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Chrysler Unwraps the 2011 Dodge Durango [Updated]

Anto Thermadam — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:11:05 +0000

Chrysler, the U.S. based automaker, unveiled the 2011 Dodge Durango – the three-row sport utility vehicle. The new SUV comes with its modern, spacious interior and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options. The company has unwrapped the 2011 Durango a couple of weeks after the release of the official teaser.

The new Durango comes with two engine options. The first option is the standard fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The second one is the 5.7-liter HEMI engine with Multi-displacement system that stops four cylinders when power is not needed so that the fuel is saved. Both engines features variable-valve timing and are available with all-wheel drive.

The engines that boasts of great efficiency, also provide exceptional V-6 and V-8 towing capability with standard trailer sway control. When equipped with the HEMI V-8, the all-new Durango can tow more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer, the company noted.

Based on the same platform of the all new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango has a new and modified interior with 22 different seating configurations, which makes the vehicle spacious. The new SUV has an interior that is extremely comfortable for all three rows of passengers and provides interior flexibility.

When it comes to safety, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango offers 45 safety and security features. This includes standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as all-new standard active head restraints. The Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go technologies are also incorporated to ensure passenger’s safety.

The company added that 2011 Dodge Durango is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., where the Grand Cherokee was manufactured. The 2011 Dodge Durango is expected to be in your nearest showroom by this Christmas or New Year.

Consider yourself lucky if you live in Virginia Beach, Va., where you can catch the 2011 Dodge Durango this weekend (first public display), where Dodge is one of the sponsors for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon.

Yamaha Announces YFZ450R, YFZ450X – Sport ATVs for 2011

Anto Thermadam — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:46:18 +0000

After recalling the YZF-R6 motorcycles to repair the wrongly placed front-side reflector, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. is back in action with its 2011 YFZ450R and YFZ450X sport ATV’s. The company noted that this is the industry’s strongest sport ATV line-up for the coming year.

Both the new ATVs have long-travel adjustable suspension, a no-weld aluminum with steel hybrid frame, and a powerful fuel injected engine.

The all new YFZ450R is a motocross-ready ATV at 48.8 inches wide. It is set up perfect for wide-open trails, desert terrain and sand dunes. Both ATV models come with powerful 5-valve DOHC liquid cooled single cylinder 449cc engines. The electronic fuel injection technique of the company features a 42mm Mikuni throttle body, 12-hole Denso injector system and a Mitsubishi 32 bit ECU providing exceptional atomization of the fuel for maximum power, unrivaled throttle response and automatic altitude and temperature adjustment.

For both YFZ450R and YFZ450X models, the superior suspension on comes from the 44mm KYB shocks in front, which have a Kashima coating for smooth operation and impact absorption. The 450R has 9.8 inches of wheel travel while the 450X has 9.4.

The company introduces the all new 2011 YFZ450R and YFZ450X in Team Yamaha Blue and White and is available at a price of $8,599. Special Edition models, with aggressive new colors with a Black Metallic base, red accents and unique SE graphics is available for $8,949. The new standard and special edition models will be shipped to dealers in the fall.

Ford Unveils 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor with SuperCrew Option

Mallik G. — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:33:32 +0000

Revealing the arrival of its 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor today, Ford has announced that it is offering a slew of new technologies and a SuperCrew option with the new Raptor pick-up. “Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor today, and the trucks will be available in dealerships late this year,” says a press release announcing the pick-up details.

The new 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor receives its power from a new 6.2-liter V8 engine capable of producing 411 hp and 434 lb ft of torque.

Design specs of the SVT Raptor include a standard black interior, a new exterior color – Ingot Silver Metallic, matte black accent graphics along with special F-150 SVT Raptor logos – “F-150” and “SVT” in a dark gray finish, and a new optional hood graphic.

“When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” says Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motor sports business development. “By adding the SuperCrew, we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers.”

Along with the electronic locking differential settings, the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pick-up also houses an array of technological innovations that include Hill Descent Control™, AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control™), and a standard 4.2-inch LCD screen.

via topspeed

Onyx Concept Tunes BMW M3 E92 to 630HP

Venus V — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:16:38 +0000

Onyx concept has been infamous for its amazing work on the Range Rover line up as well the recent tuning treatments received by some Porsche and Bentley models. Getting its engineers back to work, the tuner has now picked the Bavarian automaker to revamp one of its models for great looks and even greater performance. Onyx concept has announced a complete upgrade package for BMW M3 E92.

The most significant enhancement has been made to car’s V8 engine bumping the output from 420HP to an impressive 630HP. Thanks to an extensive ECU remap and other tweaks.

The exteriors have been enhanced with a new front and rear bumper, side-skirts, front carbon fiber lip, rear carbon fiber diffuser, carbon fiber bonnet, carbon fiber boot lid and carbon fiber roof tip spoiler.

Onyx concept has given the interiors of the BMW E92/93 M3 an equal attention with its carbon fiber free-for-all with a 12pc carbon fiber paneling kit. Also included is a bespoke buffalo hide leather package and carbon fiber trimming in black, orange or blue.

While that precisely sums the features of Onyx concept BMW M3 E92, the price details still remain undisclosed.

via TopSpeed

JE Design Brings a More Sporty 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Venus V — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:15:42 +0000

For those who like it a little sporty, the German tuner JE Design has just released a complete upgrade package for the second generation VW Touareg.

We first begin with the modest engine kit from the firm. After some re-engineering by the tuner, the output for the 4.2-liter TDI V8 diesel unit has been increased from 340HP and 800Nm of torque to 410HP and a monstrous 930Nm or 686 lbs-ft, respectively. JE Design VW Touareg thus sprints from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 5.4 sec instead of 5.8 seconds, while top speed has been increased from 242km/h to 269km/h or 167mph. This power boost comes at a price tag of 2999 Euro.

For 1428 Euro ,the SUV’s suspension is upgraded with an electronic lowering module that brings the vehicle 35mm closer to the ground. The aerodynamic kit that styles the Touareg to give it a more sporty outlook includes, new sports radiator grill, front spoiler, front and back wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, roof spoiler and rear hatch blend, and different muffler tips round or trapezium shaped. All this can be yours at 4998 Euro. JE Design also offers a wheel package which can be ordered for 5190 Euro with custom paint, where single wheels are available for 690 Euro each.

Thus, those interested to style their VW Touareg – the JE Design way (including engine upgrade), must be ready to part from their hard earned €19,750 or about US$25,300.

Report: MINI Planning Off-Road Coupe Based on Countryman

Venus V — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:55:36 +0000

Land Rover’s new Range Rover Evoque might be generating some of the strongest buzz in the town, but MINI’s future plans are about to steal some show from the company. According to the recent reports in the autosphere, MINI designers are busy drafting a more sporting coupé version of the just-launched Countryman five-door crossover.

BMW plans to rival the two door Evoque with the introduction of a coupe based on the recently launched Countryman. Sources revealed to Autocar that this concept is being investigated by MINI following the super success of BMW X6 proving that people do have a taste for cars with an unusual off-road coupe format. If the reports are true, we may expect a Countryman Coupe with either the conventional two door layout or may be a four-door layout with rear suicide doors on both sides of the car and no B-pillars. Also the coupe may arrive by 2013.

MINI will also strategize the pricing in a way to beat the competition easily by targeting a retail price of about £20,000, which will slot it well below the Evoque that is €10,000 pricier. More details are yet to be revealed.

via autocar

Mansory to Unveil Two New Models at the Paris Auto Show

Mallik G. — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:37:27 +0000

Mansory is preparing two new models to present at the forthcoming Paris Auto Show. With Mansory’s stated efforts, the Maserati Gran Turismo and the Mercedes SLS AMG sports cars are about to become more exotic and glamorous. Two fresh innovative tuning kits for the models are already under the palms of Mansory and the aftermarket tuning company plans to unveil them officially at the Paris Auto Show.

Other than indicating the imminent arrival of the two models, Mansory is tight lipped about the new tuning options. However, you may expect to see new spoilers, larger wheels on sleek rims, and a whole lot of carbon fiber as part of the undisclosed tuning options. With some hope of getting improved interiors, we are just waiting to see the two kits to know what upgrades the engines are about to receive from the tuning kits.

via topspeed

GM Introduces Holden Series II in Australia

Anto Thermadam — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:50:48 +0000

General Motors, the U.S. based auto maker introduced the Series II Holden cars in the Australian market. The cars features improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. Some of the vehicles in the new series can also run on environmentally friendly bio-ethanol.

The new Holden series includes Omega, Berlina, Calais V-Series, Calais V-Series and Commodore SS V-Series.

The Omega series features entirely new front fascia with a bolder, squarer appearance and new lower outboard inserts with new larger grille, a bright chrome detail surround and new hexagonal mesh inner. The revised headlamp shape with new lens and bright bezel and the decklid with integrated aero lip detailing adds more to this new series.

Berlina is built with the features same as that of Omega. What makes it different from Omega is its new grille with prominent bright chrome crossbar, new unique fog lamp surrounds and the new 17-inch, ten-spoke machine-faced alloy wheels. The new interior trim with woven fabric seat inserts and Sportec bolsters gives more comfort for your drives.

The Calais series has a new front fascia and unique grille with prominent chrome header with new larger grille has full chrome surround, hexagonal mesh inner. The revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel and full length bright chrome moulding on lower doors makes this car different from the Berlina.

Calais V-Series hits the roads with a bew bigger 19-inch twin five spoke machined alloy wheels while Commodore SV6 and SS comes with exclusive sports front fascia, set apart by a new, larger grille, revised headlamp shape with new black bezel detail. The Commodore SS V-Series is features a revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel a new twin five-spoke 19-inch machined alloy wheels.

The Series II models are powered by the 3.0 liter SIDI V6 and 6.0 liter V8 engines that will feature the flex-fuel capability. This allows them to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between.

Below you can check out some of the new models.

Kia Recalls 35,185 2010 Kia Soul & 2011 Kia Sorento Vehicles Over Fire Risk

Venus V — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:36:15 +0000

Kia has issued a recall for 35,185 vehicles, including 23,972 2010 Kia Soul vehicles and 11,213 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles, over a probable risk of fire hazard related to lighting. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the South Korean automaker issued a letter to the agency notifying the imminent recall.

As explained by Kia, a limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by JCI and used for the lighting in the Kia Soul vehicle’s advanced lighting speakers, located in the front door trim panels, and the Kia Sorento vehicle’s interior accent illumination, located in the front and rear door trim panels, may have been improperly soldered. Under certain conditions when the light is illuminated, there runs a high risk of an electric short that may finally result in a fire.

As a remedy, the company will replace the wiring harnesses for the lights on both vehicles, free of charge.

The vehicles affected by the recall include the 2010 Kia Soul, Soul Sport and Soul+ models built between September 7, 2009, and June 8, 2010. Also, the affected 2011 Sorento models include the Sorento EX and EX V6 with the interior accent illumination option built between October 23, 2009, and July 30, 2010. No accidents or injuries have been reported so far.

The recall is expected to begin later this month. For more details, the owners may contact Kia at 800-333-4542.