Monday, 14 January 2008

Detroit 2008: 2009 Subaru Forester

We have been seeing some spy and leaked photos of the third generation 2009 Subaru Forester from Japan for the last few weeks. Though they were always of the home market Japanese version. The U.S. version has finally been unveiled at NAIAS.

For the U.S. customers will have a choice between a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5 liter boxer 4 cylinder. Horsepower and low end torque have been reworked for 2009 and come in at 170hp/170 ft-lbs and 224hp/226 ft-lbs respectively.

New for 2009 features include satellite navigation, Vehicle Dynamics Control(standard), traction control and incline start(manual trans).

The styling is fresh and is a nice break from the tired, boxy look of the second generation Forester. The wheelbase has been lengthened 3.6 inches for improved interior space and ride quality. The completely revamped platform now features a new double wishbone rear suspension, and improved crashworthiness.

The 2009 Forester features two different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, both of which power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50:50, transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.

Availability will begin in the spring, and pricing should be announced in the next few months.


Source: Subaru.

Saturday, 12 January 2008

Hot product 2008: Pump Top TV

Now everyone can agree that pumping gas can be a pretty boring thing to do. Especially when it's cold. What do you get to do? You can't talk on a cell phone at many stations. So you stand around and look at the other cars, maybe even talk to someone. Now you can watch TV from the comfort of your gas pump.

From Westinghouse Digital comes Pump Top TV. An all weather flat screen TV that sits atop the gas pump. The technology is already in use in some states and brings data such as news, weather and traffic to motorists as they fill up. There is one drawback to the TVs though. Poor visibility in heavy sunlight. This is a very cool idea. But hopefully it won't cause for any long waits at the pumps cause the Joe in front of you wants to catch the latest episode of The View.


Source: Engadget via Autoblog.

Wednesday, 9 January 2008

Leaked: 2008 Audi TT-S official looking photos

We have been hearing rumors of a tuned Audi TT to be hitting showrooms soon named the TT-S. Though Audi hasn't said much about it other than a few specs. They did say they were going to be bringing some special cars to the North American International Auto Show, and we assumed that the TT-S would be one of them. These pictures come from Spanish automotive site Motorpasion, and they do look to be official Audi photos.

The TT-S will feature a 272 Horsepower 2.0liter TFSI 4 cylinder. And judging by Audi's decision to not offer Quattro on the 2.0s will likely lack that option box. LED daytime running lights(ala S6, R8), Brushed nickle rear view mirrors, quad exhaust tips, and special badging stick out from the stock TT. A revised front fascia is very bold and sporty while featuring Audi's "Shield Grille". The wheels look to be the same 18 inch units found on the new S5 and look the part on the TT. And will be offered in both coupe and roadster form.

Look for further developments from Detroit.

Source: Motorpasion via Autoblog.

Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V was one of our favorite Caddies to roll out of the General in a long time. A few of us here at AAM had a chance to get up close and personal with the original CTS-V totally by chance before Cadillac even announced that they were developing the car. It pays to live and travel around Michigan.
Ok back to the topic at hand. Cadillac has announced that the new 2009 CTS-V will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week. Unfortunately we will not be in attendance at the press days so we're bringing you this now.

The new CTS-V will have a confirmed 550 horsepower from a 6.2 liter supercharged LS9 V8. The LS9 is the same motor found in the upcoming Corvette ZR1. Power will be put to the ground via your choice of a 6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmissions. Torque is matched pound for pound with the horsepower at 550 lb. ft.

The suspension is modified accordingly and features Cadillacs new Magnetic Ride Control for optimum handling, comfort & performance. 15 inch Slotted Brembo brakes and 6 piston Brembo calipers up front with 4 pistons in the back keep the CTS-V under control. 19 inch 10 spoke aluminum wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires to round out the eye candy.

The CTS-V exterior is held together by redesigned front and rear fascias featuring larger air inlets in the front, a lip spoiler and mesh grille. The larger strut tower brace over the engine allows the V to feature a muscular looking power bulge hood. And lastly a mesh grille is used to differentiate the V from regular CTS'. Out back you find Cadillac's standard LED tail lights and the new redesigned rear bumper, with dual exhaust cut outs and polished aluminum exhaust tips to help you hear the CTS-V's V8 rumble.
As the top of the line CTS, the V will have a luxurious interior. Special Recaro seats old you in place. Covered in leather and a new microfiber material that resembles suede. But is easier to clean and more durable. DVD navigation, 40G hard drive, Bluetooth compatibility, OnStar, and BOSE stereo system will also round out the interior goodies.

The 2009 CTS-V will be available starting in the 4th quarter of 2008, and will be one of Cadillac's new world cars. With versions being offered for Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Pricing has not been announced but should be available soon.
Source: Cadillac.

PRESS RELEASE:
2009 CTS-V: CADILLAC'S ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY

DETROIT - As the new CTS sport sedan earns accolades and new owners, Cadillac takes the next leap forward by premiering the 2009 CTS-V, the brand's ultimate expression of performance and luxury.

Launching in the fourth quarter of 2008, the all-new CTS-V intends to combine the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. Part of Cadillac's acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, CTS-V delivers an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW). More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry-first Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

"The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world's most exclusive and capable cars."

As an all-new version of the CTS sport sedan was prepared for 2008, Cadillac engineers and designers began to scheme a new CTS-V that would reach much higher in terms of performance and luxury. Through the original CTS-V, Cadillac proved it could develop a very potent, high-performance sedan. The challenge for the 2009 model was enhancing every aspect in a comprehensive manner, along with reaching higher performance limits.

Several key technical and design elements combine to transform the already highly capable CTS into the new V-Series. Like the existing CTS, the V-Series is the product of an intensive development process across North America and Europe, including famed test tracks and millions of miles of road. Supporting Cadillac's ongoing global expansion, the 2009 CTS-V is planned to be offered outside North America for the first time, including exports to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Sophisticated technical enhancements
The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V features the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It uses shocks controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time. Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally "read the road" every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance sedan, helping to keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

MRC technology first appeared on the Cadillac STS performance sedan and has been used on some of the world's most celebrated cars, including the Chevrolet Corvette and a select few European sports cars.

Enabling the precise control expected in a high-performance sedan, the CTS-V features Performance Traction Management system, borrowed from championship racing teams. This technology uses advanced electronics to manage engine torque for optimal traction during acceleration. In situations such as acceleration from a stop or exiting corners, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery for the best possible launch.

Performance Traction Management uses the same sort of electronics as stability control programs such as Cadillac's StabiliTrak system, but applies it in a different manner. Rather than monitoring and controlling wheel slip to assist in stopping or slowing the car, PTM regulates torque delivery to instantly match the available tire grip for maximum acceleration.

CTS-V also includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renown for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Michelin worked with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport 2 (PS2) summer tire for CTS-V and its 19-inch wheels.

And, of course, there is the matter of power. It has increased nearly 35 percent for the '09 CTS-V, via a new 6.2L LSA supercharged V-8 engine generating an estimated 550 hp (410 kW) and 550 lb.-ft. (745 Nm) of torque. The engine delivers this power with remarkable refinement. A sixth-generation Eaton supercharger minimizes the added noise previously associated with supercharged engines, and tightly controls intake air temperature for optimal performance.

Transmission choices include either a six-speed manual or an exclusive, six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It is the first automatic offered on the CTS-V.

Accentuated design elements
The 2009 CTS-V extends Cadillac's acclaimed design language, both inside and out. The V-Series includes all the elements of the CTS sport sedan's well received cabin, while adding some elegant and purposeful accents.

V-Series will offer Recaro performance driving seats, providing excellent support for spirited driving and adding to the luxurious and purposeful interior. These new, 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest.

A microfiber material is added to the steering wheel, seats and shifter, providing the soft feel and luxurious appearance of suede without suede's inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents on the steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car's integrated center stack is trimmed with a new Obsidian material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features, including a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a "pop-up" screen and Bose digital surround audio, extend to the V-Series, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability.

The exterior of the new CTS-V amplifies the assertive stance and elegant details of the standard car, and communicates the car's remarkable capabilities. The dihedral Cadillac grille is larger to enable more air intake and features a satin finish. The raised hood encompasses the supercharged engine, and new front and rear fascias identify the vehicle as a V-Series. The car's 19-inch wheels enhance its stance on the road.

The founding member of the V-Series, CTS-V was initially offered in 2004 and sold primarily in North America through the 2007 model year. The supercharged STS-V and XLR-V were added in 2006 to make the V-Series an exclusive trio of models all capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in less than five seconds with enhanced overall performance and luxury features.

2009 CADILLAC CTS-V: PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
Body style / driveline: rear-drive four-door high-performance luxury sedan
Construction: unitized welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension assembly
EPA vehicle class: midsize car
Manufacturing location: Lansing Grand River Assembly, Lansing, Michigan
Key competitors: BMW M-5, Mercedes Benz E55 AMG, Mercedes Benz E63 AMG
Engine
Type: 6.2L supercharged V-8 (LSA)
Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 / 103.25 x 3.62 / 92 mm
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder;
0.492-in (12.5 mm) lift
Supercharger: Gen. 6 R19 with single brick intercooler; 1.9L displacement w/4-lobe rotor design
Fuel delivery: SFI; center feed
Ignition: direct-mount ignition coils; extended-life dual platinum-tipped spark plugs
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 550 / 410 @ 6200 (est)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 550 / 745 @ 6200 (est)
Recommended fuel: premium recommended but not required
Maximum engine speed (rpm): TBD
Additional features: pan-mounted oil cooler; cast pistons; high-flow cylinder heads; block-mounted piston squirters; steel crankshaft w/ 8-bolt flange; close-mounted converters; acoustic engine cover; E67 engine controller
Estimated fuel economy: TBD
Transmissions
Type: Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual; fully synchronized with single overdrive.
Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch
Gear ratios (:1)
First:
2.66
4.02
Second:
1.78
2.36
Third:
1.30
1.53
Fourth:
1.00
1.15
Fifth:
0.80
0.85
Sixth:
0.63
0.67
Reverse:
2.90
3.06
Final Drive Ratio:
3.73
3.73
Chassis & Suspension
Front suspension: independent SLA; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar; elastomeric handling and ride bushings; 65-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks
Rear suspension: independent SLA; 24-mm solid stabilizer bar; elastomeric trailing arm bushing; 90-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks
Wheels: 19 x 9-inch; forged alloy, 5-lug (front) 19 x 9.5-inch, forged alloy, 5-lug (rear)
Tires: 255/40R19 Michelin PS2; summer Z-rated (front) 285/35R19 Michelin PS2; summer Z-rated (rear)
Brakes: four-wheel disc with four-channel ABS, hydraulic brake assist and dynamic rear brake proportioning
front rotors: vented; co-cast; 380 mm x 32 mm
rear rotors: vented; 373 mm x 28 mm
front calipers: aluminum; six-piston
rear calipers: aluminum; four-piston
Steering: power-assisted rack-and-pinion;
Steering ratio: 16.1:1
Turns lock-to-lock: TBD
Turn radius (ft / m): 37.9 / 11.55
Additional features: standard: StabiliTrak (four-channel, four mode); traction control; engine drag control optional: Performance Traction Management
Dimensions
Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 113.4 / 2880
Overall length (in / mm): 191.6 / 4866
Overall width (in / mm): 72.5 / 1842
Overall height (in / mm): 58.0 / 1472
Track (in / mm): front: 61.8 / 1570 rear: 62.0 / 1575
Curb weight (lb / kg): manual: 4200 / 1905 (est) automatic: 4300 / 1950 (est)
Weight distribution (% front / rear): 54 / 46
Approach Angle (deg) 10.4
Departure Angle (deg) 18.3
Tumblehome (deg. 24.6
Interior Headroom (in / mm): front: 38.8 / 986 rear: 37.2 / 944
Leg room (in / mm): front: 42.4 / 1078rear: 35.9 / 913
Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 56.7 / 1441 rear: 57.4 / 1390
Hip room (in / mm): front: 55.1 / 1400 rear: 54.1 / 1375
Capacities
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 98 / 2775
EPA trunk volume (cu ft / L): 13.6 / 385
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): TBD
Fuel tank (gal / L): 18.0 / 68
Engine oil (qt / L): TBD
Cooling system (qt / L): TBD
Seating Capacity (front / rear) 2 / 3
Drag Coefficient 0.355

Monday, 7 January 2008

Formula One News: Ferrari & Mercedes 2008 cars, Hamilton resigns with McLaren

It has been a busy week in Formula One news. The teams are beginning to show off their cars for the 2008 season, and just about all the drivers have been signed. To help celebrate Lewis Hamilton's 23rd birthday and contract signing with McLaren. Mercedes Benz has given Hamilton his 2008 ride. Behold the MP4-23. The Mercedes - McLaren racer will continue to carry Vodafone as their sponsor for 2008, along with that uber cool paint job.

Mercedes unveiled the MP4-23 at the new Mercedes Benz museum in Stuttgart Germany to over 1000 invited guests. Seven hundred of which were from the nearby Stuttgart-Untertürkheim manufacturing facility.

"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is the coolest birthday present you can get, well it is for me anyway! To see the car for the first time at such a great place as the Mercedes-Benz museum makes it an even more memorable day." Said Hamilton about his new toy.

The MP4-23 is now on it's way from Germany to the Circuito de Jerez in Southern Spain , where Hamilton and his new teammate, Heikki Kovalainen, will be giving the car proper testing. 14,000 man hours went into the engineering of the MP4-23 so far. With another 3,000 hours of wind tunnel testing. Development began in 2006, and development for the 2009 season car is already underway.

MP4-23 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE
Type: Mercedes-Benz FO 108V
Capacity: 2.4 litre
No. of cylinders: 8
Max. rpm: 19,000 (FIA regulatory limit since 2007)
Bank angle: 90O
Piston bore maximum: 98 mm (FIA regulation)
Bore spacing: 106.5 mm
Number of valves: 32
Fuel: Mobil 1 Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Lubricants: Mobil 1, newly developed 2008 formula for lower friction and better wear resistance
Engine: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight) TRANSMISSION
Gearbox
Speeds: Seven forward and one reverse
Semi-auto: Yes
Driveshafts: McLaren
Clutch: Hand-operated

Chassis: McLaren moulded carbon fibre/aluminium honeycomb composite incorporating front and side impact structures. Contains integral safety fuel cell
Front Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Suspension Dampers: Koni
Electronics: McLaren Electronic Systems control units incorporating electronics for chassis, engine and data acquisition. McLaren Electronic Systems also supplies the electronic dash board, alternator voltage control, sensors, data analysis and telemetry systems
Bodywork Construction: One-piece engine cover; separate sidepod covers; separate floor section, structural nose with integral front wing.
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza
Radios: Kenwood
Race Wheels: Enkei
Batteries: GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering: McLaren power-assisted
Instruments: McLaren Electronic Systems

Ferrari F2008:
Ferrari has also launched their F2008 Formula One car. Ferrari's contender this year has been designed with all of the changes to the 2008 Formula One season. This includes the standard electronic control unit from McLaren, upgraded gearbox and safety changes to better protect the drivers head on the sides. The body for the F2008 has also be redesigned to allow for maximum safety, with updated aerodynamics.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Carbon-fibre and honeycombcomposite structure
Ferrari longitudinal gearboxLimited-slip differential
Semiautomatic sequentialelectronically controlled gearbox quick-shift
Number of gears: 7 + Reverse
Ventiled carbon-fibredisc brakes

Independent suspension, push-rod activated torsion springs front and rear
Weight (with water, lubricant and driver): 605 kg
BBS Wheels (front and rear): 13''
Engine
Type: 056
Number of cylinders: 8
Cylinder block in castaluminium: V 90°
Number of valves: 32
Pneumatic distribution
Total displacement: 2398 cm3
Piston bore: 98 mm
Weight: <95>


Lewis Hamilton:

All of this brings us back to Lewis Hamilton. He has renewed his contract with Mercedes-McLaren for a reported $138 million dollars. This is for a 5 year contract, earning the 23 year old Driver's Champion $27 million per year.
Things are shaping up for an exciting season in Formula One this year. Sadly of course there will be no U.S. venues this year. But we will still follow each race and report all the news this season.
Source: Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Motor Authority.

Sunday, 6 January 2008

General Motors Cancels $4.1 Billion line of credit

In the early part of last year. General Motors took out $4.1 Billion dollars in a line of credit through various banks. All of this of course was to be used in case of emergency. 2007 proved to be a very lucrative year for the General. The new CTS and Malibu are flying off dealer lots all over the country. And talks with the UAW went smoothly. So General Motors has announced that they have canceled the agreements with the banks. GM has also informed the SEC that they have "sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility" for the start of 2008.


Source: Automotive News.

Friday, 4 January 2008

2008 Dakar Rally Cancelled

Unfortunately Al-Qaeda has struck another blow at automotive enthusiasts. Attacks on French tourists in Mauritania on December 28th 2007 has caused A.S.O. race officials, along with the French Government to cancel this years rally.

This marks the first time that the Dakar has been cancelled since the first Dakar in 1979. Mauritania was formerly a French colony, and the A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organization, the same folks who put on the Tour de France) is a French organization. Since Al-Qaeda took claim for the attacks, that pretty much means that anything French is fair game to them.

The 2008 Dakar Rally would have started tomorrow, January 5th. And ran through the 20th.

Since 1979, the Dakar has served as an off road endurance race. Til 1995 the rally began in Paris, France and competitors would drive across much of the continent of Africa. Usually the total distance covered is right in the neighborhood of 9,000 KM. The rally is also open to both professional and amateur teams making the drive. Vehicle classes are divided up into three categories. Motorcycles, Cars and Trucks. And range from lightly modified production vehicles, to heavy duty prototype racing machines.


Source: BBC.

PRESS RELEASE
Lisbon, Friday the 4th of January 2008

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal's capital.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 28th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.'s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.
A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world's biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.