Archive for August, 2009
2011 Audi A1: Convertible concept rumored to be showcased in Frankfurt
Rumor has it that Ingolstadt-based premium auto maker Audi, will be presenting the convertible version of the Audi A1 Concept at the upcoming motor show in Frankfurt, along with the S5 Sportback, A4 3.0 TDI and the A3 1.2 TFSI. The hatchback model shown previously, will go into production sometime next year, and will subsequently hit showrooms by the end of 2010. The Audi A1 will go head to head with the MINI (which recently revealed the Coupe Concept) and the recently unveiled Citroen DS3. The A1 is expected to be built at the auto maker’s upcoming plant in Brussels. Also, the A1 will spawn new variants, such as a Sportback version and a crossover version.
Force India is expecting a call from Ferrari over Fisichella’s move
More news from the high octane world of Formula 1. Recently, Giancarlo Fisichella was rumored to make a jump to Ferrari, to replace Luca Badoer, since the latter has not been quick enough, and has spent most of the time in both the previously held Grand Prix’s at the back of grid. After Fisichella’s sensational second place yesterday at Spa, we have news today that Force India is expecting a phone call from Ferrari, asking to get Fisi on board the Maranello squad for the Italian Grand Prix.
Force India’s Commercial Director Ian Phillips told BBC’s Radio 5 “We do expect a move will probably be made in the next twenty-four hours or so. Nobody’s asked us yet but I think it’s pretty likely that somebody will make a phone call to Vijay Mallya (Force India co-owner) over the next twenty-four hours or so, asking if we would release him to Ferrari.”
“Ferrari being Ferrari, it’s their home race at Monza, which is a place with a cauldron-like atmosphere, particularly for the Italians – seats will be thrown on the track if Ferrari aren’t doing well. They’re going to have to put somebody in there who can basically run around with Raikkonen at the front of the field,” he added. If it happens, and if Force India agrees, of course with a fee, Vitantonio Liuzzi would take over Fisichella’s place. Lets see how far this goes.
Renault reveals the Fluence sedan: All-electric version coming in 2011
French-based auto maker Renault has revealed the Fluence sedan, that will be sold in three main markets, including Turkey, Russia and Romania, with sales starting at the end of the year. The Fluence measures 4,620 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, 1,479 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,702 mm, along with a boot space that is rated at 530 dm3. Design wise, the rather good looking sedan that is placed in between the C and the D segment is treated to a slightly aggressive front end with a curved hood, an elegant side profile thanks to a slopping roofline, while the rear features two-part taillights.
Inside, it has a three-gauge instrument panel (with chrome rings), a three-spoke steering wheel as well as a Carminat TomTom navigation system with a 5.8-inch screen integrated in the dashboard (with features like real-time traffic information and alternative route options, notification of speed limits, speed camera alerts – depending on market, and more). You can even update the maps by simply linking its SD card to the Internet.
Other features inside include cruise control with speed limiter (optional on certain models), an illuminated and refrigerated (on models equipped with automatic climate control) 9-liter glovebox, a 2.2-liter centre console and a 2.6-liter bin in each front door, 60/40-split folding rear seat with three-point Isofix anchorage, automatic dual-zone climate control (optional) and a 60-Watt RadioSat Classic audio system with MP3 playability. Buyers can also opt for the 8-speaker 3D Sound by Arkamys audio and the Plug & Music package that includes iPod, Bluetooth and USB connectivities. There is also a hands-free entry and ignition card which is optional on certain models.
The Fluence is offered with two petrol engines and four diesel engines (four different versions of the same engine). Two petrol engines include a 110HP 1.6 liter 16V unit and a 140HP 1.6 liter 16V. Diesel wise, there is the 1.5 liter dCi engine, with outputs including 85HP, 90HP, 105HP and 110HP. Transmission wise, there are automatic, manual (5-speed) as well as CVT cog boxes.
Furthermore, buyers can select a dual-clutch transmission for a 110HP 1.5 liter dCi diesel (to be available at the end of 2010). The Renault Fluence is fitted with MacPherson-type struts with rectangular lower arms up front and a programmed-deflection flexible beam for the rear suspension.
The new sedan also features ABS with EBD, emergency braking assist with automatic activation of the hazard warning lights, ESC (electronic stability control) with CSV understeer control (depending on market) and six airbags (driver and passenger airbags, two lateral thorax airbags and two curtain airbags). The auto maker also announced that an all-electric Fluence will be introduced in 2011. Continue reading to view a high-res image gallery as well as to watch a 1 minute-long video. Read the rest of this entry.
Fiat to reveal the Punto Evo in Frankfurt: Arriving in October
UPDATE: High-res image gallery added.
Italian-based Fiat will be attending next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show with a reworked Grande Punto. Called the Fiat Punto Evo, it is slightly longer by 3 cm, and features new bumpers, new grille as well as new light housings.
It features ABS with EBD, ESP,Hill-holder function, adaptive cornering fog lights, a total of seven airbags (2 front airbags, 2 front side airbags, 2 window bags and a driver knee airbag), new navigation system (Blue&Me-TomTom that lets you manage telephone, navigation and information functions on a practical colour touch-screen) as well as an auto start-stop system. The interior has been heavily revised according to Fiat, with renewed fascia, seats, storage compartments and instrumentation.
Fiat has also revised the engine range, with the introduction of the 1.4-liter petrol Multiair engine as well as the new 1.3 liter Multijet diesel. MultiAir is a new engine technology developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies that enables a MultiAir powerplant to offer 10% increase in power, and 15% increase in torque performance, while consuming significantly less fuel (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), less particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%). The 1.4 liter Multiair is also available in the Alfa Romeo MiTo.
The MultiAIr system is mainly made up of a new electro-hydraulic valve control system which makes it possible to reduce consumption levels (thanks to direct air control via the engine suction valves, without the use of the throttle) and polluting emissions (thanks to the combustion control). The Multijet system is made up by a new common-rail injector that helps reduce fuel consumption by about 2% and NOx emissions by 30%. Fiat also announced that there will also be two alternative fuel engines including a methane and an LPG version. The Punto Evo will go on sale in the second half of October. Continue reading to view more images of the Fiat Punto Evo. Read the rest of this entry.
LTA announces changes made to the Off-Peak Car (OPC) scheme
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced changes made to Singapore’s Off-Peak Car (OPC) scheme. The changes, made up by three enhancements, is led by the replacement of conventional paper license with an electronic day (e-Day) license. The e-Day license will be used for cars with the OPC scheme during restricted hours. The e-Day license can be purchased online at the OneMotoring website as well as from AXS stations, Singapore Post outlets, Automobile Association of Singapore offices as well as via SMS. Furthermore, motorists can purchase the e-Day license for their OPC cars, even after driving during restricted hours, as long as the e-Day license is purchased before 11.59 pm the next day (officers can performs checks on electronic records).
Next on the list is the approval for OPC cars be unrestrictedly used on Saturdays and one the eves of five major public holidays including New Year, Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. Owners will have to part with S$100 to opt for this. This system is expected to be implemented by the end of January 2010.
Lastly, the authority has announced a cash rebate of up to S$1,100 for every six months of registration as an OPC car, until the particular car reaches 10 years old. However, discount for annual road tax will be reduced to S$ 500. The LTA is expected to hand out more information to current OPC car owners sometime in September.
Toyota teases the 2010 4Runner / Hilux Surf SUV
Japanese-based Toyota, is about to launch the new 2010 Toyota 4Runner SUV for the American market. The 4Runner SUV is also known as the Hilux Surf in Japan, and is an SUV version of the Toyota Hilux pickup truck. The auto maker released a teaser (pictured above) on its Flickr profile and according to Toyota, the fifth generation 4Runner “offers sure-footed off-road capability and increased comfort with added roominess.”
The new SUV will be launched at the State Fair of Texas that runs from September 25th till October 18th. The outgoing Toyota 4Runner is offered with two engine options including a 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI VVT-i V6 with 236HP and a 4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI VVT-i V8 with 260HP. Transmission is provided by a 5 speed automatic, and is priced between US$ 28,640 and US$ 35,325. Continue reading to view a larger version of the image.
Source. Read the rest of this entry.
2010 Toyota Mark X: Leaked images!
What we have here are some leaked images of the upcoming 2010 Toyota Mark X and as previously reported, it is expected to go on sale in the land of rising Sun by October this year. Expected to go against the BMW 325i and the V36 Nissan Skyline 250GT, the new Mark X will feature two engines including a 2.5L 4GR-FSE and a range topping 3.5L 2GR-FSE V6 powerplant.
The former is good for 203PS while the latter can produce 318PS. There will also be a supercharged version of the V6, that will be tuned by Toyota’s Modellista and will make 360PS as well as feature a lowered suspension (by 20 mm), 19-inch alloy wheels and subtle front and rear spoilers. Transmission options will be made up by a 5 speed and a 6 speed automatic.
There will be three trim levels, including the base Standard, Sports and Premium. The images were taken from a pre-release brochure. The 2010 Toyota Mark X should be priced between 2,800,000 and 4,000,000 yen. In my honest opinion, the exterior styling looks good, and I can’t help but to think of the Kia Cerato Forte when I look at the taillights. From the single image, the interior looks a little mundane. Continue reading to view a larger version of the image above, as well as for an image of the interior.
Source. Read the rest of this entry.
FIA investigating Nelson Piquet’s so called ‘deliberate’ crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix?
The latest rumor from the Formula 1 paddock, is of an investigation launched by the FIA over Nelson Piquet’s crash at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, which was the sport’s first ever night race. The street race was won by Renault’s double World Champion driver Fernando Alonso, and the victory was made possible following a safety car period.
The Spaniard started the race from 15th place, and made an early stop on Lap 12. On Lap 15, Alonso’s team mate, Nelson Piquet (now replaced by Romain Grosjean) lost control of his Renault R28 and smashed it into the wall. Following the crash, the stewards released the safety car. The safety car came out, after Alonso made his pit stop, allowing him to jump into the lead when his rivals made their pit stops, eventually.
Apparently, Nelson Piquet was ‘ordered’ by his team to deliberately crash his car, knowing that such a crash can result in the deployment of the safety car (highly probable since its a street race with limited run-off areas), which can then lead to a win (Renault’s first of the season) by Alonso, since he already made his stop. Rumor has it that the FIA is looking into matter, but of course, there is no official statement from the motor sport governing body regarding the matter, at least for now. Does this has something to do with Piquet’s recent dismissal? Probably.
