Motor Authority - blog Tag: Interior

Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country.

The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out.

The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass... Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country. The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out. The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating. Finally, to help improve acoustics and Mustang’s interior quietness the glass also features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness. Since its introduction in 2008, the glass roof option – which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V6 model and the GT – has accounted for 10% of all Mustang sales. The convertible, on the other hand, accounts for 25% of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia. Other Blue Oval vehicles that feature the glass roof option include the 2010 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. As for the GT Convertible, the car is based on the standard Mustang GT Coupe powered by a 4.6L V8 engine with 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque and matched to a five-speed automatic. For full details on the 2010 Mustang range, click here.2010 Ford Mustang Read More

Ford’s iconic Mustang was given an update for the 2010 model year to keep it fresh alongside strong new competitors such as the Dodge Challenger, upcoming Chevrolet Camaro, and even Nissan’s all-new 370Z, but unfortunately the update didn’t entail any serious changes to the car’s powertrain lineup. Despite reports claiming that Ford’s EcoBoost V6 and a new 5.0L V8 were destined for the 2010 update, Ford decided to stick with the previous 4.6L V8 engine for its range-topping GT.

Compared to its top-end rivals, Ford’s 315hp (235kW) GT looks anaemic against the 372hp (277kW) Dodge Challenger R/T and even... Ford’s iconic Mustang was given an update for the 2010 model year to keep it fresh alongside strong new competitors such as the Dodge Challenger, upcoming Chevrolet Camaro, and even Nissan’s all-new 370Z, but unfortunately the update didn’t entail any serious changes to the car’s powertrain lineup. Despite reports claiming that Ford’s EcoBoost V6 and a new 5.0L V8 were destined for the 2010 update, Ford decided to stick with the previous 4.6L V8 engine for its range-topping GT. Compared to its top-end rivals, Ford’s 315hp (235kW) GT looks anaemic against the 372hp (277kW) Dodge Challenger R/T and even worse against the 422hp (315kW) of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Even the V6 engine in Nissan’s 370Z drums up 332hp (248kW). The tables are set to turn, however, as a Ford executive has revealed to Drive that Ford’s current 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines will be replaced by a new 5.0L V8 codenamed ‘Coyote’ that’s currently in development in North America. Ford's Australian product development chief, Russel Christophers, wasn’t willing to reveal any other details but said he had "seen the performance curves" and described them as “pretty good”. The new Coyote engine is first expected to appear in the F-150 pickup in 2010 and then in the Mustang by 2011. The specs include a four-valve SOHC design, with power up around the 400hp (300kW) region and torque upwards of 400lb-ft (540Nm). An exact date for release of the engine is not known but it has been suggested that it could appear in the Mustang within the next two years, and in certain Australian models as early as 2010. Meanwhile, the base Mustang is expected to stick with the current 4.0L V6, but a new mid-level model is expected to be launched later this year with Ford’s 355hp (265kW) and 350ft-lb (474Nm) of torque EcoBoost mill. As for the high-performance Shelby models, previous reports claimed the GT500 will eventually adopt a supercharged version of the new 5.0L V8 in place of the current 5.4L mill.2010 Ford Mustang2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Read More

Kia used last year's Los Angeles Auto Show to display the North American version of its new Soul hatch, which is now on sale in the U.S. as a 2010 model. Pricing for the car leaked on several internet forums late last year, and now Kia has made it official, revealing that the stylish hatch will be available from just $13,995 (including a $695 destination charge).

Designed in Southern California, the Soul is a C-Segment vehicle targeted at younger buyers looking for something a little more stylish than the average econo car. Originally debuted as a concept vehicle at Detroit’s NAIAS in 2006, the production version will come in four... Kia used last year's Los Angeles Auto Show to display the North American version of its new Soul hatch, which is now on sale in the U.S. as a 2010 model. Pricing for the car leaked on several internet forums late last year, and now Kia has made it official, revealing that the stylish hatch will be available from just $13,995 (including a $695 destination charge). Designed in Southern California, the Soul is a C-Segment vehicle targeted at younger buyers looking for something a little more stylish than the average econo car. Originally debuted as a concept vehicle at Detroit’s NAIAS in 2006, the production version will come in four different trim levels - Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport – and a single five-door body. The entry level price is for the basic Soul model with a 1.6L engine and manual transmission. Next up is the Soul+ with a 2.0L engine and manual transmission for $15,645, while a full options package raises the price to $17,795. Then there is the 2.0L Soul! in manual trim for $17,645 and $18,595 for the fully optioned variant. Finally, there is the 2.0L Soul sport also priced from $17,645 up to $19,295 with all options equipped. Some of the options include a premium audio package for $400 and a power moonroof for $700. Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 100.4in, an overall length of 161.6in, an overall width of 70.3in and overall height of 63.4in, the Soul offers enough space for five adults with some space left for storage. The car rides on a fully independent front and twist-beam rear suspension system, with front MacPherson struts and coil springs. In the rear, the Soul suspension is sub-frame-mounted with a transverse torsion beam axle with trailing arms. To maximize space, the rear anti-roll stabilizer bar is mounted inside the torsion beam. The engine lineup will consist of a 120hp 1.6L unit and a 140hp 2.0L option. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30mpg. The Soul includes black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored bumpers, a rear wiper washer and 15in steel wheels fitted with 195mm tires. Upgrading slightly to the Soul+ offers keyless remote entry, solar glass, privacy glass on the rear side and rear windows, body-color handles and power side mirrors along with 16in alloy wheels with 205mm tires. Enhancing to the Soul! adds a power moonroof, fog lights, 18in alloy wheels furnished with 225mm tires, while the Soul sport features side sills, a rear spoiler, 18in alloy wheels, and unique sports bumpers both front and rear. Inside, there’s a three-dial instrument cluster, a floating center stack design, MP3 CD stereo, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Kia is hoping to double its sales in global markets by 2010 with the introduction of several new and updated models. The first of these will be a facelifted Sportage SUV in July, followed by the Soul and two new sedan models later in the year. The carmaker is also scheduled to open its first U.S. plant and is planning to build up to 300,000 vehicles per year at the Georgia site.Kia Soul ConceptsKia Soul in U.S. production guise2010 Kia Soul Read More

The 2010 Ford Mustang was revealed in full detail at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, but today Ford released official pricing on the new pony car. Featuring a completely new exterior, thoroughly updated cabin, and a refined engine lineup, the facelifted car is primed to take on the still-new Dodge Challenger and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Earlier pricing reports had different (higher) figures from the official announcement, though whether that indicates bad intel or last-minute changes by Ford is unkown.

It will be well-positioned on price, shaving $1,000 to $2,600 off its primary competitors with the starting price of $20,995 for the... The 2010 Ford Mustang was revealed in full detail at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, but today Ford released official pricing on the new pony car. Featuring a completely new exterior, thoroughly updated cabin, and a refined engine lineup, the facelifted car is primed to take on the still-new Dodge Challenger and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Earlier pricing reports had different (higher) figures from the official announcement, though whether that indicates bad intel or last-minute changes by Ford is unkown. It will be well-positioned on price, shaving $1,000 to $2,600 off its primary competitors with the starting price of $20,995 for the entry-level V6 model. Stepping up to GT trim and a V8 engine will cost another $7,000, however, with the entry GT priced at $27,995. In between those two lies a convertible V6 at $25,995 - a $5,000 premium for the cloth top - with a similar premium for the convertible GT, which starts at $32,995. The GT500 coupe starts at $46,325 and the convertible will run $51,225. A variety of options packages are also available, including a glass roof, which can be installed on any of the coupe models, for $1,995. For more on the benefits and drawbacks of the glass roof, check out our review of a 2009 model year car here. The biggest change to the iconic muscle car for the new model year is its new interior, which sports a more athletic look and hunkered down stance. The front end on all models is lower and appears wider with strong wheel arches pushing up and out of the muscular fenders. Dynamic character lines emerging from above the grille sweep rearward into a more powerful, sculptured hood. The aggressive look is enhanced by larger grille openings flanked by slimmer headlamps, which now incorporate integrated turn indicators. Designers have also integrated some modern touches include LED tail lamps and HID head lamps. The team further enhanced the agile design by stripping away unnecessary clutter. That included minimizing overhangs, eliminating the rear key-hole cylinder, chamfering the rear corner and simplifying the pedestal spoilers to a more compact design. The antenna, previously on the front fender, is now much shorter and relocated to the rear of the 2010 Mustang. The result is a clean, sporty design that looks smart and efficient. As for the powertrain lineup, the 2010 Mustang will be available with a 4.0L V6 engine, which is rated at 210hp and 240lb-ft of torque, and a 4.6L V8 engine, which is rated at 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque. Each is mated to five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. Horsepower gains on the V8 are achieved by a new cold-air induction system pioneered through Ford Racing Technology. The intake is tucked behind the driver-side headlamp, mounted in an air box specific to the Mustang. The redline for the V8 is also increased 250rpm to 6,500. Both the V6 and V8 engines also have larger exhaust tips, growing to 3 and 3.5in, respectively, up 0.5in from the previous model. The V8 exhaust features polished tips. Other parts of the mechanical package include a three-link rear suspension with a panhard bar as standard on all models. New for 2010, also, is Ford’s AdvanceTrac traction control and anti-lock brakes. AdvanceTrac uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When it senses wheel slippage, it reduces engine torque and applies the brakes as needed. Ford engineers also adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models. Tires are increased by an inch across the Mustang line, with 17in tires standard on the V6 and 18in tires standard on the V8. A 19in Pirelli Summer tire is late available as an option for those seeking higher performance. Inside, the manual model features a genuine polished-aluminum transmission knob and a leather-wrapped shifter, which support a short-throw performance original designed for the Bullitt model. The instrument panel and console now flow as one shape, and the seats and arm rests have softer materials with high-quality stitching. The new center stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC, with new features 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Drivers also can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the My Color system, which features 125 color options. The 2010 Mustang is built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.2010 Ford Mustang2010 Ford Mustang Read More

Having released initial specifications for the Panamera late last year, Porsche is for the first time presenting details for the interior of its new sedan. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. this October and initially the range will be available exclusively with V8 powerplants.

Boasting a centre console leading back all the way from the dashboard to the rear seats, the Panamera is a strict four-seater but those lucky four passengers will benefit from one of the plushest interiors found in a sports car.

Customers will be able to select from 13 different trim combinations as well as four-zone automatic air conditioning and... Having released initial specifications for the Panamera late last year, Porsche is for the first time presenting details for the interior of its new sedan. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. this October and initially the range will be available exclusively with V8 powerplants. Boasting a centre console leading back all the way from the dashboard to the rear seats, the Panamera is a strict four-seater but those lucky four passengers will benefit from one of the plushest interiors found in a sports car. Customers will be able to select from 13 different trim combinations as well as four-zone automatic air conditioning and power adjustable seats. The driver and passengers are protected by driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags as well as – on the front seats – side and knee airbags. Additional side airbags are available at the rear as an optional feature. The new Panamera is also the first Porsche to offer a new premium audio system developed together with Germany’s Burmester. In all, 16 loudspeakers powered through 16 amplifier channels with more than 1,000W and a 300W subwoofer provide the sound. Luggage compartment capacity in the Panamera S and 4S is 445L, while luggage compartment capacity in the Panamera Turbo is 432L, and with the rear seats folded down luggage capacity increases to 1,250L. As previously mentioned, the Panamera will initially enter the market with V8 power units only, featuring either rear or all-wheel drive (a V6 model is expected to be launched next year). Right from the start, the entry-level Panamera S is powered by a 4.8L V8 developing maximum output of 400hp (294kW). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels as an option by Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. Acceleration to 100km/h comes in 5.4 seconds and top speed is 283km/h. The Panamera 4S features the same powerplant but thanks to AWD traction only needs 5.0 seconds to sprint to 100km/h. The range topping Panamera Turbo, meanwhile, sports a twin-turbo 4.8L V8 engine with a healthy 500hp (368kW) on tap. When equipped with the PDK the car will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 303km/h. All models come with direct fuel injection, low-friction drive systems and lightweight bodyshells. And at the same time all models in the range fitted with the PDK feature Porsche’s new engine stop-start technology. The Panamera S will start at $89,800, while the AWD 4S will list at $93,800 and the flagship Turbo will be priced at $132,600.2010 Porsche Panamera2010 Porsche Panamera interior2010 Porsche Panamera interior Read More

As more and more electronic devices become integrated into our cars, we need new ways to control them effectively and safely while driving - or at least that's what Visteon and Immersion are thinking. The two have teamed up to share their expertise in developing touch-based, or haptic, controls for automobiles with a goal of production by 2010.

Visteon is a core automotive supplier of many varied products to carmakers around the world, while Immersion is a technology company that specializes in a haptic control system called TouchSense. By bringing their two specialties together, the pair hope to offer an innovative control system for... As more and more electronic devices become integrated into our cars, we need new ways to control them effectively and safely while driving - or at least that's what Visteon and Immersion are thinking. The two have teamed up to share their expertise in developing touch-based, or haptic, controls for automobiles with a goal of production by 2010. Visteon is a core automotive supplier of many varied products to carmakers around the world, while Immersion is a technology company that specializes in a haptic control system called TouchSense. By bringing their two specialties together, the pair hope to offer an innovative control system for future cars. "The auto industry represents a tremendous international opportunity for touch feedback as manufacturers address an increasing number of features and controls that must be implemented to very rigorous design standards," said Chuck Joseph, Immersion's senior vice president and general manager, Touch Interface Products. "We believe haptic touch controls bridge a critical gap in next-generation automotive interiors and create a fast-growing demand that Immersion is ready to meet." The end goal of the project is a consistent, intuitive and ergonomic design for human-machine interface, allowing drivers to interact with their technologically complex cars with a minimum of distraction, while preserving aesthetic design. The haptic nature of the design could allow such innovations as surfaces that appear completely smooth to offer dynamic feedback via vibration or other methods, simulating button presses or similar sensations. Visteon and Immersion will be presenting a demonstration of the technology at the Visteon exhibit during the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11. Read More