Spy Shots: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V (Auto / Car Article)
October 6, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Cadillac
The new CTS looks killer if recent spy shots are anything to go by. These shots show what appears to be the next generation CTS-V undergoing testing, as evident by the wide tires and performance wheels, larger exhaust tips, and most conspicuously, the bubble protruding from the mule’s hood that we guess is making room for a supercharger. While no one knows for sure what engine will power the next CTS-V, some say it will be a non-supercharged 4.6-liter V8 while others swear it will have a blower. Looks like the latter camp may be right, and if so, The Car Connection says the CTS-V may have between 550-600 horsepower, which is just pure insanity for an “entry-level” luxury sedan. Apparently Cadillac is serious about hammering the BMW M3 and M5 (the 3-Series is really the direct competitor to the CTS, but 550-600 hp will allow the CTS-V to run with the V10-powered M5) with some serious Detroit iron. Only 7,500 examples of the CTS-V are pegged for production, and judging from these shots we’re sure Cadillac won’t have any trouble unloading them.
[Source: The Car Connection]
Related Posts:
- Cadillac CTS interior spied
- Another rendering sheds light on entry level caddy
- New Cadillac CTS will be offered in a variety of flavors
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Toyota to cut hybrid weight and cost by 2009 (Auto / Car Article)
October 5, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
When it comes to saving cash at the pump, one of the best ways to improve fuel economy is to avoid lugging around unnecessary pounds. We’ve already lost a few odd ounces when we replaced our CDs for an MP3 player, and when gas prices begin to rise again, it might be a good time to consider that diet you’ve been putting off.
Toyota has the same idea for their hybrid vehicles, so when the next generation Prius rolls of the line, its hybrid drivetrain will have its weight cut in half. The automaker is in a race with Honda to significantly reduce the weight of these systems, and in doing so, will also reduce the cost of the vehicle overall.
It’s estimated that the current Prius has a price penalty of about $4,000 dollars due to its gas/electric setup. ToMoCo wants to bring that figure down to about $1,900 and plans to do so within the next three years. The same goes for Honda, who intends on only charging a $1,700 premium for its hybrid-equipped whips by 2009.
[Source: Financial Times via Inside Line]
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The lovely ladies of the 2006 Paris Motor Show (Auto / Car Article)
October 3, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
click on image to enlarge
The French are known for their fine food, fine wine and as we’ve just seen this past week, their fine automobiles. But nary a vehicle we passed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show stood on that turntable alone; each was accompanied by an equally fine female accent. We would never dream of objectifyng those born without a Y chromosome, so thankfully more than a few automakers at this year’s Paris show were willing to step in and do the job for us. We submit these images for your viewing pleasure, although hopefully not too much pleasure. Follow the jump for more lovely lady pics, all high resolution, of course.
click on any image to enlarge
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TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser package, Camry hybrid gets $300 bump (Auto / Car Article)
October 2, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
, Toyota
In 2007, Toyota will be bringing to market a Limited Edition model of its popular FJ Cruiser, complete will all the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) goodies.
First off, the limited edition version will be sprayed down head-to-toe, in black paint, nixing its trademarked white roof. The wheels will be coated in an anthracite finish and wrapped with uprated BF Goodrich All-Terrain rubber. To complete the exclusive look, expect the prerequisite “TRD Limited Edition” badges adorning as many surfaces as possible.
Appearance is one thing, capability is another and TRD recognizes that the base model could benefit from a few staple mods to make it a more competent off-roader. The stock suspension will be tossed and fitted with TRD/Bilstein shocks, developed for dirt duty and covered in a red finish. The new shocks are claimed to reduce squat and dive, as well as increase straight-line stability. Another mod includes mating the locking diff with the Active Control computer, which will aid the FJ when rock crawling is the activity du jour. The package will also include a TRD performance exhaust and “rock rails.”
The interior will benefit with an array of airbags, including both seat-mounted and side curtain, along with a “multi-informational display” that comes equipped with a temp. gauge, compass and inclinometer.
A total of 3,200 vehicles will be made, with a $7,265 increase in MSRP on manual models and a $7,250 increase on automatic models. The $15 premium on the manual-equipped FJ is purportedly due to the “quick shifter” option.
If you want to see the new FJ in person, it’ll be prominently displayed during this year’s SEMA show in November.
In the following press release, Toyota also snuck in a $300 increase on its Camry Hybrid, effective October 30th.
PRESS RELEASE
Sep 29, 2006 12:00 America/Los_Angeles
Toyota Announces Pricing for Toyota Racing Development Special Edition FJ Cruiser Package and 2007 Camry Hybrid
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Special Edition package for the 2007 FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SUV) and 2007 Camry Hybrid.
The TRD Special Edition package adds several exterior performance enhancements to the 2007 FJ Cruiser SUV. Included in the package are TRD/Bilstein off-road tuned, red painted shock absorbers. The special shocks are designed to enhance straight line stability, decrease brake “dive” and acceleration “squat” yaw response, stability and roll feel, body motion characteristics, shock impact and off-road handling. The seamless monotube design provides superior tube strength while maximizing heat dissipation and shock life.
Additionally, TRD has synchronized the locking differential with Active Traction control. The locking rear differential no longer overrides Active Traction control enabling the FJ Cruiser to navigate easier through boulders.
Unique exterior enhancements include an all Black paint scheme with a Black roof and “TRD Special Edition” badges. The Special Edition package will also feature a set of five TRD 16-inch alloy wheels with a gun metal gray painted finish and BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires with wheel locks, TRD performance exhaust and rock rails.
Inside, the Special Edition package is equipped with seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, and a multi-informational display which includes compass, inclinometer and temperature gauge. The Special Edition package also includes a two-in-one AM/FM audio and six-disc CD changer, quickshifter (manual transmission models only) and all-weather front and rear cargo floor mats with a TRD logo.
Only 3,200 units of the TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser will be built. The Special Edition package will carry a base MSRP of $7,265 on manual transmission models and $7,250 for models with an automatic transmission. The base MSRP for the FJ Cruiser four-wheel drive models start at $23,090 for the manual transmission and $23,500 for an automatic transmission. The TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser will arrive at Toyota dealerships in early November, and will also be on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November.
The 2007 Camry Hybrid receives an increase of $300, or 1.2 percent. Camry Hybrid pricing is effective with vehicles produced on or after November 1, 2006 for U.S. production or vessel arrivals on or after October 30, 2006. The Camry Hybrid will carry a base MSRP of $26,200.
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No iDrive for the MINI and there was much rejoicing (Auto / Car Article)
October 2, 2006 by tsikot · Leave a Comment
, Hatchbacks, MINI
Mr. Paukert, our compatriot at Winding Road, was able to abduct a few BMW execs in Paris and beat them with stale baguettes until they finally put to rest rumors of an iDrive-like interface finding its way into the new MINI.
Since a touch screen setup was nixed due to design and placement issues, the joystick you see south of the shifter is there to control all facets of the new MINI’s sat-nav. Furthermore, the crumb-encrusted execs made it clear that no aspect of iDrive’s architecture will find its way into the iconic hatch, citing MINI owner’s affection towards a (somewhat) simple, uncluttered motoring experience.
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