Saturday, May 31, 2008

2009 Ford Ka unofficially revealed

    2009 Ford Ka

    The Ford Ka has been a prime example that the Blue Oval can be successful at making little cars, even if they kind of look like basketball shoes. After 12 years of service, it's time to shake things up a bit. The next Ka shares mechanicals with the stylish Fiat 500, and after scoping the first unofficial pics from Auto Express, the Ford will be just as cute as its Italian sibling. Designers did manage to heavily differentiate the Ka from the 500, skipping the rounded lines in favor of edgier lines and details that reinforce Ford of Europe's styling language. Think micro-Fiesta, and you've got the picture.

    Since it's for European consumption, it'll have no less than three powertrains from the get-go, with a 68 hp 1.2L, a 100 hp 1.4L, and a 1.3L, 50 mpg diesel. Rumor has it that a hotter Ka ST is on its way as well, with 150 hp coming from a turbocharged 1.4L engine. Interior refinement over the outgoing model comes courtesy of better materials and improved ergonomics.

    2009 Ford Ka

    We're still a few months away from the Ka's official unveiling at the Paris Auto Show in September, but we like what we see so far. Besides, if it's good enough for Bond, it'll be good enough for us. The Ka will be produced in Poland and it'll go on sale in Europe by the end of the yearSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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Volkswagen Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0TDI R

    Volkswagen Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0TDI R

    The link between Volkswagen and Porsche is about to get stronger, but VW's Swedish contingent has already created a special edition to honor the alliance. The VW Caddy has lived a staid life as a popular work truck in Europe, but the Swedes apparently think it could be so much more. So it's releasing 250 Carrera Cup Edition Caddies outfitted with black, 17-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45 R17 rubber, a new body kit, red-on-white paint scheme with Porsche's signature "Carrera" text, two-tone leather sport seats, a leather steering wheel and shifter. The 2.0-liter TDI mill is putting out 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque and with a fire extinguisher mounted on the diamond-plate floor boards, we think we might have found the perfect track-day accomplice to join that GT3 RS we've been building in our dreamsSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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Friday, May 30, 2008

Audi R8 gets first full LED headlamps

    Audi R8 LED headlamps

    The innovative R8 supercar from Audi is now available for the first time with full LED headlamps. In addition to the standard Audi-signature 24-LED running lamps it's always had, this extremely expensive option (£3,590 converts to $7,100 USD) adds LED high and low beam headlamps and LED turn signals to the front fascia of the mid-engine sports car.


    The latest craze in automotive lighting, LED bulbs don't utilize a filament like halogen lamps or gas plasma like HID lamps. Instead, they create light from the movement of current across a semi-conductor chip. They are smaller, more vibration resistant, and much more efficient than traditional bulbs. According to Audi, the light from the LEDs has been designed to closely resemble daylight and provides a greater contrast to be easier on the human eye. LED illumination is also designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Audi is no stranger to LED lighting - it first introduced a strip-shaped fog lamp at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2003.


    [Source: Audi]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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Ford confirms Fiesta hatchback for the U.S

    Ford Fiesta

    In a press release today officially announcing that the new Fiesta will be built at its Cuautitlán Assembly Plant in Mexico starting in 2010, Ford confirmed what we all expected: in addition to the Fiesta Sedan, it's going to build the Fiesta Hatchback for U.S. customers, as well. Previously, Ford has said it would only build the sedan version of the Fiesta for the U.S., perhaps believing that hatchbacks were still a hard sell in the U.S. Rising gas prices have erased most of the negative stigmas associated with hatchbacks, which are generally perceived to be both highly practical to own and fuel efficient to drive. Curiously enough, the Cuautitlán Assembly Plant that's being converted to build Fiestas used to build full-size F-150 trucks for the Mexican market. Now it will build small cars for all of North America.

    Ford also announced that its Chihuahua Engine Plant in Mexico that currently makes four-cylinder engines will add diesel engines for light- and medium-duty trucks to its assembly lines, and that a brand new transmission plant will be built in Guanajuato in a joint-venture with Getrag. All told, Mexico will be getting a $3 billion investment from Ford and its suppliers, the largest ever automotive investment according to Ford, and around 4,500 new jobs will be created as a result.


    PRESS RELEASE

    FORD FIESTA PRODUCTION TO BEGIN IN EARLY 2010; EUROPEAN HATCHBACK ADDED FOR NORTH AMERICA

    Ford Fiesta for North American customers will be produced at Ford's Cuautitlán Assembly Plant beginning in early 2010

    Sporty European hatchback model added for North America, alongside popular sedan

    Cuautitlán Assembly Plant transformed from large-truck to small-car production as part of Ford's manufacturing realignment and investment in smaller, fuel efficient vehicles

    New diesel engine line at Chihuahua Engine Plant and a new joint venture transmission plant with Getrag in Guanajuato also planned
    MEXICO CITY, May 30, 2008 – Ford Motor Company today announced the new Ford Fiesta small car for North America will be produced at the company's transformed Cuautitlán Assembly Plant beginning in early 2010 and a sporty European hatchback model is being added to the North American lineup alongside the popular sedan.

    Transformation of the facility near Mexico City begins this year, as the plant is converted from its current production of F-Series pickups for the Mexican market to small cars for all of North America. The Chihuahua Engine Plant, which builds I-4 engines, also will assemble diesel engines for light- and medium-duty trucks in a variety of global markets. In addition, through a joint venture with Getrag (GFT), Ford will establish a new transmission plant in Guanajuato to support various Ford products. Company officials announced the trio of investments jointly with Mexico President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa.

    The new multi-plant development effort represents a $3 billion U.S. investment, including the support of local suppliers. It is Mexico's largest ever automotive investment. The moves are expected to create approximately 4,500 Ford jobs. Together with all direct and indirect employment at suppliers, the moves affect 30,000 jobs in Mexico.

    "Ford is absolutely committed to leveraging our global assets to accelerate the shift to more fuel-efficient small cars and powertrain technologies that people really want and value," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, who was in Mexico for the announcement. "Our investments in these facilities in Mexico are part of our plan to further realign our manufacturing capacity in line with the introduction of more small cars and crossovers."

    A small car concept called the Verve showcased the design direction for the new Fiesta when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Both sedan and hatchback models were displayed – with high praise from customers and the news media.

    "Customers responded very positively after seeing both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Verve small car concept," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "We know the market is headed toward more small cars and crossovers. With our product and manufacturing flexibility, we will be able to offer both models and add production capacity."

    The New Ford Fiesta

    When it goes on sale in North America in 2010, the new Fiesta will be bold and sophisticated – to help it clearly stand out from other small cars on the road. Ford is building on decades of small car leadership in Europe as it develops the new Fiesta for North America to appeal to increasingly savvy customers who value technology, design and fuel efficiency.

    Momentum in small-car sales is outpacing overall industry growth worldwide. Globally, small car sales have grown from 23 million units in 2002 to an estimated 38 million in 2012.

    Driving the growth in the North American market is a group of young people aged 13 to 28 years – dubbed "Millennials." Today, this group stands 1.7 billion strong worldwide and will represent 28 percent of the total U.S. population by 2010.

    The Fiesta is the first of Ford's new global family of small cars set to debut in Europe and Asia later this year and next year – and in North America early in 2010.

    "We're looking at every aspect of what's defined Ford as a small-car leader in Europe and working to build on this expertise in driving dynamics and design across a global family of Ford cars that are as exciting to drive as they are to look at," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "The Fiesta is designed to set a new world standard for quality, design, fuel economy and comfort in the small car segment."

    Ford in Mexico

    With this investment, Ford – the first automaker to establish operations in Mexico – is building on a manufacturing presence of more than 80 years and an equally long tradition of supporting local communities.

    "This opportunity to strengthen our business and the local industry has been made possible through support from the federal and state governments," said Louise Goeser, president and CEO, Ford of Mexico. "We look forward to working together to drive continued success in the future."

    Ford officials made the announcements in a joint event featuring President Calderón as well as Governors Enrique Peña Nieto, José Reyes Baeza and Juan Manuel Oliva Ramírez.

    The total investment is expected to increase Ford of Mexico's annual production to nearly 500,000 vehicles and 330,000 engines by 2012, with nearly 80 percent of the vehicles and most of the engines slated for the North American market.

    Today, Cuautitlán Assembly Plant makes trucks for the Mexican market, ranging from the Ford F-150 to the F-550. To meet future demand, trucks for Mexico will be imported from the U.S., making room for a new generation of small cars that are stylish and fun to drive.

    Ford also has stamping and assembly plants in Hermosillo, Sonora, where the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ sedans are built. These mid-size cars are sold throughout North America as well as Venezuela and Brazil and have won numerous quality awards.

    "Our workers at the Hermosillo plant have been a key part in boosting Ford's overall quality," Fields said. "Ford vehicles are among the best in the business in terms of initial quality, and we intend to keep raising the bar with each new product we bring to market, including Fiesta."Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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Pagani to make five street legal versions of the Zonda R

    Zonda R

    Back in February, we opined the fact that the production Pagani Zonda R, a track-only carbon fiber supercar powered by a 750-horsepower V12 to go along with its 1.2 million euro price tag, didn't make the trek to Geneva. It seemed at the time that there just weren't enough orders for the vehicle for Pagani to be able to offer it. That issue could soon be rectified, if rumors floating around on the Teamspead forums prove accurate. It seems that five roadgoing versions of the Zonda R will be created, known as the Zonda Cinque, which, appropriately enough, means five in Italian. Could this version of the Zonda be what we've seen testing in spy shots these last few months? It's hard to say for certain, but we do detect the pairs of triple headlights on both the spied cars and the supposed image above of the Cinque. Draw your own conclusions, but we think there is always room for another carbon fiber supercar in our dream garages.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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Schumacher driving a Ferrari 430 Scuderia

    The world greatest champion,Michael Schumacher, is driving one of the most powerful and beautiful cars in the world: the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

    The film was shot at the Fiorano test track in what seems to be a day out with the F1 champion for the Ferrari customers.

    How do you think would you feel with Schumacher at the wheel?


    Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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Audi 2010 Engine Product Offensive Leaked

    1 | 2

    Although we have yet to reach the midpoint of the well known leaked Audi roll out schedule 2012 document, so far it's been right on target. And now, this latest leaked information sent to us from Audiblog.nl lists the upcoming engine/model schedule with the production start and market launch dates. Audiblog.nl tells us the information came from an Audi Poland spreadsheet document and it is from a reliable source, however, we have not confirmed the authenticity of the information. So, take it or leave it - this information is for your enjoyment. Compared to the 2012 roll out schedule linked above, there are a few surprises.

    Audi A1

    In addition to the current 1.4 TFSI engines, the A1 will also receive a new 63kW (86hp) entry level 1.2-liter TFSI which is most likely based on the 70hp 1.2-liter engine that was recently shown in the new SEAT Ibiza at the Madrid Motor Show last week.

    Audi S4 (B8)

    The sports version of the current generation A4 will see the 4.2-liter V8 from the B7 generation get dropped, and instead, return to its B5 roots with the all new 245kW (333hp) 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo TFSI. Available in Avant form as well as sedan, the S4 will be available in 6-speed manual transmission or double-clutch 7-speed S-tronic.

    Audi S5

    The Audi S5 coupe will keep its 4.2-liter V8 for now, but starting in September 2010 the bi-turbo 3.0-liter TFSI V6 as seen in the S4 will replace it. Despite the horsepower reduction from the V8's 260kW (354hp) versus the V6's 245kW (333hp), it's possible the weight savings as well as lower center of gravity of the smaller engine compensates for the reduction in output.

    Audi RS5

    We've already seen the RS5 acknowledged in the 2012 roll out schedule, but this document gives us a bit more. Using the same 4.2-liter V8 in the current S5, the RS5 gets a massive 70kW (96hp) bump from 260kW (354hp) to 331kW (450hp). Such an increase suggests some turbo charging shenanigans are going on, as previously speculated, however, only the 7-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission will be available. The RS5 hits market in July 2010.

    Audi A5/S5 Sportback

    The A5 Sportback will be available with 1.8 TFSI to the 3.2FSI for the petrol and 2.0 TDI to the 3.0 TDI for diesels plus all of their variants in between. However, completely unmentioned by the 2012 roll out schedule, is an S5 Sportback which receives the new 3.0-liter bi-turbo TFSI in either 6-speed manual or S-tronic7. September 2010 is the launch date.

    Audi A7 Sportback

    We have heard of the all new A7 model in coupe and cabriolet form, but this leaked document brings to our eyes for the first time the A7 Sportback. With only petrol and diesel V6 engines available from June 2010, a new 8 speed automatic transmission will be introduced on the 3.0-liter TDI model which launches in November 2010.

    Audi S7 Sportback

    Here's the blockbuster. The S7 Sportback breaks cover in November 2010, but it does not receive the 3.0-liter bi-turbo TFSI engine found in the future S4 and S5 models. Instead this baby gets an all new 4.0-liter TFSI producing 290 kW (394hp) with S-tronic7.

    Audi A8 (D4)

    The next generation A8 hits the market six months earlier than stated by the 2012 roll out schedule. Same V8 engines are retained and new 8 speed automatic transmission is added.

    Audi R8 Spyder

    Hoping for a debut at this past Detroit Auto Show, the R8 Targa or Spyder was absent. Instead we saw the R8 V12 TDI Concept debut. However, according to this leaked document the 5.2-liter V10, which was recently spotted with it's engine in view, will be available in both Coupe and Spyder variants making 386 kW (525hp). The R8 coupe launches in June 2009 and the Spyder in March 2010, both with the R-tronic sequential gearbox.

    Please note:

    Due to formatting limitations, the 2010 Engine Product Offensive document has been split up into multiple pages. We also formated the spreadsheet into tables making it a little easier to read. Starting with the Audi A1, please continue to the following pages to view the rest of the 2010 product offensive information.

    A1

    1,2TFSI

    63kW (86k)

    MT5

    predný

    Marec 2010

    Máj 2010


    1,4TFSI

    90kW(122k)

    MT5/ S-tr

    predný

    December 09

    Marec 2010


    1,4TFSI

    125kW (170k)

    S-tr

    predný

    September 2010

    November 2010


    1,6TDI

    66kW(90k)

    MT5

    predný

    December 09

    Marec 2010


    1,6TDI

    66kW (90k)

    S-tr

    predný

    Marec 2010

    Máj 2010


    2,0TDI

    105kW (143k)

    MT6

    predný

    September 2010

    November 2010

    Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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Audi 2010 Engine Product Offensive Leaked


    1 | 2

    Press Release

    S4 Avant

    3,0TFSI

    245 kW(333k)

    S-tronic/ MT6

    quattro

    November 08

    Apríl 09

    S4

    3.0TFSI

    245kW (333k)

    S-tronic 7

    quattro

    November 08

    Marec 09

    S4

    3.0TFSI

    245kW (333k)

    MT6

    quattro

    Február 09

    Apríl 09

    S5 coupe

    4,2 FSI

    260 kW (354k)

    tipT

    quattro

    Marec 08

    Máj 08

    RS 5

    4.2 FSI

    331 kW (450k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Máj 2010

    Júl 2010

    S5 coupe

    3,0 TFSI

    245 kW (333k)

    MT6/ S-tronic 7

    quattro

    Jún 2010

    September 2010

    A5 Sportback








    1.8 TFSI

    118 kW (160k)

    MT6

    predný

    Apríl 09

    September 09


    1,8TFSI

    125 kW (160k)

    multiT

    predný

    September 09

    November 09


    2.0 TFSI

    132 kW (180k)

    MT6/ multiT

    predný

    Jún 09

    September 09


    2,0 TFSI

    155 kW (211k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Jún 09

    September 09


    2,0 TFSI

    155 kW (211k)

    MT6/ multiT

    quattro/ predný

    September 09

    November 09


    2,0 TFSI

    155 kW (211k)

    MT6

    predný

    August 09

    Október 09


    3,2 FSI

    195 kW (265k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Apríl 09

    September 09


    3,2 FSI

    195 kW (265k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    September 09

    November 09


    2.0 TDI DPF

    105 kW (143k)

    multiT

    predný

    Apríl 09

    September 09


    2.0 TDI DPF

    105 kW (143k)

    MT6

    predný

    August 09

    Október 09


    2.0 TDI DPF

    125 kW (170k)

    MT6

    predný

    Jún 09

    September 09


    2.0 TDI DPF

    125 kW (170k)

    MT6

    quattro

    September 09

    November 09


    2.7 TDI DPF

    140 kW (190k)

    MT6

    predný

    Apríl 09

    September 09


    2.7 TDI DPF

    140 kW (190k)

    MutliT

    predný

    August 09

    Október 09


    3.0 TDI DPF

    176 kW (240k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Apríl 09

    September 09


    3.0 TDI DPF

    176 kW (240k)

    MT6

    quattro

    August 09

    Október 09

    S5 Sportback

    3,0 TFSI

    245 kW (333k)

    MT6/ S-tronic 7

    quattro

    Jún 2010

    September 2010



    A7 Sportback

    Facelift







    2.8 FSI

    150 kW (204k)

    S-tronic7/ multiT

    quattro/ predný

    Február 2010/ August 2010

    Jún 2010/ Október 2010


    3.0 TFSI

    220 kW (300k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Február 2010

    Jún 2010


    2,7 TDI

    140 kW (190k)

    multiT/ S tronic7

    predný/ quattro

    August 2010

    Október 2010


    3,0 TDi

    220 kW (300k)

    Automat 8

    quattro

    August 2010

    November 2010


    3,0 TDI

    176 kW (240k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Február 2010

    Jún 2010

    S7 Sportback

    4.0 TFSI

    290 kW (394k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    August 2010

    November 2010

    A8 Face

    lift





    Október 07

    Október 07


    2.8FSI L verzia

    154 kW (210k)

    multiT

    pred

    Jún 08

    September 08

    A8 D4

    4,2 FSI

    274 kW (372k)

    AT8

    quattro

    Október 09

    December 09


    4,2 TDI

    250 kW (340k)

    AT8

    quattro

    Október 09

    December 09

    R8

    5.2FSI

    386 kW (525k)

    MT6/ R-tronic

    quattro

    Február 09

    Jún 09

    R8 Spyder

    5.2FSI

    386 kW (525k)

    MT6/ R-tronic

    quattro

    November 09

    Marec 2010

    R8 Spyder

    4.2FSI

    386 kW (525k)

    MT6/ R-tronic

    quattro

    Jún 2010

    August 2010

    - interné ozna?enie Q3








    2,0 TFSI

    125 kW (170k)

    MT6

    quattro

    Jún 2010

    Október 2010


    2,0 TFSI

    147 kW (200k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Jún 2010

    Október 2010


    2,0 TFSI

    125 kW (170k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    November 2010

    Január 2011


    2,0 TDI

    125kW (170k)

    S-tronic7

    quattro

    Jún 2010

    Október 2010


    2,0 TDI

    103 kW (140k)

    MT6

    quattro

    November 2010

    Január 2011

    Q7 V12

    6.0 TDI

    368 kW (500k)

    AT6

    quattro

    November 08

    Január 09


    3,6 FSI

    206 kW (280k)

    MT6

    quattro

    Koniec výroby Máj 08


    Q7 facelift





    Jún 09

    August 09

    Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/05/
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