RPMGO Car Blog |
- Turkish Ford Plant, Aiming Increased U.S. Sales
- 2012 Nissan Sunny Announced
- Nine Nissan Debuts At Tokyo Auto Salon
- Review – 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T
- In Depth – 2011 Lincoln MKX
- HAMANN Lamborghini Gallardo Victory II
- Land Rover Discovery 4 Armored
- Carlsson 2011 Mercedes CLS
Turkish Ford Plant, Aiming Increased U.S. Sales Posted: 22 Dec 2010 12:37 AM PST According to CEO Nuri Otay of Ford's Turkish unit, the plant is aiming towards a 50% sales increase in the United States for 2011. The Turkey unit is one of the finalists in the competition to supply New York taxis. Ford Otomotiv Sanayi AS is already commercializing the Transit Connect van for use as service vehicles in cities like Boston, Chicago, Washington and Los Angeles, according to Otay. He added that the demand for the Transit Connect van will increase in 2011. The car is being produced at a plant located in Kocaeli, Turkey. Besides Ford and Karsan Otomotiv of Turkey, Nissan is also one of the finalists of the competition to replace New York's 13,237-taxi fleet. The Karsan and Nissan models are similar to Ford's Transit Connect, featuring a van-like design that offers improved fuel efficiency as well as more leg room and trunk space in comparison to the taxis we find on the road today. The New York officials are aiming to reduce the costs of taxi owners by introducing one manufacturer for the entire city's fleet, with durable cars designed to handle rough water and potholed streets over the course of a typical 70,000 miles (113,000 km) per year, said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. According to spokesman Umut Canpolat, the electric Transit Connect manufactured in Turkey is used also as a service vehicle by many North American customers like the New York Power Authority, Southern California Edison Co. and AT&T Inc. The vehicles made in Turkey are shipped to the United States without their engines and once they arrive to Canada's Azure Dynamics, they are equipped with electric motors and batteries. This type of Transit Connect is the only vehicle made by Ford Otosan that is being sold in North America. Otay added that regardless of the final results regarding New York's taxi competition, the United States sales will increase for the company. The contract for the taxis will be given in the first quarter of next year. He said that the vehicle market in Turkey will remain just about the same in 2011, at approximately 740,000 cars while the company expects a 5% increase in revenues and deliveries in 2011 for the North American market. The Ford Otosan company will most likely manufacture about 240,000 units in 2011 and sell 300,000 (including imports of Ford cars that are made somewhere else, but sold in Turkey). The Ford Otosan company manufactures cars at two factories in a joint venture between Ford and Koc Holding AS, which is the biggest group of industrial companies in all Turkey. Each company owns 41% of the manufacturer and it is the second largest producer in the country, after the Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS joint venture of Koc and Fiat. In a recent statement made in November, Ford announced that it is planning to invest $626 million in order to start making the Transit minibuses in Kocaeli, a project that will start in 2011, according to Otay. Ford's Turkish venture has 6,150 employees and exports cars to more than 60 countries around the world. Ford Otosan is planning on increasing the number of sales of the cargo-brand trucks to Russia from the plant located in Inonu, central Turkey. In the first three quarters of 2010, Turkey's economy grew by a healthy 8.9% is the home of many automotive bases from Ford, Toyota and Fiat. About 75% of all cars that are manufactured in the country are exported. According to the Automotive Manufacturers Association of Turkey, located in Istanbul, the output of the cars made in the country will most likely rise by 32% this year to 1.08 million units, including here a 24% increase to 596,000 cars. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
Posted: 21 Dec 2010 02:45 PM PST The first image of the 2012 Nissan Sunny was published two days ago by the Japanese automaker. In addition to the picture, the giant automotive producer also offered a few details about the next generation of their Sunny model. The car will be officially launched with the occasion of the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition before it will go on sale on the Chinese market starting with January 2011. Despite the fact that this new global sedan made by Nissan will carry the Sunny name for the Chinese market, there is a big possibility that the car will have a different name in the 170 countries where it will be available. The new generation of the Sunny is aimed towards young families in their 30s that are on the look for a medium-sized sedan that is capable of offering enough interior space. The Sunny is equipped with a 1.5-liter HR15DE engine with dual injectors that is linked to the Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission. There isn't any info available at the moment regarding the performance and output figures. Originally introduced back in 2003 for the Chinese market, the car will feature MacPherson struts for the front suspension and a torsion beam for the rear one. According to the press release, the 2012 Nissan Sunny will be manufactured in Dongfeng Nissan's Huadu Plant, located in Guangzhou and will have a starting price of RMB 82.8K, while the most expensive version will cost 112.8K (1.04 million – 1.41 million yen). Post published on Rpmgo.com |
Nine Nissan Debuts At Tokyo Auto Salon Posted: 21 Dec 2010 02:30 PM PST Running from January 14th to 16, the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon will be the home of nine Nissan debuts, including the Leaf Aero Style concept. The Nissan Leaf Aero Style Concept will have an aero body kit that will enhance the Leaf's unique silhouette and character lines. According to the press release, this interesting concept car will express an image of futuristic sport EV driving. Another model that will be univeled at Tokyo will be the Juke Sporty Package (reference exhibit) which will pack interesting exterior accessories especially designed for the North American and European markets. The car will have various chrome parts and 17-inch aluminum-alloy rims. The Elgrand Rider Premium Concept (reference exhibit) will be "seeking the ultimate level of mobility space". The suspension, body and the engine of the car will be specifically tuned up for offering a high level of driving performance. The car will feature genuine two rows leather seats that can accommodate four people and have a quilted design. The Premium Concept is based on the Elgrand Rider, and packs a cabinet with indirect lightning for the ground below as well as a warm/cool storage box. Some of the custom exterior features of the car include 19-inch rims and tires, smoke-plated front mask and a front protector. The Serena Rider will be another car unveiled by Nissan at the Tokyo Auto Salon, a car that is based on the original Serena model. The new variant offers a punch aeroform coating as well as an emblematic front grille appearance, traditional to the Rider Series cars. In order to enhance the sporty look of the car, the Serena Rider is equipped with black-themed special seat materials plus silver carbon-style instrument shift finisher. March Bolero will be offered with a very elegant coordinated exterior and interior appearance. As far as the exterior appearance is concerned, the March Bolero will have a front grille that follows the same characteristics of the previous generation models with the plated mesh design. The interior sports horizontal-striped, wine-colored seat materials that offer a very special atmosphere. In our opinion, the most interesting car at Tokyo will be the Nissan NISMO GT-R RC. Based on the original GT-R developed by the Japanese automaker, the RC was created especially for circuit driving. The car is equipped with a slick tire-compatible suspension, special safety devices and equipment as well as lightweight components to enhance the circuit driving capabilities of the GT-R. Some of these safety features include the 120-liter safety fuel tank manufactured by ATL, air jacks as well as a welded roll cage that is FIA certified. The NISMO Version FAIRLADY Z will bring an increased engine output, reaching 355 PS (261 kW) and a suspension and body tuning for offering a sportier handling. For the exterior, the engineers used special body components that will reduce the air resistance and will provide greater downforce. Another interesting model presented by Nissan will be the Elgrand S-tune which will be equipped with the NISMO S-tune kit, offering great driving experiences and original optional parts in order to enhance the sportiness and the comfort of the driver. Last but certainly not least, the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R was campaigned in the SUPER GT 2010 edition season and managed to grab the pole position in Round 5 in Sugo and finished in 2nd place in Round 4 in Sepang and in Suzuka for the Round 6. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
Posted: 21 Dec 2010 02:00 PM PST If you are not fond of the "Fluidic Sculpture" design of the Hyundai Sonata, we take a wild guess and say that you might like the more traditional and masculine look of the new Kia Optima, a car that borrows the Sonata's 274 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine. Kia has brought several changes to Sonata's sibling, by modifying the suspension which is now a little bit stiffer and reworked the power steering of the Optima, offering a more athletic driving experience. Some say that the design of the Optima was a little bit inspired by the BMW models if we look at the aggressive front fenders and the bulging hood. The resemblance to the 5-Series is seen at the pair of scowling and wraparound HID headlights, which is certainly not a bad thing. However, the looks of the Optima state very well the fact that this car is a Kia, thanks to the signature Kia grille, the blacked-out roof and the very subtle windshield detail that imitates the lines of the car's front fascia. Thanks to the addition of the exaggerated fog light insets, the Optima 2.0T is one of the most aggressive looking mid-sized sedans at the moment. Similar with the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia Optima has as sporty, low-slung profile that is exaggerated by the car's very stylish 18-inch rims. In the back of the Optima, we find the very stylish looking LED taillamps and the small lip spoiler. Unlike the Sonata, the Kia offers a little more flash thanks to its twin oval exhaust tips and the red-lettered 2.0 GDI badge that make it look very sporty. In order to enhance this manly look, the Optima has a swept rear glass and a tall deck height. Without any doubt, the exterior of the car looks very nice, which is something that we cannot say about the cockpit, at least in our humble opinion. The leather seats of the Optima don't look very good in our opinion and they certainly don't fit with the general look of the car. The driver-oriented center stack looks nice if you give it a quick look, but spend more time examining it and you will probably don't like the cheap black plastic inserts around the touchscreen interface, climate and audio controls. On the contrary, the center console and the doors feature very attractive carbon-fiber detailing, giving the car a very powerful and noticeable contrast between cheap plastics and carbon-look materials. The car will be available in two trim levels: EX and SX. If you go for the first one, you will be able to choose between grey, tan and black interior colors. The SX customers don't have options as they can go only with black. If you want the LED tail lights, the HID headlights and the sexy 18-inch wheels offered by the Optima, you will be stuck with the very unattractive one-color-fits-all interior. Regardless of your choice for the trim level, you will certainly get a very good powertrain with your 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T. The heart that powers this car is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder direct-injection engine that can output 274 hp and 269 pound-feet of torque. This excellent engine is linked to the 6-speed automatic gearbox that was developed in close collaboration between Hyundai and Kia. Similar with the Sonata, it benefits from the same horsepower-building and fuel-saving technologies. One of the most interesting technical aspects of the Optima can be found in the intercooler system which uses some very crafty duct work in order to funnel the air through the intercooler in a specific route by keeping the outlet temps 50 degrees cooler in comparison than what is seen without the ducting. The significant drop in temperature translates into an improved fuel economy, horsepower increase and a more agile engine, all very important to any car. The power unit of this Kia benefits from the same quite innovative twin-scroll turbocharger that is integrated into a cast stainless-steel exhaust manifold. Not only is it more durable and lighter in comparison with cast-iron 2-piece units, but it is very capable of withstanding significant abuse. Add to this the fact that Kia is known for offering some of the best warranties in the automotive market, you will not that you purchased a very reliable car that will last you a long time. All of the above can be found in the Hyundai Sonata, but Kia made sure that their Optima model has better handling capabilities, offering a little bit more precision. In order to achieve their target, the engineers at Kia reprogrammed the electric power steering so that it will offer the driver a slightly heavier wheel. More than that, the car has firmer shocks that are capable of taking away some of the float. For the SX trim level, the Optima uses 12.6-inch front brake rotors instead of the standard 11.8-inch units, in order to guarantee an extra level of stopping power. Although both the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima are cut from the same cloth, the engineers of the latter company did their best in differentiating the car, offering a sportier handling, but this does not mean that it can compete with more powerful cars from the upper segment. Speaking of fuel economy, the EPA ratings say that the 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T will do 22 mpg city / 34 mpg highway. The entry-level EX level will cost you $24,995 while the more expensive SX trim will set you back $25,995. Some of the most important competitors of the 2011 Kia Optima are the Honda Accord V6, priced at $27,080 for the model that has just about the same feature; and the Toyota Camry V6, priced at $26,195. The Honda has a less powerful engine and will do only 30 mpg highway while the Toyota has a 268 hp power unit and will do only 29 mpg on the highway. In fact, the only real competitor is the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, offering identical fuel economy and power figures. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
Posted: 21 Dec 2010 01:11 PM PST The fresh new design of the 2011 Lincoln MKX includes a new rear end coupled to a pair of interesting taillights which will replace the full-width strip of lamps available on the outgoing model. The MKX is available with 18-inch rims, polished aluminum; available with the Premium Package that will set you back $2,500. If 18-inch is not big enough for you, for $7,500 you could get the Elite Package which consists of massive 20-inch chrome or polished aluminum rims. Inside, the cockpit has received a well-deserved redesign, using an elegant chrome trim that really looks good on the MKX. The dominant material that you will find in this Lincoln is high-quality leather and s few reflective trim pieces around the air vents and the starter button. For your comfort, the car comes with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. In addition, the luxurious feeling is enhanced by the animal hide used on the entire dashboard and the shift knob. You will know right away that the 2011 Lincoln MKX is a proud member of the Ford family thanks to the MyLincoln Touch system. Similar with the Edge model that sports the MyFord Touch system, the MKX model is the very first car manufactured under the Lincoln badge to get this infotainment and navigation system which is advertised as the most advanced in any type of vehicle at any price range. The MyLincoln Touch is an upgraded version of the easy-to-use functions available on the SYNC, offering an improved infotainment experience thanks to the bundle of screens that offer a better graphic quality and an updated user interface. Speaking of screens, we should mention the giant 8-inch LCD that is located in the center stack of the MKX's cockpit. In addition, the car has two smaller 4.2-inch screens located on either side of the analog speedometer. The left screen will show you a bundle of vehicle information like fuel efficiency, fuel gauge and oil temperature, vehicle settings and diagnostics and let's not forget about the most basic feature, the mileage. The right screen will let you take full control of the four main functions of the main 8-inch screen: Climate, Entertainment, Navigation and Phone. Both of the screens are easily controlled by a handy pair of 4-way directional pads that have an "OK" button on either side of the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The most important update in this compartment is without any doubt the main LCD screen where Ford has refreshed the user interface of the infotainment screens. Gone are the days where you would find huge square buttons that pointed you towards other screens with similar buttons. Now you will find color-coded buttons on all four corners: in the lower left red corner you have the Entertainment; in the upper left orange corner you have Phone; in the upper right green you will find Navigation and Climate is located in the lower right blue corner. A huge advantage is that regardless of your position in the menu, these four corners are always available, allowing a very comfortable access. Besides this updated graphic user interface, the MyLincoln Touch system is the home of some new hardware additions like RCA video input jacks, an SD card slot and two very useful USB ports. Speaking of an SD card slot, you can take the SD card from your camera and hook it up to the car and you can display the images on the screen. If you get the additional premium map-based navigation pack, this SD slot will by occupied by a card that contains the Telenav map data. Moving on to another important compartment of the 2011 Lincoln MKX – the engine. The old model was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that was capable of outputting 265 hp and a maximum torque of 247 Nm. With the 2011 model, Ford has added their new 3.7-liter V6 power unit that produces 305 hp and 280 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. Despite the fact that the new engine is more powerful in comparison with the old V6 unit, the new one is also more efficient by two miles per gallon, allowing the MKX to do 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway. This new engine is at the moment the only one available for the MKX, but there are some solid chances that in the future the car will be fitted with the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder power unit that will be launched with the Ford Edge. Although the 2011 MKX is a solid effort made by Lincoln, it still falls behind the Edge as the latter has just about the same features and a smaller price tag. The most important competitors for the MKX (besides the Edge) are the Cadillac SRX, the Acura MDX and the Lexus RX350. The basic price for the Ford Edge is $27,220, which is a whopping $12,000 less than the 2011 Lincoln MKX. Many affirm that Ford made a mistake when it made the Edge model so good because the new generation of the MKX feels like the best Edge money can buy at the moment. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
HAMANN Lamborghini Gallardo Victory II Posted: 21 Dec 2010 12:25 PM PST The first version of the Hamann Lamborghini Gallardo Victory was launched back in 2007 and now the second iteration of the tuning program has arrived. The new package consists of an updated wide body kit, increased engine output and better handling capabilities. The body of the Gallardo is now broader and the number of the carbon components has significantly increased. One of the most important features of the car is the Lambo-doors which aren't available for the standard Gallardo model. Hamann had the great idea (in our opinion) to add them with the occasion of the Victory II tuning program. In addition to the spectacular doors, the tuning package consists of a fresh new front apron in Race-design that has a center carbon part, enhancing the sporty look of the sexy Italian car. The Gallardo Victory II received new fenders in the front as well as fender extensions in the back of it. The air inlet located on the roof and the extended side skirts are available in carbon. In the back of the Gallardo Victory II you will notice the fresh new design of the rear wing and the diffuser. The rear wing is available in carbon or fiber glass, depending on the choice of the customers. In addition, the people at Hamann can add a carbon layer to the bonnet on top of that. The car now rolls on 20-inch Edition Race wheels that have a special varnish, emphasizing the new fresh and dynamic appearance of the Gallardo. The reduced unsprung masses translate into better handling capabilities as well as a more agile acceleration and safer braking. Hamann recommends the following wheel/tire combination: 9.5Jx20 with 235/30ZR20 tires for the front wheels and 13Jx20 with 325/25ZR20 for the back wheels of the Gallardo. By adjusting the power unit's electronics, the Hamann Lamborghini Gallardo Victory II is now capable of outputting 580 hp (427 kW) and an impressive maximum torque of 575 Nm. With this power boost, the car is now capable of reaching a respectable top speed of 328 km/h. By applying an end muffler to the serial end pipes, the massive V10 engine of the car sounds more spectacular than ever. Moving inside the car, the Hamann Gallardo is fitted with a 14-part carbon set that features various decorative blends, the door openers and the steering wheel. For a perfect seating position, the car is equipped with Hamann sport seats that have a carbon back render. As an optional feature, the upholstery can be offered in a bundle of variations and configurations, depending on the request of the customer. The car is available with personalized floor mats and entire leather upholstery. The price for the Hamann Lamborghini Gallardo Victory II has not been announced yet. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
Land Rover Discovery 4 Armored Posted: 21 Dec 2010 12:03 PM PST A few days ago Range Rover unleashed the all-new Land Rover Discovery 4 armored vehicle, a car that is capable of withstanding some serious firepower. According to the official data offered by the British automaker, this new Discovery 4 model complies with the BS EN 1522 FB6 and with the BS EN 1063 BR6 European standards regarding high velocity assault rifles. The car is offered with solid under floor protection against 2x DM 51 hand grenades. In addition, it features 15 kg side blast protection, turning the Discovery into a tank as far as resistance is concerned. The Range Rover Land Rover Discovery 4 armored vehicle is equipped with a powerful LR-V8 5.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine that is capable of outputting 375 PS (276 kW) and a massive torque of 376 lb ft (510 Nm). With this engine, the Discovery is capable of doing the 0-100 km/h in 10.6 seconds, fast enough for a quick getaway. Without the optional features, this bulletproof sport utility vehicle has a remarkable weight of 3500 kg. In order to safely handle that much amount of weight, the Discovery is fitted with a heavily modified suspension system as well as massive 378 mm brake discs that have upgraded Alcon aluminum brake calipers. The tires of this armored vehicle are Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather run flat, while the rims are heavy duty models. Here are the official base vehicle specifications, according to the price release: 5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine; 6-speed automatic gearbox; Land Rover Terrain Response system; Off-Road capability (deep sand driving is not recommended by the automaker); 4050 kg GVW; air conditioning and 6-pot, 4-pot rear tire pressure monitoring system. As far as the optional features available for the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armored are concerned, here are the most important: anti-tamper exhaust, intercom, auxiliary secondary battery supply and driver opening window (100 mm drop to allow document passing). In addition, Range Rover offers a Maintenance Option Pack that consists of the following: heavy duty spare rim and run flat tire – Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tire; heavy duty tools and jack. Independent options include a rear payload glass anti-theft film protection, driver's opening front window, anti-tamper exhaust, auxiliary secondary battery supply, intercom, tinted windows, heavy duty jack and tools, covert headlight flash – LED, under bonnet fire suppressant system and covert blue lights and siren system (in areas where these are legal). Available on request is the global after sales support and the armored vehicle driver training program. The pricing for the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armored has not been announced yet. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
Posted: 21 Dec 2010 11:42 AM PST Today Carlsson unveiled to the world the 2011 Mercedes CLS tuning program that offers various modifications both in style and power. The 350 CGI version of the standard CLS has a power unit capable of developing 306 hp (225 kW) and a 370 Nm torque. With the tuning program the power is boosted to 333 hp and 370 Nm. This power increase translates into a quicker 0-100 km/h, shaving off 0.2 seconds from the 6.1 sec needed for the standard version. Carlsson has brought modifications to the CLS 350 CDI which now offers 20% more power in comparison to the model developed by Mercedes-Benz. The tuning program allows the engine to develop 320 hp (235 kW) and an impressive 780 Nm of torque, in comparison to the "only" 265 hp / 650 Nm outputted by the standard car. The CLS 350 CDI will do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds, just like the petrol version. Besides these significant power boosts, the Carlsson 2011 Mercedes CLS program brings a fresh new exterior package as well as new rims. The new kit sports a redesigned front spoiler and a spoiler lip that is also available in carbon fiber, an updated hood and mudguards as well as stainless steel grille inserts. The back of the CLS benefits from a new apron with an integrated diffuser. The new front spoiler (including the RS front spoiler lip), gives "an athletic look for the luxurious saloon". The front apron of the Carlsson CLS features LED fog lamps that are 80% more energy-efficient in comparison to the standard lamps and fit in a very natural matter with the Xenon headlights along with the standard LED daytime running lights of the 2011 CLS. The dynamic transformation of the car is continued with the side mouldings that feature built-in air inlets. The rear apron of the CLS sports a built-in diffuser that functions as a tailplane, and the rear spoiler guarantees the needed extra downforce as well as a better contact with the road. More than that, the two oval tailpipes and the stainless steel rear silencer output a very nice sound, typical to Carlsson. These stainless steel pipes can be acquired separately. Both of the performance kits offered by Carlsson meet the EURO 5 exhaust emission standards. The price for the tuning program (Carlsson C-Tronic DIESEL POWER) offered for the CLS 350 CDI is 1785 Euro, including VAT. The new design of the alloy rims developed by Carlsson, enhance the sporty look of the car while at the same time offering new stylish contours to the aerodynamics package. The Carlsson 1/10 rim is available in three colors and in a combination of five simple and five double spokes. Rolf Schlepp is the chief designer at Carlsson and he is responsible with the design of the new wheels. The three colors available for the rims are: Graphite Grey, Brilliant Silver and Titanium Silver. All of these versions are offered in the following wheel dimensions: 8.5×19, 8.5×20, 9.5×19 and 10.5×20, at a starting price of 2569 Euro (including top brand tires). In order to offer an excellent road handling, the CLS is packed with the proprietary C-Tronic SUSPENSION in combination with the standard AIRMATIC suspension of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. This clever suspension system allows the car to be lowered by up to 30 mm and at the same time, it will continuously monitor the situation on the road. Depending on the available road conditions, this controlling device will adapt to the residual spring travel which translates into optimum comfort as well as great driving dynamics. Modifications were also brought to the interior of the 2011 CLS, and the Carlsson tuning package includes an Alcantara sporting wheel, velours foot mats that have the Carlsson logo, pedals and foot rest made out of brushed aluminum and logo branded matching boot; all of them offering the car a very stylish and dynamic look. Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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