Motor Authority - blog Tag: Debut

Australian Red Bull Formula 1 driver Mark Webber was still limping from a broken leg suffered just after the end of last season, but teammate Sebastian Vettel was hale and hardy for the launch of the 2009 Red Bull RB5 Formula 1 car today in Jerez, Spain.

Powered by the Renault RS27 engine, the car is the work of legendary engineer Adrian Newey, Red Bull's Chief Technical Officer. "It’s a long time since we’ve had such a big rule change so today is so something of a nervous moment, because it provides the opportunity to come up with something different, but there is always the possibility that other teams have thought of... Australian Red Bull Formula 1 driver Mark Webber was still limping from a broken leg suffered just after the end of last season, but teammate Sebastian Vettel was hale and hardy for the launch of the 2009 Red Bull RB5 Formula 1 car today in Jerez, Spain. Powered by the Renault RS27 engine, the car is the work of legendary engineer Adrian Newey, Red Bull's Chief Technical Officer. "It’s a long time since we’ve had such a big rule change so today is so something of a nervous moment, because it provides the opportunity to come up with something different, but there is always the possibility that other teams have thought of something you haven’t," said Newey. The new racer completed just 14 laps before problems with the gearbox ended the session. The team also showed some reluctance to reveal the rear of the car. Last week's tussle between the Toyota and Williams teams and some of the league's other competitors over the legality of a rear diffuser could have a role to play in it, though the FIA's current stance is that the diffusers are legal. Note that the rear of the car isn't revealed in any of the official photos either, though the sleeker front-end and shiny slick tires to highlight some of the key rules changes for the 2009 season. The KERS system has presented its own difficulties as well, though not always in the obvious fashion; weight distribution has become harder to work with as a result of the KERS system's inclusion. "The weight distribution has been a challenge, particularly in dealing with KERS," said Newey. "On the one hand, it’s clear that with the return to slick tyres, you need to get a bit more weight on to the front axle, while on the other hand, KERS is putting more weight on the rear. This means you have very little scope to move ballast around."Red Bull Racing RB5 Read More

As the 2009 Detroit Auto Show draws near, General Motors continues to prepare for its new-model onslaught. The latest salvo of information on its coming range of 2010 model-year cars comes by way of a trio of 'sneak peek' videos detailing the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick LaCrosse.

Each of the videos features interviews with designers, creators and executives on the design and marketing direction of each vehicle. The interiors of all three cars are also detailed with close-up shots and sweeping pans.

The theme of the SRX video boils down to a marriage of what Cadillac calls 'fashion and function'. The company hopes that design... As the 2009 Detroit Auto Show draws near, General Motors continues to prepare for its new-model onslaught. The latest salvo of information on its coming range of 2010 model-year cars comes by way of a trio of 'sneak peek' videos detailing the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick LaCrosse. Each of the videos features interviews with designers, creators and executives on the design and marketing direction of each vehicle. The interiors of all three cars are also detailed with close-up shots and sweeping pans. The theme of the SRX video boils down to a marriage of what Cadillac calls 'fashion and function'. The company hopes that design premise will spark sales of the crossover among buyers interested not just in the utility of the SRX, but in its visual statement. Buick's LaCrosse (video below) is depicted as a modern development from the GM brand best-known for its appeal among older adults. While trying to retain traditional design elements that are popular with its current customer base, the new design is clearly targetd at drawing in new, younger buyers as well. Finally, the Equinox video demonstrates the vehicle's efficiency and forward-looking style and technology features while maintaining affordability and value appropriate to the Chevrolet brand.2010 Chevrolet Equinox crossover2010 Cadillac SRX crossover2010 Buick LaCrosse sedanSneak peek: 2010 Buick LaCrosse at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show Read More

Sporty, luxurious crossovers, like the crossover niche in general, haven't had the success the industry might have hoped for. Nevertheless, there is a definite market for the vehicles, and Cadillac has just unveiled its latest contender for the driveways of those buyers.

Cadillac gave us a sneak preview of the 2010 SRX at the 2008 Pebble Beach Show, and later in a video as it flung snow about, powersliding over a frozen lake. Designed to offer similar aggressive style and sporty handling to the award-winning CTS sedan but also with clear cues from the fuel-cell Provoq concept, the SRX crossover features the a pair of direct-injected V6... Sporty, luxurious crossovers, like the crossover niche in general, haven't had the success the industry might have hoped for. Nevertheless, there is a definite market for the vehicles, and Cadillac has just unveiled its latest contender for the driveways of those buyers. Cadillac gave us a sneak preview of the 2010 SRX at the 2008 Pebble Beach Show, and later in a video as it flung snow about, powersliding over a frozen lake. Designed to offer similar aggressive style and sporty handling to the award-winning CTS sedan but also with clear cues from the fuel-cell Provoq concept, the SRX crossover features the a pair of direct-injected V6 engines and the option of AWD. The smaller of the two engines, at 2.8L, packs 300hp (224kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) thanks to its turbocharged induction. The larger 3.0L unit, which is just a reduced-displacement version of the 3.6L direct-injection V6 found in the CTS, offers 260hp (193kW) and 221lb-ft (300Nm) of torque. Cadillac says fuel economy "in the mid-20s on the highway is expected, but testing isn’t complete." The six-speed Hyrdra-Matic 6T70 automatic transmission also gets revised ratios to help cut fuel usage. An AWD system improves handling in both dry and inclement weather. “The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer. “The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface.” Four-wheel discs with 13.6x1.2in (345x30mm) rotors up front and 12.4x0.9in (315x23mm) in the rear offer ample stopping power for attacking twisty canyon roads or slowing a trailer on the highway. With seating for five and 61.18cu ft (1,732.4L) of cargo area with the seats folded down or 29.2cu ft (826.8L) of cargo space behind the second-row seats, the SRX is also capable of towing up to 3,500lb (1,590kg) with a maximum tongue weight of 350lb (158kg). To get to the maximum figures, however, you'll need to equip the optional towing package. Standard safety equipment includes a range of front, side and curtain airbags plus dual pretensioners and load limiters on the front seat belts. A rollover mitigation sensor ties into the traction control system to kelp keep the shiny side up, and trailer stability assist helps keep the cart from getting before the horse. The SRX begins production at the Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico in Q2 2009, and hits the showroom floor immediately after. Pricing has not yet been announced.2010 Cadillac SRX crossover Read More