New Car: 2009 Acura TSX

International Auto Show:

Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura's popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.

"The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future," said cock Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, "The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand."

Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show last week and also announced the company will introduce an-all new TL performance luxury sedan later this year.

The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.
Press release:
The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.

Press release:

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show.

The second-generation Acura TSX is designed to appeal to young professionals with its keen-edge styling, athletic performance and advanced electronic features.

Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for entry-premium buyers, the all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile, more performance minded and even "more Acura" than ever before. Carefully crafted to honour the original TSX's vision as a world-class sports sedan, the new TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, convenience, driving performance and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance, and advanced safety systems.

The 2009 TSX is expected to appeal to current TSX owners, young professionals and other image seekers who will appreciate its innovative styling, technical allure and total performance - while also valuing the outstanding customer treatment that owners have come to enjoy at Acura dealerships. Extremely brand conscious and eclectic in their tastes, buyers will find the TSX as satisfying for driving colleagues to lunch as it is for weekend snowboarding trips or vacation travel.

Powertrain:

An all-aluminium DOHC i-VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine heralds a pair of firsts for the TSX model, including dual balance shafts and a direct ignition system. Along with improved performance, it is also cleaner as it now meeting the EPA's aggressive Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards for the first time in TSX history.Displacing 2.4-liters and producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (with manual transmission), the new in-line 4-cylinder engine produces its useable power across a much wider rpm range, while five percent more torque further strengthens the engine's pulling power at middle rpm levels. This allows the 2009 TSX to be more responsive off the line and out of corners, and stronger in the middle of the rpm range where the engine operates most of the time.

This newfound performance and flexibility is due in part to a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing, and improved intake and exhaust gas flow. Further credit goes to the TSX engine's i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve control system, which provides the power characteristics of a V-6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of an in-line four. Likewise, a new rear-mounted exhaust manifold layout, a close-coupled catalytic converter design, and a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system substantially reduce emissions levels. Estimated fuel mileage is 21/30/24 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 5 AT) and 20/28/23 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 6 MT).

Two transmissions are available, both as standard equipment - a 6-speed close- ratio manual with new performance-oriented ratios for Second through Sixth gears, and a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with a new lock-up torque converter assembly. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, while the Sequential SportShift automatic permits fully automatic operation with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, which make driving the TSX on hilly or winding roads more enjoyable. If the driver desires, the automatic transmission can also be operated manually via new steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

Body and Chassis:

The 2009 TSX body structure includes two firsts for the Acura division, including a closed-channel cross-braced roof structure and inside frame rails. Along with a stronger rear bulkhead, the closed-channel cross-braced roof structure yields a more rigid and vibration-resistant structure. The first use of inside frame rails for any Acura model help tailor the aerodynamics underneath the car for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise. In addition, new A-, B- and C-pillar separators improve the TSX's quietness over rough roads and at high speed. Slippery aerodynamics also helps fuel economy as well as high-speed stability - all while lowering emissions.

In addition to its 3.0-inch greater width and 2.6-inch wider track, the 2009 TSX has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and 2.4 inches more overall length. These dimensions combine to provide greater interior roominess, more agile handling and improved ride quality. Another first for Acura are the TSX's new dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. Using a unique deflector plate stack, the new dampers adjust compression damping characteristics to suit the vehicle speed, cornering forces and road surface. In creating the second-generation TSX body design, Acura designers sought to retain the crisp, dynamic design of the original and enhance it by widening the body overall and adding more muscular and distinctive cues to create a keen-edged sports sedan. Their key design goal was to create an aerodynamic design that evokes both emotion and tension with a decisively sporty flair.

Outward visibility is improved with a slimmer A-pillar design, while an auto up/down front passenger window adds convenience and a reverse-linked passenger-side door mirror tilts down to help improve safety while parallel parking. The new TSX also has a wider trunk opening and a lower trunk lift-over height for more convenient loading.

Exterior/Interior:

Functionality and refinement converge with luxury and style in the interior of the 2009 Acura TSX. Featuring a blend of sweeping, contemporary shapes, a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, widespread use of premium materials and an available Technology Package, this 5-passenger sports sedan offers the upscale modern interior that customers have come to expect from Acura.

From the precision-crafted metal door sills to the satin-metal finish accents, from new leather-covered seats to the steering-wheel mounted controls, and from the premium 7-speaker sound system to the dual-zone automatic climate control, the TSX represents a merge of intelligent design and innovation. For example, Bluetooth® connectivity is standard and includes a HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface that makes communications easier and safer while en route.

Typical of Acura, the TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Included are a standard power passenger seat, a new folding key with remote entry, new automatic headlight activation, a premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM/XM®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , and USB port music interface. A HomeLink® remote control system is also standard.

Adding to the already impressive list of TSX standard equipment is the available Technology Package, which bristles with leading-edge electronics that make driving much more efficient and enjoyable. These include an Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System. The navigation system also features Real-time trafficTM covering 76 major metropolitan markets, and offers Traffic Rerouting with dynamic route guidance to help navigate around slow-downs. For 2009, the TSX receives a dash-mounted electronic compass for added directional information while driving.

Included in the Technology Package is a premium sound system tuned by legendary sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELSTM Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio includes a new Note function for XM® Radio that makes it easy to identify songs to recall at a later date. With push of a button, the Note function can capture 10 seconds of up to 30 songs, along with noting text indicating song title, artist name, and XM® channel.

Safety:

The 2009 Acura TSX leads the way in safety with its new Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure. Engineered into the TSX model for the first time, ACETM improves the dispersal of frontal crash energy through the use of load-bearing frame structures that better match the TSX with other vehicles of different sizes and with different bumper heights. Simply put, ACETM helps maximize the effectiveness of the TSX's front crumple zones, better dispersing crash forces before they reach the passenger compartment.

A broad range of passive safety features likewise contributes to occupant safety, including six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions). Three-point seatbelts and head restraints are provided in all seating positions, and front seatbelt load limiters with an integrated automatic tensioning system further protect the TSX driver and front passenger. A new Active Headrest Restrain System is used for the first time on the TSX, while the rear seat features a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system that allows for the easy and secure affixing of up to two child seats. Exterior features designed to further improve safety include daytime running lights (DRL), pedestrian-injury mitigation features such as a deformable hood, hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots, and a 5-mph front bumper and 2.5-mph rear bumper.

The 2009 Acura TSX is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)** and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.

Finally, the 2009 Acura TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®) that provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Audi TT-S pricing announced (UK)

Audi UK has announced prices for the TT-S roadster and coupé.

The coupé will sell for £33,380 while the roadster will start at at £35,380 both OTR.

TT-S is a new name on the market, coming in, without a clear direct rival as far as its two German counterparts are concerned. At introduction, it will sport the same overworked 2.0-litre VW company mill, which for this application will produce 200kW and torque of 350Nm. The 0 – 100km/h time should be just 5.4 seconds for the 6-speed manual coupé and 5.6 seconds for the roadster.

Buyers who choose the dual-clutch S-tronic will go 0.2 seconds quicker off the line. A new damping system called Audi magnetic ride will help to change the driving character of the car by varying suspension for different road surfaces and situations.

LED daytime running lights also feature and standard 18-inches alloys, though an upgrade to 19-inch 5-spokers is available at £750.

SsangYong cuts prices across the range (UK)

The Korean car maker, SsangYong announced that it will chop prices across its range in the UK.

SsangYong was thinking about pulling out of the UK market due to poor sales. Only 1,500 cars were sold last year with the Rexton II be the most popular but even this even suffered poor sales itself due to high tax band and emissions.

The new Kyron will start from £14,995, this being front wheel drive which is saving you £3000 from the previous price tag of £17,995. This undercuts the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and KIA Sportage. The Rexton II SUV sheds £2,600, with a sticker price of £19,995. Powering it is a 2.7 litre diesel engine and lets not forget, it is almost as big as the Land Rover Discovery/LR3, but the Rodius doesn't get a price cut.

These price reductions are due to the brand being bought and distributed by Koelliker UK and re-launching.

Say bonjour to the new Sandero

The Sandero has been launched in Brazil as a Renault but when the European counterpart arrives, don't expect the same name treatment.

Although, the Sandero is set for launch in 2009, Dacia is hot on its heels, testing it thoroughly in Southern Italy and Romania. Compared to the Brazilian Sandero, the European model will have a revised radiator grille.

Better specc'ed grades could have colour coded bumpers and door mirrors, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, front electric windows, height adjustable drivers seat, remote central door locking etc although, lower grades will be available for the UK market.

The Sandero will measure at four-metres and should be available at £6,500, which is the same price tag as an entry-level KIA Picanto.

The Sandero is based on the same BO platform and mechanicals that are found in the Logan saloon, estate and van. Its official launch will be at next month’s Geneva motor show but it won’t go on sale in the UK until early 2009.

There will also be a seven-seat version of the estate car which will be available to Europeans but isn't likely to come to the UK, however, the Logan estate could join our range later on in 2009.

When the new variants appear, they will be sold through Renault’s strong 200 dealer network with most showrooms having their own “Dacia” section.

A hatchback and estate aren't the only variants in the pipeline, expect to see a pseudo "SUV" looking Sandero hatchback and a sedan, which are all due to launch in 2009.

Mercedes CLK Coupé exposed in snow

camouflage, the front light clusters are expected to be spilt into two and with the rear light clusters, they maybe located on the boot-lid.

Based of the new C-Class sedan, the next generation CLK will show signs of a similar design. Engines aren't expected to change much but the current 3.5-litre V6 will most likely remain as the base powerplant, with the 5.5-litre V8 continuing as an option. Diesel engines will also be available for the European market. Rear-wheel drive will continue as well, although there is speculation that 4Matic will be added as an option.

The CLK coupe is due late 2008 with the convertible expected to follow in 2009.

Mazda2 makes 100,000 milestone

Highly acclaimed, Demio posts strong global sales results Mazda Motor Corporation announced that production of the all-new Mazda Demio (known overseas as the all-new Mazda2) in Japan reached 100,000 units at the end of January 2008. This milestone was achieved only eight months after domestic production commenced at the end of May 2007. The all-new Demio was developed to inject a breath of fresh air into the global compact car segment. The vehicle concept was “a personal smart commuter” and development emphasized emerging modern values such as increased concern for environmental and safety issues, and a greater focus on design. The all-new Demio has won eight awards in Japan, including the 2008 RJC Car of the Year. Overseas, the all-new Mazda2 has been selected for 23 awards, including the New Zealand Car of the Year and second place in the 2008 European Car of the Year (as the highest ranked Japanese car). As demonstrated by 31 global awards earned in the seven months since its launch in July 2007, Mazda’s latest compact car already enjoys an excellent reputation among media and customers around the world. The all-new Demio is around 100 kilograms lighter than the previous model and boasts superb body rigidity through the use of ultra-high tensile steel. These advances help it to achieve top class fuel economy, dynamic driving performance and superior safety protection—all at the same time. In December 2007, the all-new Mazda2 was awarded five stars for adult occupant protection in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)* crash testing; validation that its collision safety performance is world class. Against this background, the all-new Demio/Mazda2 is posting strong sales in global markets. In Japan, sales reached 34,389 units in the first six months, which represents a substantial portion of Mazda’s expanding market share in the challenging Japanese market. Mazda’s 2007 calendar year sales in Europe recorded 311,247 units, its highest volume since 1991. Sales of the all-new Mazda2 in Europe made a significant contribution to this achievement, reaching 12,591 units in just four months. To commemorate the RJC Car of the Year win, Mazda launched the Demio ‘Chiara’ special edition model with a custom body color and exclusive seat covers that give the interior a stylish and individual appearance. As of the end of January 2008, Mazda had received 578 orders for the Demio ‘Chiara’ in its first month of sales.

Suzuki Splash pricing announced (UK)

Prices for Suzuki’s all-new Splash mini-MPV, which goes on sale 8 March, will start from £8,999 for the 1.2 GLS model rising to £9,499 for the 1.2 GLS+, which adds 15 inch alloys, front foglamps and privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate.

Both are powered by an 86 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The GLS+ model can also be equipped with a 4-speed automatic, priced £10,349. Combined fuel consumption is 51.4 mpg for the manual, 47.9 mpg for the automatic.

For those whose preference is diesel, the 1.3 DDiS model, with an identical specification to the GLS+, is £10,499. Its 75 PS Fiat-derived turbo diesel is capable of 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 120 g/km carbon dioxide, making it eligible for £35 annual road tax. Splash is one of the safest cars in its class – all models are equipped with six airbags – including two full length curtain airbags – and ESP® electronic stability as standard – reflecting Suzuki GB’s policy to make ESP® a universal fitment on all new models and all major facelifts.

All Splash models are also equipped with a CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; air conditioning; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel; and an information display.

CELEBRATES ONE IN TWO MILLION: £80m investment tops day of achievement This week marks Honda's celebration of the 2 millionth car from its Swind

CELEBRATES ONE IN TWO MILLION:

£80m investment tops day of achievement

This week marks Honda's celebration of the 2 millionth car from its Swindon car production facility. The silver CR-V is scheduled for production tomorrow evening (21st February, 2008) nearly 16 years after car manufacturing began in October 1992. Today the company announced substantial new investment, showing further commitment to its UK manufacturing operations. Building on its 22 year history, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) is investing a further £80 million to upgrade and improve manufacturing processes.

This includes:

• £20 million into Plastic Operations which started mass production in January 2008 - capable of moulding and painting 1300 sets of bumpers for Civic and CR-V each day

• £16 million into a new casting facility employing the Honda patented process of ASCT (advanced semi-solid casting technology). This unique new process will enable HUM to independently cast diesel blocks, a process which, until now, has only been carried out at Honda in Japan

• A further £50 million being invested in welding and paint production technology, increasing efficiency and production flexibility. Honda's Swindon plant has shown a 25% increase in production volume over the last 18 months, with the company's UK sales operation breaking through the 100,000 sales barrier for the first time in 2007. Currently just under 30% of Swindon production goes to the UK market. In 2007, HUM produced 237,783 cars. David Hodgetts, Director at HUM, stated that "We are extremely proud of our workforce here in Swindon. This major milestone demonstrates the scale of our achievement since our operations began nearly 22 years ago. This fresh investment will enable Honda to improve overall competitiveness and increase the level of localised manufacture in Swindon. " Ken Keir, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said "The fact that there are over two million happy customers driving Swindon built Honda cars is testament to our Associates' commitment and is a great accomplishment."

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) : Key Facts 1) HUM Vehicle Production History

• Accord 4 Door (1992~2002 ) 280,432
• Accord 5 Door (1999~2002) 46,418
• Civic Aerodeck (1998~2000) 48,064
• Civic 3 Door (2001~Present) 213,810
• Civic 5 Door (1994~Present) 777,850
• CR-V (2000~Present) 633,426

Chrysler gives Europe a diesel SRT 300C

Later on this year, Chrysler will install a 3.0 V6 diesel engine in the 300C SRT which is borrowed from the regular 300C 3.0 CRD. This means 218 bhp, 163kW and 376lb ft of torque.

It will be available as a sedan or a touring model and boasts many of the SRT features including 20-inch alloys, body kit, chrome mesh grille. On the outside bootlid spoiler, revised rear light clusters, and extra LED lights will be incorporated in the facelift.

The interior will feature a satellite navigation system with a 20GB drive (referred to as MyGig), carbon-fibre detailing and leather sports seats straight out the of the 425bhp, 6.1-litre V8 SRT-8.

Hyundai i30 Estate pricing announced (UK)

After months of teasing UK customers on the Hyundai UK website, Hyundai has announced the prices for their newest arrival in the i30 family.

The i30 estate will start from £12,995 for the entry-level Comfort grade which gives you a 1.6 litre petrol engine that is equipped with electric folding door mirrors, air conditioning, 15” alloy wheels, ESP, six airbags, USB/iPod and aux connections. Expect to pay £16,295 for the flagship Premium grade which features 17" alloy wheels, heated & leather seats, climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors and front windscreen wiper de-icer.

It goes on sale 2nd April.

i30 Estate 1.6 Comfort £12,995
i30 Estate 1.6 Style £13,995
i30 Estate 1.6 Style Auto £14,995
i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Style £14,695
i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium £16,295

Standard specification:

Comfort:

Air conditioning
15” alloy wheels
ESP
Six airbags
Electric folding door mirrors
USB/iPod and aux connections

Style:

As Comfort, plus:

16” alloy wheels
Automatic lights-on sensor
Cloth seats with leather trim
Leather gear knob and steering wheel
Solar control glass (windscreen)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring

Premium:

As Style, plus:

17” alloy wheels
Climate control
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Leather seat facings
Heated front seats
Rear parking sensors
Front windscreen wiper de-icer

BMW GINA Concept Car 2009

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model has dispensed with the usual body elements found on production vehicles such as front apron, bonnet, side panels, doors, wheel arches, roof, trunk lid and rear deck. Instead, a new structure with a minimum amount of components has taken their place. A special, highly durable and extremely expansion-resistant fabric material stretches across a metal structure. This new material offers designers a significantly higher level of freedom of design and functionality.

The body consists of only four elements. The largest component extends from the front of the vehicle to the edge of the windscreen and down the sides to the rear edge of the doors. The large side panels start at the front where the rocker panels emerge and run across the rear wheel arches into the rear. The fourth component is the central rear deck element.



[Source: BMW]

Porsche Carrera GT: 205 mph

Porsche Carrera GT: 205 mph, 0-60 in 3.9 secs. Aluminum, 68 Degree, Water Cooled V10 Engine with 612 hp, base price is $440,000. The most powerful and most expensive Porsche nearly made the list as #10.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: 211 mph

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: 211 mph, 0-60 in 3.3 secs. V12 Engine with 640 hp, base price is $430,000. Nice piece of art, the design is very round and smooth.

Pagani Zonda F: 215 mph

Pagani Zonda F: 215 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Mercedes Benz M180 V12 Engine with 650 hp, base price is $667,321. With a V12 motor, this baby can do much better.

Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph

Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still got what it takes to make the list.

Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph

Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 ever produced, the price goes up every time someone crashes.