Bad news for Saturn. Penske just announced that they are backing away, because they are concerned about vehicle availability from GM going forward. WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125434260817353567.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
"Unintended Acceleration", Don't Pray, THINK
This morning on the radio, I heard the audio from a 911 distress call that a man placed while driving an out of control Lexus. This was one of the events which precipated the massive Toyota floor mat recall. Apparently, his accelerator pedal was stuck to the floor, and his brakes weren't working (he probably boiled them, or perhaps, the brake pedal was obstructed). He called 911 in a panic, and the operator just had time to suggest that he turn the car off, before the man said "We're coming to an intersection... pray!", and that was the end. The man and his three passengers were killed.
He didn't need to pray. He just needed to think. He panicked, and got himself and his family tragically killed because he wasn't able to use his cars multiple redundant controls.
Suppose your gas pedal is stuck to the floor. What can you do?
He didn't need to pray. He just needed to think. He panicked, and got himself and his family tragically killed because he wasn't able to use his cars multiple redundant controls.
Suppose your gas pedal is stuck to the floor. What can you do?
- Use your toe to try to lift the pedal. This actually happened to me once, that a piece of trash got jammed next to the pedal, and I had to physically pull it up to free it.
- If that doesn't work, put your car into neutral. Then use the brakes.
- If your normal brakes won't work (they're cooked, or loss of vacuum) you can use your emergency (aka parking) brake to slow your car
- If all else fails, kill the power to the engine by turning off the key. If you don't have a key but have push button start, no big deal. On many systems, pressing and holding the engine start button will force it to stop.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
2010 Fiat Panda Photo
2010 Fiat Panda Photo
2010 Fiat Panda will get four new exterior colors to the lineup already available, a more contemporary body colored grille that is available on the 4X2 and 4X4 Dynamic version, silver trim finish for the roof bars, new alloy wheel options and larger exterior mirrors. Under the hood, The 2010 Fiat Panda comes with a new 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 69bhp. This fits into the wide range of engines available for the Panda, with petrol, diesel, natural gas and LPG versions available giving power outputs ranging from 54 to 100bhp.
Citroen C-Cactus Leaked Images
Citroen C-Cactus Leaked Images
C-Cactus Concept first debuted at the Frankfurt motor show in 2007. The objective was to create a green car (lighter and with low emissions) that also has a low cost of production through a a simpler assembly process using less parts and recycled materials.
Speculation is that Citroen would turn the C-Cactus concept into a sub-brand called "Essentiele". With Essentiele being an entry-level Citroen range with the DS label serving as the automaker's premium range.
The C-Cactus would likely be powered by a new diesel-hybrid drivetrain that PSA Group is developing, possibly with a 3-cylinder diesel of unspecified horsepower coupled to an electric motor. It would be the first model in the Essentiele range, and may make it to market by as early as 2012.
2009 Mercedes M-Class Lorinser Facelift
2009 Mercedes M-Class Lorinser Facelift
Lorinser will not leave Mercedes-Benz ML customers in the lurch when it comes to keeping up with the official styling changes applied to the luxury SUV. The sportiness of the ML has been accentuated through the use of an aggressive body kit that extends from front to back.
Starting on the front end a new massive Lorinser four-fin grille was fitted. Then there are Lorinser-branded side skirts and wide wheel arches. Wheels pictured here are by no means the standard; customers will be given an extensive menu of light alloys to choose from in either black or silver.
The rear features an integrated spoiler with four tailpipes. Lorinser says a "startling whistle" is heard when the driver steps on the accelerator, regardless of whether it's a petrol or a diesel.
No power or performance figures were made available but a 2008 Lorinser package for the ML 320 CDI upped power to 192kW (261hp) and torque went up to 580Nm.
Via: worldcarfans.com
NHTSA: Toyota Owners Remove Floor Mats
NHTSA has an urgent message to owners of many Toyota vehicles:
This will probably become a massive recall later, potentially affecting millions of vehicles, and a may be another chip in Toyota's quality reputation.
Meanwhile, owners of Chrysler, Ford, and GM may continue to enjoy their floor mats.
Sorry, I can't resist a little schadenfreude.
- 2007-2010 Camry
- 2005-2010 Avalon
- 2004-2009 Prius
- 2005-2010 Tacoma
- 2007-2010 Tundra
- 2007-2010 ES 350
- 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350
This will probably become a massive recall later, potentially affecting millions of vehicles, and a may be another chip in Toyota's quality reputation.
Meanwhile, owners of Chrysler, Ford, and GM may continue to enjoy their floor mats.
Sorry, I can't resist a little schadenfreude.
On Paddle Shifters
More and more cars now ofter steering wheel mounted shift levers for cars that have fully automatic transmissions. These are an imitation of the semi-automated manual transmissions typically used in high performance and full-bore race cars such as the Ferrari 430.
I think this is silly.
Real paddle-shift transmissions are basically automated mechanical transmissions which do not have torque converters; they have replaced the clutch and stick with the paddles. On a high-end sportscar, they makes sense, as an alternative to a traditional manual with 3 pedals on the floor.
On a consumer grade car with a torque converter type automatic transmission, the paddles are a gimmick, and I doubt anyone uses them.
If the car won't stall because you forgot to shift with the paddles, it's not authentic, in my book. If you don't need to interact with it unless you feel "sporty" that day, it is a toy. Part of the fun of driving a true manual transmission car (which I do) is that you have to do your job ot make the car move. If my car had a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, I'd be thrilled, but I would probably never use the manual override. I'd put it in D and go.
I think this is silly.
Real paddle-shift transmissions are basically automated mechanical transmissions which do not have torque converters; they have replaced the clutch and stick with the paddles. On a high-end sportscar, they makes sense, as an alternative to a traditional manual with 3 pedals on the floor.
On a consumer grade car with a torque converter type automatic transmission, the paddles are a gimmick, and I doubt anyone uses them.
If the car won't stall because you forgot to shift with the paddles, it's not authentic, in my book. If you don't need to interact with it unless you feel "sporty" that day, it is a toy. Part of the fun of driving a true manual transmission car (which I do) is that you have to do your job ot make the car move. If my car had a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, I'd be thrilled, but I would probably never use the manual override. I'd put it in D and go.
The Truth About TTAC
The Truth About Cars (TTAC) was started by Robert Farrago, an auto blogger whose calling cards were coprolalia and an obsession with predicting the death of GM.
So Farrago turned out to be sort of right about GM, they did go bankrupt, though it is still very alive and kicking.
However, not so much for Farrago's blogging career at TTAC. The media company that owned TTAC just about stopped paying its writers, and then sold the site to another media company. Money was still a problem, so Farrago left.
Score: Farrago 1, GM 2.
I'll give RF credit for riding the GM-dies horse so hard and long, because after all, he turned out to be right. But I've always been annoyed at TTAC's style. Farrago, if you remember, was the one who compared a Subaru front end design to a woman's genitals, and then was outraged that he wasn't going to be offered free press cars to drive anymore. TTAC under Farrago didn't necessarily do anything better than any other automotive news site, they just did it louder.
So Farrago turned out to be sort of right about GM, they did go bankrupt, though it is still very alive and kicking.
However, not so much for Farrago's blogging career at TTAC. The media company that owned TTAC just about stopped paying its writers, and then sold the site to another media company. Money was still a problem, so Farrago left.
Score: Farrago 1, GM 2.
I'll give RF credit for riding the GM-dies horse so hard and long, because after all, he turned out to be right. But I've always been annoyed at TTAC's style. Farrago, if you remember, was the one who compared a Subaru front end design to a woman's genitals, and then was outraged that he wasn't going to be offered free press cars to drive anymore. TTAC under Farrago didn't necessarily do anything better than any other automotive news site, they just did it louder.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Review: 2010 Ford Taurus
I thought I would make an effort to test-drive a 2010 Ford Taurus, since it is an important product for Ford, and I am familiar with the previous incarnation. I talked my mom into buying a used Five Hundred based on the big room, excellent safety, and big depreciation.
I went to my local Ford dealer and test drove a shiny metallic white Limited, the top of the line. It had the Sony sound system, navigation, SYNC, push-button start, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot warning system.
The car is still quite large, but Ford did a good job making it look less huge. Instead of a large dome-on-a-box shape, the new Taurus looks more like a blunt wedge. The compromise here is that the interior head space is smaller than the old model, and the rearward visibility is not very good. Which may be one reason why they chose to add the blind spot warning and rear view camera as options. The trunk is still huge.
I like the re-style. It is distinctive without being outlandish (see Chrysler 300) or derivative (see Avalon). It is definitely not bland-but-functional like the Five Hundred was.
The driving experience was overall pretty good. The powertrain is smooth and quiet, and gives more than adequate power, though it is not a muscle car. Steering feel was excellent, with good on-center precision and crisp response for such a large car. The ride was somewhere in between family car soft and sports car hard, about right for that size of vehicle. I didn't feel like I was in a race car, but I did feel like I was well connected to the road.
The interior is very nice. Ford did a good job putting together an attractive interior without being too blingy (see: MKS). I was particularly impressed with the door panels, which look like they are actual stitched leather, but are in fact high fidelity moldings of stitched leather. I did feel that the center stack was a bit on the wide side, eating up some valuable driver space. There was liberal use of fake wood (which I am not a fan of), but the fake wood was good quality, and it looked a lot like actual wood.
I liked the implementation of keyless entry and start. You walk up to the car, and swipe the hidden door pillar keypad with your finger. The door unlocks. You get in, buckle in, press the brake pedal, and push the start button. The engine fires up and you go. Very quick and easy. The only issue I noticed with this is that I would personally have to re-train myself to lock the car by hitting the door button, since you don't need to hang on to the key fob.
Adaptive Cruise Control was fascinating to use, but had a few weaknesses. If the guy in front of you slams on his brakes, the system flashes a large row of red LEDs to warn you that you need to brake--apparently it is limited in how much braking it can command. Also, the system can not brake the car completely to a stop and then start rolling again, instead it disables itself if your speed drops too low (I tried). It was neat, but not worth the cost in my opinion.
My test drive car had the paddle shifters, which are pretty silly. I found myself fiddling with them because they were there, but I can't think of time when I actually would want to use them. A simple 'L' would be fine for most people, to allow engine braking down grades. I can't believe anyone is fooled into thinking the paddle shifters are "sporty". Message to Ford (and everyone else): If the car won't stall because you forgot to paddle shift, the paddle shifters aren't real.
Some annoyances: the foot-actuated parking/emergency brake was carried over from the Five Hundred as a pedal on the driver's left kick-panel. Ford should move the e-brake to the center console like most modern cars.
Another problem for me is the poor rearward visibility. Between the short rear window and intrusive rear head restraints, the rear view mirror has a poor field of view. Ford should have imitated Volvo and installed pivoting (they don't have to be powered) rear headrests. Normally if you know how to adjust your mirrors, you wouldn't need a blind spot warning system. But on the Taurus, it is helpful because of the poor corner visibility through the rearview mirror.
I was able to find a comfortable driving position, but in my favorite spot, the top buttons of the center console were hard to reach because of the steep rake. As stylish as a swoopy center stack is, I think a steeper angle would have been better for me ergonomically.
SYNC worked well and the navigation system was good looking and easy to use. However, I don't think there is a way to customize the SYNC voice, which my $150 TomTom offers. SYNC also does offer a way to dictate outbound text messages or emails, which would be very useful. The Sony branded sound system sounded good to me.
Overall, I enjoyed driving the Limited. If I bought one, I would buy a cheaper variant (MSRP ~$38,000). If I needed a larger car, or wanted something with some heft, I would definitely consider a 2010 Taurus. Consider the competition: Chevrolet Impala? Ancient platform, mushy, rental-car queen. Toyota Avalon? A big bland mushy couch on wheels. Chrysler 300? Old product, rough interior, though RWD is a plus. Buick LaCrosse? Zzzzzzz.
Stuff I Liked:
I went to my local Ford dealer and test drove a shiny metallic white Limited, the top of the line. It had the Sony sound system, navigation, SYNC, push-button start, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot warning system.
The car is still quite large, but Ford did a good job making it look less huge. Instead of a large dome-on-a-box shape, the new Taurus looks more like a blunt wedge. The compromise here is that the interior head space is smaller than the old model, and the rearward visibility is not very good. Which may be one reason why they chose to add the blind spot warning and rear view camera as options. The trunk is still huge.
I like the re-style. It is distinctive without being outlandish (see Chrysler 300) or derivative (see Avalon). It is definitely not bland-but-functional like the Five Hundred was.
The driving experience was overall pretty good. The powertrain is smooth and quiet, and gives more than adequate power, though it is not a muscle car. Steering feel was excellent, with good on-center precision and crisp response for such a large car. The ride was somewhere in between family car soft and sports car hard, about right for that size of vehicle. I didn't feel like I was in a race car, but I did feel like I was well connected to the road.
The interior is very nice. Ford did a good job putting together an attractive interior without being too blingy (see: MKS). I was particularly impressed with the door panels, which look like they are actual stitched leather, but are in fact high fidelity moldings of stitched leather. I did feel that the center stack was a bit on the wide side, eating up some valuable driver space. There was liberal use of fake wood (which I am not a fan of), but the fake wood was good quality, and it looked a lot like actual wood.
I liked the implementation of keyless entry and start. You walk up to the car, and swipe the hidden door pillar keypad with your finger. The door unlocks. You get in, buckle in, press the brake pedal, and push the start button. The engine fires up and you go. Very quick and easy. The only issue I noticed with this is that I would personally have to re-train myself to lock the car by hitting the door button, since you don't need to hang on to the key fob.
Adaptive Cruise Control was fascinating to use, but had a few weaknesses. If the guy in front of you slams on his brakes, the system flashes a large row of red LEDs to warn you that you need to brake--apparently it is limited in how much braking it can command. Also, the system can not brake the car completely to a stop and then start rolling again, instead it disables itself if your speed drops too low (I tried). It was neat, but not worth the cost in my opinion.
My test drive car had the paddle shifters, which are pretty silly. I found myself fiddling with them because they were there, but I can't think of time when I actually would want to use them. A simple 'L' would be fine for most people, to allow engine braking down grades. I can't believe anyone is fooled into thinking the paddle shifters are "sporty". Message to Ford (and everyone else): If the car won't stall because you forgot to paddle shift, the paddle shifters aren't real.
Some annoyances: the foot-actuated parking/emergency brake was carried over from the Five Hundred as a pedal on the driver's left kick-panel. Ford should move the e-brake to the center console like most modern cars.
Another problem for me is the poor rearward visibility. Between the short rear window and intrusive rear head restraints, the rear view mirror has a poor field of view. Ford should have imitated Volvo and installed pivoting (they don't have to be powered) rear headrests. Normally if you know how to adjust your mirrors, you wouldn't need a blind spot warning system. But on the Taurus, it is helpful because of the poor corner visibility through the rearview mirror.
I was able to find a comfortable driving position, but in my favorite spot, the top buttons of the center console were hard to reach because of the steep rake. As stylish as a swoopy center stack is, I think a steeper angle would have been better for me ergonomically.
SYNC worked well and the navigation system was good looking and easy to use. However, I don't think there is a way to customize the SYNC voice, which my $150 TomTom offers. SYNC also does offer a way to dictate outbound text messages or emails, which would be very useful. The Sony branded sound system sounded good to me.
Overall, I enjoyed driving the Limited. If I bought one, I would buy a cheaper variant (MSRP ~$38,000). If I needed a larger car, or wanted something with some heft, I would definitely consider a 2010 Taurus. Consider the competition: Chevrolet Impala? Ancient platform, mushy, rental-car queen. Toyota Avalon? A big bland mushy couch on wheels. Chrysler 300? Old product, rough interior, though RWD is a plus. Buick LaCrosse? Zzzzzzz.
Stuff I Liked:
- Leather moldings
- Nice fake wood
- Huge trunk
- Steering feel and handling
- Cooled seats
- Seat comfort
- Sony sound system
- Keyless entry and start
- Capless fuel filler
- Park brake pedal
- Rear visibility, headrests
- Steep rake of center console makes reaching top buttons hard
- No speech-to-text messaging on SYNC
- Silly paddle shifters
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Friday, September 25, 2009
2010 Lexus ES 350
2010 Lexus ES 350
Lexus ES 350's aluminum 3.5-liter V6 produces 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.
The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a sequential manual shift feature for a more involved driving experience when desired. Shifting strategy adapts to driver input, with rapid kick-down response.
2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue
2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue
Hyundai Elantra Blue edition delivers outstanding fuel economy without adding thousands of dollars to the price. In fact, Hyundai Elantra Blue is the lowest priced Elantra in the lineup. The Hyundai Elantra Blue also practices Hyundai's high-value approach to standard equipment. Hyundai Elantra Blue has a remarkable array of desirable features for a model with an excellent price-per-MPG ratio. The Elantra delivers outstanding standard safety technologies in its segment, with six airbags, ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), active front head restraints and adjustable head restraints for all seating positions. A partial list of other standard features includes: power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows with driver's one-touch down, remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, tinted windows, two 12V outlets and tilt steering wheel. Air conditioning, 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters and in-glass antenna, iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs and cruise control are available options as part of the $1,700 Comfort Package.
2010 Toyota 4Runner Design
2010 Toyota 4Runner
New Toyota 4Runner emphasizes a added rugged, able stance. Large bore auto and tires were added to not alone advance off-road performance, but additionally enhance the Toyota 4Runner's truck-based characteristics. In accession to its administration accent on ruggedness and alfresco adventure, the new architecture utilizes a aggregate of Toyota's archetypal boxlike anatomy and accelerating styling.
All Toyota 4Runner grades affection asperous new bumpers and added shoulders, with anew advised head- lamp and tail-light systems, which action a newly-minted, abstruse architecture affection and bigger caliginosity performance. The advanced ends aboveboard fender flares amalgamate with a able-bodied contour that links with a able-bodied and aboveboard rear bonanza and aback door.
The UAW/CAW Car List
The UAW and CAW have released a list of vehicles which they endorse, because they are assembled by unionized plants in North America. There are some "Big 3" vehicles which are notably missing because they are assembled in Mexico, such as the Chevrolet HHR. Others have an * because some variants are built in Mexico while others are built in US or Canadian union plants, such as the GM pickups.
There are some "foreign" cars which are UAW kosher:
There are some "foreign" cars which are UAW kosher:
- Mazda6 (Flat Rock, MI, along with Mustang)
- Mazda Tribute (Kansas City, along with Escape)
- Mitsubishi Eclipse (MMNA Normal, IL)
- Mitsubishi Galant (MMNA Normal, IL)
- Mitsubishi Endeavor (MMNA Normal, IL)
- Toyota Corolla/Matrix (NUMMI, but not for long)
- Toyota Tacoma (NUMMI)
- VW Routan (Windsor, with Chrysler vans)
- Chevrolet HHR
- Chevrolet Avalanche
- Chrysler PT Cruiser
- Ford Fusion/Lincoln MKZ
- Saturn Vue
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Ford Motors Launches Ford Figo: Small Cool Car in Indin Market
India's role as an important player in the future of Ford Motor Company's international strategy was underscored today when the company's President and CEO, Alan Mulally, unveiled an all-new car targeting the heart of the Indian car market - the new Ford Figo.
The Ford Figo, a new nameplate and a fresh face on the Indian market, signals Ford's intention to compete in India's largest and most important small car market segment.
Ford Figo is the result of a significant Ford investment commitment to expand its plant near Chennai for volume production as a small-car centre of excellence regionally. Ford's $500 million investment has doubled the plant's production capacity to 200,000 units per year and introduces major advances in high-quality automation and innovative, eco-friendly production techniques.
"Our exciting new Ford Figo shows how serious we are about India," Mulally said. "It reflects our commitment to compete with great products in all segments of this car market. We are confident the Ford Figo will be a product that Indian consumers really want and value."
Ford Figo is designed and engineered to compete in India's small car segment, which accounts for more than 70 percent of the new vehicle market. It leverages Ford's small-car platform architecture, sharing underlying technology with the Ford Fiesta, already familiar to Indian drivers.
New Shape, Solid Foundation
Today's press conference in Delhi was the first public preview of the exterior design of the new Ford Figo. Ford is reserving further details about the vehicle until closer to its production launch early in 2010.
Design-conscious Italy inspired the new Ford Figo's name. Figo is colloquial Italian for "cool."
Sharing key elements of Ford's kinetic design language with vehicles like the globally renowned Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo and the Ford Fiesta, Ford Figo features a fresh, contemporary shape that will be a distinctive alternative to traditional brands in this segment. The design language conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in motion.
Quality, substance and generous proportions are clearly evident in the design of the new Ford Figo, which features a solid stance, an invitingly large interior and a vibrant, youthful character. Its package is right-sized for the market, which is predominated by congested urban driving conditions.
From its modern headlamps, grille shapes and sculpted bonnet of its distinctive face to the subtle integrated spoiler and chamfered window shape at the rear, Ford Figo is filled with kinetic design touches. These also include sculpted shapes to the body side - chiseled front fenders, a "comet tail" undercut in the doors and additional light-catching sculpting in the lower bodyside - which combine to communicate the solidity, substance and protective safety of its design.
The bold graphic of Ford Figo's large side window shape is another key kinetic design feature hinting at the comfort and spaciousness awaiting occupants' front and rear. The side window graphic is executed with a blacked-out B-pillar, an elegant design touch that unifies the side windows into one shape visually.
With its wheels positioned at the four corners of the vehicle with minimal overhang, Ford Figo's bold wheel arches self-assuredly signal its agility and solidity.
"We're confident that the new Ford Figo will be extremely attractive to Indian car buyers," said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. "It's going to be very competitive with the current market leaders and offer a tremendous value story for our consumers. We believe Ford Figo is a big game-changer for Ford that will help transform our brand into a volume player in India."
New Ford Regional Production Centre
The introduction of the new Ford Figo marks a significant shift for India's role in Ford's strategy. Transformed with a production capacity of 200,000 units, the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility is now positioned as a Ford regional centre of excellence for small-car engineering and production.
Ford Figo models will be produced at the plant for export to international markets. The plant is also being groomed to produce diesel and petrol engines for local vehicle production and export within Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region.
With more automation and high-tech new facilities, the new site reflects the latest Ford manufacturing processes globally and pioneers new technologies for Ford and India. Created with a "best of the best" approach, it has been benchmarked against other competitive facilities globally, as well as the current volume manufacturers in the Indian market, for quality and production efficiency.
The transformed plant introduces eco-friendly production techniques like its new Three-Wet High-Solids paint process. This approach produces beautifully painted vehicles with three wet coats - primer, base coat and clear coat - of high solids-content paint applied one after the other without oven curing between coats. A first for India, it produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions and reduces volatile organic compounds emissions by about 20 percent compared to current medium-solids solvent-borne paints. Use of high-solids content results in a paint finish with high levels of gloss and depth of colour which is more resistant to scratches and stone chips.
Courtesy: Ford Motors India
The Ford Figo, a new nameplate and a fresh face on the Indian market, signals Ford's intention to compete in India's largest and most important small car market segment.
Ford Figo is the result of a significant Ford investment commitment to expand its plant near Chennai for volume production as a small-car centre of excellence regionally. Ford's $500 million investment has doubled the plant's production capacity to 200,000 units per year and introduces major advances in high-quality automation and innovative, eco-friendly production techniques."Our exciting new Ford Figo shows how serious we are about India," Mulally said. "It reflects our commitment to compete with great products in all segments of this car market. We are confident the Ford Figo will be a product that Indian consumers really want and value."
Ford Figo is designed and engineered to compete in India's small car segment, which accounts for more than 70 percent of the new vehicle market. It leverages Ford's small-car platform architecture, sharing underlying technology with the Ford Fiesta, already familiar to Indian drivers.New Shape, Solid Foundation
Today's press conference in Delhi was the first public preview of the exterior design of the new Ford Figo. Ford is reserving further details about the vehicle until closer to its production launch early in 2010.
Design-conscious Italy inspired the new Ford Figo's name. Figo is colloquial Italian for "cool."
Sharing key elements of Ford's kinetic design language with vehicles like the globally renowned Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo and the Ford Fiesta, Ford Figo features a fresh, contemporary shape that will be a distinctive alternative to traditional brands in this segment. The design language conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in motion.Quality, substance and generous proportions are clearly evident in the design of the new Ford Figo, which features a solid stance, an invitingly large interior and a vibrant, youthful character. Its package is right-sized for the market, which is predominated by congested urban driving conditions.
From its modern headlamps, grille shapes and sculpted bonnet of its distinctive face to the subtle integrated spoiler and chamfered window shape at the rear, Ford Figo is filled with kinetic design touches. These also include sculpted shapes to the body side - chiseled front fenders, a "comet tail" undercut in the doors and additional light-catching sculpting in the lower bodyside - which combine to communicate the solidity, substance and protective safety of its design.
The bold graphic of Ford Figo's large side window shape is another key kinetic design feature hinting at the comfort and spaciousness awaiting occupants' front and rear. The side window graphic is executed with a blacked-out B-pillar, an elegant design touch that unifies the side windows into one shape visually.
With its wheels positioned at the four corners of the vehicle with minimal overhang, Ford Figo's bold wheel arches self-assuredly signal its agility and solidity."We're confident that the new Ford Figo will be extremely attractive to Indian car buyers," said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. "It's going to be very competitive with the current market leaders and offer a tremendous value story for our consumers. We believe Ford Figo is a big game-changer for Ford that will help transform our brand into a volume player in India."
New Ford Regional Production Centre
The introduction of the new Ford Figo marks a significant shift for India's role in Ford's strategy. Transformed with a production capacity of 200,000 units, the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility is now positioned as a Ford regional centre of excellence for small-car engineering and production.
Ford Figo models will be produced at the plant for export to international markets. The plant is also being groomed to produce diesel and petrol engines for local vehicle production and export within Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region.
With more automation and high-tech new facilities, the new site reflects the latest Ford manufacturing processes globally and pioneers new technologies for Ford and India. Created with a "best of the best" approach, it has been benchmarked against other competitive facilities globally, as well as the current volume manufacturers in the Indian market, for quality and production efficiency.The transformed plant introduces eco-friendly production techniques like its new Three-Wet High-Solids paint process. This approach produces beautifully painted vehicles with three wet coats - primer, base coat and clear coat - of high solids-content paint applied one after the other without oven curing between coats. A first for India, it produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions and reduces volatile organic compounds emissions by about 20 percent compared to current medium-solids solvent-borne paints. Use of high-solids content results in a paint finish with high levels of gloss and depth of colour which is more resistant to scratches and stone chips.
Courtesy: Ford Motors India
Mahindra Renault Launched Stylish & Sporty New Logn Play
Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd launched the Logan Play, a stylish new variant with a sporty and adventurous look. The Logan Play is available in both petrol (1.4 GLX) and diesel (1.5 DLX) options, priced at Rs. 553,231 /- and Rs. 685,916 /- respectively (ex-showroom Ahmedabad).
Special Festive Offer: Mahindra Renault also presents an exciting consumer offer for this festive season, wherein every potential buyer is a guaranteed winner. All one has to do is test drive the Logan to avail of exciting gifts such as 0.99% or 6.99 % interest on a loan or even an I-pod. All entries are eligible for a lucky draw which will see select winners receive an LCD TV, while two grand prize winners will get a free Logan Play.
The new Logan Play will be available at 35 Mahindra Renault dealerships across India in phase 1 of the launch, followed by presence in all 146 Dealerships.
"With its striking exterior, the new Logan Play adds a whole new dimension of fun and adventure to the Logan's existing value proposition of space, fuel efficiency and economy. This new variant reinforces the Mahindra Renault JV's commitment to the Indian market and presents auto enthusiasts across the country with an exciting option for the festive season," said Mr. Vijay Nakra, Sr. General Manager – Sales, West Zone.
The new Logan Play adds oodles of panache to one of India's best performing cars. Available in two colour options – Black and White, the Logan Play sports stylish body graphics and a choice of either red or silver alloy wheels. Body coloured parking sensors and outer door handles, a chrome muffler cutter and chrome front grille complete the picture.
The car's arresting exterior is complemented by a plush interior with seats and floor mats in Black and Red trim, a chrome finished gear knob, music system and centre fascia and end rack in carbon fibre finish
The Logan has received a tremendous response since its launch and has been clocking steady sales numbers each month. It has also received several prestigious industry accolades since its launch.
These include the 'Car of the Year 2007' by HT Cars & Bikes, a supplement of the Hindustan Times, the Business Standard Motoring Jury Award 2008 and the NDTV Car India & Bike India 'Midsize Car of the Year' Award. The J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 India Initial Quality Study ranked the Logan as the 'Best Entry Midsize Car in Initial Quality', which is the ultimate measure in quality.
Courtesy: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
Special Festive Offer: Mahindra Renault also presents an exciting consumer offer for this festive season, wherein every potential buyer is a guaranteed winner. All one has to do is test drive the Logan to avail of exciting gifts such as 0.99% or 6.99 % interest on a loan or even an I-pod. All entries are eligible for a lucky draw which will see select winners receive an LCD TV, while two grand prize winners will get a free Logan Play.
The new Logan Play will be available at 35 Mahindra Renault dealerships across India in phase 1 of the launch, followed by presence in all 146 Dealerships."With its striking exterior, the new Logan Play adds a whole new dimension of fun and adventure to the Logan's existing value proposition of space, fuel efficiency and economy. This new variant reinforces the Mahindra Renault JV's commitment to the Indian market and presents auto enthusiasts across the country with an exciting option for the festive season," said Mr. Vijay Nakra, Sr. General Manager – Sales, West Zone.
The new Logan Play adds oodles of panache to one of India's best performing cars. Available in two colour options – Black and White, the Logan Play sports stylish body graphics and a choice of either red or silver alloy wheels. Body coloured parking sensors and outer door handles, a chrome muffler cutter and chrome front grille complete the picture.
The car's arresting exterior is complemented by a plush interior with seats and floor mats in Black and Red trim, a chrome finished gear knob, music system and centre fascia and end rack in carbon fibre finish
The Logan has received a tremendous response since its launch and has been clocking steady sales numbers each month. It has also received several prestigious industry accolades since its launch.
These include the 'Car of the Year 2007' by HT Cars & Bikes, a supplement of the Hindustan Times, the Business Standard Motoring Jury Award 2008 and the NDTV Car India & Bike India 'Midsize Car of the Year' Award. The J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 India Initial Quality Study ranked the Logan as the 'Best Entry Midsize Car in Initial Quality', which is the ultimate measure in quality.Courtesy: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Art Car Fest 08 Video - at "How Berkeley Can You Be" Parade
Art Car Fest is this weekend September 25-27th going on all over the SF bay area, and this video I shot from the inside of my mercedes pens art car during the last years event at the Berkeley Parade. I was a lot of fun as it is every year during this time and I believe this weekend will be a ton of fun as usual. Some of the cars in this video are: Glass Quilt, Golden Mean, Radio Flyer, The Lorax and the Mercedes Pens.If you can make it out to see us here is the schedule of events:
Friday, September 25
noon - 5pm Amoeba Music Caravan!
Keep your eyes open for our ArtCar caravan through San Francisco. We'll be touring such favorite sites as North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, The Castro, The Embarcadero, Golden Gate Park, and Ocean Beach. You can catch up with us at 3:30PM at Sports Basement at Crissy Field (in the Presidio.)
Saturday, September 26
Noon - 8pm Salsa Festival!
ArtCar Fest will dip into the sauce as we exhibit at the Redwood City Salsa Festival! Three stages of live music, great food, lots of family-friendly activities, and now ArtCars!
Sunday, September 27
11am - 7pm Berkeley's LAST SUNDAYS FEST
We'll hang all day with our friends at Amoeba Music on Telegraph in Berkeley at the new Last Sundays Festival.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
GMC Terrain Reaction
The other day, I had a chance to take a close look at a GMC Terrain which was probably a GM employee drive-home, or perhaps a press fleet car, which I spotted around the Troy area.
Photo courtesy of Edmunds
I can't say I was too excited about the styling. While it is certainly not bland, it has a very brutal style to it, with the very large trapezoidal grille and exaggerated flared fenders. It was the fenders that bothered me the most, they seemed cartoonish, and reminded me of the many non-functional embellishments of the Hummer brand, such as the non-functional inflater hubs on the wheels. The fenders look more inflated than tough, and a tough look doesn't work well for the Terrain anyway because it is not much of an off-road vehicle.
To me, it is just too far towards ugly to consider buying one.
Edmunds has a nice photo gallery of the Terrain here:
Photo courtesy of EdmundsTo me, it is just too far towards ugly to consider buying one.
Edmunds has a nice photo gallery of the Terrain here:
Super Hot Cars
super picture of a racing from back
r8 gt3 super car from audi
picture of a super police car in some country
Thursday, September 17, 2009
IIHS At 50: 1959 Bel Aire Vs. 2009 Malibu
We've come a looong way since 1959 with auto safety.
This shocking video shows what happens when a 1959 Bel Aire crashes into a 2009 Malibu at 40mph, offset. The Bel Aire weighs about 400lbs more than the Malibu, but it gets seriously destroyed.
This shocking video shows what happens when a 1959 Bel Aire crashes into a 2009 Malibu at 40mph, offset. The Bel Aire weighs about 400lbs more than the Malibu, but it gets seriously destroyed.
Caulk It Art Van by Nod Nal-Teews at Art Car Fest
Photos by Bagel!
Nod D’Nal-Teews from Fort Worth, has been driving his "Caulk-It" van cross country for over 20 years now. His van is a 1979 Dodge Maxivan and matching trailer, dubbed the "Art Ark" with rooftop solar collectors that power appliances within the van, while a trailer serves as his studio. Most people use caulk to seal up cracks in their homes but he used about 300 tubes of the stuff to cover his art car spread with his fingers then painted over. He has also encompassed a variety of items in his design, from broom handles to rain gutters to pie tins. Nod will be at Art Car Fest weekend.
Danger Car By Reverend Charles Linville at Art Car Car Fest
Art Car Fest 09 could be a dangerous event but this year the good Reverend Charles Linville in his Danger Car will be attending to make sure that nobody gets hurt. The purpose of Danger car is to serve as a warning to all of things that are potentially dangerous and worrisome;hence the outer coating of reflective stripes, twisted metal, broken mirrors, ripples, warning lights and police sirens. The interior is festooned with matchbook covers, warning tape and bullet casings. Cant wait to meet the Reverend, its should be a lot safer this year with the Danger Car up front.
Super Fast Cars
super fast car of the year
the word super suites aptly for this machine
few of the super vehicles
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Yamaha India Launched VMAX: 1680cc Super Bike @ 20 Lakh
NEW DELHI: Japanese bike major Yamaha on Wednesday drove in its 1,680cc super bike VMAX, priced at Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the most expensive bike so far launched in India. Notwithstanding this steep price, which can buy a premium luxury car, the company has already got nine bookings and hopes to close the year with 25."India is one of the key markets for Yamaha. We are constantly shifting gears to transform the market from utility to pleasure and lifestyle. With the launch of all-new VMAX, Yamaha brings a new credo for the bikers in India," Yamaha Motor India CEO Yukimine Tsuji said after unveiling the bike in the presence of the company's brand ambassador & Bollywood actor John Abraham.
Yamaha already sells two expensive bikes — 1670cc MT01 and 998cc bike YZF-R1 —both priced above Rs 12 lakh. Tsuji said the company has sold 100 units of the R1 and 50 units if the MT01 so far. "While we do not expect sale of many units, we believe there is a set of enthusiasts in India which is interested in brands like the Yamaha VMAX. This is like a dream bike for them, something like a Porsche is in cars," Tsuji said.
However, he admitted that poor road infrastructure was a stumbling block to the sale and acceptance of such products. The entry of Yamaha VMAX comes days after Harley Davidson announced plans to drive in its cruisers next year. "Given rapid development of Indian economy and physical infrastructure, this is the right time to bring the world's greatest motorcycles to one of the world's largest motorcycling nations," Harley-Davidson president, COO Matthew Levatich said earlier.
While India is the world's second-biggest motorcycle market after China, it is primarily a low-cost bike nation. However, a niche segment appears to be developing in the expensive segment, prompting companies like Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki to launch their premium bike range here, all costing around Rs 10 lakh and above.
Courtsey: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
"Aqua Mobile" by Don Ehlen - Art Car Fest
photo by Bagel!
The AQUA MOBILE is the creation of Don Ehlen, a Seattle-based entomologist and educator. The car is a great example of a simple concept art car, basically just a great paint job, although 3-D features have begun to creep in: a fully inflated plastic blowfish atop the radio antenna, a crab creeping out over the rear license plate, and a red plastic lobster at the front. Also at this years Art Car Fest.via
Photo Boof Art Car Captures Moment at Art Car Fest
via Burncast
The Photo Boof art car is a mobile photobooth built by Wrybread onto the back of an Cushman parking patrol auto rickshaw. The Photo Boof has been to all kinds of events and is even available to rent and it will be appearing at this years Art Car Fest so come by and get your photo taken with your BFF. In the video Justin Credible is the spokesperson for Photo Boof giving us the story behind this really cool art. I got about nine days until Art Car Fest 09 starts and I need to get my Mercedes Pens art car ready and feature as many attending art cars on ACC as possible.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
New Honda City Launched by Honda Cars India with 2 New Variants
New Honda City: Feature packed Honda City 1.5V adds more excitement to the festive season.
Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd., leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today launched a new feature packed Honda City 1.5V and the new Honda City 1.5S with brand new beige interiors.
The top grade sparkling new variant of the Honda City has been launched as part of the Great Honda Fest promotion and will add to the festivities this season for all the Honda City lovers.
The new Honda City 1.5V (MT & AT) comes with the introduction of attractive 5 spoke Alloy Wheels and elegant Front Fog Lamps for enhanced style and better visibility. The exterior looks of the new City 1.5V gets further stylized by addition of Chrome door handles, new Sporty Exhaust Finisher and Front & Rear mud guards. The new variant has a complete new interior look with the newly introduced Beige high quality fabric seats, Silver Colored Fan Knob, silver color inner door handles, door lining garnish and power windows panel. The car also gets the Dual front tweeters which will enable the customers to enjoy their best quality music and a driver seat back pocket for added convenience.
The new Honda City will now be available as SMT, VMT and VAT. Additionally, all the variants will be available in 2 attractive types – Elegance and Inspire.
Honda City which clearly dominates the premium sedan segment in India will have an additional colour option Deep Sapphire Blue for a limited period during festive season along with existing colors available in the range.
The Honda City comes equipped with a 1.5L, 4 cylinder new generation i-VTEC engine that delivers class leading power of 118PS. In line with the Honda's policy of reducing impact on the environment the engine is E10 compliant and has Euro IV emission levels.
The Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a first priority for Honda. Honda City is fully loaded with various active and passive safety features as standard including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a high integrity survival zone. The front body structure of the Honda City ensures advanced pedestrian safety features.
The All New Honda City is a winner of 12 Auto Awards including the most prestigious ‘Indian Car of the Year 2009' (ICOTY) Award. The new Honda City's instant success is testified by the fact that it has sold nearly 38,000 units since its launch in September last year.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd said, "We are happy to introduce this new V-Grade in response to our discerning customers' feedback. With the recently launched Honda Jazz, the refreshed new Honda Civic and now this V-Grade Honda City, we have a whole new line-up for all our customers to choose from."
New Honda City Price Range (ex-showroom Delhi):
- 1.5S MT Rs 837,000
- 1.5V MT Rs 882,000
- 1.5V AT Rs 954,000
- 1.5S MT Elegance Rs 873,000
- 1.5S MT Inspire Rs 907,000
- 1.5V MT Elegance Rs 916,000
- 1.5V MT Inspire Rs 952,000
- 1.5V AT Elegance Rs 988,000
- 1.5V AT Inspire Rs 1,024,000
Source: Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.
Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd., leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today launched a new feature packed Honda City 1.5V and the new Honda City 1.5S with brand new beige interiors.
The top grade sparkling new variant of the Honda City has been launched as part of the Great Honda Fest promotion and will add to the festivities this season for all the Honda City lovers.The new Honda City 1.5V (MT & AT) comes with the introduction of attractive 5 spoke Alloy Wheels and elegant Front Fog Lamps for enhanced style and better visibility. The exterior looks of the new City 1.5V gets further stylized by addition of Chrome door handles, new Sporty Exhaust Finisher and Front & Rear mud guards. The new variant has a complete new interior look with the newly introduced Beige high quality fabric seats, Silver Colored Fan Knob, silver color inner door handles, door lining garnish and power windows panel. The car also gets the Dual front tweeters which will enable the customers to enjoy their best quality music and a driver seat back pocket for added convenience.
The new Honda City will now be available as SMT, VMT and VAT. Additionally, all the variants will be available in 2 attractive types – Elegance and Inspire.
Honda City which clearly dominates the premium sedan segment in India will have an additional colour option Deep Sapphire Blue for a limited period during festive season along with existing colors available in the range.
The Honda City comes equipped with a 1.5L, 4 cylinder new generation i-VTEC engine that delivers class leading power of 118PS. In line with the Honda's policy of reducing impact on the environment the engine is E10 compliant and has Euro IV emission levels.
The Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a first priority for Honda. Honda City is fully loaded with various active and passive safety features as standard including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a high integrity survival zone. The front body structure of the Honda City ensures advanced pedestrian safety features.
The All New Honda City is a winner of 12 Auto Awards including the most prestigious ‘Indian Car of the Year 2009' (ICOTY) Award. The new Honda City's instant success is testified by the fact that it has sold nearly 38,000 units since its launch in September last year.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd said, "We are happy to introduce this new V-Grade in response to our discerning customers' feedback. With the recently launched Honda Jazz, the refreshed new Honda Civic and now this V-Grade Honda City, we have a whole new line-up for all our customers to choose from."
New Honda City Price Range (ex-showroom Delhi):
- 1.5S MT Rs 837,000
- 1.5V MT Rs 882,000
- 1.5V AT Rs 954,000
- 1.5S MT Elegance Rs 873,000
- 1.5S MT Inspire Rs 907,000
- 1.5V MT Elegance Rs 916,000
- 1.5V MT Inspire Rs 952,000
- 1.5V AT Elegance Rs 988,000
- 1.5V AT Inspire Rs 1,024,000
Source: Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.
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