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Monday, January 5, 2009
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid: 23 New Photos of European-Spec Production Model
0 comments Posted by wedos at 7:13 AMFollowing an earlier leak of the Japanese-market model brochure, a new set of photos of the 2009 Honda Insight have been leaked into the net ahead of the hybrid car's premier at the Detroit auto show on January 11. Seen here in UK -and consequently, in European-specification, the new five passenger, five door Insight will go on sale on both sides of the Atlantic in the spring of 2009.
As is evident from the photos, compared to the Paris Show prototype, the production model's design has been toned down. Aside from the less sloppy roofline and smoothed out body creases, changes include the down-to-earth headlamps, mirrors and tail lamps, a less aggressively styled front bumper - grille assembly and an even less inspiring rear-end design.
Honda's Prius rival will be equipped with a revised version of the Civic IMA's mild hybrid powertrain that combines an electric motor with a small displacement petrol engine and a CVT gearbox. Unlike the Prius however, the Insight will not be able to run solely on electric power.The Japanese automaker claims that the Insight will be the most affordable hybrid car in the market, making it accesible to a broader audience. Honda expects to sell around 200,000 units of the Insight per year, with half of those sales coming from North America.
Thanks for the tip Jim!
Labels: Detroit Auto Show, Honda, Honda Insight, Hybrids, New Cars, Scoops
This is the second generation Cadillac SRX crossover that will be making its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. Cadillac had offered us our first glimpse of its mid-size luxury crossover in August, 2008, but now, the American automaker has released detailed information as well as new photos. According to Cadillac, the new and more compact sized SRX will compete against the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, BWW X3 and X5. Due to go on sale in the second quarter of 2009, the SRX will be offered in North America with two petrol units, a new, 260HP 3.0-liter direct injected V6 and a 300HP 2.8-liter turbocharged V6.
Both engines are hooked up to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Cadillac has yet to issue any specific figures, but the automaker supports that fuel economy will be in the mid-20s on the highway.
Unlike its rear-wheel / all-wheel drive predecessor, the new SRX gets front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as optional. The AWD system includes an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that distributes torque as needed from side to side along the rear axle, as well as from the front to rear axle
"The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather," said Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer. "The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface."
Among the new photos released by Cadillac is the first picture of the SRX's interior that bears many similarities with the CTS. "Inside the new SRX, technical precision blends with old-world craftsmanship," said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. "Hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting details convey a finely tailored cabin."
The 2010 SRX's highlights include a "pop-up" navigation screen with three-dimensional imaging; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering; power liftgate with adjustable height setting; integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment.
Other features include standard head curtain side air bags, front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags, front safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, a pedal release system, trailer stability assist and OnStar.
Labels: Cadillac, Cadillac SRX, Detroit Auto Show, New Cars
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Once again, the forthcoming Peugeot 3008 crossover that will debut at the Geneva motor show this March, has been caught completely undisguised. These photos, courtesy of the members over at 'Forum-Peugeot', reveal that little has changed from Peugeot's Prologue concept car that was unveiled at the Paris show last October. The compact crossover is based on the Peugeot 308 hatchback and it's supposed to combine the practicality of an MPV with off-road ability of an SUV. Just like its most apparent rival, the Nissan Qashqai, the 3008 will be offered in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.
Powertrain options will include naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants of the PSA - BMW Group co-developed 1.6-liter petrol engine as well as a wide range of HDi diesel powerplants. The 3008 is expected to hit European dealerships in the second half o 2009.
Source: Forum-Peugeot , Via: Motorpasion
Labels: Peugeot, Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 308, Scoops
Friday, January 2, 2009
Given the lack of anything truly new to offer, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a special edition version of its recently updated CLS four-door coupe model. The CLS Grand Edition is part of Merc's new factory program called "designo" that offers buyers more exclusive options and differentiation within a model's line-up. In the case of the CLS Grand Edition this means a new platinum matt finish which is allegedly highly scratch- and dirt-resistant. Buyers can also choose from four other colors - obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey.
The additional exterior equipment for the CLSGrand Edition includes Bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp casings, new high-sheen AMG18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 245/40 R 18 (front) and 275/35 R 18 (rear) tires and a "Grand Edition" insignia on the front wings.
The CLS Grand Edition's interior is distinguished by "designo" leather upholstery in "marron" – with the option of substituting this shade for sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or chablis, roof lining in anthracite Alcantara, together with the standard-fit tilting/sliding glass roof and trim elements in high-quality laurel wood that can be ordered with either a matt or a high-gloss finish.
The special edition CLS is available with four engine variants, including the V6 unit for the entry-level CLS280 and the 292HP CGI direct-injection power plant for the CLS 350 CGI model.
The Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition can be ordered from January 2, 2009, with prices in Europe starting at 67,294.50 Euros incl. VAT for the CLS280 Grand Edition. Customer deliveries will commence in March 2009.
Labels: Mercedes, Mercedes CLS, New Cars









































