Ferrari’s Innovative New V8 – The 458 ITALIA

While it’s true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it’s equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse’s history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few. Continue reading Ferrari’s Innovative New V8 – The 458 ITALIA

Chrysler Announces “Double CA$H For Your Old Car” Incentive Program

Chrysler 300Chrysler announced new incentives, “Double CA$H for Your Old Car,” that can save consumers up to $9,000 toward the purchase of a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle.
“Everyone shopping for a new car or truck qualifies for an incentive of up to $4,500 – even if they don’t have a vehicle that qualifies under the U.S. Government’s program,” said Steven Beahm, Vice President – Sales Operations, Chrysler Group LLC. “This incentive is great in that it’s easy to understand and available to everyone.”

Beginning July 23, 2009, Chrysler will offer up to $4,500 Consumer Cash or 0 percent financing for 72 months through GMAC Financial Services on most 2009 model vehicles. These incentives are valid through August 31, 2009. Continue reading Chrysler Announces “Double CA$H For Your Old Car” Incentive Program

Innovative Sustainable Material for Vehicles: Liquid Wood

FordAs part of its commitment to increase the use of renewable materials in vehicle components, Ford’s European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany, is investigating an innovative, new wood-plastic-compound (WPC), so-called liquid wood. The new material is being assessed in a three-year project which started in May 2009. The project is publicly funded within the framework of a technology and innovation programme in Germany’s North-Rhine Westphalia region.

The new processing for liquid wood is derived from a rubber compounding process. The compound of wood and plastics prevents water absorption and thus increases the material’s durability. The fact that untreated wood, and even wood waste, can be used makes the application environmentally attractive.

Another advantage: The new processing technology significantly improves the sealing of the wood fibres and insulates unpleasant odours. Therefore, the material can also be used in the vehicle interior, for example with trim parts. Another area where liquid wood application could be used is in the engine compartment, with components such as the battery tray. Continue reading Innovative Sustainable Material for Vehicles: Liquid Wood

2010 Transformers Edition Chevrolet Camaro

Fans of the new Camaro and the blockbuster Transformers movies can now combine their love of the car and the films with the Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition announced this week at Comic-Con in San Diego.

“When the first Transformers movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the ‘Bumblebee’ Camaro,” said Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet. “Now, they can buy one with the new Camaro Transformers Special Edition. Streets all over North America will be buzzing in no time.”

Features such as an EPA-rated 29 highway mpg on the V6-powered Camaro, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar combined with Transformers design cues add to the car’s status as a 21st century sports car.

While the aggressive styling of the Camaro is unmistakable, true Transformers fans will notice some of the unique, but subtle features of the Camaro Transformers Special Edition. Continue reading 2010 Transformers Edition Chevrolet Camaro

BMW X1 Confirmed for United States in 2011

BMW X1It was confirmed today that the BMW X1 is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices. In light of rapidly evolving US market demands, fuel prices, and regulatory standards, elements of the X1’s US launch plan, including engine and drivetrain configurations, will be forthcoming closer to the time of launch.

The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines – one gasoline and three diesels – and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km (45.2 miles per US gallon) on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.