2005-2007 612s are affected.

Recall Summary
Make / Models : Ferrari / 612
Model/Build Years: Scaglietti 2005-2007
Recall Number: 08V214000

Summary:
Ferrai is recalling 366 MY 2005-2007 612 Scaglietti vehicles equipped with F1 transmissions. A nonconforming clutch sensor in the transmission could malfunction under normal operating conditions due to the heat produced by the vehicle. Such sensor malfunction may inhibit the proper function of the clutch assembly making the shifting of the gears very difficult. The vehicle system immediately detects the clutch sensor failure and causes the warning light to illuminate.

Consequence:
This clutch sensor malfunction may render the vehicle inoperable and possibly, resulting in a crash.

Remedy:
Dealers will replace the clutch sensor. In addition, the cable holder and magnet will also be replaced. The recall began On May 19, 2008. Owners may contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2600.

Hyundai Elantra the best in Consumer Reports 2008

One more reason why we should be angry with Hyundai India.They are keeping away from us the car which even beat rivals like Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla in the latest ranking by Consumer Reports,USA for the best car in the USA in its segment.

Hyundai have been gaining steadily on the Japanese rivals and there is not much to choose between the two now[an i10 owner could vouch for that].They have come a long way from being the also present to being the best now.The only difference between the Japanese and Hyundai seems to be the time taken,where Hyundai is making progress at a much rapid rate than what the japanese took to achieve its present number one position.Beware Honda,Toyota,Nissan Hyundai is not very far away and its not long before Hyundai could even beat them at their own game.

Skoda to launch C-segment sedan in 2009

Autocar UK reports that sources in Skoda have revealed that by 2009 end we would see a c-segment sedan from skoda which would compete with the likes of Chevrolet aveo,Honda city,Suzuki sx4 etc..When it would come to India[if at all] is unknown but given the importance skoda is giving to the Indian market this new c-segment saloon is a very likely possibility.This sedan is an all new platform and VW plan to share the platform for its sedan for the US markets.

Remember skoda have talked about launching eight new models in our markets in the next five years and a c segment sedan is a major opportunity for increasing sales especially a diesel.And with Skoda not launching the Fabia sedan version this new C-segment sedan makes all the more sense.

Another car which I am not sure if it would head to the Indian markets is the Sharan seven seater MPV from Skoda which is expected by 2010.But such a vehicle does make sense even for the Indian market.

While I have talked about the Fabia combi in previous posts,there is talk that the skoda yeti could also be in India by 2010.Apart from that there is the new small car[placed lower than the fabia with a price tag between Rs. 3-5 lakhs] and based on the VW Up concept platform also expected in a couple of years[around 2011].

One car which is expected in the Indian markets the skoda roomster is all set for a major makeover in 2011.Hopefully skoda decide to give us the newer version not the two cars fixed together with glue version.

All in all by 2011 Skoda is expected to be a major player in the automobile sector.

2009 Honda Pilot Live @ NAIAS

Spied! 2009 Acura TSX

The 2009 Acura TSX was spotted and caught with a cell phone camera.

As you can see in the picture, the car is more rounded and is larger than the previous model. Would this mean the TL and RL will also move and become larger for the 2009/2010 redesign/revisions? Could be.

Although the side looks a lot in favour of a Ford Fusion, the front end has a little in line with the Jaguar XF, although not bad, but this wasn't what I was expecting.

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