Friday, December 4, 2009

Nissan has updated Qashqai



Nissan has published the first photos of updated crossover Qashqai which should go on sale already in first half of next year. Any serious changes in comparison with model of the sample of three-year prescription has not occurred. But it is necessary to note occurrence of new bumpers, other radiator enclosure, other cowl and side panels. Also on the car will put 17-inch wheels of new design. Apparently, the interior will change also, however, while photos of an interior are not present.

Engines will undergo to little changes. In particular, the diesel unit in volume of 1.5 l (such motor is popular in Europe) will give out not 103 h.p., and 106 h.p., and level of blowout of harmful substances in atmosphere at it to be reduced about 139 g/km to 129/km.



Range Rover – Drive your dream

Range Rover
The Range Rover is one of the best of the Land Rover models. Its popularity is unparalleled. Even today people remember the days when it was launched, with awe. It was the first of its kind, capable of both on/off road rigors. It was basically made to improve the Land Rover and make it more luxurious and attractive. And the world will agree that the people at British Leyland were successful at this, beyond any doubt!

1967 saw the first Range Rover prototype being built and after a number of them being tested, a prototype was agreed upon in 1969, with the Range Rover finally being launched in 1970. Geof Miller was its development engineer. As soon as it was launched, customers lined up to buy it. It was an instant hit with the middle class. Even the company was unaware that the car would garner so much positive response and loyalty. This car was originally a 3-door design but was soon promoted to a 5-door version due to the huge market demand.

This simple car is one that has an unrivalled, glorious history. The beauty and exclusivity of the Range Rover is reaffirmed by its presence at the Louvre museum in Paris, France. It is the only vehicle to be put in the Louvre and stands as a hallmark of sumptuous modern sculpture. This car is indeed a legend.

Range Rover

The Range Rover was marked by a great suspension design- an all coil spring and a permanent four-wheel drive. The all coil suspension system was indeed the best one with good performances both on and off road and with it being made for all types of roads. After its launch the Range Rover had also managed to win two awards, one for its chassis at the Earls Court motor show and the another one, a gold medal for best utility coachwork from the Institute of British Carriage and Automobile manufacturers. The Range Rover continued to ride high on this success for around 10 years. Surprisingly the Range Rover did very well even without any major changes or innovations in its design. All this underlines its tremendous popularity at that time!

It was only in 1980 that the Range Rover witnessed a whole lot of improvements in every area of its design. The newer cars became well–equipped and more refined. The second generation of Range Rovers was introduced in 1995. The Range Rover by then had improved in every possible way-be it luxury, engines or suspension as compared to the earlier generation. The very famous models of this car are the Range Rover Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Supercharged, etc. There were built special editions like the Range Rover Bordeaux, Range Rover Westminster, Range Rover Linley, etc, which were made in limited numbers. All these models were luxurious, comfortable and smooth on all terrain.

If you have a penchant for the best and will not settle for anything less, the Range Rover offers world class models and gives you just what you are looking for!

Further signs of gradual recovery in the South African vehicle market




2nd December 2009

During November 2009 a total of 22 929 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in November decreased by -6.7 percent when compared to October 2009, but were 4.6 percent up on November 2008.

This is the first time since January 2007 that the monthly total new car market has been larger that the corresponding month of the previous year. The January to November 2009 new passenger car market recorded sales of -22.5 percent below the same period for 2008.

“New passenger car sales in November continued the more positive trend of the past number of months. However, the car rental industry purchases in November were largely responsible for this growth. Sales recorded in the consumer retail segment remain muted. The new passenger car sales cycle does, however, appear to have bottomed out and is currently beginning to reflect some slow growth,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing at VW of SA.

“From a VW of SA perspective, the new 6th generation Golf, with sales consistently over 500 units per month, vindicates its SA Car of the Year finalist status,” continued Glendinning.

“The Audi Brand sold 812 units into the premium segment last month, thereby recording its second most successful month in 2009,” said Glendinning.

“The export of the all New Polo to Right Hand Drive markets around the world is now gaining momentum, with 6 927 units exported in November. We look forward to bringing New Polo to the South African market early in 2010,” said Glendinning.

Returning to the state of the market in South Africa, Glendinning remains cautiously optimistic.

Source: Volkswagen

Thursday, December 3, 2009

2010 Jaguar XFR Dramatic Expression of a Bold New Jaguar Design Language

2010 Jaguar XFR
The 2010 model year XF features all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engines. There are also significant trim and specification changes – including many new features unique to the new XFR – and the introduction of a new Portfolio derivative.
When it was introduced last year, the XF was soon recognized as a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language. It also soon became apparent that here was a car where the driving experience exceeded the expectations created by the striking appearance. Now, the new XFR takes this driving experience to new levels, shifting the balance even further towards dynamic performance while still retaining the XF’s core values as a refined and luxurious sports sedan.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The enhanced exterior styling of the Jaguar XFR moves those sporting credentials on even further, to deliver the ultimate expression of Jaguar's new saloon car design language - carrying a number of visual design cues that are intrinsic to Jaguar's 'R' car philosophy. Its unique front-end design has a larger lower grille with new black-finished mesh, plus chrome outboard air intakes. The upper mesh grille retains XF's bright finish, while the bonnet carries distinctive louvres.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The Jaguar XFR's sporting character is clearly apparent in the 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels. It is the only car in its class to offer this size of wheel as standard specification. Those twin-seven-spoke wheels bear the wording 'Jaguar Supercharged' embossed around their centres, and are wrapped tightly around silver-grey brake callipers, which carry the evocative 'R' logo.The interior design theme is modern and individual.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that powers the new XFR is Jaguar's new flagship engine, but it is only half of the petrol engine story - a naturally-aspirated version of the all-new engine brings additional advanced technologies and performance to other models in the XF range.
Power comes from an all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection supercharged V8 engine delivering 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque. Immediately recognizable thanks to unique new 20-inch wheels, a new front end design with revised chrome air intakes, 'Supercharged' hood louvres, four polished exhaust tailpipes, an aerodynamically functional rear spoiler and side sills, the new XFR also sports discreet ‘R’ badging.
The new XFR features Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics – technologies being introduced for the first time on this and the XKR sports car. The electronically controlled differential and suspension system work together to optimize traction under hard acceleration and cornering – highly appropriate for a car that offers an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and reaches 60mph from standstill in just 4.7 seconds. The XFR also adds a faster steering ratio and uses the XF’s largest ventilated disc brakes – although every version of the XF with the new, more powerful engines features upgraded braking specification.
2010 Jaguar XFR
The attributes that marked out the XF at launch are still very much new and in the public eye. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.
Jaguar has developed a unique, intelligent oil-pump pressure relief valve (PRV) which senses oil pressure deep in the engine's oil galleries to control the oil pump delivery. As a result, oil pump frictional losses are reduced during the warm-up period. New engine oil has a lower viscosity, contributing to an extension in service intervals from 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles or 12 months. Both V8 engines are now fitted with an electronic oil level sensor feature for added peace of mind.
2010 Jaguar XFR
Minimising internal friction is key to improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and as such was a key aim when it came to the design of the engines. As a result, the new Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III engines achieve another best in class, setting a new industry benchmark for cranktrain efficiency.A sixth-generation, twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the Jaguar XFR's 510PS engine.
The all-new 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III and the 3.0-litre diesel AJ-V6 D Gen III engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar's acclaimed ZF 6HP28 electronically controlled, six-speed transmission. Additional clutch plates and an uprated torque converter have been added for the supercharged V8 to facilitate the extra power.

Chevy Sedans Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro Chevy SedansChevy Sedans Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro Chevy SedansChevy Sedans Chevrolet Camaro
Chevy Sedans Chevrolet CamaroChevy Sedans Chevrolet Camaro

GM revives Chevrolet Camaro muscle car

I meant to get to this after the announcement became official last week: GM will make a new version -- retro of course -- of the Camaro. It will be built in Canada.

Camaro fans can thank Ford's updated and hot selling retro Mustang for the production green light. Like the Mustang, the base version will be a 6 cylinder engine, with a high output V8 as an option. In the past, GM has used a detuned LT1 Vette engine in the Z28 Camaros, an I would expect a similar set of choices this time also.

The big question will be how true to the concept car the actual prodcution vehicle will be:

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Volvo XC60 Wins Prestigious 2010 International Truck of the Year Award

Volvo  XC60
The Volvo XC60 was named 2010 International Truck of the Year by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury on December 2. The award was given to Doug Speck, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC at the Volvo display at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The XC60 was chosen over 10 new crossovers, SUVs and trucks by a distinguished panel of top automotive journalists.
"This ties a very pretty bow around what's been a truly amazing year for Volvo," commented Speck. "The XC60 has not only been recognized by the media but it's been extremely well received by our customers."
2010 XC60 has helped VCNA earn six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases since June.
The XC60 was chosen the winner from a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. and Canada representing top newspapers, magazines and websites. The jurors must consider the ICOTY mission of "honoring vehicles that reflect an emotional connection between car and consumer lifestyles" when making their nominations.
"The ICOTY awards are not centered on power and performance," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY's creator and executive producer. "It's about how cars reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self image, an attitude most consumers identify with."
"This is one of the most prestigious car awards in the world and we feel very proud to receive it for our best-selling XC60", said Stephen Odell, President and CEO Volvo Car Corporation.
Once approved by the ICOTY nominating committee, the awards jury then bases their decision on a number of important criteria: The vehicle must be new or substantially revised, it must be offered for sale to the general public by the judging deadline of November 16, 2009, and may not have been previously considered for the ICOTY Awards.
The International Truck of the Year award marks the 20th accolade the Volvo XC60 has received since sales began in Europe in late 2008. The XC60 is the first vehicle to offer City Safety as standard equipment. This unique Volvo technology can help the driver avoid frontal collisions at low speed. If the driver is about to drive into the rear of a vehicle and does not react in time, the XC60 will apply the brakes by itself.

The Volvo XC60 was named 2010 International Truck of the Year by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury on December 2. The award was given to Doug Speck, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC at the Volvo display at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The XC60 was chosen over 10 new crossovers, SUVs and trucks by a distinguished panel of top automotive journalists.

"This ties a very pretty bow around what's been a truly amazing year for Volvo," commented Speck. "The XC60 has not only been recognized by the media but it's been extremely well received by our customers."

The 2010 XC60 has helped VCNA earn six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases since June.

The XC60 was chosen the winner from a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. and Canada representing top newspapers, magazines and websites. The jurors must consider the ICOTY mission of "honoring vehicles that reflect an emotional connection between car and consumer lifestyles" when making their nominations.

"The ICOTY awards are not centered on power and performance," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY's creator and executive producer. "It's about how cars reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self image, an attitude most consumers identify with."

"This is one of the most prestigious car awards in the world and we feel very proud to receive it for our best-selling XC60", said Stephen Odell, President and CEO Volvo Car Corporation.

Once approved by the ICOTY nominating committee, the awards jury then bases their decision on a number of important criteria: The vehicle must be new or substantially revised, it must be offered for sale to the general public by the judging deadline of November 16, 2009, and may not have been previously considered for the ICOTY Awards.

The International Truck of the Year award marks the 20th accolade the Volvo XC60 has received since sales began in Europe in late 2008. The XC60 is the first vehicle to offer City Safety as standard equipment. This unique Volvo technology can help the driver avoid frontal collisions at low speed. If the driver is about to drive into the rear of a vehicle and does not react in time, the XC60 will apply the brakes by itself.

Source: Volvo