Citroen Survolt ConceptThursday, March 31, 2011
Citroen Survolt
Citroen Survolt ConceptWednesday, March 30, 2011
Lexus GS
The Lexus GS is a series of mid-size luxury sports sedans / executive cars sold by Lexus since 1993. Designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS, and to provide Lexus with a performance sedan to compete in the mid-luxury class, three generations of the GS have been produced to date. The first incarnation of the GS was introduced in 1993 in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The second generation model premiered in 1998, using a new platform and adding a V8 version for the first time outside Japan. The current third generation GS, which premiered globally for the 2006 model year, comes in both V6, V8, and hybrid versions, later known as the GS 450h performance hybrid. The third generation GS is also the first model to feature Lexus' own L-finesse styling upon its introduction.
Styled by the famous Italdesign Giugiaro firm, and equipped with an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup, the Toyota Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two inline-6 powered versions for the Japanese market: the 3.0Q and 3.0V. The Aristo 3.0Q (codename JZS147) featured a 2JZ-GE engine which produced 226 hp (169 kW), while the Aristo 3.0V (JZS147) was equipped with a 24-valve twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine which produced 276 hp (205 kW). This twin-turbo engine was the same as could be found in the Toyota Supra RZ (JZA80). In 1992, a third model, the V8-powered 4.0Zi-Four (codename UZS143), joined the Aristo lineup. This model came with standard four-wheel drive and a 250 hp (186 kW) 1UZ-FE engine. This V8 had also been used in the first generation Lexus LS and the Toyota Crown Majesta. However, the only engine available for export markets was the 2JZ-GE inline-6.
The GS interior was available with leather bird's-eye maple or walnut trim. Major standard features ranged from a 10-way driver and front passenger power and heated seats with three-position Lexus Memory System, SmartAccess keyless system with push-button start, a driver-side hidden drop-down panel for infrequently used controls, standard 7-inch touchscreen display, and LED lighting in the cabin. Unique to the Lexus GS series was a three-pod instrument cluster with machined aluminum facings and an electrochromic feature. Optional features ranged from a power moonroof to a discrete 5.1 surround sound 14-speaker 330 watt Mark Levinson premium sound system, XM-satellite radio and DVD-based navigation with backup camera and Bluetooth technology. Competitors to the Lexus GS included the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Infiniti M, and Acura RL.
Lexus GS Review - Kelley Blue Book
Chevrolet Captiva
The Chevrolet Captiva is a crossover SUV developed by GM Daewoo, the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors (GM) and sold under the Chevrolet brand. The Captiva utilises the GM Theta platform, and derives from the Chevrolet S3X concept car of 2004. The Theta platform also underpins the Opel Antara, the Captiva's mechanical derivative also built by Daewoo. Sold internationally as the "Chevrolet Captiva", South Korean-market cars were badged Daewoo Winstorm up until 2011 when the international name was adopted. Australasian-specification models are badged Holden Captiva.The first generation Captiva, designated C100 by Daewoo and CG in Holden's terminology, launched in 2006. Styling of the Captiva was inspired by the 2004 Chevrolet S3X concept car. The S3X concept was developed by GM Daewoo's design center in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon and is based on the GM Theta platform. It premiered at 2004 Paris Motor Show. Another concept car, by Daewoo, the Chevrolet T2X premiered at the 2005 Seoul Motor Show with its design was based on the S3X, using a shortened platform. The T2X is referred to as a sport utility coupe, accounting for its rear hinged doors, lack of conventional B-pillars, and shortened wheelbase—features that were first revealed on the "Daewoo Oto" (later renamed "Daewoo Scope") concept at the 2002 Seoul Motor Show. Production was slated for late 2006, but as of 2009 no further announcement has been made.
South Korean cars were branded "Daewoo Winstorm" from 2006. From 2008 onwards the Opel Antara became available in the Winstorm range, as the "Daewoo Winstorm MaXX". As part of GM's strategy to phase out the "Daewoo" brand worldwide, since early 2011 the Winstorm has been marketed under the global "Chevrolet Captiva" name in South Korea. This rebranding came after the March 2011 renaming of "GM Daewoo" to "GM Korea". The Chevrolet Captiva was launched in Vietnam during 2006. The Captiva in Vietnam is manufactured by Vidamco (GM Daewoo Vietnam), with 20 percent of the vehicle's parts are manufactured in the country. Since 2006 through to July 2009, 8,500 Captivas had been sold in Vietnam. Holden in Australia and New Zealand have sold the Chevrolet Captiva under the "Holden Captiva" name since November 2006, after announcing the model the previous September. The Captiva launched with the 3.2-litre V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, but March 2007 saw the addition of the 2.0-litre diesel engine with five-speed manual or optional automatic. While initially manufactured in South Korea, production was temporarily shifted to Thailand from September 2007 until early 2008 while GM Daewoo upgraded its production facilities in South Korea to cope with global demand. Specification levels were SX, CX, and LX, with a range-topping Captiva MaXX variant offered, although this was a rebadge of the closely related Opel Antara. The Antara-derived MaXX remained on sale in Australia until 2008, with New Zealand sales continuing on until the end of 2009. When the Holden resurrected the Antara-based model as a price-leading five-seater "Captiva 5" in December 2009, the seven-seat only Chevrolet-based models were renamed to "Captiva 7". Revisions to the Captiva 7 range were announced in February 2010, designated "Series II", with a March on-sale date. Changes included the adoption of the facelifted front-end fascia, as applied to Chevrolet versions, but with a Holden-specific grille and air intake. New design alloy wheels, "Altezza" tail lamps, and other trimmings feature, as does a revised interior centre console. Equipment-wise, the revised centre console houses a new 7-inch multifunction display in LX trim, which incorporates satellite navigation and a rear-view camera. Revised powertrains also feature on the Series II Captiva 7. The base setup is the SX trim with the 2.4-litre petrol utilising front-wheel drive; the 2.2-litre diesel is optional. The CX and LX variants add all-wheel drive and offer the 3.0-liter V6 as standard, with the 2.2-litre diesel remaining optional. All three engines are paired with a six-speed automatic.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle (SUV) and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian Jeep (CJ) in the 1950s, later produced by Kaiser-Jeep and by American Motors (AMC). The Wrangler debuted in 1987, was revised in 1997 and again in 2007. Wranglers continue to use live axles both front and rear as with their predecessor, the CJ. Each Wrangler model has received a designation in addition to the nameplate Wrangler corresponding to their generation: YJ (1987–1995), TJ (1997–2006), LJ's (2004-2006 Unlimited models) and JK (2007–present). Military versions of the Wrangler have carried the J8 designation. YJ models were manufactured between 1987 and 1992 in Brampton, Ontario and subsequently at the Toledo South Assembly plant until mid-1995. TJ and LJ models were subsequently manufactured in Brampton, Ontario as well. After that plant's razing, JK models have been at the Toledo North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio. The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987 and was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada until the plant closed on April 23, 1992. Production was then moved to Toledo, Ohio using the same plant that produced the Willys Jeeps back in WWII. The American Motors Corporation (AMC) had designed the new jeep to be more comfortable on-road in an attempt to attract more daily drivers. It was a new design with a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, and more comfort. The YJ also had a leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ, however, the springs were wider, and the YJs sported trackbars and swaybars for improved handling. Despite the new grill, the body is very similar to the CJ7's, and it is interchangeable with some minor modifications. The YJ also was given a larger windshield over the CJ. The YJs are easily identifiable due to the rectangular headlights, disliked by some Jeep aficionados, and the fact that the wiper blades rest on the windshield giving this version a distinctive look. The blades rested on the windshield due to the now wider arc of the blades to clean the now larger windshield. These two changes were later removed when the TJ changes came about in 1996. 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995, though YJs were still produced into mid '96 bringing the total production number to 685,071 units.2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The 2010 model added a new easier to fold/open soft top, standard UConnect on models equipped with the MyGig radio, and new sun visors that offer more coverage than the old models, as well as integrated vanity mirrors. The Jeep Wrangler received the 2009 Best Resale Value Award from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) in the Sport Utility Vehicle category. The Wrangler also holds the "Models to Best Hold Its Value" recognition from Kelley Blue Book for 1999, 1998, and 2003. The 2008 edition of Forbes Autos lists the four-wheel-drive convertible Jeep Wrangler at number four among the top ten vehicles with the highest resale value. In May 2009, Business Week magazine named the Wrangler "One of the Most Iconic Cars of the Last 20 Years." In September 2008, Chrysler Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda unveiled a range-extended electric 4-door Wrangler along with similarly engineered Town and Country minivan and a purely electric sports car. The Wrangler would have a 40-mile (64 km) range before a gas engine starts and begins supplying additional electricity. However, in November 2009 Fiat SpA disbanded Chrysler's ENVI electric car division and dropped these models from future product plans.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
New Infiniti Etherea
2011 Renault Megane
Monday, March 28, 2011
Pontiac Sunfire
2004 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (coupe):
Frontal Driver: 4/5 stars
Frontal Passenger: 4/5 stars
Side Driver: 1/5 stars
Side Rear Passenger: 2/5 stars
Rollover: 4/5 stars
2002 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (sedan):[4]
Frontal Driver: 4/5 stars
Frontal Passenger: 4/5 stars
Side Driver: 1/5 stars
Side Rear Passenger: 3/5 stars
Rollover: 4/5 stars
* 1995 – 2.3 L (138 cu in) Quad 4(RPO: LD2) I4, 150 hp (116 kW) and 150 lb·ft (203 N·m)
* 1995–1997 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) 2200 I4, 120 hp (89 kW) and 130 lb·ft (176 N·m)
* 1998–2002 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) 2200 I4, 115 hp (86 kW) and 135 lb·ft (183 N·m)
* 1996–2002 – 2.4 L (146 cu in) Twin Cam (RPO: LD9) I4, 150 hp (112 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m)
* 2002–2005 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) Ecotec I4, 140 hp (104 kW) and 150 lb·ft (203 N·m)
The base model had the 2.2 L engine from 1995 until 2002. The GT trim level had an optional, much more powerful 2.3 L Quad 4 engine in 1995, which was replaced by the 2.4 L LD9 engine in 1996. The 2.3 and 2.4 liter engines were optional in the 2 and 4 door SE trim level. In 2003, both the 2.2 L and the 2.4 L engines were replaced by the 2.2 L Ecotec engine, and would be the only powertrain available for the remainder of production. The Ecotec engine was also an option for the 2002 model year.
2011 Opel Kadett
However, under Opel's internal naming convention, successive generations of the Astra platform are treated as a logical continuation of the Kadett lineage - hence the original 1992 Astra was designated Astra F in relation to the previous Kadett E - this convention has continued through to the current (2009) Astra J.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)


