2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe

The Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe show car made its world debut today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Mich. The Advanced Lightweight Coupe show car heralds a new generation of stunning Jaguar sports cars and sports sedans. The car remains true to Jaguar's illustrious past but more importantly signals the company's confident leap forward into the future.

Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO of Jaguar Cars, introduced the show car.

"The Advanced Lightweight Coupe represents the very essence of Jaguar, its heart and soul. If you want to know what lies ahead for us, what direction we will take – this is Jaguar's answer."

The Advanced Lightweight Coupe is a physical expression of Design Director, Ian Callum's thoughts and intentions for the next generation of Jaguar cars, which like this 2+2 show car, will have purposeful and seductive exteriors that bring Jaguar design firmly into the 21st century.

The Advanced Lightweight Coupe benefits from Jaguar's advanced lightweight aluminum architecture technology that was introduced with the new XJ saloon; in production form the Advanced Lightweight Coupe would be as dynamic and agile as it is desirable.

This is a car that in unrestricted production form could reach 60 mph from standstill in less than five seconds and have potential 180 mph performance. Filled with examples of the intuitive driver technologies that are Jaguar's trademark, the Advanced Lightweight Coupe also introduces some new ones.

2007 Jaguar C-XF Concept

The C-XF concept car is a stunning, four-door sports saloon which blends design purity with unmistakable dynamism and is a clear indication of the design direction that the next generations of Jaguar saloons will take.

Designed by the same teams that produced the award-winning Jaguar XK sports GT range in 2005 - headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum and Head of Advanced Design Julian Thomson - the C-XF concept is a precursor to cars that will become recognized for their ground-breaking exterior looks and innovative interiors.

As a striking interpretation of the design values that are the bedrock of every great Jaguar, the C-XF is wholly contemporary yet succeeds in paying homage to its renowned predecessors.

2010 Renault Wind

The two-seater measures just over 150 inches long and features an electric roof that pivots open in 12 seconds. Renault says a significant detail is that luggage space remains the same whether the top is open or closed.

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo S

It's faster to 60 mph than a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 or Ferrari Enzo. Porsche's fastest offerings, including the Carrera GT, GT2 and road-going 911 GT1 "Strassenversion" will only see its LED tail lamps during a typical sprint. Only the unlikely – make that incomprehensible – meeting of an SSC Ultimate Aero or Bugatti Veyron at a stop light will concern this car's owner that he or she has met a worthy adversary. The vehicle is the new seventh-generation 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo. Sporting a new 500-horsepower engine mated to the automaker's lightning-fast dual-clutch PDK transmission, the all-wheel drive coupe devours the magic 0-60 mph benchmark in less than 3.2 seconds.

Porsche invited us to a track outside Lisbon, Portugal to savor their latest Turbo iteration. While the physical appearance remains virtually unchanged to the uninformed eye, hidden under the familiar sheet metal is a new powertrain that makes one of the world's best sports car even more exceptional. What are the new mechanical specifications of the powerplant, and where does it come from? What's it like to drive on a track? Is the PDK transmission really better than the six-speed manual?

2011 Shelby GT500 Mustang

The 2011 version of the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang carries a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that weighs less, delivers more power and uses a unique spray-coating process that eliminates the need for cast-iron liners in the aluminum cylinder block.

The 550-hp Shelby GT500 also loses something from the previous model--it's gas-guzzler tax. Ford says the new Shelby GT500 will deliver 23 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city. The engine is rated at 550 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.

Ford released details on the new Shelby GT500 on Monday. The car will be sold in coupe and convertible body styles, going on sale this spring as part of the full 2011 Mustang line.

The use of aluminum for the block helps cut 102 pounds from the engine. Instead of cast-iron cylinder liners, Ford uses a process named Plasma Transferred Wire Arc to spray a thin coating of iron on the inside of the cylinder bores. The process, adapted from the aerospace industry, saves eight pounds compared with a traditional aluminum block with iron liners, Ford says.

For those seeking even better handling performance, an available SVT Performance Package adds lighter wheels, a higher rear-axle ratio, stiffer springs and unique high-performance Goodyear tires.

Other changes include electric power steering and high-intensity discharge headlamps as standard equipment, and an optional glass roof for the coupes. All Shelby GT500s will continue to be fitted with Ford's stability-control system.



Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100208/CARNEWS/100209922#ixzz0fNydug7p

2011 Ford Edge

In the passel of images released by Ford to announce its new MyFord connectivity suite, the company inadvertently provided an early look at the completely reworked interiors of the 2011 Lincoln MKX and 2011 Ford Edge. The Lincoln is scheduled to debut in Detroit next week, but the Edge isn't expected to be seen until next month's Chicago auto show.

The pictures show the new touch controls—including the Lincoln's HVAC fan-speed and stereo volume sliders—that will be replacing hard buttons for various functions, as well as the configurable high-res displays associated with the MyFord system. The center screen measures eight inches. Touch controls, of course, don't provide any tactile feedback, but at least Ford has incorporated small nubs that help you locate certain switches. The rockers on the steering wheel provide control for the MyFord functions.

We've seen the new MKX in person, and its interior is as vastly improved as the photos suggest; the materials, design, and fit are all quite good. We particularly like the French stitching that adorns the IP of the MKX. We expect the Edge's cabin to be similarly well-executed.

Click here to read more about the new features seen in the photos and the new connectivity and features of the MyFord/MyLincoln system.

2010 Nissan Juke

Nissan has confirmed the name of its new small Crossover developed specially for the European market. Approximately one month before its official media unveil, Nissan releases the first image of the Nissan Juke. Scheduled to hit the market in the early October, the new Juke will make its global public debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.

The 2010 Nissan Juke stands for unique appearance, dynamism and pioneering technology. Inspired by the Qazana concept car, the future small crossover is designed to fill the gap between the Note compact family car and the Qashqai crossover. It is designed to give customers an alternative to the traditional small hatchback vehicles in Europe.

“We know that there are a lot of customers that are looking for a car which combines striking design, agile handling and driving pleasure, user friendly technology but not at the expense of practicality and convenience. These unique attributes will allow Juke to occupy a unique corner of the European market,” said Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

“Nissan caught the mood of the European car-buying public with Qashqai crossover and we’ve worked hard to study the market in the same way for Juke to be sure we meet the needs of European customers. We’re confident that Juke will bring a new generation of customers to Nissan, in the same way that Qashqai did. Our philosophy of challenging conventions with Qashqai has been a huge success. We’ve just reached the 500,000 landmark and we’re applying many of the lessons learned from Qashqai to Juke. We’re confident we’ll have another success on our hands,”

2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen is preparing a new Touareg SUV for European launch next spring, with U.S. sales months later as a 2011 model. Targets for the new model are better economy -- both through significantly more efficient powertrains and lighter overall weight -- plus the incorporation of a third row of child seats.
The design will reflect VW's new Walter da Silva-mandated approach; emphasis on horizontal lines and a nose characterized by a wide grill between oblong lamps. It will retain SUV-like cues too. The hood and body sides have fewer, crisper feature lines and a greater simplicity of surfacing, which should suit a sport-utility well.
The Touareg has always had immense off-road capability, outfitted with a dual-range transfer case, locking differentials and huge wheel articulation. That stuff is heavy and expensive, and many customers never use it. So VW is taking a lesson from the sister Audi Q7 and ditching much of the hardcore hardware, and moving some of it to the options list.


Thus the Touareg's marketing position, as a true off-road SUV, will remain intact, yet the equipment required to sustain that position will be a nice little profit opportunity. Meanwhile headline base prices can be dropped a little, or at least more luxury equipment can be added for the same price.
Spyshots of mules for the 2011 Touareg show unchanged wheelbase and tread (note: a present generation Touareg 2 is shown). The basic platform is not greatly changed for the new model, besides some mass-reduction measures such as the use of aluminum.
Volkswagen wants to be known as the downsized engine specialist. In Europe, it has made double-digit economy gains by replacing many of its 1.8 and 2.0-liter engines with direct-gasoline-injection forced-induction 1.4s -- including one with both a turbocharger and a supercharger. The V-8 will be replaced with a supercharged V-6 making 290 horsepower and 310 pound-feet from just 3.0-liters, coupled to an eight-speed automatic. The VR6 engine dies.
The group's 3.0-liter clean diesel will also be available, positioning the car well for users who tow because of its excellent mileage (18/25 mpg in the current heavy Touareg) and 400 pound-feet-plus of low-rev torque.
Higher performance will come from a hybrid version. This technology, using the same V-6 supercharged engine as the standard gas Touareg, has already been demonstrated in a prototype Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid using the old VR6 engine. While VW will launch the hybrid system in the new Touareg body, the Cayenne carries on with the current body for at least two more model years.

2010 Honda Odyssey Concept

Honda just unveiled a concept version of its next-generation Oddity Odyssey minivan at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and it was one of those rare instances where the media was actually seeing it for the first time, as God intended unveilings to be. Although billed as a concept, the 2011 Honda Odyssey Concept looks almost production ready... other than its door handles, lights and a few other details.

While the current third-generation van is the best selling minivan in America two years running, Honda decided not to play it safe with the redesign. The all-new fourth-generation Odyssey is a big departure for Honda. It's lower and wider, taking an almost Mercedes R-Class stance. Although they claim it's only one inch lower and 1.4 inches wider, it looked like a lot more than that. The 2011 Odyssey also features a "lightning bolt" lower greenhouse border that reminded us of the Nissan Quest a bit. Honda says it helps with rearward visibility.

The production version of this 2011 Honda Odyssey should be in dealerships this fall, and will likely look a lot like this concept. While no specifics were mentioned, it is said to have a V6 that will deliver slightly better fuel economy. The interior was completely blocked off so we aren't sure what they have in store for us inside, but Honda reps promised something big. One thing Honda did share was the fact that this Odyssey is all-American. From inspiration to target market, styling to assembly, this is truly a product of the U.S. of A.

2010 Citroen DS High Rider Concept

I’m quickly becoming a big fan of Citroen’s DS-series of cars. It’s a pretty good marketing tactic- a lineup of very French niche cars based on Citroen’s somewhat dull mainstream cars that offers individuality, style, and customizability. Plus, if the DS3 and this DS Highrider concept are anything to judge by, they are stunningly good-looking cars to bootNow, I’m going to admit I don’t know why they call it the Highrider. Perhaps this is the French definition of long-travel suspension, and maybe the French are just strange. It looks like a large 3-door hatchback with pretty normal ride height to me. Citroen says it’s all about the proportions and the stance, so we’ll run with that

Kia Ray Concept

Kia Motors America took the wraps off the Ray concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. There’s no denying the show car reveals a decidedly sportier side of Kia, the likes of which we’ve not previously seen (although the Forte Koup has definitely shown some flair). But beyond its sleek body, the Ray plug-in hybrid sedan is also proof that Kia is continuing to make strides with its EcoDynamics sub-brand, the goal of which is to “develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.” Kia says the Ray concept “demonstrates a prospective plug-in hybrid vehicle configuration.”
The 4-door, 4-seat Ray concept is a compact sedan based on the Forte platform. It’s the fifth vehicle to come from Kia Design Center America in Irvine, California, over the last year (previous: Soul, Forte, Forte Koup and Sorento). The Ray concept uses lightweight materials throughout (many which are recycled) to aid in the car’s efficiency, along with solar cells embedded into the roof-top glass panel that power the climate control system. The roof also features glazing materials said to “dramatically” reduce heat in an effort to keep the interior cool.
The Ray’s exterior shape was inspired from aircraft design to achieve the utmost in aerodynamics, while a one-piece integrated underbody panel and narrow tires (195/50-20s) contribute to its drag coefficient of 0.25. Other notable features include driving lamps which slide rearward to form air intakes for the Ray’s internal combustion engine, and a rear decklid which extends at higher speeds. Sideview mirror and door handle duties are taken care of by flush-mounted motion-detector cameras.
Said Kia design chief Peter Schreyer: “Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”
If built, Kia says the Ray’s drivetrain could consist of a 153-bhp 1.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 4-cylinder, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a 78-kW electric motor fed by lithium-ion polymer batteries. Power can be sent to the front wheels via the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or both. Kia claims the Ray concept can drive 50 miles on pure electric power. As a plug-in HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), the Ray, according to Kia, delivers 202 mpg; as a pure HEV, it returns 77.6 mpg. Total range is 746 miles. Top speed is 109 mph

Jaguar XE Roadster concept

Jaguar XE Roadster concept





Timing on Jaguar's XE two-seat roadster may slip past its planned 2011 Geneva show introduction thanks to lean resources resulting from the global economic crisis. However, Motor Trend has learned that whenever it first appears, the sports car will get a 21st Century, green-economy boost in the form of a Chevrolet Volt-like powerplant. An electric motor with an extended-range three-cylinder gas engine is being engineered for the new-age E-Type, in addition (we hope) to Jaguar's conventional 5.0-liter and supercharged 5.0-liter V-8s. Whether the extended-range XE will make it beyond the concept stage is uncertain.

It's also unclear whether the electric XE would be in addition to an extended-range electric XJ rumored to be scheduled for introduction in late 2011, a year after the conventional XJ's release.

Ratan Tata, whose company bought Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Company, is said to support the XE's development. His father once owned a Jaguar XK120, and Tata told Autocar earlier this year, "We need to emerge with something shiny and new, which is why we are reprioritizing the roadster right now."

The 5.0-liter, 385-horsepower AJ V-8 and 510-horsepower, supercharged 5.0 are obvious choices for the XE. While an extended-range electric XJ would be designed to take on the Fisker Karma, an extended-range electric XE could be a competitor for the all-electric Tesla Roadster.

2009 Hyundai VI Concept

2009 Hyundai VI Concept



According to Hyundai, the HED-6 previews the design of the company’s future SUVs such as the 2010 Tucson

Enlarge PhotoFollowing the release of last week’s teaser sketches, Hyundai has produced the first official image for its latest concept vehicle planned for next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle is called the HED-6 and it was created by Hyundai’s European design studios located in Russelsheim, Germany.

Its designers describe it as an “urban nomad” with cultural influences from major cities such as Berlin, Paris and London. However, its true nature is a preview for the next-generation Tucson SUV. The new Tucson, which you can see spy shots of in our previous story, will go on sale later this year in the U.S. as a 2010 model and will eventually be sold in Europe as the all-new ix35.

As for the HED-6, its interior is enhanced by a hexagonal grille, angular style lines and piercing back-swept front headlamps. This aggressive look is completed with 21in alloy wheels and a dual-tip exhaust. The three-dimensional sculpted shape of the rear window, meanwhile, is achieved using Lexan plastics instead of regular glass.

The vehicle measures in at 4.4m in length, 1.85m across, and 1.65m in height. Inside, there is space for five adults but the production version is tipped to feature optional seating for seven.

Under the hood sits a newly developed 175hp 1.6L GDi turbodiesel engine that is mated to Hyundai’s in-house designed six-speed automatic transmission