Hyundai News - Forbes Top Four best vehicles for college students

, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai

Talk about tough standards. When Forbes compiled vehicles for its annual “Best Cars for College Students” list, they found only four vehicles qualified to meet its criteria of being affordable, safe, and reliable. Interestingly, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, which they deemed the “standard” by which similar vehicles are measured, failed to make the list. According to Forbes, both did poorly on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, with the Accord receiving the lowest rating of “poor” for rear-crash protection and the Camry receiving a “marginal” rating in the same test.

So who are the fortunate foursome? They are:

• Chevrolet Cobalt - $13,590
• Ford Escape - $19,780
• Honda Civic - $14,560
• Hyundai Sonata - $17,195

How each vehicle scored in the IIHS safety test, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power can be found on each slide. What do you think? A+ to Forbes on their choices? Or back to school for them? Seems like no one at Forbes even considered keg capacity, the degree to which a car’s stereo can annoy neighbors, or maximum number of friends that can be squeezed in for a trip to Windsor.

Related:

• CNNMoney.com picks 7 best College Cars
• Used luxury cars as ultimate gift for your graduating kid
• Best Cars for College Students

[Source: Forbes]

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Source: www.autoblog.com

[tags]hyundai cars, hyundai news, hyundai models, hyundai[/tags]

Toyota News - TiMo - Toyota’s new cell phone

, Japan, Tech, Toyota

Reuters is reporting that Toyota is about to jump into the cell phone business with KDDI Corp., Japan’s No. 2 wireless carrier of which 11 percent is owned by the Japanese auto giant. The company’s ultimate goal is to close the gap between its cars and telecom networks, so the new phone will be compatible with Toyota navigation systems via Bluetooth. The pair of companies has also developed some type of battery charger that Reuters reports will attach to the armrest of a car and offer music and games downloads. Not sure how that’s going to work until we see it. The new phone will also have emergency services on its speed dial in case a motorist gets into trouble on the road.

The Toyota phone will be called “TiMo” and go on sale at the end of October, right before Japan’s cell phone users will be allowed to switch services and keep their current telephone number.

(BTW - the above picture is of a Motorola RAZR, as no one’s seen the TiMo yet)

[Source: Reuters]

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Source: www.autoblog.com

[tags]toyota cars, toyota news, toyota suv, toyota[/tags]

Mercedes-Benz News - Report: Mercedes, BMW take aim at the Audi R8

[tags]mercedes benz news, mercedes benz reviews, mercedes benz, daimler chrysler[/tags] -

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz

Audi appears to have set off a chain reaction with its forthcoming R8 sports car. The automaker’s primary competitors, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are both cooking up their own new sports cars. Auto Motor und Sport reports that BMW is busy working on the Z9 for 2010. The front-engined Z9 would eschew the Z8’s retro themes for a more current look, and be powered at first by a version of the M5/M6 V10 making 500+ horses. That engine could possibly be joined by a 400+ hp V8 after the car’s initial release.

Meanwhile, at Mercedes, speculation abounds regarding the rumored 2010 supercar, which, based on previous reports, will be driven by a 750-hp twin-turbocharged version of the AMG V8, sport gullwing doors and be developed entirely by AMG mad scientists. Auto Motor und Sport reports that said powerplant will be mounted amidships, and the rendering above is the German mag’s theory of what this AMG sports car could look like. We think it looks just fine.

Let the rumor-mongering continue!

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

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AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Mercedes Benz

Click image to enlarge

Who does AMG think it is? BRABUS?

Mercedes’ in-house tuning arm is upping the ante on three of its delectable, monstrously-powered passenger cars by offering optional performance packages that further enhance their dynamics.

The lucky recipients of the AMG Performance Studio’s additional love are the CLS 63, SLK 55, and SL 55 — three cars we’d gladly welcome into the Autoblog garage in their stock forms. Just the thought of even better versions makes us feel all warm and fuzzy. The full list of modifications made to each car is detailed after the jump, but suffice to say that no matter which one you choose, expect suspension, brake, wheel/tire, and appearance upgrades that make the cars even more well-rounded and provide a stronger street presence than stock AMG machines.

Pricing for the upgrades is set at 8,236 € for the CLS, 5,220 € for the SLK, and 11,948 € for the SL. If you’re already paying the premium for an AMG ride, why not just go all the way and take the performance package, too? You know you want to.

(Pics, press release after the jump)

[Source:DaimlerChrysler]

Click either image to enlarge

PRESS RELEASE:

Performance packages for high-powered AMG models:
Factory-fitted packages for enhanced performance and further improved racetrack potential

Affalterbach, Aug 30, 2006
Mercedes-AMG is offering customised performance packages for three AMG models, aimed at particularly sporty drivers. The packages, which are available for the CLS 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and SL 55 AMG, comprise various factory-fitted components which significantly enhance the dynamics of all three models and further improve their racetrack potential. The performance packages were developed in the AMG Performance Studio and the vehicles are built at the relevant DaimlerChrysler production plants.

The performance packages for the CLS 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and SL 55 AMG focus particularly on chassis and brake system modifications, incorporating com-ponents with an even higher performance rating and longer service life. The re-sult is a breathtaking driving experience for ambitious sports car enthusiasts who want to have the option of using their AMG model on closed-circuit racetracks. Customers benefit from the extensive motor sport know-how gained by Mercedes-AMG GmbH in almost four decades of working in this field.

The performance package for the CLS 63 AMG comprises:

* Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm
* Multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect for additional traction
* 19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, painted sterling silver, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 10 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)
* AMG performance suspension based on AIRMATIC DC
* AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

The performance package for the SLK 55 AMG comprises:

* Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 360 x 32 mm
* 18-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 7.5 x 18 with 225/40 R 18 tyres (front) and size 8.5 x 18 with 245/35 R 18 tyres (rear)
* AMG performance suspension
* AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles
* Carbonfibre interior trim parts

The performance package for the SL 55 AMG comprises:

* Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm
* Multi-disc rear locking differential with 30% locking effect for additional traction
* 19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 9.5 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)
* AMG performance suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC)
* Additional oil cooler
* AMG front apron with larger air intakes
* AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

The AMG performance packages are priced as follows (prices include 16 % VAT):

* CLS 63 AMG: 8,236 €
* SLK 55 AMG: 5,220 €
* SL 55 AMG: 11,948 €

The AMG Performance Studio in Affalterbach can provide even more customisation for these AMG high-performance models. Depending on the model in question, the available components include:

* Extra-lightweight, forged AMG alloy wheels
* Carbon-fibre exterior package
* AMG sports steering wheels
* Illuminated AMG door sill panels

The Performance Studio specialists also fit unique interior trim components and high-performance hi-fi and multimedia systems and even create one-off specials - a traditional forte of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

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Tuner Tuesdays II: Hamann Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (Auto / Car Article)

, Tuner Tuesdays, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Lamborghini

Today, Hamann sent out word of its latest creation: a tuned version of the highly desirable Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Hamann’s visual upgrades enhance the musclebound “baby” Lambo’s form by giving it a racier look while reportedly providing real aerodynamic benefits. The new front spoiler and side skirts are complemented in back by either a new 3-piece rear spoiler or a race-inspired rear wing.

Performance-wise, Hamann offers two different exhaust upgrades, and can also reprogram the car’s ECU to kick peak output up to 520 horsepower. Slowing down a car with that much juice takes a little extra effort, so bigger brakes with 8-piston calipers up front and 6-pots in back can be fitted to make exiting lightspeed a little easier. Naturally, the wheels can be upgraded, too. We favor the turbofan look in the picture above, but the black rims pictured after the jump look just fine as well.

Finally, the most important upgrade Hamann bestows upon the Gallardo is, ironically, the conversion to “Lambo” doors. In a week-long process, the stock doors are modified to open butterfly-style. In the case of the Gallardo, it’s actually fitting.

[Source: Hamann]

PRESS RELEASE
August 2006

Open-top driving pleasure:
The HAMANN Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

o. Sporty aerodynamics suite with racing look
o. Alloy wheels in 19- and 20-inch-design
o. Conversion to in-house developed wing doors

Following up on the Ferrari F430 Spider, with its customized Lamborghini Spyder, HAMANN has now introduced a second top-class, open-top Italian racer into its tuning range. Like its cousin from Maranello, this sports car (with the bull in its logo) also stands out after being revamped at HAMANN with its racing flair and sportier look.

Aerodynamics with racing look

From a visual aspect, HAMANN lends the masculine, angular contours of the Gallardo Spyder an additional shot of testosterone. The extensive aerodynamics suite, which has been perfectly matched to the body of the “compact” Lamborghini, includes a downforce generating front spoiler, which is additionally equipped with an adjustable cup front spoiler lip borrowed from the racing scene. The muscular appearance of the Gallardo Spyder is enhanced by the HAMANN side sills - which also make the car look lower on the road, besides lending it a “fuller” appearance. Further features HAMANN borrows from the racing scene are incorporated into the rear end of the Gallardo. In addition to a three-piece rear spoiler, as an alternative, the Laupheim tuning specialist also offers a racing car-like rear wing, which helps to generate greatly enhanced downforce. The latter is given yet a further boost by being fitted with the HAMANN diffuser. All the components are available both in fiberglass and Carbon-Kevlar. The aerodynamics body-styling kit is rounded off by fiberglass covers, designed as a trim for the HAMANN 4-tailpipe rear muffler.

Wing doors - a real eye-catcher

An even more profound modification to the body involves the fitting of the HAMANN in-house developed wing doors. The objective of the car customizer here was to design a stable, but relatively inconspicuous system. The hinges of the HAMANN wing door conversion are only just about visible, without giving the impression of having been retrofitted. This ensures that the Gallardo still cuts a fine figure when the entrance area is inspected. The conversion is performed at HAMANN and takes about a week. The HAMANN wing doors are characterized by the fact that they open upwards at an angle - as already seen in the models Countach, Diablo and Murciélago on which they are based.

Performance injection

Needless to say, HAMANN also lends the Lamborghini Gallardo more power and performance. The car customizer has obtained this by fitting two types of sports rear mufflers - one version can be used in conjunction with the original tailpipes, thanks to the supplied adaptors, while the other version has four tailpipes each with a 76mm diameter - from V2A stainless steel. When fitted in conjunction with HAMANN sports metal catalysts, they increase both the bhp/kW values and the torque. For the Lamborghini Gallardo, HAMANN is also offering the option of recalibrating the standard ECU coupled with optimized mapping. This leads to an increase in power of 30 bhp / 22kW (series 520 bhp / 382 kW) and a 40 Nm increase in torque for this Italian powerhouse. The top speed increases by 6 to 320 km/h.

Modified deceleration values

Drivers of fast cars are often underestimated by other road users. Precarious situations can often be defused safely by fitting better brakes. Accordingly, for the Gallardo Spyder and its hard-top variant, HAMANN offers sports braking systems both for the front and back. The braking system for the front consists of two slotted and inside-vented HAMANN brake discs in the dimensions 380 x 34 mm and two HAMANN eight-piston fixed caliper brakes in red (other colors optionally available). HAMANN equips the braking system for the rear with two slotted and inside-vented brake discs in the dimension 360 x 32 mm, two six-piston fixed caliper brakes in red and special handbrake linings.
Both sports braking systems are supplied complete with HAMANN special brake pads and HAMANN adapters along with all the fastenings.

Wheel rims in 19- and 20-inch

The stylishly, sporty concept of the HAMANN Lamborghini Gallardo is rounded off by the composite, forged ANNIVERSARY II light alloy wheel. This exclusive wheel in its multi-spoke design conveys a sense of pure, unadulterated motor racing. The silver rim with its mirror-finished rim flange looks both stylish and luxurious. The front axle is fitted with wheels in the dimensions 9 x 19 inches, with size 235/35 Z R19 tires. The rear axle is fitted with the ANNIVERSARY II wheel rims in the dimensions 12 x 19 inches and tires in the size 295/30 Z R19. With this solution, HAMANN enables its customers to continue using the series tires of the original wheel on a new rim. HAMANN also offers the ANNIVERSARY II as a 20-inch version, namely at the front, in 8.5 x 20 dimensions with size 235/30ZR20 tires, and at the rear in 11.5 x 20 dimensions with size 325/25ZR20 tires. A new addition to the range is the HAMANN 20 inch light alloy wheel “Edition Race”. This wheel is fitted on the front axle in an 8.5 x 20 dimension with size 235/30ZR20 tires and on the rear axle in an 11.25 x 20 dimension with size 325/25ZR20 tires.

Upon request, HAMANN can also upgrade the vehicle interior. For instance, this car customizer offers an 11-piece kit of decorative carbon-fiber trims. True to the motto of “Nothing’s impossible”, as you might expect, HAMANN designs the interior entirely to suit the customer’s needs.

Further information on the extensive HAMANN tuning range is available on the company’s website at www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.de.

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Source: feeds.autoblog.com

[tags]auto articles, auto news, car stories, car articles[/tags]

Suzuki News - Suzuki XL7 and SX4 get priced

Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Suzuki

Suzuki has finally slapped a price tag on its two newest models, the XL7 and SX4. The XL7 CUV will start at a low $22,899 and come standard with GM’s 3.6-liter V6 making 252 hp and 243 ft-lbs. of torque. It will be offered in standard, Luxury and Limited trim, the first two of which can be had with either five- or seven-passenger seating and either front- or all-wheel drive. The Limited model gets the third row standard, can also be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, and includes a Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension.

The SX4, which replaces the Aerio, will start at $14,999 and feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 143 horsepower. The SX4 is considered a crossover of sorts and also comes standard with Suzuki’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. Two trim levels will be offered, SX4 and SX4 Sport. The Sport model will include TCS and ECS, cruise control, a premium audio system and start at $16,399.

This is an extremely aggressive pricing strategy on the part of Suzuki that should signal to its competitors that the once afterthough automaker in the U.S. is serious about carving out more market share for itself in 2007.

(Check out Suzuki’s full press release after the jump)

[Source: Suzuki]

Press release:

AMERICAN SUZUKI ANNOUNCES PRICING
FOR ALL-NEW 2007 XL7 AND SX4

SX4 arriving in dealer showrooms now;
XL7 due later this fall

BREA, Calif., Aug. 29, 2006 - American Suzuki Motor Corporation today announced pricing on its all-new XL7 crossover SUV and SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover). The stylish and versatile Suzuki XL7 has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,899. The highly anticipated, bold and functional SX4 with standard all-wheel drive has a starting MSRP of $14,999 - making it the most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle in its class. The SX4 is arriving in dealer showrooms now and the XL7 is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this fall.

Suzuki XL7
The XL7’s 3.6-liter V6 DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower with 243 lb.-ft. of torque is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission fitted with manumatic controls. The flagship XL7 has extensive safety features, including four air bags; driver and passenger front airbags and side-curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)_ including traction control system (TCS).

Additional standard features include remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, two 12-volt accessory outlets, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, satin silver trim, air conditioning with automatic climate control, trip computer, automatic headlamps, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and privacy glass.

Three trim levels will be offered: XL7, Luxury and Limited. XL7 and XL7 Luxury will be offered in both five- and seven-passenger configurations, and each package will be offered in either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive ($1,600). Seven-passenger XL7 vehicles are fitted with Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension.

The XL7 Luxury adds leather-appointed interior, power driver seat, heated front seats, wood trim accents and 17-inch alloy wheels and has a starting MSRP of $24,599. An optional power tilt-and-slide sunroof also is available ($800).

The top-of-the-line XL7 Limited features standard seven-passenger seating and adds fog lamps, rear spoiler, upgraded roof racks with aluminum lower bumper valances, premium XM Satellite Radio-ready audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer), auto-dimming antiglare rearview mirror with compass, remote starter and DVD entertainment system. The feature-packed XL7 Limited carries an MSRP of $27,949.

There are three optional packages to go with the three trim levels: The seven-passenger seating package (available on XL7 and XL7 Luxury) $1,350; the DVD entertainment package (available on three-row Luxury) that features a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote starter system for $1,100; and the Platinum Touring package featuring a touch-screen navigation system, 17-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels with unique design and sunroof (in place of DVD entertainment system) for $2,200.

Suzuki SX4
Built in Japan, the all-new 2007 Suzuki SX4 features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. SX4 is also fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment.

The i-AWD system operates in three modes for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement or to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud.

The SX4’s standard features include six airbags; front driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags; four-wheel ABS with EBD, TPMS, seatbelt pretentioners, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, daytime running lights, fender flares and silver bumper guards. SX4 carries an MSRP of $14,999.

The SX4 comes in two trim levels: SX4 and SX4 Sport. SX4 is available with the Convenience Package, which includes cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. SX4 Sport includes: TCS and ESP, auto temperature control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium audio with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers (including subwoofer), silver-color roof rails and SmartPass keyless entry and start system. SX4 Sport has an MSRP of $16,399. All trim levels are available in manual or automatic transmission with standard AWD.

The XL7 and SX4 add to what already has been an extraordinary period in Suzuki’s history with record sales in 2005 and during the first half of 2006, along with last year’s launch of the completely redesigned Grand Vitara. The media acclaimed Grand Vitara brand icon provided consumers with their first look at the next generation of Suzuki vehicles in the United States and exceeded expectations for a responsive, yet affordable compact SUV.

Suzuki’s diverse product line now features the XL7 and Grand Vitara SUVs and a variety of cars to match the needs of every lifestyle. The 2007 vehicle line also includes the functional SX4 compact crossover, popular and versatile Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, European-styled Reno and sporty, yet fuel-efficient Aerio sedan. The entire vehicle line offers something for everyone and exceeds consumer expectations with standout virtues for toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at prices well below the competition. All 2007 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America’s #1 Warranty: 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

2007 Suzuki XL7 pricing
XL7: $22,899
XL7: Luxury $24,599
XL7: Limited $27,949

Factory options
AWD: $1,600
Three-row seating: (standard on Limited) $1,350
Sunroof (Luxury): $800
DVD (three-row Luxury): $1,100
Platinum Touring (Limited): $2,200

Destination charge $635

2007 Suzuki SX4 pricing
SX4: $14,999
SX4 Sport: $16,399

Factory options
Automatic transmission: $1,000
iAWD: Standard

Destination charge $595

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[tags]suzuki news, suzuki models, suzuki cars. suzuki reviews[/tags]

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