Lotus to help Kia improve ride and handling

Kia will be working with chassis expert Lotus on all future models to improve their ride and handling - well at least for Kia’s that will be sold in the UK. A spokesman for Kia said that the new strategy will provide an upgraded suspension that is tuned specifically for UK Roads.

The first car to receive the treatment will be the new Soul. It will get higher compression and rebound rates plus adapted bump tops to help the car from bottoming out on large potholes.

The spokesman said that the changes will help stop the harshness of the road getting into the cabin while improving steering feel.

2009 Kia Soul:

Fifth Gear drives the 2010 Kia SOUL

Earlier this morning we saw Fifth Gear’s review of the 2009 BMW 7-Series. We now have their review of the new Kia Soul.

The 2010 Kia Soul will go on sale in the U.S. later this year with prices starting at $13,995 for the entry level 122-hp 1.6 4-cylinder model. Pricing will run all the way up to $17,900 for a fully-loaded 142-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder. Click here for more pricing details on the 2010 Soul.

2010 Kia Soul:

2010 Jaguar XFR and XKR Promotional Videos

Jaguar has released two promos for its new high-performance 2010 Jaguar XFR and XKR sedan and coupe. Both models made their debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show earlier this week.

The 510-hp Jaguar XFR will take on rivals such as the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG while the XKR will take on the likes of the BMW M6. Both are powered by a 5.4L AJ-V8. That allows the XFR to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the XKR in 4.6 seconds.

The first promo shows the XFR and the XKR in action and the second video shows the XFR prototypes 225.675 mph top speed run at Bonneville.

Both models will arrive in the later part of summer 2009.

2010 Jaguar XFR/2010 Jaguar XKR:

Jaguar XE is not going to be supercar, but a sportscar that takes on the BMW Z4

A couple of days ago AutoExpress reported that Jaguar is working on a 503-hp all-aluminum supercar called the XE to take on the likes of an Audi R8. According to Julian Rendell of AutoWeek (who happens to be familiar of what’s pumping in the Jaguar product pipeline) the Jaguar XE is actually a front-engine sports car - not a 200 mph supercar.

Jaguar has yet to sign-off on the project but according sources, that shouldn’t be a problem. Rendell says that the car will be more of a Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK competitor. Sources tell Rendell that the future of the XE is tied up with the next-generation XK which isn’t due until 2012 or 2013.

Jaguar’s new owner, Ratan Tata of Tata Motors has always wanted Jaguar to do an entry-level sports car even before he bought the company from Ford. Now, he’s bouncing the idea back to Jaguar executives which are looking for a business case to produce it.

Guess you can’t always believe what the internet tells you.

Source: AutoWeek

New Chinese-market Hyundai Sonata revealed

Apparently the looks of the Hyundai Sonata were deemed not bold enough for the Chinese market, so Beijing Hyundai has made some adaptations for the local market. What is being called the Hyundai Ling Xiang or Sonata NFC is based on the same car that we get over here. However, the Chinese have given the car a nose job and new tail-lights to make it stand out more. Unfortunately, as Michael Jackson has proven conclusively, rhinoplasty does not necessarily make you stand out in a good way. While no one would describe the current gen Sonata as exciting, this grille surround just doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the car. At the back, a new trunklid provides slightly different tail-lights. A new rear seat is claimed to be more comfortable, as well. Next year the Chinese operation will reportedly develop a larger D-segment sedan based on the new Sonata that will debut at this fall's LA Auto Show. Hat tip to reader Joe.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Sonata for China

[Source: PaulTan] [Autoblog China shots]

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Car News

Hyundai announced its plans to build a hybrid version of the Sonata for 2010. It’s part of a plan that Hyundai hopes will allow the company to meet the 2020 CAFE fuel-economy requirements five years early. The new hybrid will introduce lithium-polymer batteries to the automotive world. For example, Tesla’s electric car uses a standard lithium-ion battery made up of 6831 individual cells, each cased in metal and slightly larger than an AA battery. Imagine that many AA batteries, and you get an idea of the weight and complexity that Hyundai seeks to avoid. Lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte that requires a strong metal casing; Hyundai’s lithium-polymer battery uses a polymer gel as the electrolyte, and it does not require as strong, or heavy-duty, a casing. Without the heavy casings, a lithium-polymer pack weighs less than an equally powerful lithium-ion battery pack. Hyundai claims its battery is also easier to manufacture and adapt to different vehicles. According to Hyundai, another major benefit of the new battery is its cooler operating temperature, which extends battery life.

Keep Reading: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Car News

2009 DUB Edition Hyundai Genesis

Ten years ago, Hyundai used to be associated with mediocre, cheap cars that were good enough for rental car lots, but not exactly suitable for many American driveways. Times have changed, as the South Korean automaker is now trying to step up their game with its 2009 Hyundai Genesis that is said to hold its own with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

2010 Hyundai Equus Photos, $96,000 Price Tag Leak

Would you pay $96,000 for a Hyundai? What if you were a South Korean executive in the market for a domestic S-Class? Hyundai is hoping the answer is yes.

The Hyundai Equus will be the most advanced and expensive Hyundai ever. Available in the South Korean market only, the Equus is a lengthened version of the Genesis chassis and will be optionally equipped with a new 5.0-liter V8 making over 420 HP and delivering 0-to-60 times of less than six seconds. With an overall length of nearly 17-feet, it’s over seven inches longer than the Hyundai Genesis.

But it's that price tag that's the most shocking. Obviously it's for a fully-optioned, 5.0-liter V8-equipped sedan. The Equus will also be available with the Genesis’s 3.8-liter Lambda V6 and 4.6-liter Tau V8, so, according to the well-informed Hyundaiophiles at Hyundai Blog, its starting price is more likely to be in the region of $70,000 when it goes on sale in South Korea next year. [via Hyundai Blog]

2009 Hyundai Elantra / Elantra Touring - Review

Introduction

The Hyundai Elantra is the Korean automaker’s compact entry and fills a spot in its lineup above the diminutive Accent and below the Sonata family sedan. Completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, the Elantra features a spacious and handsomely designed cabin and an attractive base price. In fact, the Elantra is classified as a mid-size car by the EPA based on its 98 cubic feet of interior space and its capacious 14-cubic-foot trunk. A wagon version of the Elantra, dubbed the Elantra Touring, is new for 2009.

Only one engine is offered in the Elantra, a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder that makes 138 or 132 hp depending on emissions tuning. The engine lacks the refinement and sweetness of the four-cylinder engines in the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Also, most competitors offer more horsepower than the Elantra can muster. Fuel economy is good at 24 mpg in the city for the slick-shifting five-speed manual and 25 mpg in the city with the optional four-speed automatic; both transmissions score 33 mpg on the highway cycle. Fuel economy for the Touring model is about 2 mpg worse than a comparable sedan.

On the road, the Elantra exhibits a comfortable and supple ride that errs on the side of softness. Throw the Elantra into a corner and the body roll gives the Elantra a big, almost Buick-like feel. On the highway, the engine roars a bit louder than those of the competition, but the Elantra does score well when it comes to passenger and driver comfort. The Elantra Touring features sportier suspension tuning that goes a long way toward improving the regular Elantra’s soft and dull handling.

Keep Reading: 2009 Hyundai Elantra / Elantra Touring - Review

Honda announces new round of job and production cuts

Slumping sales and surplus supply are old hat by now, but the ongoing effects of the poor economy mean carmakers must continue to adjust their capacity and output to remain viable. Honda's readjustment, like its American counterparts, is unfinished, and today it revealed another 3,100 temporary workers would be cut in the U.S. as Honda sheds unnecessary production. The majority of the workers affected will simply not get new contracts when their current job stints end in April. The loss of the extra workers and other steps will help Honda reign in costs and production by about 140,000 units total in 2009, down to 1.17 million vehicles, reports CNN.
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid

Honda S2000

El Honda S2000 es uno de los deportivos japoneses por excelencia, un descapotable de dos plazas con techo de vinilo de plegado eléctrico, motor central delantero longitudinal, configuración clásica de propulsión trasera y con carrocería roadster biplaza. Tiene un diferencial de deslizamiento limitado Torsen acoplado a una transmisión manual de seis velocidades.

Exteriormente el S2000 tiene lineas esculpidas y contornos impecables, sus faros de alta intensidad y su trompa le dan un estilo deportivo que atrae la mirada.

En cuanto a su motor, el S2000 viene provisto con un motor VTEC de 2.2 litros que generan una potencia de 237 caballos de fuerza a 7800rpm, lo que le permite llegar a una velocidad máxima de 241km/h y alcanzar los 100km/h en apenas 6.2 segundos.

Sin duda es un hermoso auto deportivo que muchos de nosotros desearíamos poder conducir.

Honda moves the hybrid in an interesting direction

Just back from driving Honda’s new Insight. Which I reckon moves the hybrid game forward, although perhaps not in the way you might expect.

Compared with the current – and soon to be replaced – Toyota Prius, the Insight is not quite as efficient and only marginally cleaner. It is also not hugely different to drive. The handling is a bit more conventional, but it’s certainly no Ford Focus. And if you put your foot down it’s pretty noisy.

What it is, though, is cheaper. Honda is yet to finalise UK pricing, but when it goes on sale in April expect the Insight to start from £15,000, which is nearly £3000 less than Toyota currently wants for the Prius. I say currently because I wouldn’t be massively surprised if Toyota responds to Honda’s price offensive.

Either way, if the Insight helps to bring the price of Hybrids down to a more affordable level it will be a result for car buyers looking for more efficient transport.

Honda Insight Gets Tacky With Euro Accessories

Like the green credentials and low price of the Honda Insight, but wish it had more fake chrome and add-on LCD screens? Well, if you’re from a shower-averse European nation, you’re in luck.

The 2010 Honda Insight doesn’t even go on sale until Earth Day (April 22nd), but already it’s European division has released details of the tacky accessories that’ll be available straight from dealers.

In addition to the rear seat TV screens that’ll actually be useful for parents averse to actual parenting, there’s a host of pointless bolt-ons: chrome door sill and B-pillar covers, aluminum door handle guards (for fans of fake fingernails) and some stick-on metal-effect vent covers for the interior. There’s also a flip-screen entertainment system and, bizarrely given the optional integrated item, a stick-on nav system. No word on prices, but since you can’t put a price on saving the environment, we don’t expect this cheap crap to be actually cheap. [via CarScoop]

Honda cuts output further in North American and Japan

Honda has announced that it is slashing production in North America and Japan by another 50,000 units to keep inventory levels in line with the shrinking demand. The move will bring Honda’s North American output to a total of 1.264 million vehicles for the fiscal year ending in March - 12 percent lower than the previous year and almost 14 percent lower than its initial forecast.

Honda is not planning any job cuts. However, the production cuts will hit plants in Ohio, Alabama and Ontario. Ohio will scale back about by 14,000 units, Alabama by 6,000 and Ontario by 9,000. According to Automotive News, Honda will make the cuts possible by introducing non-production days and slowing down the assembly lines.

In its hometown of Japan, Honda will cut output by 21,000 units bringing its domestic production to 1.147 million units in this fiscal year. That new total is down 12.4 percent from Honda’s target to 1.31 million units.

Fiat 500 C convertible coming to Geneva in March

Fiat is set to launch a convertible version of the much-loved 500 at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Fiat 500 C will go on sale shortly after being unveiled in Geneva just in time to drop the top for the summer season.

The 500 C will be a 4-seater, soft-top convertible which folds into the boot of the minicar. It will keep its door pillars and roof structure so don’t expect and roadster-style experience here.

Power will come from the same 1.2L making 70-hp and a 1.4L making 100-hp. No word of Abarth version as of yet.

Will it make it to the U.S.? Probably not anytime soon; however, Fiat is considering the 500 minicar for the stateside.

Note: Pictures above is the Fiat Tender Two by Castagna.

Nice Price Or Crack Pipe: The $15,000 Fiat Dino?

Unsurprisingly, 82% of readers felt that $433 was a truly righteous price for a ready-to-go LeMons-winning BMW 535i. However, we can't stop thinking about Fiat, so that means we're going to look at one now.

While Fiat never has had a powerful North American presence, some of their cooler machines have made it to these shores. The 124 Sport Coupe, for example, the 130, and- it goes without saying- the 8V. You've got to add the Fiat Dino to that list as well; easily confused with Ferrari's Dino, the Fiat Dino had a Ferrari V6 but was otherwise all Fiat (and Pininfarina or Bertone, depending on whether you got the convertible or the coupe version). They're seriously rare, but we've found a pretty nice one in Los Angeles. You want it, of course- just look at it!- but do you think 15 grand is a good price for it?
[Craigslist Los Angeles, go here if the ad disappears]

Fiat reports a 69.8% drop in fourth-quarter profits

Shares of Fiat went plummeting today just two days after they were pushed up when the Italian company announced its partnership with Chrysler LLC. Fiat announced on Thursday that its fourth quarter profits fell 69.8 percent due to a slump in demand and the global economic slowdown

Net profits for Fiat were down for the last three months. Full year profit was down 16.2 percent from 2.05 billion euros to 1.72 billion. Revenue was up 1.5 percent from 58.5 billion euros to 59.4 billion due to strong performance in the first three quarters.

Fiat shares fell 14.6 percent after the announcement. It also denied reports that it was considering a capital increase for a merger with PSA Peugeot-Citroen.

Fiat took a 35 percent stake in Chrysler earlier this week. Detroit News reports that the deal could be expanded in the future, giving Fiat full control of Chrysler.

Source: Detroit News

Scuderia Ferrari to bring back troubled pit-lane traffic lights system

Sometimes the best approach is the simplest, but that kind of attitude doesn't always fly in the high-tech haven that is Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello. Traditionally, one pit crew member would stand beside a Formula One car in the pit lane box holding a small sign on a long shaft to signal the driver when it was safe to drive out, but Scuderia Ferrari tried last year to replace the "lollipop" sign with an electronic system. A small box with lights, controlled by computer, was implemented in an effort to streamline the process. Unfortunately, the progress proved anything but, and the system caused several costly errors this past season, culminating in the inaugural nighttime Singapore GP, where Felipe Massa was signaled to leave the pit before the refueling hose was detached. With his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen waiting behind, Massa drove off, dragging the fuel line - and a crew member -along with him.
The incident cost the Massa and Ferrari dearly, and they ended up losing out on the Drivers' Title. The electronic system was subsequently abandoned and in favor of the simpler lollipop. Undeterred and determined to get it right, however, Ferrari reckon they've learned from their mistakes. During the off-season, they have been hard at work on the system and are planning on bringing it back for the 2009 championship. For the sake of the entire team - especially the guy who has the precarious job of holding the fuel nozzle - we hope they've got it right this time.
[Source: Autosport]

Pics and Video: Scuderia Ferrari F60 gets on track

Formula One teams love a good challenge. As if it weren't difficult enough to dominate at the pinnacle of motorsports, for the 2009 season, each team will have to adapt to a host of new regulations, including the introduction of the KERS regenerative braking systems, the reintroduction of slick tires and significant changes to the aerodynamics package. Still not hard enough? How about cutting the budgets the teams are meant to adapt to the new rules... and then eliminating all the test sessions during the season, leaving just a handful of pre-season runs to get everything up to speed (so to speak). Scuderia Ferrari apparently thought that still wasn't enough, so they've opted to unveil their car earlier than the rest of the field.
Of course that's going to mean a few glitches, and in its first day on the track, the new F60 broke down and was sidelined for most of the day. That's sent the engineers back to the drawing board to work out the glitches, but not before the cameramen could get a few shots and some video footage of the new F60 in action at the Mugello circuit near Florence, Italy. Check 'em out in the updated gallery below and in the video after the jump, and stay tuned for the individual revelations of the rest of the crop of 2009-spec F1 cars, starting with Toyota's this coming Thursday.

Gallery: Scuderia Ferrari F60

[Source: Ferrari]

All Carbon Fibered Out - Ferrari F430 on 360 Forged Carbon Fiber Wheels

Exotics and Luxury, part of the automotive network at Automotive Addicts, posted images of a Ferrari F430 with new 360 Forged Carbon Straight 5ive Wheels. These remarkable rims do the F430 justice. These are not your average custom rims.

View more information and hi-res images at ExoticsandLuxury.com.