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A sign of its commitment in China, Buick chose the 2008 Beijing Auto Show to unveil its Invicta concept car. This mid-sized sedan reveals the design direction for Buick’s next-generation vehicles for the United States and China, and the Invicta is expected to replace the LaCrosse later this year. The Invicta styling evolved from the well-received 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe concepts, and it was designed collaboratively by GM centers in Warren, Michigan, and Shanghai, China. The name harks back to 1959, when it was first introduced in North America on a production vehicle. Invicta is Latin for “invincible.” The sleek exterior has a coupe-like profile in vogue with premium models, like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, accented with crisp lines and chrome highlights. The sheetmetal wraps tautly around the wheel arches stuffed with 20-inch wheels giving it a muscular, modern appearance. This is heightened by short overhangs and a sense of motion evoked by the wrap-around headlamps and aggressively raked windshield. The reborn Buick-signature portholes are placed on the hood, rather than on the fenders. Beneath the relatively flat hood is a turbocharged 250-horsepower four-cylinder...
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At the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, Audi took the wraps off the latest SUV to join its swelling ranks, the Q5. Slotting below the three-row Q7 in the range, the Q5 enters the luxury crossover vehicle market for 2009, boasting two inches in length and width over the popular BMW X3. It will be offered in the United States with a 3.2L, 265-hp V-6 FSI direct injection with all-wheel drive and a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The exterior design has a premium yet friendly feel that reminds of the Volkswagen Tiguan, wrapped in Q7 elegance, and finished by the distinct brand-signature trapezoidal grille. Bi-xenon headlamps are available, and LED taillights are standard. Audi brags about the 0.33 drag coefficient—low for an SUV. Thankfully, it appears the Q5 has bucked the recent trend for short side glass and large C-pillars conspiring to reduce outward visibility. The interior balances luxury with versatility. The cabin materials count aluminum, woods, chrome, leather, and Alcantara, as well as a large selection of optional design packages. The instrument cluster has a display screen, and there is large, central monitor. A navigation system with real-time traffic ability is available. The infotainment...
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Mopar and the Mopar Underground team showcased their customized Jeeps and Dodge trucks project vehicles last month at Moab Jeep Safari 2008. Since 2002, the Mopar Underground design team has been customizing production vehicles, often to be shown at the massive Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) show in Las Vegas—where the industry’s greatest project cars often first see light. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler was named one of the most accessory-friendly vehicles by SEMA members. To anyone who has hit a trail before, this should come as no great surprise. At this recent event, the factory-backed project trucks broke out from the typical convention center confines and stormed the craggy Moab terrain, proving the modifications truly enhance these models off road. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Developed by Mopar Underground, this Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (shown above) features a 3.0-liter CRD diesel engine under the hood that pushes 230 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. There are Tru-Lok-equipped Dana 44 axles underneath. A suspension lift allows clearance for 35-inch BFG Mud Terrain tires mounted on custom 18-inch aluminum wheels. The exterior features a Warn 9.5ti winch mounted...
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One exciting effect of automotive design and concept vehicles is the chance for carmakers to completely reinvent themselves—especially good for those known mostly for building the most basic of transportation. Sure, we’d all love to own and drive an exotic at whim, but reality is that most of us need wheels of a more practical sway. Loyalists know and love Kia for their low-dollar, high-mileage vehicles. Now its crimson Kia KOUP concept recently revealed at the 2008 New York Auto Show gives us some food for thought: Can we have a sexy, curvaceous coupe with close to 300 horses and still afford the rest of our lives? Seems Kia may just think so. According to the company, the KOUP is pretty much production ready and, while they haven’t made any price-point promises, the obvious guess is that it’ll be affordable for most (you Trumps of the world aren’t “most”). Tom Kearns, design chief for Kia Motors America, says: “The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and … a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers.” So, will a production KOUP stay true to the concept version? Let’s hope. The styling is definitely different for...
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Known by car enthusiasts for its Mustang transformations and excessively gilled S7 supercar, Saleen has pulled the cover its latest potential high-performance model, the S5S Raptor. At the New York International Auto Show, Saleen revealed its brilliant, sharp-edged S5S Raptor, along with its Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang (more on that in the near future), and cover-car status with Rockstar’s latest Midnight Club video game. The S5S Raptor is the first ground-up vehicle to be conceived by the new Saleen management team. “The Raptor is just a glimpse of things to come from Saleen,” says Chief Technical Officer Chris Theodore. “Our company is unique in that we have the experience and knowledge behind some of the most exciting performance vehicles built over the past 20 years. Beyond the S7 Supercar, our team members have been involved in the Viper, Prowler, Ford GT, and the products of Chrysler SRT and Ford’s SVT performance groups. These ‘lessons learned’ are evident in the Raptor concept and we will continue to build upon them as the company evolves.” The Raptor is a two seat mid-engine super car that competes in size and style with core offerings from the most notable of Italian...
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Scion proved its hip to be square with its original xB, being affordable, frugal, and urban chic. Nissan has been watching the success of that enthusiast-rallying box from afar, while offering its own successful take in Japan, the Cube. Over the past few years, the Cube has made token appearances at international auto shows with side comments made by officials about consideration for the United States. Well, that trend has extended now to New York, with the announcement that we can expect the next-generation Cube to reach our shores. The Denki Cube concept on display at the NY auto show gives Americans a close look at an asymmetrical design that looks like it popped right out of an iMac computer. The word “Denki” is Japanese for “electric,” hinting at the electric powertrain demonstrated in this show model. To spark conversation about its future alternative-vehicle strategy, Nissan replaced the Cube’s standard 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility...
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Looking for the next big thing, Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe concept at the New York International Auto Show last week. Taking its name from the Japanese word for box, the Hako recasts the xB with a blend of Japanese aesthetic and vintage American car design. It seems that just as American youths covet all things JDM (Japanese domestic market), a rising trend in the East is to emulate classic American cars. Put it all in a blender, flick on a CAD workstation, and out comes the Hako. From the side, the chopped top and long hood the Hako looks like it escaped central casting for “Japanese Graffitti.” For now, the Hako is all about the appearance and seeking consumer feedback on whether the brand pursue a model in this direction. Presumably, it would be developed off the xB platform, sharing the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Inside, the Hako makes interesting use of video monitors, with two on the front passenger dash for mobile entertainment controlled with a large roller ball. Screens located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project images from cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars for viewing, saving, and editing. Think of it as a replay mode for a road trip...
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At the New York International Auto Show, Dodge unveiled the Challenger R/T and Challenger V6, filling out the line-up started with the SRT8 shown last month in Chicago . All three variants look remarkably faithful to the 1970 original, with a little extra heft around the bumpers for essential crash protection. Indeed, the Challenger is a muscle-car enthusiast’s fantasy come to life, with the heritage and silhouette that has filled decades of dreams, concours events, and Barrett-Jackson auctions. Mopar enthusiasts will be able to recapture the glory of the good ol’ days with truly modern performance, reliability, and safety. Dodge expects the R/T to be the volume model, with its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Although the name is familiar, the engine is enhanced over that found in the current Charger R/T, climbing in horsepower and yet also gaining five percent in fuel economy. With the five-speed automatic transmission, the 5.7L produces 370 horsepower. Go for the six-speed manual and you could boast 375 horsepower with 404 lb.-ft. of torque. In either configuration, Dodge promises the coupe can run 0-60 mph in under six seconds. (For those keeping score, the official word on the 425-hp SRT8 is...
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Honda unveiled the all-new 2009 Honda Fit at the New York International Auto Show, revealing a model that has evolved from the first-generation car without changing the successful formula. During the press days, Honda remained tight-lipped on technical details, especially for a car that is already on sale in overseas markets. What we do know is that the ’09 Fit is incrementally longer and wider than the outgoing model, with the base of the windshield moved five inches forward—increasing the interior space. This change allows for larger glass sail panels in the forked base of the A-pillars, enhancing visibility. Less obvious changes include a focus on improved structure for occupant safety, adapting the much-touted Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design approach. The fancy acronym boils down to a dedicated, computer-engineered structure that addresses common collision parameters and smartly controls forces to best protect passengers. Good stuff. In addition, the Fit includes active head restraints, side and side-curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is available. Comfort is improved by addressing driver leg room and offering a tilt/telescope steering...
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Automakers use car shows for several key purposes: Create excitement for the brand with both future production models and sheetmetal-rendered hyperbole. Stimulate shareholder interest, as a good promise can often temper a painful reality. Introduce a future design language, preparing the world for a new look or product that could bring a dramatic change to the portfolio. Appease the dealers who demand a steady flow of new, interesting products and enthused consumers drawn to the brand virtues. Feel out public, media, and investor interest in a new model, technology, or design direction. This last reason always seems the most exciting, when true, as it provides a unique opportunity for consumers to give feedback to an automaker and influence a future product, as Honda is doing with the CR-Z concept . The latest example is with the 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck to be shown this week at the New York International Auto Show . At this point, Pontiac has made the decision to build the car. That much is locked in stone. What the GM division seeks now is to excite the public and get some quality name suggestions. (Learn more about the car name game from CNN.) That’s where you come in. Consumers...
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The 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe has made a splash online ahead of its official Wednesday unveiling, with sites like AutoBlog , AutoWeek , and Motor Trend posting press photos early. Hyundai remains tight-lipped on mechanical details, pending its scheduled press conference at the New York auto show. Having seen the Concept Genesis Coupe at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, we can say it is has a commanding presence and looks primed for aftermarket enhancement. Further, this sleek muscle car rides on a rear-drive platform shared with the upcoming luxury sedan of the same name. The Coupe will boast more than 300 horsepower from a 3.8-liter V-6 engine. It will likely be backed by an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, with manual-shift ability. The sedan has an independent, five-link front and rear suspension, suggesting the two-model may have the same configuration. In Hyundai’s words: “When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market.” Just when the American muscle car is seeing a resurgence, there is an Asian alternative. Should be interesting. Stay tuned, we’ll post full details once available. Research Hyundai...
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As the automotive world counts down to the New York auto show this week, Pontiac has released a preview of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP muscle sedan. Marking a significant gain in performance, the GXP produces Corvette-grade 402 horsepower from an 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. Preliminary performance figures from Pontiac show the GXP is capable of running 0-60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, continuing through the quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds at 108 mph. The secret to the prodigious power output? This engine features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; unique camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; and high-flow fuel injectors. The LS3 engine has an aluminum cylinder block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Larger bores help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement. The block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads to enhance its strength and improve bay-to-bay breathing. New pistons were designed for high-rpm performance. New, high-flow cylinder heads aid engine breathing and are based on the large port and valve design found on the LS7 engine and...
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At the upcoming 2008 New York International Auto Show , Mercedes-Benz will showcase its growing range of SUVs and three-row people movers. Freshened styling on the M-Class may stand out in pictures, but it is what’s under the hood that makes the 2009 M-, G-, and R-Class models worth a closer look. We all knew it was coming, but the clean-diesel BlueTec engine arrives in the Big Apple ready to meet 50-state emissions limits, thanks to a new AdBlue exhaust treatment system. The BlueTec engine promises 20-30 percent better fuel economy than equivalent gasoline engines, surprisingly good performance, and low exhaust emissions. With the added fuel economy, the BlueTec equipped models have up to 600 miles cruising range. The BlueTec diesels use an NOx storage catalytic converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. The AdBlue tank needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals. At a time when consumers are...
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At the North American International Auto Show, aka Detroit auto show , Honda displayed a hybrid concept vehicle whose appearance and name instantly conjured fond memories of the sporty, second-generation CRX. It feels like the right model, at the right time – an affordable, hybrid coupe radiating personality. Thus far, Honda has been mum on technical details, but it is presumed to have an evolution of the Civic Hybrid’s powertrain. Placed in a smaller, lighter-weight car, this mild powertrain would have more verve than in the staid sedan, though the sports character would likely come from its handling acumen. In theory, such concepts are shown at major auto shows to gauge attendee reaction and prepare the public for a production model. However, there isn’t always a means to give direct feedback. In this case, Honda has posted a survey on its consumer site. ( CR-Z survey .) It also has a special section for previewing other concepts and future models, including the redesign Fit schedule to debut next week. We’ll have the scoop here once the cover is pulled back in New York. For now, what do you think of the CR-Z? Fill out the survey, and share your comments below. See our highlights...
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For a company known for not displaying concept vehicles , Saab has been quite prolific the past couple years showing a variety of hatchback and SUV models that reveal future design language and powertrain technology. The latest example, the 9-X BioHybrid, was unveiled last week at the Geneva Motor Show. Building on design themes seen in the Aero X and earlier 9X, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept again tests the waters for a small three-door, while showcasing a high-tech, green powertrain that was wide, cross-brand applications. “This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe Anthony Lo, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. The 9-X BioHybrid uses active aerodynamics to reduce both drag and fuel consumption at cruising speeds. Above 43 mph, the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper. More significantly, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 1.4-liter/200-horsepower BioPower turbo...
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