2009 SMS 570 Challenger

         

For 2009 automotive icon Steve Saleen and his new company SMS Supercars launched the production version of the SMS 570 Challenger. The 500 HP SMS 570 Challenger and the 700 HP SMS 570 X Challenger can be ordered through all Dodge dealers at this time. In addition to the patented SMS Supercharger atop the ultra high-performance engine, both production models feature completely revised aesthetics, aerodynamics and performance features including; SMS Series 4 suspension and high performance cross drilled brakes with six pistons up front and four pistons at the rear. The interior features the SMS Signature Series chevron seats with deep bolsters, rich leather and Alcantara suede for high-performance comfort. Aerodynamic features include a front fascia with high volume radiator intake, a “GTX” inspired front grille, a high downforce front splitter with intercooler ducting, side skirts with rear brake ducting, a vented rear fascia with an extended blackout taillight surround, a high downforce rear diffuser and rear spoiler, as well as Steve Saleen’s new signature SMS Red ButterflyTM Dual Side Induction Hood. SMS 570 Challenger pricing starts at $64,870.00.

Read more »

2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Ad Personam

         

Alongside the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder,Lamborghini will present two exclusive, highly individualized super sports cars at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. With a unique, matt-luster paint finish in matt blue and all available special equipment options, this Murciélago LP 640 and Gallardo LP 560-4 demonstrate the virtually limitless possibilities and expert craftsmanship presented through the Ad Personam individualization program by the specialists in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

“Ad Personam offers every Lamborghini customer the opportunity to acquire a completely exclusive vehicle from a unique brand – one that is perfectly in tune with their own lifestyle,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “A super sports car from Lamborghini is always a fundamental expression of the buyer’s personality. And that is why the highest levels of exclusivity are possible, right through to absolute one-of-a-kind Lamborghini vehicles.”

“Think the impossible” is the motto of the Lamborghini individualization program. Ad Personam offers a host of possibilities to bring a highly individual style to the exterior and the interior of a Lamborghini – all the way through to a Lamborghini like no other.

A unique color for a unique design

Both super sports cars presented in Detroit are such highly individualized examples– painted in matt blue, an all-new, powerful blue tone with a matt-luster finish. Dressed like this, the Murciélago and the Gallardo are elegant and refined, yet extremely powerful and dynamic. This is a unique color that fits perfectly to the unique design of a Lamborghini. 

The super sports car brand from Sant’Agata Bolognese is the only auto maker to have mastered the difficult and complex craftsmanship required to work with the matt-luster paint finish. Alongside the new matt blue three more colors are permanently available in the Ad Personam program: Nero Nemesis is a matt-luster black, while the matt white is called Bianco Canopus; and Marrone Apus refers to the particularly elegant matt brown finish. In addition, Lamborghini Ad Personam offers its customers complete freedom to choose any color imaginable.

Luxuriously sporty or classically powerful

In their interiors, too, the highly individualized super sports cars presented in Detroit provide a clear example of the possibilities offered by the Ad Personam program. The base color applied to the upholstery of both vehicles is black, with color contrast supplied by fine diamond stitching in the blue of the exterior paintwork. This is applied to the seats, door trim, headliner and the steering wheel. 

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 is one of the most fascinating super sports cars of all time, and underscores this in Detroit with a purist interior finished in Alcantara ® with diamond stitching. Not only are the sports seats upholstered in Alcantara ®, but also the entire interior, including doors and headliner. The cockpit surround is finished in carbon fiber. The steering wheel features stitched suede and carbon fiber inlays. The high-gloss black of the Murciélago’s wheels – in Hermera design – also delivers the perfect contrast to the matt blue exterior paintwork.

An inexhaustible range

Ad Personam offers an inexhaustible range possibilities for bringing a completely unique style to the interior and exterior of every Lamborghini. The color and trim designers from Sant’Agata Bolognese have also created exceptionally exclusive equipment offerings for the entire product range. The extended leather finish, for example, enables the allure of the first-class natural product to be raised even further. Only the very finest quality leathers are used. The seats alone offer infinite possibilities through a vast range of color options for leather and Alcantara ®, two-tone contrasts, material mixes, stitching and piping in contrasting colors, as well as the diamond-stitched pattern of the seat squabs, known as Q-citura.

The exceptionally hi-tech carbon fiber material provides a hint of the racetrack, with elements such as the control panel for the air conditioning and the hand brake boasting a carbon fiber finish. Further finishing touches for personalizing the exterior include an extended range of wheel options and brake calipers in yellow and silver.

Within applicable vehicles, Lamborghini can comply with virtually any customer’s desire in vehicle individualization. The boundaries are set, however, by Lamborghini’s own quality demands, which apply to all modifications carried out. When a new Lamborghini exactly meets personal expectations in terms of colors, materials and trim, then aesthetic perfection has been achieved.

Read more »

2009 Citroen DS

Earlier this week we reported that Citroen is preparing to bring back the DSwith a concept at the Geneva Motor Show. It seems the French company couldn’t wait until March keep the pics to themselves, and pics of the DS3 have been released.

This is just a concept preview. The production version will be revealed in 2010, and Citroen has set cars like theAudi A3 and Alfa Romeo 149 as its main competition. Eventually the DS3 will be joined by large siblings currently known as the DS4 and DS5.

The original DS was referred to as "Goddess" because of its strange and beautiful styling (also the French pronunciation of D-S, “deesse”, translates to goddess). Now Citroen says it wants DS to stand for “Different Style”. From what we’ve seen so far, the new DS is dead-on stylish, but as for different from the competition, the Mini may have something to say about that. 

Renewing models and making them significantly better than their predecessors is already an ambitious programme. But some customers want deeper-seated changes as mentalities shift from “wanting more” to “wanting better”. This strategy is based on two approaches:

Practical but stylish

The first approach, consisting in satisfying fundamental mobility needs, addresses customers who, having down-sized, are on the look-out for more economical - and more intelligent - products.

Some would describe this as low-cost, but it isn’t. The real challenge for CITROËN is designing products that are less expensive but with no loss in appeal. This approach is perfectly illustrated by the CITROËN C3 Picasso, a real recession proof car. And, going forward, our CITROËN C-Cactus project will be an even more accomplished solution.

Motoring pleasure and pride of ownership

In contrast, the second approach favours motoring pleasure, with no loss in practicality. Customers here are looking for outstanding products that confer status and bring them an all-new automotive experience. They want prestige, thrills and refinement, without the rigid codes of traditional upper-range models.

To address this need, CITROËN is today launching a new line of products to broaden its current range. The new line will consist of three new cars, positioned in the small, medium and large car segments, launched successively from 2010.

The first illustration of this new product line is the CITROËN DS INSIDE concept car. The concept car and vehicle line are characterised by forthright choices on styling, onroad performanceand use. These are accessible objects of desire, cars that stand apart by their creativity, intelligent design and build quality, embodying the very best of CITROËN. The new product line will perfectly illustrate CITROËN’s new spirit of “Créative Technologie”.

The new line will also have a new naming system. Like the main range vehicles, which carry the letter C and a number, and, like the MPVs, which sport the Picasso signature, the new models will feature a special name: the DS line.

DS stood and continues to stand for a new approach to automobiles and the future. CITROËN is taking inspiration from its design DNA to strengthen the positioning of its new product line. The range instills the different spirit, that the name DS inspires. Hence the distinctive model line up will be called DS3, DS4 and DS5. DS: Different Spirit.

Read more »

Hyundai HED-6 SUV Concept To Be Revealed In Geneva

Hyundai announced today it will unveil at the Geneva Motor Show a new concept SUV. Codenamed HED-6, Hyundai says the design was inspired by “citing cultural influences from major cities like Berlin, Paris and London”. The HED-6 is supposed to show the direction Hyundai will be taking with its next generation of SUVs. Although it can’t be seen in this teaser shot, Hyundai describes the car as having a hexagonal grille and back-swept front headlamps.

Hyundai made no indication if this SUV was also destine for the U.S. market, but the 175 hp 1.6-liter GDi turbocharged gasoline engine that is used for HED-6 seems very North American friendly.

Hyundai Motor Company will unveil an all-new concept car at this year’s Salon International de L’Automobile in Geneva on March 3rd, and the first image of the vehicle has just been released. This innovative concept portrays a dramatic new look for compact SUVs and was styled at the company’s European Design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

The world première of this new concept - codenamed HED-6 - will take centre stage on the Hyundai stand, with two other vehicles completing a hat-trick of debuts for the company. The three-door version of new B-segment challenger the i20 will be shown for the first time on stage, further enhancing the Hyundai small-car offering, while the i30 blue will showcase the first application of stop-start technology on a Hyundai production car, contributing to a significant cut in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

HED-6 concept car

Hyundai’s European design team has hailed HED-6 as an ‘urban nomad, a car of contrast for a world of contrast’, citing cultural influences from major cities like Berlin, Paris and London as key to its creation.

HED-6 combines muscular design and everyday utility to fit comfortably in an urban or out-of-town environment. The dramatic exterior design is enhanced by the hexagonal grille, angular style lines and piercing back-swept front headlamps, with the bold look completed by 21-inch, mirror-polished alloy wheels. The three-dimensional, sculpted shape of the rear window is achieved using "Lexan" high-performance plastics instead of regular glass. To emphasize the dynamic flowing lines, the designers have developed a special ‘Ice Blue’ exterior paint, with an advanced pigment effect for a brilliant shine.

Equipped with LED daytime running lights and powered by a 175 HP, 1.6-litre GDi turbocharged engine, HED-6 gives an indication of the next generation of Hyundai SUVs.

Allan Rushforth, Vice President at Hyundai Motor Europe said, "The HED-6 brings an entirely new look to Hyundai’s SUV line-up. It fuses a robust exterior with a fresh and elegant interior, making for an eye-catching package, while its latest-generation power train highlights Hyundai’s clean-technology expertise."

i30 blue

Hyundai decided on a global basis to label all low emission vehicles to be launched, starting with i30, under the sub-brand "blue". The i30 produced in Nosovice, Czech Republic, will be the first mass production vehicle to wear the blue label as i30 blue.

Demonstrating the company’s commitment to lowering vehicle CO2 emissions and reducing costs for consumers, Hyundai brings ISG (Idle Stop and Go) technology to a production car for the first time.

Ideal for city driving, the i30 blue will automatically switch the car’s engine off when stationary.

The ISG system uses an advanced starter motor connected to the ECU, which monitors the car’s status at all times. Remarkably, this technology applied to Hyundai’s 1.6-litre petrol engine reduces fuel consumption by 7% on the official combined cycle, while achieving a lower CO2 rating of 142g/km, compared to 152g/km on the regular i30 1.6.

Available in showrooms by mid-year, the i30 blue will come in both five-door hatchback and CW estate body styles and a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines. Following in the footsteps of i30, other models in the Hyundai new-car range will progressively be offered with ISG technology.

i20 three-door

Set to play an important role in developing Hyundai’s brand and sales success in Europe, the chic and versatile i20 three-door will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009. Adding a lower entry-level price to the i20 line-up, the youthful and sporty three-door variant will boost Hyundai’s offering in the largest growing segment in Europe.

Read more »

Mercedes E-Class E-Guard

Mercedes doesn’t want BMW’s 5-Series and X5 Security to be the only ones having fun in the next gunfight, so the new E-Class is getting tooled up World War III with E-Guard. The new E-Guard meets the stringent requirements for High-Protection according to protection class VR4 and more. This means that the vehicle is able to withstand handgun bullets of up to .44 Magnum in calibre — at random angles of fire, to provide the most realistic protection possible.

The suspension and brakes are adapted to suit the increased weight caused by the protection features. The E-Guard is equipped with a special Level II version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system as standard. The electronic control and restraint systems that assist the driver in critical situations. The car is fitted with 17-inch wheels and run-flat tires designed for a maximum speed of about 150 mph. With the tires deflated, the vehicle is still able to cover up to 30 miles at a speed of 50 mph to enable its occupants to escape from the danger area in the event of a corresponding attack.

Press release

Shortly after the market launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the world’s most successful business saloon as a specially protected E-Guard model. This is mainly distinguishable from the standard model by a network of intelligently conceived protective features of special steel, which are invisibly integrated beneath the otherwise identical body. This protective cocoon also includes all-round polycarbonate glazing. Accordingly the new E-Guard Saloon offers its occupants effective protection against the increasing worldwide risk of criminal attack in the street. With this new Guard model, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its eight decades of expertise in the design and production of special protection vehicles.

As is usual at Mercedes-Benz, the special requirements for the special protection version of the E-Class were already taken into consideration by the developers at the specification stage. The new E-Guard is subject to the same bodyshell processes as a regular production model, which means that structural strength, dimensional accuracy, corrosion protection and outstanding paint quality are guaranteed to series production standards.

All-road protection against criminal attack in the street

During the next stage, highly experienced and specially trained experts install the precisely formed protective elements, which exactly fit the contours of the bodyshell without encroaching on the interior space. The result is a comprehensively protected passenger cell of special, high-strength steels and aramide components, which are complemented with highly resistant polycabonate glazing of attractive visual appearance. All these measures are invisible to the naked eye. The extremely stringent Mercedes-Benz guidelines are applied by the production specialists to ensure complete quality control at all times.

Despite the high level of special protection, the comfort-related advantages of the new E-Class are fully retained. This applies equally to the generous spaciousness of this fully-fledged five-seater, the spatial acoustics, the sun protection and the lighting/control functions. The rear window is heated, and the power windows on the driver and front passenger sides are fully retractable. Efficient power windows are also available for the rear. Optional extras include an emergency alarm system that causes the headlamps to flash and sounds an alarm at the touch of a button in the event of a threat. An intercom system allows communication between the protected passenger cell and the outside world. In addition the new E-Guard features the numerous, innovative assistance systems of the new E-Class.

The new E-Guard meets the stringent requirements for High-Protection according to protection class VR4 (formerly B4) and more. This means that the vehicle is able to withstand handgun bullets of up to .44 Magnum in calibre — at random angles of fire, to provide the most realistic protection possible. The E-Guard therefore offers outstanding protection against criminal attacks in the street, as has been verified and certificated by an internationally recognised test institute. Underbody armour is also available on request. This makes the entire underfloor area of the passenger cell resistant to attack with a DM51 hand-grenade.

Modified suspension plus adapted control and restraint systems

The suspension and brakes are adapted to suit the increased weight caused by the protection features. The E-Guard is equipped with a special Level II version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system as standard. The electronic control and restraint systems that assist the driver in critical situations have been specifically adapted to suit the different parameters versus the standard model. The car is fitted with 17-inch wheels and run-flat tyres designed for a maximum speed of 240 km/h as standard. With the tyres deflated, the vehicle is still able to cover up to 50 kilometres at a speed of 80 km/h to enable its occupants to escape from the danger area in the event of a corresponding attack.

Extensive test marathon

Like all the series-production vehicles, the new E-Guard Saloon was subjected to extensive testing under tough conditions during its development. This included endurance testing on simulated rough tracks, braking tests on Alpine passes, climatic tests at extreme temperatures, long-term corrosion tests and crash tests.

Like all Guard models, the E-Guard is covered by the full Mercedes-Benz warranty and service terms – in addition to the integrated, ex factory protection, this is another important advantage over vehicles with retrofitted special protection.

Family-friendly saloon with special protection

The new E-Guard is available in three engine variants, with an option of the basic ELEGANCE line or the AVANTGARDE line. The E 500 and E 350, as well as the diesel-powered E 350 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY, are designed as five-seaters with a boot capacity of 540 litres and a high payload of up to 550 kilograms, which means they are fully suitable for day-to-day and family use.

The High-Protection package for the E-Guard costs 45,000 Euro (German list price excl. VAT). The new E-Guard can be ordered from April 2009.

Read more »

Rolls-Royce RR4 Confirmed For Geneva

It’s now confirmed Rolls-Royce will use the Geneva Motor Show to unveil its latest and smallest car. Rolls has always been aimed at a more-affluent market, but CEO Tom Purves may be going after a slightly younger and different market with the new car. He says the car will be "more like a well cut sports jacket than a tuxedo [the Phantom]."

So far the car has been called the RR4, but that name will absolutely change, possibly using the historic Sliver Ghost name for production. The car Geneva Motor Show will not give any clue to the car’s final name. The concept will show up with the letter EX (for experimental) followed by a series of numbers. Although this will be a concept with an experimental name, the production car will be very close to the car shown in Geneva.

So far speculation has the engine for the RR4 coming out of BMW’s parts bin, but Purves has now confirmed that the engine will be a V12 not seen before on any BMW. In total about 80 percent of the RR4 will be unique to Rolls. Pieces that are not seen usually by the customer will be the ones shared with other products made by the corporate parent BMW.

No word yet on U.S. pricing, but estimates in the U.K. have been between £160,000 and £200,000. Which (thanks to rates favorable to the dollar) is about $240,000 and $299,000 at current rates.

Read more »

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 (Diesel)

The diesel engine’s frugal nature and the fuel’s lower price (in some markets) make it popular choice in Europe. With the rest of the world pinching our pennies, we’re going to start seeing a lot more diesel engines in the U.S.

Unfortunately for the companies bringing these new diesel cars, it may take a little education to get the U.S. to understand the new definition of a diesel engine. Gone are the days of black smoke and high-polluting; in its place is the best fuel economy going. Also gone is the loud rumbling engine; leaving almost no noise in its place. What remains from the old diesel image is the toughness. Diesel engines have fewer moving parts, operate at lower RPMs, and are historically the most reliable kind of engine out there.

One of the great places to have these torque-happy engines are trucks and SUVs. That’s why we’re taking a look at a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 with a 3.0-liter diesel engine.

There isn’t really anything on the outside that will differentiate a diesel Grand Cherokee from gasoline models. So the look is still unmistakably Jeep.

• 
• 
• 

Jeep takes an idea from Porsche that car design should be evolutionary rather than evolutionary. Our car looks thoroughly modern, but its linage to the first generation from over fifteen years ago is also instantly recognizable. The car has also grown ten inches longer and about four inches wider over the three generations.

Because this is a limited model, we don’t need to add many options. The car already comes with features HID-headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, and fog lamps.

Interior

Just like the outside, the interior doesn’t change its attitude because of the diesel engine. Instead this is where the Limited trim shows its value. Two-tone leather seats, Boston Acoustics sound system, automatic climate control, sunroof, satellite navigation, power seats, as well as many other features come standard on our car. All the materials feel good to the touch and the contrasting grey tones (known as “dark slate” and “greystone”) match very well. Black instrument inserts and faux wood trim round out the entire package.

• 
• 
• 

Test Drive

This is where the diesel makes the difference. Our Grand Cherokee makes 215 hp and 376 lb-ft. of torque from the 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 engine. While there are other engines in the Jeep lineup that have more horsepower, but the only engine that can top this diesel’s torque is the 420 lb-ft. in the 6.1-liter Grand Cherokee SRT8. Since that engine is more than double the size of our diesel, it won’t be able to match our 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway.

One thing that has sometimes made U.S. buyers weary of diesel engines is that they historically been bad for noise and vibration. The case is not true with the new generation of diesels. Our Grand Cherokee idles like its in church. In fact all the perceived stigmas of diesel engines (including waiting for glow plugs and black smoke) are not present in this Jeep.

• 
• 
• 

The diesel is exactly the kind of engine needed for a Jeep that’s going to see time off road. The extra torque over the gas models gives SUV a lot more grunt to pull stumps and get over rocks. On-road the extra torque means the car finds its power fast and makes up for the horsepower difference between the diesel and gas engines.

On-road our Grand Cherokee’s manners are fine and absorbs the bumps without problem. But the real test is off-road because, after all, this is a Jeep. Once this SUV leaves the pavement it comes alive. The suspension has plenty of travel for uneven ground. Jeep makes sure the bodywork has good approach and departure angles for traversing hills. Most importantly, the full-time four-wheel drive system also has a low range feature. This combined with the torque-happy diesel engine make this a great choice for going over large rocks or up steep hills.

Conclusion

We had fun with this Grand Cherokee because we got to throw plenty of things at it including mud, sand, gravel and passengers. The diesel is what makes the difference. The new face of diesel offers MPGs and power without the downfalls of old diesel.

All this luxury and off-road ability doesn’t come cheap. Our Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 starts at about $40,000, and with extra options like our diesel, we tipped the scales at $43,220. But those who need a Jeep handle everything from people to boulders, and do it in style, will find real value with this Grand Cherokee.

Read more »