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.

Audi Announces 2010 Model-Year Prices for Its Audi R8 Cars

2010 Audi R8
Audi today announced that the U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro V10 sports car will start at $146,000, with shipments to authorized Audi R8 dealerships across the country beginning this week.

Audi said the MSRP for the 2010 Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro will start at $114,200, unchanged from the base prices for 2009 models: 

2010 R8 5.2 FSI quattro (V10) pricing (excluding $1,200 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):

    R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (manual)             $146,000
    R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (R tronic)           $155,100

2010 R8 4.2 FSI quattro (V8) pricing (excluding $1,200 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):

    R8 4.2 FSI quattro coupe (manual)             $114,200
    R8 4.2 FSI quattro coupe (R tronic)           $123,300

The addition of the R8 V10 adds new levels of power to a sports car already renowned for delivering premium comfort uncommon in its class without performance compromises. The 10-cylinder 525 hp engine is the same power plant found in the R8 LMS GT3 racecar and is capable of delivering breathtaking performance. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro delivers 391 lb-ft of torque and achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. Continue reading Audi Announces 2010 Model-Year Prices for Its Audi R8 Cars