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Saturday, April 11, 2009

2009 New York Auto Show: 2010 GMC Terrain SUV

GMC EXPANDS ITS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE WITH THE EFFICIENT AND CAPABLE 2010 TERRAIN.

* All-new, five-passenger crossover SUV delivers expected segment-best highway fuel economy of 30 mpg
* Comprehensive package of premium features, with an emphasis on vehicle safety and passenger comfort
* GMC's engineering excellence and innovation advances with direct injection technology, programmable power liftgate and standard rear vision camera

GMC's all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

"The new Terrain brings GMC's history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today's buyer," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency."

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an "ECO" mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

"GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we're adapting to changing market conditions," said Docherty. "As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect."



The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. A comprehensive list of standard and available features includes purposeful technologies such as:

* Standard rear vision camera
* Programmable power rear liftgate
* Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
* MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal cargo space
* Remote vehicle start
* USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback
* Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive
* DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens
* Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.


Bold styling

Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC's aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

"We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance," said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. "Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship."

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility

The Terrain's rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A "floating" center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain's seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain's four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience

Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

* New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
* New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
* Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM's first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain's rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

2010 Mercedes GL 350 BlueTEC SUV Preview


Highlights of the 2010 model year facelift includes the addition of more fuel-efficient engines and slightly revised styling.

Mercedes Benz has some big plans for next week’s New York Auto Show, with no less than three world debuts planned, as well as the as the U.S. debuts of the 2010 model year E-Class Sedan and Coupe.

The three world debuts include the unveiling of the all-new E63 AMG performance saloon, the production version of 2007’s ML450 Hybrid concept and the 2010 model year facelift for the GL-Class SUV.


On display will be the renamed GL350 BlueTEC diesel and GL450 petrol model, both of which will feature a restyled grille, new bumpers, wheels and new lights with LED accents.

The GL350 BlueTEC replaces the current GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and is claimed to offer 20-30% better fuel economy than the comparable petrol model.

The seven-seat SUV also boasts an impressive cruising range – up to 600 miles at highway speeds.

The interior should also receive a number of trim and specification updates, including the addition of Mercedes’ Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels.
Friday, April 3, 2009

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro Road Test

A bigger stick for the soft-spoken supercar, and a price to match.

By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars.

The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor ghini Gallardo LP560-4.

Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary.

We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg.

Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is simply marketing.

With the help of launch control, a first for the R8’s manual transmission, we managed the 0-to-60 dash in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 121 mph.

That’s a full second quicker in the quarter-mile than we recorded in a manual-transmission V-8 R8 and dead even with a Porsche 911 GT2. This was measured in a down-and-dirty test run during a preview drive in Spain.

Lamborghini owners need not fret that this R8 will steal the Gallardo’s thunder, as the V-10 R8’s numbers are quite a few ticks behind those of the automated-manual LP560-4 we tested in February.

A more formal test with the paddle-shifted transmission should improve our times, but still, we don’t see a lot of cross-shopping between these corporate cousins.

The Lamborghini is a car for extroverts—loud, brash, in your face. The Audi is more of a speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick car. The exhaust—quiet during relaxed driving and escalating in volume above 4000 rpm—never fully intrudes on the serenity in the cockpit until you approach the 8700-rpm redline (700 more than the V-8’s and 200 higher than the Lambo’s).

The extra oomph is obvious as soon as the R8 5.2 starts moving, but the power increase hasn’t upset the R8’s user-friendliness and neutral handling. Easy driving is still the name of the game; both models have graceful manners even when driven hard around a track.

Visual differences between V-8 and V-10 R8s are slight. The V-10 model has wider intakes behind the doors, which sit atop wider body sills. In front and back, the black accents are glossy instead of flat, and there are two crossbraces to the air intake rather than three.

The V-10 R8’s exhaust tips are larger and oval-shaped, and this model also sports standard LED lighting, previously an option. The seats, a carry-over from the V-8 model, had us at times wishing for more lateral support.

We’re pleased the R8’s optional ceramic brakes might make it to North America. They’re strong, completely free of fade, and—unlike the on-off brakes in the Gallardo—can actually be modulated for smooth driving.

Audi won’t pinpoint when the V-10 R8 will go on sale or what it will cost. We’ll bet on late this year at the earliest, with a premium of maybe $45,000 over the V-8 R8’s $117,500 base price.

凯雷德Hybrid惊现国内

凯迪拉克凯雷德Hybrid,作为当今全球汽车混合动力技术最高成就的代表,自去年北京车展首度亮相后就一直备受各界关注,而关于这款车何时在国内上市的各种传言也显示了广大车迷们对它的期待心理。

近日随着上海车展的日益临近,一款白色凯雷德Hybrid惊现国内某片场,这似乎预示着Hybrid技术加身的凯雷德混合动力版已经离中国消费者越来越近了。

谍照显示,这款Hybrid车型除了车身标有明显的“Hybrid”字样之外,外观上与在售普通版凯雷德没有太大差异。凯雷德Hybrid搭载6.0升V8发动机,并且还搭载一个先进的电控变速系统(EVT)和一个安装在车体中部的扁平化的300伏镍金属氢化物电池组。动力方面,最大功率达332马力,最大扭矩可达497N·m。

在高速巡航的状态下,该发动机能够关闭一半的汽缸运作,而在低速时,除了可使用电动马达来驱动之外,也能够以四缸模式实现经济运转。这款混合动力车型的耗油量比传统的大型SUV节省50%之多,甚至低于市面上普通六缸轿车的油耗,加一次油可以比普通款SUV增加一倍的续航里程。

『现款凯雷德』

谍照里露面的这辆凯雷德极有可能是将在4月的上海车展上亮相的实车,而此次凯雷德Hybrid在国内的第二次亮相。更多消息我们将继续关注,为您及时报道。
Thursday, April 2, 2009

BMW Li 7750Li 尊贵型 氢能


BMW Li 7750Li

BMW Li 7750Li

BMW Li 7750Li

BMW Li 7750Li

BMW Li 7750Li

BMW Li 7750Li

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Sports Sedan Debut


AMG is kicking-off the 2009 driving season with a new superstar: shortly after the launch of the new E-Class, the AMG high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars presents the new 2010 E63 AMG.

This dynamic sports sedan impresses with outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and advanced technology transferred from its sibling, the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster. The E63 AMG makes its U.S. sales debut in November 2009.

The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, revised front suspension and unique exterior and interior design.

At the same time, Mercedes-AMG has achieved a significant reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the precise application of several fuel efficiency improvements. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolidates the brand's leading position in the field of automotive safety.

The AMG 6.3-liter V8-engine in the new E63 AMG develops an output of 518 hp and a 465 lb-ft of torque, matching the outstanding figures for the SL63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also transferred its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission replaces the conventional torque converter through the use of a multi-disc wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, rev-matched shifts and RACE START function, the resulting, direct connection to the powertrain delivers an extremely emotional and high-performance driving experience.

The AMG MCT drive unit is unique in this segment, and provides dramatic performance figures: the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and high redline. The AMG V8 sound is a thrilling partner for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees renowned Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve percent
Despite 11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the E63 AMG showcases several advancements designed to improve fuel efficiency, including on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of engine power during overrun. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used to coat cylinder walls.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a multi-disc wet clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, directly and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia.

The transmission is equipped with four driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load contributes to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears with deliberate smoothness, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible.

At the same time, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission met the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast and precise multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic rev-matching and RACE START function: this enables the E63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle
Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the dynamic cornering of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E63 AMG.

This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height, irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition, the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button.

The E63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, unique front axle with a 2.2 inch (56 millimeter) wider track, a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, newly-designed bushing geometry and kinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking turns at speed.

The AMG-specific kinematics also ensures significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimized elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.

Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®

For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct (quicker) than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same high level of handling safety. The ESP® key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster.

Perfect deceleration even during performance driving is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 14.2 inch, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested compound (two-piece) construction technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of 9 and 9.5 inches and mixed tire sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior
The purposefully dynamic design of the E63 AMG is fully in keeping with the vehicle's impressive technology. The front aspect is characterized by 17-millimeter wider fenders bearing "6.3 AMG" lettering, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, the E63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps.

The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The new interior of the E63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles.

As a completely new feature exclusive to the E63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the center console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension setup and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colors, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.


Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras
Customers can select the optional AMG Performance Package, which includes the following:
• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tires at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMG Performance suspension with stiffer spring rates
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
• Top speed raised to 186 mph

Active and passive safety at a new level
The E63 AMG traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, eleven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. Optional safety features can bring the vehicle to a level unprecedented in this class with Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS.

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