Is the Dashboard of the 2010 Chevy Equinox Ageist?

Motor Authority - blog Tag: Teasers

  • New images of Spyker’s jet-inspired C8 Aileron supercar

    New images of Spyker’s jet-inspired C8 Aileron supercar July 2nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 2nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 9 Comments

    New images of Spyker’s jet-inspired C8 Aileron supercar Concept cars are exciting, but as often as not, they're also huge letdowns. Why? Because you know they'll be so neutered by the time they make production that it's the same car only in name (Jaguar XF, anyone?). Luckily we have Spyker, a company where the production cars are more insane than most concepts, and they understand this problem and have built the C8 Aileron to be almost identical to the concept.

    Despite all of Spyker’s management reshuffles and financial setbacks of the past two years, the Dutch sports car company has used March’s Geneva Motor Show to debut the C8 Aileron. Spyker introduced the concept unveiled last... Concept cars are exciting, but as often as not, they're also huge letdowns. Why? Because you know they'll be so neutered by the time they make production that it's the same car only in name (Jaguar XF, anyone?). Luckily we have Spyker, a company where the production cars are more insane than most concepts, and they understand this problem and have built the C8 Aileron to be almost identical to the concept. Despite all of Spyker’s management reshuffles and financial setbacks of the past two years, the Dutch sports car company has used March’s Geneva Motor Show to debut the C8 Aileron. Spyker introduced the concept unveiled last year and made some minor changes to change that vision into reality. In order to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the car, several changes in styling were made such as stretching the canopy backwards and abandoning most of the shark-like gills , which results in a cleaner, smoother appearance. The front end is now characterized by a larger grille that gives additional cooling and the rear diffuser was redesigned for improved functionality. Finally, an extra spoiler has been placed under the diffuser, providing additional downforce to boost the ground effect produced by the diffuser. The C8 Aileron’s design is heavily inspired by Spyker’s aviation heritage, as was the case with all previous models, but with a clear emphasis on the jet engine and not the propeller that adorned so many elements of Spyker’s earlier cars. Compared to the short wheelbase of the first generation cars - the C8 Laviolette and C8 Spyder - the wheelbase of the C8 Aileron is 150 mm longer and its track is also 155m wider. The total dimensions of the front and rear track are now 1625mm and 1645mm respectively, while the kerb weight comes in at 1425kg (3142lbs). Power comes from an Audi-sourced 4.2L V8 rated at about 400hp (298kW) and 354lb-ft (480Nm) of torque. Shifting duties are taken care of with a either a Getrag manual or ZF auto gearbox, both with six speeds, and drive is sent to the rear wheels. The automatic is Spyker's first, though it doesn’t hamper the car's 4.5-second run to 62mph (100km/h) nor its top speed of 187mph (300km/h). The car rides on a brand new front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension system. The set-up includes a new kinematic layout of the front and rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, mono-tube dampers, and coil over damper steel springs. The suspension components are made of forged aluminum where possible, to keep the vehicle’s unsprung weight as low as possible. Stopping power is supplied by respected brake company AP Racing and these are fitted with black calipers with the Spyker logo. Carbon ceramic brakes will be available as an option soon. Inside, the C8 Aileron gets a Kharma sound system, GPS navigation, and all the standard modern electronics connectivity - Bluetooth, MP3, etc. The trademark engine turned aluminum dash will be present, plus 19in Aeroblade wheels and a quilted leather cockpit. Production of the new car will start in May, with sales following shortly thereafter. It is available in 16 standard colours, but customers may choose any colour they wish as an option, as well as the Spyker Squadron GT2 colour scheme. Pricing in Europe will start at €189,990.Spyker C8 Aileron production versionSpyker C8 Aileron Concept Read More

  • BMW releases full details for new X1 SUV

    BMW releases full details for new X1 SUV July 1st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 1st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 18 Comments

    BMW releases full details for new X1 SUV The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

    The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, as well as a wide variety of petrol and diesel powertrain choices. It will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one petrol and three diesels - and will be available in both RWD... The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, as well as a wide variety of petrol and diesel powertrain choices. It will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one petrol and three diesels - and will be available in both RWD and AWD. The most efficient of the range, the RWD sDrive18d achieves fuel economy of up to 45.2mpg (5.2L/100km) while still being capable of reaching speeds of up to 124mph. It was also revealed today that the X1 will go on sale in the U.S. in 2011, likely with two new petrol engines. Every X1 will also be available with BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology helping to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. These will include brake energy regeneration, engine stop-start technology and a gearshift point indicator. The initial model range will include the 258hp (190kW) and 228lb-ft (310Nm) of torque xDrive28i 3.0L petrol model, which can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 127mph while returning fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4L/100km). This is followed by a 204hp (150kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque xDrive23d, a 177hp (130kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque xDrive20d and sDrive20d, and finally a 143hp (105kW) and 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque xDrive18d and sDrive18d. BMW family traits can also be found in the styling of the front and rear lights, which resemble the recently revealed 5-series GT and the 7-series sedan, respectively. The shots also confirm that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Three full-sized seats in an elevated position at the rear offer generous space and the backrest is adjustable for angle and folds down in a 40/20/20 split. Luggage compartment capacity may be increased from 420 litres/14.7 cu ft to a maximum of 1,350 litres/47.3 cu ft. An electrically operated Panorama glass roof is available as an option. Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will take place at a BMW plant in Leipzig. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark, and will be revealed for the first time in the metal at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.2010 BMW X1 SUV Read More

  • Report: GTbyCitroen supercar to see six-unit production run

    Report: GTbyCitroen supercar to see six-unit production run July 1st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 1st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    Report: GTbyCitroen supercar to see six-unit production run Since the GTbyCitroen supercar crossed the pixel-reality barrier and leapt out of Gran Turismo 5 and onto the street, talk of a limited production run has circulated. Now that talk is taking shape, with an expected production run of just six cars according to the latest reports.

    Back in December we brought you the first hints that the French-branded Sony Playstation video game car might see actual sales, but the newest information claims to be based on inside information from Citroen's product chief Vincent Besson, reports Autocar.

    The low-slung and futuristic supercar will be priced around £1.1 million ($1.8 million) - about the same as... Since the GTbyCitroen supercar crossed the pixel-reality barrier and leapt out of Gran Turismo 5 and onto the street, talk of a limited production run has circulated. Now that talk is taking shape, with an expected production run of just six cars according to the latest reports. Back in December we brought you the first hints that the French-branded Sony Playstation video game car might see actual sales, but the newest information claims to be based on inside information from Citroen's product chief Vincent Besson, reports Autocar. The low-slung and futuristic supercar will be priced around £1.1 million ($1.8 million) - about the same as the comparatively common Bugatti Veyron. Most interestingly, though the high-tech construction and carbon fiber materials of the concept are mostly expected to carry over to the production model, the engine will be sourced from either Ford or GM in V8 format. After all, when you need a 500hp+ crate V8, there's no one better to turn to than the Americans. Unlike the Americans, however, the V8 powerhouse will likely be linked to a paddle-shift gearbox, but the final technical specs are still being worked out, so until the car sees its likely production-form reveal at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's just speculation. Wondering how this crazy French/Japanese concept slipped under your radar? Check out some of our other coverage on the GTbyCitroen concept.Citroen GT Concept car at Paris Motor Show Read More

  • Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible

    Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible June 17th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 17th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible 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

  • Video: The Building of Ken Block's Gymkhana 2 WRX STI

    Video: The Building of Ken Block's Gymkhana 2 WRX STI May 26th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 26th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Video: The Building of Ken Block's Gymkhana 2 WRX STI Every automotive enthusiast with an internet connection has likely seen the video of Ken Block drifting his Subaru Impreza WRX STI around a closed airbase Gymkhana style - it's the sort of stuff that builds legends. But for Ken Block, that's not enough, and he's planning a second video that promises even more incredible displays of car control.

    The video below is the second teaser for the upcoming exhibition, and while it doesn't show any actual sideways, backwards, tire-smoking, pirouetting, donuts-around-a-moving-Segway action, it does document Crawford Performance's tear-down and build-up of the stock 2009 Subaru WRX STI that will be... Every automotive enthusiast with an internet connection has likely seen the video of Ken Block drifting his Subaru Impreza WRX STI around a closed airbase Gymkhana style - it's the sort of stuff that builds legends. But for Ken Block, that's not enough, and he's planning a second video that promises even more incredible displays of car control. The video below is the second teaser for the upcoming exhibition, and while it doesn't show any actual sideways, backwards, tire-smoking, pirouetting, donuts-around-a-moving-Segway action, it does document Crawford Performance's tear-down and build-up of the stock 2009 Subaru WRX STI that will be used for filming. Enjoy.Ken Block Gymkhana 2 WRX STI build video Read More

  • Acura unveils ZDX four-door sport coupe at New York Auto Show

    Acura unveils ZDX four-door sport coupe at New York Auto Show April 8th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 8th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 9 Comments

    Acura unveils ZDX four-door sport coupe at New York Auto Show The latest entry to Acura's range is a curious one, taking cues from the BMW X6 and 5-series GT school of design thought, seeking a way to combine the sport of a four-door coupe with the utility of a slightly taller vehicle. Whether it's a success or not rests entirely in the eyes of the beholder, but it's sure to spark debate amongst the dedicated.

    Already spied in testing on the Nurburgring wearing heavy camouflage, the new ZDX was unveiled on the floor of the New York Auto Show today. The 'concept' version of the vehicle was teased ahead of its debut, and the ZDX name was also let out early, leaving just the full photography and... The latest entry to Acura's range is a curious one, taking cues from the BMW X6 and 5-series GT school of design thought, seeking a way to combine the sport of a four-door coupe with the utility of a slightly taller vehicle. Whether it's a success or not rests entirely in the eyes of the beholder, but it's sure to spark debate amongst the dedicated. Already spied in testing on the Nurburgring wearing heavy camouflage, the new ZDX was unveiled on the floor of the New York Auto Show today. The 'concept' version of the vehicle was teased ahead of its debut, and the ZDX name was also let out early, leaving just the full photography and technical details for today's reveal. Though it's technically a 'prototype' vehicle, the ZDX is slated to arrive as a production model this fall. “The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. "The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer." As mentioned before, BMW seems to have carved its own niche in this area, so it might not really hold all of that new, segment-defining power, despite being a definite step outside the box of normal design tendencies at Acura. Key design elements in the ZDX include the much-maligned 'beaver-tooth' grille that Acura has spread across the brand of late, a unique exhaust outlet/taillight combo that seems destined for a redesign before making full-scale production. Stealthed C-pillar rear door handles and 20in alloy wheels are likely to remain, though the larger wheels will probably be an optional upgrade from standard 18in units. The production ZDX will be based on the current MDX SUV, though it will get a more powerful version of Acura’s 300hp (225kW) 3.7L V6 as well as a new six-speed automatic transmission mated to Acura's Super-Handling AWD (SHAWD) system for improved all-weather grip and better dry-weather performance. Positioning and pricing will also be higher than the MDX, which means you can expect to pay between $42,000 and $49,000 for the new model. This premium price point is reflected in the interior, where an emphasis was placed on getting the most out of the space as well as designing a top-tier driver and passenger experience with things like paddle shifters and a panoramic glass roof to open up the five-passenger cabin. The company bills the ZDX as Acura's next step toward 'Tier 1' luxury status, making the choice of sports crossover/four-door coupe all the more mystifying. Nevertheless, Acura has high hopes for the vehicle and their success as a serious high-end marque.2010 Acura SUV crossover spy shotsAcura ZDX Prototype four-door coupe Read More

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