Stray Dog Survives 70 MPH Impact In Grille Of Peugeot 207

Bash a stray dog on the Italian highway at 70 MPH and you'd think the least you could do is pull over and take a look at the damage, but Marco Menozzi didn't even bother with that. Fifteen miles later he discovered the dog had survived, wedged into the smile of his Peugeot 207 with a broken leg and some bruising, but alive nonetheless. After a trip to the vet, the dog is on the mend and authorities are looking for a home for the pooch. Although we would have enjoyed this story more if it had been a Pug stuck in a Pug, we still suggest the eventual owners call him "Fortunato." Click here for a better look at the pup in the Pug. [Ananova]

2010 Peugeot 3008 Spotted Sans Camouflage

An amateur spy photographer has nabbed shots of the upcoming 2010 Peugeot 3008 compact crossover somewhere in eastern France months ahead of its unveil at the Geneva Motor Show.

The newest entry in the Peugeot stable fits in the tall-wagon/short utility vehicle category, which seems to be enjoying decent popularity across Europe. When it debuts at Geneva in March, it's expected to come with a 1.6 liter turbo four and a 2.0 liter HDi four cylinder diesel. Those undoubtedly miserly engines combined with the surprisingly nice interior will probably result in reasonably good sales for the little car, that is of course if anybody buys cars this year.
[Forum Peugeot via WCF]

1988 Peugeot 505 Turbo

Welcome to Down On The Street, where we admire old vehicles found parked on the streets of the Island That Rust Forgot: Alameda, California. How about a turbocharged French sports sedan from the Reagan Era?

I used to own a Peugeot 504, and I've been scouring the island for one to photograph for this series. No dice in that department so far, but I did manage to find this 505 Turbo down by the beach. This is our fourth Alameda DOTS Peugeot; prior to today, we've had this '60 403, this '85 505, and this '91 405.

The 505 Turbo was a fast rear-wheel-drive machine that held its own against the German competition back in the 80s; we were very disappointed that the Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys 505 Turbo 24 Hours Of LeMons team wrecked their trailer on the way to the Arse Freeze-A-Palooza race. We're hoping they'll be at the Reno race to show those BMWs a thing or two.

I found this car parked down by the San Francisco Bay, at the beach favored by the wind- and kite-surfing crowd. The anti-shark surf-shop sticker on the back suggests that it's a surfer's daily driver (though the telltale roof racks seem to be missing).

Spy Shots: Long-Wheelbase Peugeot 3008 on the move

What do you call a van full of eight Frenchmen? We don't know either, but Peugeot will soon provide a vehicle that will help whisk your way toward the punchline. Spy shooters have snagged a long wheelbase version of Peugeot's 3008 MPV. The not-a-van should offer comfortable accommodations for five plus stuff, or a content quintet joined by a quarrelsome troika in the final row. The LWB 3008 is expected to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and aside from the extra stretch between the axles, there's little difference from the regular 3008. PSA hardware is underneath, some pieces being shared with the Citroen C4 Picasso, and since the short-wheelbase 3008 is a handsome wagonycrossoveryvanny thing, a little stretch to the styling shouldn't hurt.
[Source: Next Autos]

Supercharged Lotus Evora On The Way With At least 350hp

This is just too good to pass up and not mention, Lotus makers of all things light and tossable, have already announced a variant for their upcoming, but not-out-to-the-public Evora 2+2.
Boasting an output of at least 350 horsepower, the Evora variant will use the same 3.5L Toyota-sourced V6 as the base model, only with a blower firmly attached. Torque will also be bumped up to nearly 300 lb-ft mark in production form. Given the cars already light weight, those figures should be enough to scoot the Evora SC to 60 in 5 seconds flat and boost the car’s terminal speed to 175 mph, according England’s to Autocar Magazine. Although it is expected to arrive on the market in May 2009, the super charged version is slated to arrive sometime in 2011.
Lotus is keeping busy with even more versions of the Evora after the jump.
In addition to the upcoming SC, Lotus is working on a more luxurious versions of the Evora aimed squarely at the higher end of its current list of high-profile clientele. Lotus is also working on an [shudder] automatic transmission for the Evora, largely due to strong demand in the U.S. [What the hell is wrong with you people?] The Lotus with the slush box (I can’t believe I’m writing that) will come well past the introduction of base Evora. “Right now, it’s looking unlikely that we’ll have the auto version next year,” a Lotus spokesman told Autocar. “There’s quite a lot of development work still to be done on it.” Let’s just pretend he didn’t say that and move on, shall we?
Wait, there’s STILL more versions of this car in the pipeline.
Lotus is working on a roadster version of the Evora. The drop-top Evora will sport a retractable metal hardtop, which, although adding weight, will not be overly heavy. Engineers at Lotus are working hard to ensure the unit doesn’t compromise the car’s overall handling. Expect the Evora roadster in showrooms in late 2010.
Source: LeftLaneNews

All-Carbon Fiber Lotus Elise Poses Interesting Question

This completely raw carbon fiber 2002 Lotus Elise was built for extreme weight savings, but it poses the question; is the weight savings worth the cost?

This 2002 Type 72 JPS Lotus Elise took six months to complete and was built by TW Auto Limited of Hong Kong, China for customer Jimmy Wong. The interior and exterior has been fully replaced with a custom raw carbon fiber body allowing for a weight savings advantage of 66-88lbs under the original weight of the Lotus Elise. Additional aftermarket parts were added to supplement the weight loss including a KW suspension package, JP Racing wheels, Lotus Racing exhaust, a larger intake and air filter.

We questioned if the effort was really worth it, but it certainly does look cool. Just make sure to clean up the drool when you're done.

[via Carbon Fiber Gear]

2009 Kia Intelligent Stop and Go

Stop/start technology is like a trial membership for hybrids: it lets drivers in on the fuel savings and lower carbon emissions without forcing them to become a card-carrying member of the hybrid brigade. Kia is will be offering buyers just such an opportunity by introducing ISG, or Idle, Stop, and Go (also called Intelligent Stop & Go) on the new cee'd.

The ISG will be available on the 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-engined c'eeds, and unlike other stop/start technology, this ISG shuts the engine down not only when the car is stopped, but when it's moving less than four mph. To engage the ISG while the car is moving, the driver puts the car in neutral and depresses the clutch, the engine is shut down, and he or she will be rewarded with 15% better fuel economy in the urban cycle.
The frugal-ized cee'd also benefits from a lighter five-speed gearbox and low-rolling-resistance tires as standard fitment. Later in 2009, the 1.6-liter diesel c'eed will be offered with ISG technology.

Kia Unleashes Soulster Concept Teaser

With the Detroit Auto Show looming over the coming week, Kia has released a teaser campaign for the Soulster concept.

The Kia Soulster concept we're expecting to see at next week's show is presumably a two-door version of the 2009 Kia Soul. No other information exists besides these glowing teasers.

We've already seen the four-door Kia Soul revealed in its entirety and, by the numbers, should offer competent value for your Financiapocalypse-strained dollars. Locked into most honorable battle with the niche-popular Scion xB, we'll soon see which crossover micro box toaster thing wins. Check back early next week for our live coverage of the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

Kia Soul'ster Concept: A Korean Geo Tracker

Kia's Soul'ster concept for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show has unofficially officially leaked out ahead of schedule and it's exactly what we said it would be — a two-door, four-seat Geo Tracker from Korea.

The Kia Soul'ster Concept is based on the new 2009 Kia Soul and features a small rear cargo bed in place of the two rear doors and rear hatch of the production model. The Soul'ster concept delightfully reminds of us the days of Geo Trackers and Suzuki Samurais, but in a much funkier package. Typical of concepts, the production car's standard lighting package has been replaced with much nicer LED units and the ride height has been dramatically altered. Dubbed an urban lifestyle vehicle, the two-door Kia Soul'ster could eventually make it to production given the right amount of positive feedback.

[via automarket.ro]

Kia partners with Lotus for suspension tuning

(Credit: Kia Motors)

If there's one thing that Lotus Cars does well, it is building fantastically balanced cars. What many don't realize is that Lotus also works behind the scenes for many larger automakers (Chrysler, GM, Toyota, and Ford, to name a few) designing and tuning some of ...

2010 Jaguar XF S Diesel Better, Faster, Gets 35 MPG [2010 Jaguar XF S]

Our spoiled European brethern will soon be able to get the slinky Jaguar XF four-door coupe in diesel trim with 440 lb-ft of torque, quicker-than-V8 performance and 35 MPG US.

In theory, the 2010 Jaguar XF S was fitted with a diesel V6 in order to help raise the brand's eco cred and lower their C02 emissions. In reality, the XF S gets enough torque to push the luxury saloon to the 60 MPH mark in less than six seconds, faster than the normally aspirated V8 version and less than a second slower than the supercharged V8.

The new 3.0-Liter twin-tubro AJ-V6D engine offers a 16% increase in power and 15% increase in torque, helping to lower the 0-60 MPH time by nearly two seconds and stretching the top speed to the 155 MPH electronically limited level while at the same time increasing mileage by 12% over the smaller engine. Me-ow. Of course, you can't get one here.

Full details, if you can stand it, in the press release below.

THE NEW JAGUAR XF DIESEL S
"The new XF V6 Diesel S – combining superb performance and excellent fuel economy – sets the pace with acceleration from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds, a maximum speed of 155mph, yet delivers an average fuel consumption of 42mpg and CO2 emissions of 179g/km: Truly the best of both worlds!"
Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

THE NEW XF DIESEL S – In Brief

* The most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar diesel ever
* New 275PS high-performance XF Diesel S featuring Jaguar's new AJ-V6D Gen III S 3.0-litre diesel engine delivering a massive 600Nm of torque
* 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds, 50-70mph in just 3.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 155mph, yet combined fuel economy of 42.0mpg – 12 percent better than the acclaimed 2.7-litre V6 diesel engine
* Emits just 179g/km – a 10 percent reduction in CO2. Conforms to EU5 emission regulations using conventional exhaust after-treatment
* 33 percent more powerful and 61 percent more torque from 1500rpm than the 2.7-litre V6 diesel

"With CO2 emissions of 179g/km, 42mpg average fuel economy and 0-60mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds, this is another great example of Jaguar delivering unrivalled performance while at the same time taking the level of refinement in diesel engines to a whole new level."
Mick Mohan, Jaguar Programmes Director

When it was introduced last year, the XF was recognised 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 XF Diesel S 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 saloon.

Distinguished by 19 inch wheels, an aerodynamic boot lid spoiler and discreet 'S' badging, the car that defines Jaguar sporting luxury is even better for the 2010 model year, with a stunning new high-performance diesel. Powered by a 275PS engine, the Diesel S gives the XF outstanding levels of performance, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds, 1.8 seconds quicker than the excellent 2.7-litre model. In-gear acceleration is equally impressive, with a 50-70mph time of just 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

Featuring parallel sequential turbochargers to help deliver the high levels of power and torque seamlessly and with effortless flexibility, this engine is perfectly matched to Jaguar's sophisticated six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission.

"The new parallel sequential turbocharger system on our new V6 diesel delivers V8 levels of performance from very low revs. It's a power unit that offers superb flexibility and remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions, while building on the refinement that has become a trademark of our Jaguar diesel engines."
Ron Lee, Group Chief Engineer, Powertrain

There is an equally impressive 240PS version of the new 3.0-litre engine available too, which produces 16 percent more power and a 15 percent increase in torque over the 2.7-litre diesel, allowing the XF to reach 60mph in 6.7 seconds. Its 50-70mph time of just 3.7 seconds is only fractionally slower than the 275PS Diesel S model. Maximum speed is 149mph. And like the 275PS engine, these great performance leaps are achieved with combined average fuel consumption of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the 2.7-litre diesel of over 10 percent – and a CO2 emissions rating of only 179g/km.

There are also significant trim and specification changes – including many new features – and the introduction of a new luxurious Portfolio derivative as part of the core range. For Jaguar and the new 2010 model year XF, the high-performance diesel has truly arrived.

The acclaimed XF 2.7 Diesel has won several accolades, including in the UK What Car magazine's 'Diesel Car of the Year' and 'Car of the Year', What Diesel magazine's 'Diesel Car of the Year' and the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers' Best Diesel of 2008.

The new AJ-V6D Gen III engine – In detail

Drawing on the experience gained in designing the original, acclaimed 2.7-litre engine, the new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesels demonstrate that it is possible to deliver improved performance, while reducing CO2 emissions and fuel economy. In the XF, the new engine produces 10 percent less CO2 than the 2.7-litre, while power has increased by 33 percent in Diesel S guise. As well as tackling CO2, the new 3.0-litre engines meet the forthcoming EU5 regulations, due to come into force at the start of 2011. And these great performance leaps are achieved with combined average fuel consumption in both models of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the 2.7-litre engine of 12 percent.

Twin-turbos – maximum efficiency, instant response

A key feature of the new engine is the unique, parallel sequential turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. Delivering high torque throughout the entire engine rev range, improved throttle response and low CO2 emissions, the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to deliver unrivalled response and best-in-class torque – an impressive 61 percent more than the 2.7-litre diesel from 1500rpm – while packing a huge punch at higher engine speeds.

For most day-to-day driving, including motorway cruising, a responsive, variable-geometry primary turbocharger does all the work, while the smaller, fixed-geometry, secondary turbo is dormant, saving energy and improving efficiency. When the engine revs climb above 2800rpm, the secondary turbo is brought on line within 300 milliseconds, smoothly and seamlessly boosting the engine output with no discernible turbo-lag or power-step.

Driving a turbocharger requires pressure from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. To alleviate this, valves under the control of the engine management system isolate the secondary turbocharger both from the exhaust stream and the engine inlet tract when it is not required.

Some twin-turbo systems rely on a smaller turbo for primary use, only using a larger turbo when higher power is required. Though effective, this has the disadvantage of raised exhaust pressure and increased pumping losses. The Jaguar system uses a larger, variable-geometry turbocharger more of the time, which not only reduces pumping losses, but also improves fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Jaguar engineers particularly focussed on the issue of turbocharger 'lag' at low engine speeds. The new AJ-V6D Gen III 3.0-litre diesels significantly out-perform their rivals by delivering 500Nm of torque in only 500 milliseconds from idle.

Third-generation commonrail

A new commonrail fuel-injection system delivers up to five injections on each cycle at a pressure of 2000bar. Each injector tip is perforated by seven holes through which finely atomised fuel is sprayed into the cylinders. The high-pressure injection increases power, improves economy and reduces both CO2 and particulate emissions. New, third-generation high-speed piezo injectors allow up to five precise injection events during each combustion cycle, minimising engine combustion noise.

Piezo crystal 'packs' operate each injector by expanding when an electric current is passed through them. They react virtually instantaneously but can make a distinctive click when fired, which can add to diesel engine noise at idle. The crystals in Jaguar's new injectors are fitted nearer the tip, meaning they are mounted deeper inside the engine providing better sound insulation and quieter operation.

Another new feature of the third-generation fuel-injection system is the metering mode. Traditional diesel commonrail fuel pumps oversupply the injectors, with the surplus being returned to the fuel tank. During this process, fuel temperature increases and cooling it again consumes considerable amounts of energy. In metering mode, the pump delivers fuel to the injectors only at the rate required. Consequentially, there is no rise in fuel temperature and no wasted energy.

Compact, light and clean

The two cylinder heads, with four valves per cylinder, are made from aluminium and the cylinder block is made from compact graphite iron (CGI). The higher tensile strength of CGI makes it possible to cast a smaller block; some 80mm shorter than a conventional 'grey' cast iron equivalent.

The new, water-cooled, exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR), important for reducing pumping losses and emissions of NOx in a diesel engine, is more efficient and consumes less power than the 2.7-litre unit. The valves that allow exhaust gas into the system are located on the 'hot side' of the engine nearest the exhaust manifolds; these valves never cool while the engine is running, so there is no condensation of combustion deposits which occurs on engines fitted with 'cold side' valves, hence the EGR system always works at maximum efficiency. Since the EGR cooling is so effective, exhaust gasses can bypass the system and return to the exhaust pipes, allowing faster engine warm-up from start-up and reducing emissions still further.

EU5 emissions regulations have been achieved ahead of the 2011 legislative timetable using conventional diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). NOx levels are reduced at source through the combustion system design, the addition of the new commonrail injection system and the new EGR system with by-pass. As a result, specialised NOx exhaust after-treatment is unnecessary, avoiding a potential cost and the need to use additional precious metals in the exhaust system.

Remarkably quiet for a diesel

The CGI cylinder block and new piezo injectors reduce combustion noise in the engine. Multiple, precise injections of fuel on the combustion stroke also reduce combustion noise and all engine covers including camshaft covers, front covers and the sump have been optimised to subdue radiated noise. Engine enclosures have been ribbed to minimise radiated noise and the sump pan is manufactured from sound deadening steel (SDS), comprising a polymer layer sandwiched between two layers of steel.

Internal friction, a major contributor to unnecessary fuel consumption, has been addressed by careful optimisation of the crankshaft, valves and pistons. All these features combine to make the new Jaguar AJ-V6D Gen III engines amongst the quietest premium diesels on the market.

A major step forward

With its parallel sequential turbocharger system, third-generation commonrail fuel injection system and fully optimised EGR system, the new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesel sets new class standards when it comes to power, response and refinement in the premium diesel segment.

"The new XF challenges the rules and redefines Jaguar sporting luxury. Our designers and engineers have worked together to develop elegant, inspired solutions to complex technical challenges. It's a simple but very effective philosophy and the result is great new products like the new 3.0-litre diesel XF."
Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

[Source: Jaguar]

2010 Jaguar XK Spied Prowling English Countryside [Spy Photos]

As far as facelifts go, we’d say the 2010 Jaguar XK is more Demi Moore than Joan Rivers, but its what’s inside that really piques our interest: the new XK gets a rotary drive selector.

Externally, the big news for this facelift is the new “eyebrow” that sit between the awkward old headlights and the new vertical chrome intakes. We’re not sure if those intakes are for brake coolers, the radiator or just dummy vents designed to freshen up the XK’s look.

Inside, things are largely unchanged with the exception of a Jaguar XF-style rotary drive selector. That feature has proven slightly controversial in the XK’s little brother with some people thinking it’s neat, others gimmicky, while hot climate dwellers report the aluminum makes gear selection nearly impossible after parking in the sun. Ye olde CAR magazine, which took these pictures, also reports that there’s a new multimedia system that’s the dog’s bollocks.

Underneath the hood, CAR says to expect a 400 HP, 5.0-liter V8 developing 400 HP (bringing it close to the Jaguar XKR's 420 HP figure), while the 2010 Jaguar XKR will add a supercharger for 500 HP. There'll also be a diesel version of the XK with a 271 HP, 443 Lb-Ft twin-turbo V6.

Expect to see more of the XK, XKR and XFR at next week’s Detroit Auto Show. [via CAR]

2010 Jaguar XFR: A Powerful Pussycat

The 2010 Jaguar XFR will officially debut at the Detroit Auto Show, but the loose lips at 4WheelsNews have leaked the photos and details of the 510 HP supercharged pussycat.

The 2010 Jaguar XFR, the sporty iteration of the sleek Jaguar XF sedan, will be getting a significant boost in both the power and visual prowess departments. According to the source, the power boost comes from a supercharged 5.0-Liter V8 capable of 510 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque. This represents enough juice to propel the car's passengers to 60 MPH from a cold start in just 4.7 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 155 MPH.

The aesthetic boost comes from a new front bumper, an angry-looking hood complete with scoops and vents, a new four-pipe exhaust integrated into the rear bumper, revised sills and a dash of chrome. On the inside, the sporty jag gets a mix of R-themed trim upgrades and new sport buckets designed to keep drivers and friends in place. There's no information on price as of yet, but we think it's the wrong question to ask.

[4wheelsnews]

Detroit Preview: Jaguar XFR arrives early

Thanks to an embargo break by 4WheelsNews, we can show you the first official image of the 2010 Jaguar XFR and reveal some juicy info on the British brand's new top cat. Set to go head-to-head with the big dogs in the high-performance luxury sedan segment, the XFR draws its motive force from a new version of Jaguar's AJV8 that's larger at 5.0 liters of displacement and supercharged to produce 510 bhp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That's good for a 0-60 mph run of just 4.7 seconds and a electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The XFR is also fitted with new 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels and larger brakes with calipers bearing the "R" logo.
The XFR also features a number of exterior tweaks that emphasize its sporting intentions, including a new front end with a new bumper design incorporating large, chrome trimmed air inlets on either side, hood vents, new fenders, side sills, a decklid spoiler, and new rear bumper that wraps around four exhaust pipes.
The interior is also gussied up with new dark aluminum trim, sports seats bearing the "R" logo and a sport steering wheel. Finally, the new range-topping XF can be had in eight colors: Botanical Green, Indigo, Kyanite Blue, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Porcelain and Salsa. We'll be back with more news on the XFR when we're allowed, so for now this all you get.
UPDATE: More images have begun to leak out, so check out the gallery below for addition high-res photos of the 2010 Jaguar XFR.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XFR

Detroit 2009: Jaguar unleashes 2010 XKR, this kitty has claws

Performance and efficiency. These are the two cardinal attributes that all car designers are aiming for these days, and Jaguar is no different. For the last few years, the automaker's latest XK has relied heavily on its riveted and bonded aluminum-intensive architecture to achieve low weight, which is the first necessity for sporting credentials. For 2010, Jaguar is taking that successful formula and adding lots more power via an enlarged version of its AJ V8 engine. Direct injection, variable valve timing and a variable-geometry intake manifold all conspire to increase power to 510 hp while also having the desirable effect of improving fuel efficiency. Of course, an impressive engine is only a small part of the overall desirability of a new car, and Jaguar claims to have given its XK line, available in both a Portfolio model and uplevel R-model for the 2010 model year, a thorough freshening. So, what are they on about? Plenty, it seems. Keep reading.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XKR

Official: 2010 Jaguar XK-R

Yesterday circulating photos of the new Jaguar XFR on various web sites, while still under control. We now also have information and a huge load photos of the 2010 model of the Jaguar XKR.

It was natural to expect that the new brutal Supercharged 5.0-liter V8 block a spot under the hood of the XKR could get. With the news of the XFR still fresh in memory, we know that this block is 510pk and 625 Nm of torque. The XKR is one tenth second faster than the XFR and put the needle in 4.8 seconds in the 100 km / h.

The former interior and are refreshed and brought back to the time. His subtle smoeltje is lifted entirely by the fashion that the XKR now LED lamps and LED lamps. The XKR is available as a 2 +2 coupe or convertible is on 18, 19 or 20 inch rims. Of course, the interior was not beaten.

First Hyundai Genesis Coupe Crash Caught In Korea [2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe]

The last thing any automaker could want leading up to the launch of an exciting new model is images of the car wrecked against a concrete post. Unfortunately for Hyundai, this 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe was caught making its first entry into the destruction derby of automotive life in Korea. According to a translated version of the Korean website Luckyworld, the car was wearing a temporary plate when it smashed into the concrete barrier around a street light, leaving both passenger and driver in critical condition. Since we don't really know the circumstances of the crash, we're not willing to rule out this being not a temp plate, but a manufacturers plate, meaning the car could have been a non-salable tester. Which is why we're willing to overlook for the moment a lack of airbag deployment.
[Luckyworld via Carscoop]

Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode Concept Green-Lit For Production And America

Hyundai debuted their efficient Hyundai HED-5 "i-Mode" concept today at the LA Auto Show, a clear sign the Korean automaker is hoping to get in on the green trend in time for gas prices to shoot up again. The HED-5 has been green-lit for American distribution at an uncertain future date. When it does arrive it will feature Hyundai's lightweight 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine. The 2.0T Theta, similar to the Theta engine found in the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe, will be capable of 286 HP with highway mileage in excess of 30 miles-per-gallon. This new crossover was highly influenced by the Hyundai I-Blue concept, which debuted earlier this year. Details from Hyundai in the press release below.

OTHER ASPECTS OF HYUNDAI BLUE DRIVE – WEIGHT EFFICIENCY, TURBO GDI, OPTIMIZED BLUE MODELS, AND FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES

HED-5 i-Mode Concept Vehicle
At the Geneva International Motor Show, Hyundai introduced the revolutionary HED-5 “i-Mode” concept car. Today, Hyundai Motor America is announcing that a production version of this compact, spacious, weight-efficient four-cylinder crossover has been green lighted for the U.S., with timing to be announced at a later date.
Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection Technology
The HED-5 concept was shown with an advanced 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine capable of developing as much as 286 horsepower, and delivering more than 30 highway miles per gallon. This engine will appear in various Hyundai models in the future.
By injecting the fuel directly inside the cylinder in a small, precise amount, combustion is improved resulting in higher fuel efficiency and lower exhaust emissions. The performance and response of the engine also improves thanks to intake charge cooling. When direct injection is combined with turbo charging, customers enjoy even better performance and fewer trips to the gas station. Four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline direction injection engines can be 15 – 20 percent more fuel efficient than V6 engines without compromising performance.

Hyundai Accent Takes Back Title Of Cheapest Car In America At $9,970

Nissan made some waves last month when they announced the Nissan Versa 1.6S, a car that would cost only $9,990 and snagged the unofficial title of "cheapest car in America" from Hyundai. The Korean automaker has struck back by dropping the price of their Hyundai Accent GS 3-door from $11,070 to $9,970, besting the Versa by an Andrew Jackson. That money will get you the same 1.6-liter, 110-horsepower engine and five-speed manual transmission found in the regular version. You'll also still get no radio, no air-conditioning and steel wheels. What's the catch? All the other prices remain the same, meaning that if you want a 3-door with an automatic you'll pay a whopping $2,100 premium for the pleasure of having the car choose the gears for you. If you want air-conditioning prepare to pay another $1,600. Full details in the press release below.

Hyundai Accent Retains Crown as America's Least Expensive Car

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov 25, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The country's most dependable sub-compact car is also its most affordable.
The high-mileage 2009 Hyundai Accent has a starting price of $9,970, making it the least expensive new car on the market. But it's also the "Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car" available (as determined by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study(SM)) and one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today — a trifecta that no other car can match.

"Accent is the perfect vehicle for a customer looking for the ideal mix of price, dependability and fuel economy," said Mark Dipko, Small Car product manager. "And as a brand known the world over for its value, we feel it is important to retain our crown as the most affordable new car available."

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai announced even more good news for the Accent, revealing that next year a special high-mileage "Blue" edition will be available that offers even higher levels of fuel economy without adding to the price. Accent "Blue" will feature fuel-efficient modifications to reduce engine friction and rolling resistance, enhance aerodynamics, optimize gearing and revise engine calibrations for maximum efficiency, all adding up to higher fuel mileage and lower emissions than today's model.

The 2009 Accent GS retains the same content as last year's model and has not been reduced to achieve America's best price point. Accent GS offers a 1.6-litre, 110-horsepower engine, power steering, advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, front variable intermittent wipers, 60/40 split fold-down seatback, six-way adjustable driver seat, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions and rear spoiler.

Pricing for all other Accent models remains unchanged, delivering outstanding value throughout the lineup. In addition to the $9,970 Accent GS 3-door with manual transmission, the Accent three-door with automatic transmission starts at $12,070; Accent GLS 4-door with manual transmission starts at $12,920; and the sport-tuned and comprehensively equipped Accent SE 3-door with manual transmission starts at $15,070. Freight charges for Accent are $695.

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
Hyundai Accent received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among sub-compact cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM). Study based on responses from over 52,000 original owners of 2005 model-year vehicles, measuring more than 250 models. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in January to April 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Honda NSX Mugen RR makes Tokyo Auto Saloon appearance

This year’s Tokyo Auto Salon saw a string of modified Nissan GT-Rs grab all the attention, not to mention the king of them all, the all-new GT-R SpecV, however, Honda still had one very special concept sitting on its stands at the show. The concept is the NSX Mugen RR, a race-inspired version of the supercar modified by Honda’s in-house tuner, Mugen. It measures in at 4.52m in length, 1.95m in width, and just 1.32m high, but beneath its mix of metal and carbon-fiber panels is an empty engine bay.
Honda NSX Mugen RR supercar concept

Honda NSX Mugen RR supercar concept

2010 Honda Insight Hybrid Official Detail