Saab Aero-X is a concept car by Saab unveiled at the 2006 Salon International de l'Auto. It is powered by a 2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6 running on pure ethanol that produces 300 kW (400 hp). 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is predicted to be 4.9 s and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). It has a 7-speed manual transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel. Like the Saab Turbo X, the Aero-X has four wheel drive. The doors and windscreen are connected, so instead of using conventional doors or even gullwing doors, it uses a cockpit canopy where the entire top section of the car is opened. This offered the Aero X's driver full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. The body is made of carbon fiber. The suspension is electronically controlled. Even though it is a compact two-seat sports car, it has reasonable storage, as the rear features two storage facilities, with a conventional hatchback and sliding drawer underneath. The interior offers "clean Scandinavian interior design". The car has no ordinary dials and buttons; instead, data is displayed on acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3D images. All interior and exterior lights utilize LEDs. Although only a concept car, it has been well received, with many fans calling for its production. Victor Muller has responded on the SaabsUnited.com website, saying that it is not a priority for the company right now. "This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," said Bryan Nesbitt, the Executive Director of GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values." "This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the Saab brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab." Elements of the cars frontal design have emerged in later Saab models, notably the design refresh of the Saab 9-3 Sports Sedan, the second generation Saab 9-5 and the upcoming Saab 9-4X. The Aero-X was rumored to make its cinematic début in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, with fans speculating that it may be used for the Autobot Wheeljack. However, it was not used.
The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel drive station wagon, now crossover, manufactured since 1997 by Fuji Heavy Industries. Available in Japan from 1997, in the United States from 1998, the Forester shared its platform with the Impreza up to the third generation and now features a hybrid platform of the Japanese Impreza wagon and the rear platform of the U.S.-spec Impreza sedan. The Forester was designed and built with four-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment. Currently, the Forester is a station wagon version of Impreza, which the wagon version is dropped and replaced with the 5-door crossover hatchback.The Forester was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show November 1995 as the "Sutoriga" (Stalker) concept, and made available for sale February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1998 using the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5 liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Outback, making 165 hp (123 kW) at 5600 rpm and 162 lb·ft (220 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm. In Japan, the Forester replaced the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express, known in the USA as the Subaru Outback Sport. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The name "forester" is meant to imply the vehicle is "of the forest". Due to the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for Passenger Vehicles, and does not require a risk of rollover warning label on the driver's visor. Size and price wise it fits between the shared Impreza platform, and the larger Legacy.A second generation was introduced in 2003, based on the new Impreza platform, featuring several fine-tune improvements over the past model. The 2003 Forester features weight-saving refinements such as an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed front sub-frame. The most noticeable change was the offering of 2.5 L versions (normally aspirated and turbocharged) and in the U.S. the introduction of the turbo charged 2.5L model.The third generation Forester was styled by Subaru Chief Designer Mamoru Ishii. The dimensions derive from engineers using the basic body structure of the Japanese-spec Impreza wagon with the rear platform of the U.S.-spec Impreza sedan. The Forester's wheelbase has increased 3.5 inches (89 mm), with overall increases of 3.0 inches (76 mm) in length, 1.8 inches (46 mm) in width and 4.3 inches (110 mm) in height. Notably, the third generation Forester forgoes the frameless side windows used on Subarus since the early 1970s. The third generation embraces the car based SUV, and leaves behind the older wagon design; it's larger in nearly every dimension, taller, and features a sloping roof line with more cargo space.For 2011, the Subaru Forester gets a new grill, and the XT receives a new exclusive rear spoiler. The naturally aspirated Foresters adone a new DOHC 2.5l FB25 and 2.0l flat four FB20.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo (known internally as the type 955) is a three door sporty supermini officially introduced on June 19, 2008, at Castello Sforzesco in Milan, with an international introduction at the British Motor Show in 2008. The car was available in all Alfa's major markets in stages from July. The three-door hatchback is front-wheel drive and will be sold to compete with the MINI and the newer Audi A1. Designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the design is believed to be inspired by the 8C Competizione. The MiTo is built on Fiat Small platform used on Fiat Grande Punto, also employed by the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa D. The new car was provisionally named the "Junior". In 2007, a European competition was launched in which the public had a chance to name the car. The winner from each country could win an Alfa Romeo Spider or an Alfa Romeo mountain bike. The winning name was "Furiosa", which scored well in Italy, France, UK and Germany but not in Spain. However, on March 14, 2008, Alfa Romeo announced officially that the name would instead be 'MiTo', an abbreviation of the cities Milano (Milan) and Torino (Turin), because it was designed in the former and was to be assembled in the latter; the name is also a play on the Italian word "mito," meaning "myth" or "legend." The car has a new "Alfa DNA" system which allows the driver to choose between three different driving settings: Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather. This system controls the behavior of the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox. The MiTo also features LED tail lights and 250-litre (8.8 cu ft) of luggage space. The MiTo also features a Q2 electronic differential on the front wheels, which allows for faster and tighter cornering without loss of traction. The aggressiveness of the differential is linked to the DNA switch.
The GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerita), the sportiest version of the MiTo was unveiled in March 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a prototype. This version has 1.75 litre turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing both inlet and exhaust. The choice of engine size is very significant - the 1750 DOHC inline 4 engine was the largest engine available in Alfa Romeos for many years, and therefore an association certain to be prized by Alfisti. Therefore, this particular displacement is certain t o guarantee sales among enthusiasts. The maximum power is 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp).The MiTo GTA has top speed of 250 kilometres per hour (155 mph) and acceleration from zero to 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in 5 seconds. The weight of the GTA has been reduced by using carbon-fiber for the tailgate spoiler as well as roof and mirror fairings. Aluminium is also used to reduce the weight. The suspension is lowered by 20 millimetres (0.8 in) and the car has active rear suspension.In June 2008 former Alfa Romeo CEO Luca de Meo announced that an open-top MiTo Cabriolet would be added to the range in 2010.[The Quadrifoglio Verde (see Alfa Romeo in motorsport article for the history of this emblem) version of Mito was presented in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Quadrifoglio Verde (English: green four-leaf clover) has traditionally been the highest line of Alfa Romeo models. The QV version has the new 1.4 litre 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) Multiair engine and newly engineered suspension, steering and new six-speed C635 gearbox developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT). The new multiair technology allows fuel consumption of 6 litres per 100 kilometres (47 mpg-imp; 39 mpg-US) in EU combined driving and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.[In 2010 Alfa Romeo announced it would produce a limited 100 car series of Mitos to be distributed to Maserati dealerships in Europe. Maserati version MiTos feature same 125 kW (170 PS) engine as the Quadrifoglio Verde, new special leather interior with badging called Pelle Grau and exclusive blue paint Blu Oceano. Aluminium kickplates of the car bear words "Alfa Romeo for Maserati". The cars are to be used as courtesy cars for Maserati service customers very much like Ferrari version of Fiat 500.
A new transmission for the MiTo was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the six speed TCT is produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies in Verrone. Magneti Marelli delivers the control system which integrates BorgWarner's hydraulic actuation module into its own power and transmission control units. It can handle torque inputs of up to 350 N·m (260 lb·ft)In Geneva was also unveiled Blue&Me–TomTom, this new system integrates TomTom navigation to the Blue&Me infotelematic system. At launch the MiTo will feature low-displacement turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Also, a power limited 79 PS (58 kW; 78 hp) naturally aspirated engine variant is produced to meet the new Italian legislation for young people. MiTo got new electro-hydraulic valve control system Multiair engines from September 2009. MultiAir engines will increase power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), as well as a considerable reduction in consumption levels (up to 10%) and CO2 emissions (up to 10%), of particulates (up to 40%) and NOx (up to 60%). This new engine is available with 105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp) ,135 PS (99 kW; 133 bhp) and 170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp) power ratings. All multiair versions have start-stop system as standard. In October 2009 was unveiled a dual fuel MiTo version, this version can run with LPG (Liquefied petroleum gas) or petrol, with this engine MiTo has range of 1,200 kilometres (750 mi). The LPG version is made colloboration with Landi Renzo. In Summer 2010 came available Dual Dry Clutch Transmission called Alfa TCT. From model year 2011 the start-stop system came as standard to all versions. In the Frankurt Motor Show 2011 was introduced two new engines for MiTo the 0.9 L TwinAir straight-2 and new low emission 85 PS (63 kW) version of 1.3 JTD diesel engine.The MiTo was awarded with five star result in Euro NCAP crash test. It has seven airbags as standard. The MiTo got also a ‘good’ or green result from the first ever made Euro NCAP's rear impact test (whiplash).
The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan. All subsequent S4s since 1997 have been based on the Audi A4; and as the A4 has evolved from one generation to the next, so has the S4. A more powerful internal combustion engine, larger upgraded brakes, firmer suspension, larger roadwheels, and distinctive sheetmetal,[citation needed] styling clues and badging have always been amongst the many upgrades the S4 receives over its mainstream 100 and A4 siblings. In markets where the even higher-performance Audi RS4 is not offered, the S4 is the top-of-the-line trim of the A4 family. Like its regular A4 counterpart, all S4 variants have had longitudinally oriented, front-mounted engines. A single turbocharged 2.2 litre inline five-cylinder powered the original C4 version, and a 2.7 litre 'biturbo' V6 engine was found in the B5 generation. The B6 and B7 versions shared a common 4.2 litre V8 engine, the first time that a V8 engine was placed in a compact executive car, placing it in direct competition with the BMW M3 which at the time had a 3.2 L inline 6. The recently introduced B8 generation uses a supercharged 3.0 litre V6 TFSI engine and competes with the BMW 335i. All versions of the S4 have their transmission mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle, and like all Audi "S" cars, are only available as standard with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive (4WD) system, using a Torsen-based centre diff system. All versions of the S4 have been manufactured at Audi's plant in Ingolstadt, Germany; they are, or have been available as a four-door five-seat saloon and a five-door five-seat Avant (Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon) body styles since the model's inception in 1991. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet (convertible) S4 variant was introduced as part of the B6 and B7 generation A4 lineups. The B8 Cabriolet has now been built off the A5 coupe body style and the "S" variant is marketed under the Audi S5 nameplate.
Lancer Evo 8 vs Audi s4 vs Subaru Impreza sti
Factory production of the original Audi S4 (Typ 4A) began in August 1991 to serve as the performance version of the newly updated C4 platform 100 four-door, five-seat saloon. It was designed to replace the outgoing C3 based Audi 200 quattro turbo, which had been Audi's first true sports-saloon and had been discontinued at the end of 1990. Being the first S4 model from Audi, it is commonly referred to as the Ur-S4, derrived from the German: Ursprünglich augmentive word (meaning: original). Audi mildly updated the C4-based model line in 1994 and dropped the 100 nomenclature; all variants of the former Audi 100 line were now re-badged as the Audi A6. In line with the switch in model name, Audi temporarily discontinued the use of the S4 name and began selling an updated but fundamentally identical version of the car, based on the "new" A6 and badged as S6. Despite the change in name, differences between the outgoing S4 and incoming S6 were primarily cosmetic. A more powerful, more expensive and more exclusive variant known first as the S4 Plus and later as the S6 Plus was available from October 1992 through to July 1994.[3] Built in very small numbers, the "Plus" models featured numerous performance enhancing upgrades; including the use of Audi's 4.2 litre V8 engine in place of the then current inline-five engine. An all-new C5-based Audi A6 debuted for 1997, after which the S4 and S6 became distinctly separate models based on very different platforms. The C4 variant S4 ended factory production after less than three years in July 1994.
The Lexus CT 200h is a hybrid electric automobile introduced by Lexus and is an entry-level luxury hatchback. It made its debut at the March 2010 Geneva Auto Show, six months after the unveiling of the LF-Ch concept car; it is primarily targeted at the European market but will be sold worldwide and was introduced to North American markets at the April 2010 New York International Auto Show. The Lexus CT 200h uses a front MacPherson strut suspension and a rear double wishbone design. Lexus had previously trademarked the names CT 200h, CT 300h, and CT 400h. CT 200h production began at the end of December 2010 with European sales following shortly after. US sales began in March 2011. The CT 200h is powered by the same 1.8 litre VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine (Toyota's 2ZR-FXE) as used in the Auris and Prius, producing 73 kW and 142Nm of torque, paired with electric motor/generators in the hybrid drive system; together the engine and electric motors produce up to 100 kW and 207Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for the CT 200h is listed at 4.1 l/100 km in Australia. The CT 200h has several driving modes Normal, Sport, Eco and EV included on other hybrid drive vehicles. Sport mode modifies the throttle and electric power steering settings, while making the Stability control and traction control less intrusive, maximising the CT200h's performance. EV mode generates zero emissions at the vehicle by using only the vehicles electric motors to drive the vehicle. Safety features include vehicle stability control (VSC) and eight standard airbags with the options of a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control at extra cost. The chassis is based on the Toyota MC platform, which is the same platform used by the Corolla and the Matrix.
2011 Lexus CT200h Review
The little hybrid hatchback needs an attractive price if Lexus has any hope of selling 1,000 CTs each month in U.S. The rumoured base price of $29,120 would be enough to get a very good traffic in Lexus dealerships. This pricing data was leaked a day ahead of its planned arrival. Lets assume that these prices are accurate, the 2011 CT 200h will be the least expensive new Lexus sold in America. The base price for the IS series and HS 250h hybrid sedan is several thousand dollars higher. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in its 2011 Hybrid Scorecard ranked the Lexus CT200h, together with the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, as the top luxury hybrid models in the scorecard’s environmental improvement category, an achievement the UCS attributed to their relatively small gasoline engines, as both carmakers downsized these vehicles’ engines from six to four cylinders to maximize fuel economy. The UCS evaluation found that the Lexus CT200h reduces greenhouse emissions by 42.9% as compared to the Lexus IS 250, used as its gasoline-only similar for this comparison.
Standard features on the CT 200h include SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles, leather steering wheel, a six-speaker, audio system with a CD player, and Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod connectivity, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and dual zone automatic climate control. In Australia, the CT 200h is offered in "Prestige", "Luxury", "F Sport" and "Sport Luxury" specifications. The Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury variants add a reversing camera as standard, while the Sports Luxury gains active cruise control and the pre-collision safety system. F Sport models include all the features of the Sport Luxury model, plus sports bumpers, sports side skirts and a large rear spoiler. Interior features of the F Sport are an F Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel and privacy glass. At the 2011 Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne (25–27 March 2011), the Lexus CT200h was used in the Celebrity Challenge, a one-make, one-off series event held as part of the Grand Prix's weekend attractions. The event, supported by CAMS and sponsored by Lexus Australia, was promoted as the world's first race containing only petrol-electric vehicles. In the United Kingdom, Australian pop superstar Kylie Minogue was invited to be the spokesperson for the new CT200. She has recorded a TV advertisement and the press release of the car will feature Minogue. In the United Kingdom, the CT200 will be one of the sponsors of Minogue's latest concert tour, Aphrodite World Tour.The estimated US EPA fuel economy is 43 miles per US gallon (5.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg-imp) in the city and 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-imp) on the highway, while utilising regular 87-octane fuel. Canadian fuel consumption ratings are 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres (63 mpg-imp; 52 mpg-US) city, 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres (59 mpg-imp; 49 mpg-US) highway, and 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres (61 mpg-imp; 51 mpg-US) combined.
The Peugeot Expert is a van by the French carmaker Peugeot since 1995. It shares its body design with the Citroen Jumpy and the Fiat Scudo. The engines available throughout the model do differ. The first Expert was discontinued in 2004, for replacement with a facelift version. In 2007, Peugeot unveiled the Expert Tepee (Expert II).
Luxury Peugeot Expert Tepee On The Road
White Peugeot Expert Tepee With Different Model
Peugeot Expert Tepee From Side
For something with its roots in the commercial world the Expert Tepee proves to be an easy vehicle to drive. The car-like driving position is a refreshing change, while all-round visibility is very good. The car-like controls ensure fatigue on long journeys is non-existent, while ride quality is more than acceptable - especially when the vehicle is empty. And despite its size, the Expert Tepee is easy to manoeuvre around town so long as you're aware of car park height restrictions. Predictably, diesel power is way to go, and the 120 horsepower unit strikes a good balance between performance and economy.
Life for the driver is straightforward, as the main controls are familiar Peugeot items. Clear, easy to read displays are matched by solid controls. The high level gearlever makes life easy, and where fitted the sat-nav display is right in the driver's eye line.
Despite being a large vehicle with its roots firmly in the commercial world, the Expert Tepee a surprisingly comfortable. As with all modern Peugeot's, the individual seats are comfortable and supportive. Cabin space is not an issue, so there's no chance of bumping elbows. And on the move the Expert Tepee is reasonably refined. Yes you can hear the engine, but it's never intrusive.
The standard fir unit works well and delivers a pleasing sound. For business use this is probably all you'll need. Certainly, justifying anything more expensive could be difficult. That said, the high-end sat-nav system is a good one. Boasting a big colour display, easy to use controls and quick route guidance, it might prove useful for anyone routinely working in unfamiliar territory.
Saab Aero-X is a concept car by Saab unveiled at the 2006 Salon International de l'Auto. It is powered by a 2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6 running on pure ethanol that produces 300 kW (400 hp). 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is predicted to be 4.9 s and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). It has a 7-speed manual transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel. Like the Saab Turbo X, the Aero-X has four wheel drive. The doors and windscreen are connected, so instead of using conventional doors or even gullwing doors, it uses a cockpit canopy where the entire top section of the car is opened. This offered the Aero X's driver full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. The body is made of carbon fiber. The suspension is electronically controlled. Even though it is a compact two-seat sports car, it has reasonable storage, as the rear features two storage facilities, with a conventional hatchback and sliding drawer underneath. The interior offers "clean Scandinavian interior design". The car has no ordinary dials and buttons; instead, data is displayed on acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3D images. All interior and exterior lights utilize LEDs. Although only a concept car, it has been well received, with many fans calling for its production. Victor Muller has responded on the SaabsUnited.com website, saying that it is not a priority for the company right now. "This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," said Bryan Nesbitt, the Executive Director of GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values." "This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the Saab brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab." Elements of the cars frontal design have emerged in later Saab models, notably the design refresh of the Saab 9-3 Sports Sedan, the second generation Saab 9-5 and the upcoming Saab 9-4X. The Aero-X was rumored to make its cinematic début in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, with fans speculating that it may be used for the Autobot Wheeljack. However, it was not used.
Saab Aero X Show Up
Cool Saab Aero X
Saab Aero X Elegant Interior
Impressive Saab Aero X
Saab Aero XMaxi Futures
Saab Aero X Concept
