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Koenigsegg decided to release images and specs of the two supercars that will occupy their booth at next week's Geneva Motor Show. First, the CCXR, which is a standard CCX that's been converted to use ethanol and produces 1018 HP and 780 ft.-lbs. of torque. Those fortunate enough to already own a CCX can have their current vehicle retrofitted with the biofuel mill if desired.

The second vehicle to grace the stand will be the CCGT, which was produced in order to meet FIA GT1 series regulations. As such, the 806 HP supercharged 4.7L V8 has been nixed in order to bring power output down below the 600 HP mark. To do so, they removed the huffers and bored the V8 out to 5.0L. In addition to the HP reduction, the weight had to be increased and the aerodynamics had to be altered in order to meet regulations. Surprisingly, the aero changes produce less downforce than the standard CCGT. Devolving to meet racing standards is nothing new, but it still brings a little tear to our eye.

The press release is after the jump and expect a gallery of both vehicles up before night's end.

Posted by saurabh at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

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Story by Dubspeed Driven Associate Editor, Carl Modesette
Photos courtesy of General Motors

Arguably, no other car in American history has a legacy as rich as the Chevrolet Corvette. From humble beginnings in 1953 with a 150 horsepower inline-six engine, to today’s 505 horsepower world-assaulting Z06, the Corvette has run the full spectrum of sports car ideology. However, recent years have seen the demise of many storied nameplates, while others have been resurrected. Looking forward, can the Corvette continue to capture enthusiasts’ hearts in a performance-rich, horsepower warmonger market?

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Nearly every automotive journalist has already accurately reported on the C6 Corvette’s performance prowess. A 400 horsepower LS2 engine propels the ‘Vette to 60 mph in about four and a half seconds, and through the quarter mile in about thirteen seconds flat, if not a shade faster. With a relatively low curb weight just shy of 3300 pounds, and maximum cornering grip a hair’s breadth away from 1.0 g’s, the Corvette offers an overall performance package that few cars can compete with. The fact that it’s reasonably comfortable, gets great fuel mileage, and can swallow a weekend’s worth of luggage (or a pair of golf bags) is icing on the cake. The true strength of the Corvette, however, has traditionally been found on the window sticker. Offered at a price point significantly undercutting its cross-Atlantic rival, the Porsche 911, the ‘Vette is, and continues to be, a value among world-class sports cars.

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New to the 6th generation Corvette is the 6-speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission, which we recently had the opportunity to sample. Representing nearly 2/3 of overall Corvette sales (growing to nearly 3/4 excluding the Z06), the automatic transmission is fundamental to the success of the Corvette. This new gearbox adds two cogs to the outgoing C5’s aged 4-speed unit, making better use of the LS2’s torque curve, and at the same time adds a pair of shift paddles to the steering wheel. Rather unconventional in their operation, these paddles are mirror images of one another – pull either one with your forefingers to downshift, and push the top of either one with your thumb to upshift. Typically, these shifter paddles are independent – one for upshifts, the other for downshifts. Seemingly great in theory, these paddles are a bit cumbersome in practice. The small size of the thumb-operated “+” buttons make them difficult to locate quickly, and essentially force the hands into a 9-and-3 position. In addition, pushing forward to upshift is counterintuitive, if not awkward whilst being propelled forward by those 400 horsepower at wide open throttle. The immediacy of shifts commanded by the paddles is also a bit disappointing - one must plan ahead to achieve shifts at the desired instant. Thankfully, use of the paddles is optional, as this slushbox offers both standard and Sport Drive modes. Adaptive electronics are employed to soften shifts under normal acceleration, and stiffen them up under hard acceleration. Performance in the Sport Drive mode should satisfy any “enthusiast” demanding an automatic transmission in the first place, relegating the paddle shifters largely to the realm of conversation material on the way to the golf course.

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Despite this author’s quibbles over the new Paddle Shift transmission, make no mistake – the C6 Corvette is still a phenomenal performance automobile. It’s rare to see a successful marriage of performance, comfort, and practicality – much less with the relative economy and value that the Corvette offers. 27 miles per gallon on the highway from a V-8 making 400 horsepower doesn’t happen every day. This is an attainable driver’s car that can actually be driven daily.

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And yet, there are other dimensions to the Corvette that most fail to comment on, dimensions easily overlooked when overwhelmed by the knowledge that such performance can be had at so relatively low a price. Those dimensions are quality, longevity, and staying power. It’s tough to argue the numbers: in 2005, the C6 Corvette’s introductory year, sales grew nearly 10% over the C5’s final year of production. 2006 sales should show even stronger gains, with the addition of the aforementioned 6-speed automatic transmission and the fire-breathing Z06 model. But will this trend continue?

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Undeniably, Chevrolet has gone to great lengths to ensure that the Corvette can compete with the Porsche 911 on paper, leveraging their tradition of powertrain prowess. Lay their respective spec sheets side by side and dare someone not to choose the Corvette, when price plays into the decision. However remove price as an object, and the decision becomes tougher. Quite frankly, the Corvette can’t compete with the 911, much less many other cars both foreign and domestic, when it comes to judging overall quality. While the look and feel of interior materials have improved in the C6 iteration, the overall package still looks – and feels – just like any other pedestrian Chevrolet. It’s a bit disheartening to climb inside the Corvette and find a standard-issue Chevy Malibu steering wheel staring you in the face. Shut the driver’s door and begin to get comfortable, and you’ll notice that the center stack housing the audio and climate controls will flex alarmingly when you rest your knee against it. Scan around the interior and you’ll notice that the textured aluminum trim on the door-release buttons and shifter knob doesn’t match the painted silver trim on the center stack, dash, and steering wheel. That’s a lot to stomach from a car whose sticker starts upwards of 40-large, no matter how fast it might be. While driving, there also remains a difficult to quantify rough-around-the edges feel that’s absent in a Porsche, much less other cars in the same price range as the Corvette – in fact, some cars costing half as much as a Corvette exhibit better overall quality and feel.

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So what is it about the Corvette that makes it so popular? It’d be easy to dismiss it as value advantage, but in this writer’s humble opinion, that doesn’t fully capture the essence of the Corvette’s appeal. The demographics of Corvette buyers are what one would expect: predominantly middle-aged males with a median income of around $150K (about the same demographics as the 911, except triple the salary). No surprises here, really. Yet consider the historical significance of such buyers – these are people who were in their teens during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. This was the era of the musclecar, when horsepower was king and the Corvette was that upper-echelon car that everyone dreamed about, but few could afford. Back then, the European sports cars were far rarer and Japanese sports cars had yet to enter the scene. Fast forward to now, and those then-teenage dreamers can finally afford the car of their dreams – and it’s actually halfway practical to own one.

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But take heed Chevrolet, because the clock is ticking and Baby Boomers are aging. Backs are getting bad, and the need to fulfill visceral rushes of acceleration is waning. A new generation of buyers is coming of age and buying power - a generation who’s grown up on the quality of Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys, and the performance of highly-tuned Japanese and German sports cars. Gone are the days of the adage “there’s no replacement for displacement.” The fact that more than one automaker can reliably extract over 100 horsepower per liter from smaller displacement engines makes even the Z06’s 505 horsepower, 7.0 liter engine seem, well, rather underachieving.

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The fact is that tomorrow’s Corvette buyers will be inundated with a dizzying array of attractive alternatives, and to them, the Corvette won’t hold the same symbolic appeal, for the emissions mandates of the 70’s and 80’s weren’t so kind to performance cars. Merely competing on paper won’t be good enough; tomorrow’s Corvette will need to compete in the flesh. That is, the Corvette will need to be a paragon of quality as well as performance. If The General can raise the bar on quality (and I truly hope they will), they’ll ensure the Corvette will be around for years to come.

We want to know YOUR thoughts, so please leave a comment!

Posted by saurabh at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

DEARBORN , Mich. , Sept. 22, 2006 – As crossover sales escalate at a blistering pace, the all-new 2007 Lincoln MKX joins the Lincoln showroom this November at a starting price under $35,000. It takes on a highly competitive market, challenging established players with a host of advantages – including value.

Even when exceptionally well equipped with the Ultimate package – which includes features like adaptive headlamps, chrome wheels, and heated and cooled front seats – the Lincoln MKX is still priced below the base sticker of all of its top competitors.

“The new Lincoln MKX delivers the features luxury customers want at the best value in its class,” says Al Giombetti, president, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. “It will enter one of the hottest segments in the market and show customers that American luxury can be both desirable and attainable. At the same time, we’re building on the success of the Zephyr with the launch of the new Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan. These strong new entries, plus our best Navigator ever and the all-new Navigator L, give us an outstanding opportunity to attract new customers to Lincoln showrooms.”

The new Lincoln MKX features a starting manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $34,795 for front-wheel drive and $36,445 for all-wheel drive models, including $675 for destination and delivery.

A Confident New Player

The Lincoln MKX makes a refined luxury statement with its dynamic American styling. Its distinctive chrome grille, clean, flowing lines and broad-shouldered athletic stance communicate confidence and elegance. Eighteen-inch Euroflange wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips signal power and performance. Wraparound tail lamps and a spoiler complete the rear.

Innovative technologies on the Lincoln MKX combine art and functionality. An all-glass available panoramic Vista Roof™ allows customers to experience open-air freedom at the touch of a button. Distinctive lighting includes a Lincoln first: available adaptive headlamps that swivel around curves, pivoting as the driver steers and lighting up to 36 more feet of roadway around a corner. In addition, an LED liftgate panel provides edge-to-edge illumination.

Inside, the five-passenger Lincoln MKX delivers exceptional comfort along with Lincoln’s hallmark craftsmanship. Its luxurious leather seating features Ford’s first application of its patent-pending Active Comfort Engineering process, with specialized contours helping to reduce pressure points and fatigue. The second-row seats recline to a best-in-class angle and can fold and pivot in one movement. Lincoln MKX provides comfort for all passengers, no matter the temperature, with available heated and cooled seats. The spacious center console offers customers versatility, with a standard MP3 audio jack and a power point hidden inside. Three additional power points also are provided in the cabin.

A host of innovative features keeps Lincoln MKX customers connected and in command. An optional a DVD rear-seat entertainment system plays DVDs or CDs with infrared remote. Lincoln MKX also features an intuitive DVD-based navigation system, able to deliver text-to-speech information in English, Spanish or French. An available THX-II sound system and available SIRIUS satellite radio also contribute to the Lincoln business class experience.

The Lincoln MKX delivers smooth power on demand for effortless driving enjoyment. It’s powered by Ford’s new fuel-efficient 265 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine, paired with the class-exclusive 6-speed transmission automatic transmission. The independent front and rear suspension are luxury tuned for responsive ride and handling. As the quietest Lincoln ever, Lincoln MKX is designed to give customers a quiet ride on virtually any road surface. Ford engineers have introduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) absorbers behind nearly every trim panel of the Lincoln MKX for new levels of refinement and quietness.

The available intelligent AWD system on the Lincoln MKX delivers luxury performance and offers confident all-weather driving. It continuously monitors vehicle speed and throttle input and seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels as needed, helping improve balance when cornering.

Outstanding Value

The Lincoln MKX is available in a single series, featuring a full complement of standard premium equipment along with select options, making it easy for customers to order. Customers may select standalone options, or choose the Ultimate and Elite option packages for additional value (available for FWD and AWD models).

Key standard features include:

New 265 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, certified on regular 87-octane fuel
Class-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission
Luxurious interior, with genuine wood, leather, and satin nickel trim
18-inch 8-spoke machined aluminum Euroflange wheels
Wraparound tail lamps and full-width LED lighting panel
MP3 audio input jack
8-way power adjustable driver/passenger seat
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Excellent NVH characteristics and unique suspension
Dual zone electronic automatic temperature control with particulate air filter
Standard safety features including: industry leading AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, ABS, Safety Canopy™ with rollover sensor, front- and front seat side-impact air bags, occupant classification system, adjustable head restraints, LATCH system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Lincoln MKX Options

Ultimate Package includes:

Adaptive headlamps
10-way power driver and front passenger seats, including power lumbar support
Heated and cooled front seats
Driver memory seats and mirrors
18-inch 8-spoke chrome-clad aluminum Euroflange wheel
Power liftgate
Reverse Sensing System
Homelink
EasyFold™ second-row remote seat release
Easy entry driver’s seat and driver’s side electrochromic exterior mirror

Elite Package* includes:

Panoramic Vista Roof™ with dual power sunshades
DVD-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch-wide screen and text-to-speech technology for travel directions aloud in English, Spanish or French
THX II-Certified ® audio system with 14 speakers and 600 Watts of power
SIRIUS™ satellite radio with six-month subscription
* Each feature in this package is also available as a standalone option.

Additional standalone options include:

Rear-seat DVD Entertainment System
Class II trailer tow
Heated rear seats

The Lincoln MKX already is turning heads as it crosses the U.S. in a 10-city tour, “Savor the Dream,” which gives consumers an advanced look and test-drive opportunity before the vehicle arrives in showrooms later this fall. “Savor the Dream” is a lifestyle showroom tour that plays into a key passion of Lincoln consumers: fine food served in a casually elegant setting. It encourages consumers to enjoy all of life’s best moments. The tour features celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito and top local chefs from each market. Thousands of consumers are turning out to see the Lincoln MKX, along with the new Lincoln MKZ, the new Navigator and all-new Navigator L. The tour runs through mid November.

With crossover sales projected to reach 3 million units by the end of the decade, Lincoln’s first luxury crossover offers the brand a unique opportunity to reach new consumers. Lincoln MKX already is generating considerable buzz. Since January, more than 380,000 consumers have visited the Lincoln MKX Build & Price Web site on www.lincoln.com, producing more than 140,000 configurations. About 65 percent of respondents said they were somewhat or very likely to purchase or lease the vehicle they configured.

Posted by saurabh at 8:11 AM | Permalink | Comments

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Everything’s new – and once again typical of MINI all the way: After more than 800,000 units sold, the MINI will soon be entering the market in thoroughly enhanced design and with fundamentally new features.

The second model generation of today’s modern MINI is making its debut with brand-new power units, a carefully but thoroughly upgraded interior, and evolutionary body design with appropriate modifications wherever required. Indeed, all these innovations underline the individual character and premium standard of the MINI. And while each and every detail has been changed or modified, the new model naturally retains all the proven and unmistakable features of the MINI clearly recognisable at very first sight. This applies both to the silhouette of this compact two-door immediately recognisable from every angle and to the car’s equally unique and agile driving characteristics. The power units and transmissions, suspension and steering, brakes and safety systems are all brand-new developments from the ground up. And all these features serve to give the new MINI that legendary go-kart feeling right from the start – but now with an even higher standard of agility than before. This, quite literally, is MINI at its best – both in design and handling.

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The new MINI is entering the market in the guise of the MINI Cooper (88 kW/120 hp) and MINI Cooper S (128 kW/175 hp), with the MINI One “basic” version following somewhat later. And once again, the new MINI will also be available with a turbodiesel offering a particularly high standard of all-round economy in the drivetrain.

Two new petrol engines with innovative highlights in technology.
The new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Cooper S come with two four-cylinder petrol engines each displacing 1.6 litres. Both of these power units are the first representatives of a new range of engines boasting innovative features from the ground up. They each come with two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder driven by a chain. The engine block and cylinder head, in turn, are cast out of a special aluminium alloy. In terms of both power, performance and efficiency, these innovative drive units set new standards in the MINI segment, boasting many design features and technical details so far only to be found in higher segments of the market. A volume flow-controlled oil pump, for example, as well as a water pump switching off automatically when not required, serve to reduce fuel consumption to an even lower level than usual. And at the same time it almost goes without saying that the new power units comply in full with the strict Euro 4 emission standard.

The MINI Cooper features a normal-aspiration power unit developing maximum output of 88 kW/120 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. The intake valves are controlled in a fully variable process by the BMW Group’s absolutely unique VALVETRONIC technology, allowing the engine to breathe freely, without the usual restrictions imposed by a throttle butterfly. Valve lift and opening times are masterminded by infinite electronic control adjusting to the driver’s needs for power and performance. This highly efficient valve management combines superior fuel economy, a high standard of motoring culture, spontaneous response and optimised emission management, thus offering a new combination of qualities never seen before.

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The even more powerful engine featured in the new MINI Cooper S is a turbocharged power unit with direct gasoline injection. Turbocharging is provided by an elaborately designed twin-scroll turbocharger fed with a separate flow of exhaust gas from two cylinders each. Benefiting from this configuration, the turbocharger cuts in right from the start at low engine speeds, almost completely eliminating the so-called “turbo gap” when accelerating.

Maximum torque of 240 Nm or 177 lb-ft comes at just 1,600 rpm, maximum output of this turbocharged four-cylinder is 128 kW/175 hp at 5,500 rpm. Apart from extremely high output per litre of approximately 110 hp, the combination of a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection also ensures superior fuel economy, a high standard of motoring culture, and very efficient emission control.

Evolution in exterior design, revolution in the cockpit.

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The revised body design of the new MINI not only considers the even stricter safety standards to be observed in future, but also – with the car’s dimensions increasing only slightly, for example with exterior length up by approximately 70 millimetres or 2.76´´ – accentuates the proportions and design features so typical of the MINI. As a result, the new MINI not only retains the proportions so typical of the car, but naturally also boasts characteristic features such as the hexagon grille, large headlights, the diagonal joint between the engine compartment lid and side direction indicators as a clear reminiscence to the welding seam on the classic Mini stretching out over exactly the same connection line in the past, and the upright rear light clusters.

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From the side, the car is naturally still dominated by glazing all round the passenger cell, the extremely short body overhangs both front and rear, and the extra-large wheels, all of these features once again accentuating the masculine “stance-on-the-wheels” character so typical of the MINI. “Evolution on the exterior of the car is supplemented by revolution in the interior”, states MINI’s Chief Designer Gert Hildebrand. So reflecting the formula of offering “maximum car on minimum space”, the interior of the new MINI looks even lighter than before, but is even more generous in its features. Moved far to the outside, the air vents accentuate the horizontal orientation of the dashboard and create a harmonious transition from the cockpit to the door lining. Through its separate elements and dividing lines, the dashboard allows superior customisation with inserts more sporting, technical or elegant, depending on the colour and material chosen. And last but not least, the decal elements may be supplemented by up to 16 chrome-plated trim surrounds on the instruments and air vents themselves. Now even larger than before, the Center Speedo, a genuine MINI icon in the cockpit, comprises all entertainment and, as an option, navigation functions over and above the analogue-face speedometer. Through its high, central position, the Center Speedo allows optimum ergonomic control by both the driver and front passenger, while the slender centre console ensures even more space and roominess within the footwells. Metallic toggle switches again typical of MINI are featured not only in the centre console, but also as function switches to be found for the first time in the roof lining. The conventional ignition key, in turn, has been replaced by an electronic signal transmitter enabling the driver to start the engine simply by pressing the Start/Stop button after having inserted the round chip sensor in the opening next to the steering wheel.

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Again, features of this calibre enhance the character of the interior cockpit to an even higher standard. The new MINI is the consistent evolution of its highly successful predecessor. Both in design and in its driving characteristics, the new model takes up all the strengths and elements already boasted on the former MINI, using well-conceived modifications and demanding technology to give these features an even higher level of quality. And it virtually goes without saying that the new MINI fulfils all the high quality, technology and safety standards of the BMW Group as a whole, thus ranking supreme in its segment in every respect.

Posted by saurabh at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments

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Chrysler Sebring sedan offers more than ever before in mid-size segment

“The 2007 Chrysler Sebring represents the next phase of the Chrysler brand’s passenger car renaissance,” said Rooney. “The Sebring builds on the winning formula that began with the award-winning Chrysler 300 in the large car segment. This formula combines stunning design with interior craftsmanship, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency (30+ mpg), all at a surprisingly affordable price. Sebring also features many class-leading technologies not available in the mid-size segment.”

With a starting MSRP of $18,995 (including a $675 destination charge), the Chrysler Sebring sedan features a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter World Engine that produces 173 horsepower (129kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N-m) of torque coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. (Estimated EPA Fuel Economy MPG 24 city/32 highway).

Other standard equipment includes both side-curtain and side seat-mounted thorax air bags, anti-lock disc/drum brakes, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, an electroluminescent cluster with outside temperature display, telescoping steering wheel, driver seat lumbar with manual height adjuster, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 connectivity and play capability, Chrysler signature analog clock in instrument panel, sliding sun visor, sliding front center armrest, an upper and lower bin in the center console, a second power outlet, 60/40 folding rear seat with center arm rest, rear door map pockets with bottle holders and driver’s side front-seat-back map pocket.

On the exterior, the Chrysler Sebring model features standard painted and heated power mirrors, quad headlamps with off-time delay, bright beltline molding, and 16-inch wheel covers and tires.

Available options on the Sebring model include a six-disc CD/DVD/MP3 radio with six speakers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, UConnect Hands-free Communication System with electrochromic mirror, heated cloth seats, body-side molding, power sunroof and a Convenience Group (which includes a theft alarm, travel computer, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, rear cargo organizer, express-up windows for driver and passenger with down on key fob, cabin air filtration system, YES Essentials premium seat fabric and remote start).

2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring model has a starting MSRP of $20,195 (including a $675 destination charge).

In addition to the standard features on the Chrysler Sebring model, the Chrysler Sebring Touring includes YES Essentials premium seat fabric, a fold-flat front passenger seat, brushed aluminum instrument panel, cluster bezels and door trim, chrome interior door handles, express-up and down windows for both the driver and passenger and express down windows on the key fob, LED map lights (late availability), lighted visor mirrors, rear passenger assist grab handles and six speakers.

Standard exterior equipment on the Chrysler Sebring Touring includes Touring Edition badging, automatic headlamps and 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires.

Available options on the Chrysler Sebring Touring model, in addition to the options on the Sebring model, include MyGIG, a cutting-edge Harmon/Kardon navigation/infotainment system that includes SIRIUS Satellite Radio and UConnect, a rear-seat video system, premium 276-watt six-channel Boston Acoustics sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, an eight-way power driver seat and a Convenience Group (which includes travel computer and Tire Pressure Monitoring Display, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, rear cargo organizer, cabin air filtration system, remote start, Universal Garage Door Opener, electrochromic rear-view mirror, theft alarm and single-zone automatic temperature control).

Chrysler Sebring Touring model is also available with a 2.7-liter Flexible Fuel (FFV) V-6 engine that produces 189 hp (141 kW) and 191 lb.-ft. (259 N-m) of torque, coupled with a four-speed automatic transaxle and four wheel disc brakes (Estimated EPA Fuel Economy MPG 22 city/30 highway). Additional available options include a heated/cooled cupholder, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and 18-inch tires with cast-aluminum wheels.

2007 Chrysler Sebring Limited
The Chrysler Sebring Limited has a starting MSRP of $23,995 (including $675 destination charge). In addition to the standard features on Chrysler Sebring and Sebring Touring models, the 2007 Chrysler Sebring Limited features an available 3.5L V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick, dual exhaust with chrome tips and P215/55 R18 tires with cast aluminum wheels (Estimated EPA Fuel Economy MPG 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway).

In addition to the standard features on Chrysler Sebring and Chrysler Touring models, the Chrysler Limited includes two-tone leather seats and leather shift knob, premium Boston Acoustics Sound System, an eight-way power driver seat, Travel Computer, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, single zone automatic temperature control, theft alarm, tortoise shell accents on the steering wheel, instrument panel and doors, Universal Garage Door Opener, electrochromic rear view mirror, fog lamps, chrome exterior door handles, Satin Silver door handle and PRNDL bezel, Limited badging, steering wheel audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Available options on Chrysler Sebring Limited, in addition to the options available on Sebring and Sebring Touring, include a Premium Group (available 2.4L) and a Luxury Group (available 3.5L). The Premium Group includes heated seats, cabin air filtration system, heated/cooled cupholder, rear cargo organizer and remote start. The Luxury Group also includes 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels.

Chrysler Sebring $18,995 (including $675 destination charge)

Chrysler Sebring Touring $20,195 (including $675 destination charge)

Chrysler Sebring Limited $23,995 (including $675 destination charge)

Manufactured at Chrysler Group’s Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant, the all-new Chrysler Sebring will be available in Chrysler dealerships this fall.

Posted by saurabh at 3:10 AM | Permalink | Comments

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After dropping the news that the UK will be getting an all new diesel engine in the new BMW X3, we finally have some details on the US spec X3. The new X3 will feature an updated version of the 3.0-liter inline six that produces 260hp, and 225lb-ft of torque. This is an increase of 35hp over the outgoing model, and drops 0-60 times to just under 7.0 seconds.

Other improvements include a new version of BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control which adds Brake Drying and Dynamic Traction Control, a first for a BMW SUV.

Full details after the jump.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - June 27, 2006… Building on its reputation as an agile, fun to drive, attainable BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, the X3 receives a significant freshening for the 2007 model year. It begins, of course, with a performance upgrade. It also includes additional safety features, revamped exterior styling, an increase in the level of interior refinement as well as new luxury and performance oriented options. Reflecting its increase in performance, it also gets a new name - the BMW X3 3.0si. As a BMW SAV, it will again come standard with BMW’s innovative xDrive all-wheel drive. The 2007 BMW X3 3.0si will arrive in U.S. showrooms early this fall.

A new engine and transmission choices offer even greater performance
The BMW X3 3.0si will be powered by the award-winning aluminum/magnesium 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, featuring VALVETRONIC technology. In the X3 3.0si, this engine produces 260 hp at 6,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. This represents an increase of 35 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque. True to its BMW heritage, the X3 3.0si will be offered with a six-speed manual as standard equipment. A new six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission will be offered as a no cost option in place of the previous 5-speed. The performance and feel are both improved thanks to incredibly quick gear changes. The result is a significant reduction in acceleration times for both transmissions. With the six-speed manual, the X3 3.0si accelerates from 0 - 60 mph is 6.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.7 seconds over the previous X3 3.0i. With the new six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic, the X3 3.0si goes from 0 - 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, a 0.8 second improvement. In typical BMW fashion, this increase in performance does not come at the sacrifice of efficiency.

An enhanced Dynamic Stability Control system works in concert with standard xDrive all-wheel drive
The Dynamic Stability Control system in the 2007 X3 3.0si includes all of the latest safety enhancements. These include Brake Drying to improve emergency stopping capability in wet conditions, Brake Standby to give an edge in emergency braking, Start-off Assistant and Brake Fade Compensation.

The 2007 X3 3.0si becomes the first BMW SAV to include Dynamic Traction Control as part of DSC. At the touch of a button, DTC waits for a higher threshold of wheel-slip before engaging DSC functions. This helps when starting off on loose snow, for example. It also offers the driving enthusiast another dimension of driving joy.

In order to ensure a high degree of stability and traction under all conditions, the xDrive all-wheel drive system, DSC and the engine management system are networked via Integrated Chassis Management. Working together, the systems will react to a loss of traction at any wheel by first utilizing xDrive to move traction to the front or rear axle as appropriate. Then, if necessary, DSC will work to help stabilize the vehicle.

Styling enhancements inside and out distinguish the 2007 BMW X3 3.0si
The front styling of the X3 3.0si has been enhanced with a new front bumper that frames a new, slightly larger twin-kidney grill. The cleaner headlight assembly no longer includes the DOT amber reflector, which moves to the fender. The optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights now include the corona light rings. The headlight washers, which are included with the Cold Weather Package, now retract into the bumper. The new rear bumper is highlighted with chrome exhaust tips. The new taillight cluster includes horizontal LED taillights. Adaptive Brake Lights enable the distinctive new taillights to illuminate along with, and at the same intensity as the brake lights in an emergency stop. Newly styled 17-inch wheels are standard, with 18-inch wheels available as a stand-alone option.

The more highly refined interior is immediately apparent. The new dashboard material has a more luxurious grain. The dashboard now has wood trim to match the center console and door pulls. The door panels have been enhanced with solid door pockets and additional upholstery above the armrests. When leather upholstery is ordered, the upholstery on the door panels includes stitching for an added premium luxury detail. The standard multi-function steering wheel is a new three-spoke design. Audiophiles will appreciate the new standard auxiliary input jack located on the back of the center console. For added comfort, 16-way comfort seats are available as an option. These include power headrest adjustment and a two-piece adjustable backrest.

2007 X3 enhancements continue with the packages
The content of the popular Premium Package has been improved to include a compass in the rearview mirror, a Universal Garage Door Opener and power-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors. BMW Assist now includes four years of service. The Cold Weather Package adds heated rear seats to the heated front seats, headlight washers and ski-bag. A heated steering remains a stand-alone option. For the driving enthusiast, the Sport Package content remains the same. For those who want the ultimate in handling and responsiveness, the optional upgrade now includes mixed-size 19-inch wheels with performance tires.

The styling updates to the 2007 BMW X3 3.0si make this Sports Activity Vehicle even more elegant and comfortable while the performance enhancements, in true BMW tradition, ensure that it remains the vehicle of choice for the driving enthusiast.

Posted by saurabh at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

Team Toyo™ Drift’s Tanner Foust captured an overall victory during Round 2 of the Need For Speed Formula D Drift Championship this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. Foust piloted his yellow-and-black 450-horsepower AEM/Memphis Car Audio Nissan 350Z to the front of the field of world class competitors while driving on Proxes T1R™ tires from Toyo Tires®.

With this past weekend’s victory Foust has become the second Team Toyo™ Drift driver to win a Need For Speed Formula D Drift Championship round, joining Toyo’s own Ken Gushi for those honors. Foust’s sudden rise to a championship round win is no fluke, as he is a seasoned precision driver for movies such as The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. During the filming of that movie, which will soon appear in theaters, Foust spent three months driving a black Nissan 350Z, stunt-doubling for the movie character “D.K.”. According to Stan Chen, Manager of Events and Motorsports, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation, “After spending so much time with the twin turbo Z movie car, transitioning into the AEM/Memphis Car Audio 350Z was pretty straight forward. It used the same Proxes T1R tires, same turbo kit, and other components similar to the actual movie car. This early victory is a great start for Toyo Tires in the Formula D championship.”
To learn more about the Proxes T1R™, Toyo’s flagship ultra-high performance tire, and about Team Toyo™ Drift, log onto toyo.com. For a chance at winning a Mitsubishi Evo 9 styled after the car in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, log on to toyosweeps.com. During 2006, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation celebrates its 40th Anniversary. Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of high performance and original equipment replacement tires for passenger car, light truck, commercial truck, bus, off-road and construction applications.

Posted by saurabh at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments