Mercury Debuts 2010 Milan
Debuting alongside at this week’s Los Angeles Auto,the new 2010 Mercury Milan and the Milan Hybrid is set to arrive in showrooms in the first half of 2009.
Mercury Milan shows off its new grille, and front and rear fascias.Its grille is widened, creating a softer-looking front end than the one it replaces. The Milan also gets updated taillights, though its rear view is less of a departure from the current car.
Mercury’s 2010 Milan promises to offer plenty of cabin space and luxury.An improved seat design with a new perforation pattern has been added as well. The seat contour itself was revised, with more side support to help create a softer seat overall.
The Milan also only gets two gas engine options, a 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder with 175hp and or the upgraded 3.0L V6 that makes 240 horsepower, up from 221 HP in the previous model.Six-speed automatic transmissions will back both engines.
There’s also the new Milan Hybrid, which is identical to the Fusion Hybrid, the hybrid delivers 155 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. An upgraded nickel-metal hydride battery is said to be 20 percent more powerful than previous batteries used in Ford hybrids and can drive up to 47 mph on all-electric power.
“The Milan has been a strong part of the Mercury lineup since its initial launch and has helped attract more consumers to dealer showrooms,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing. “For sophisticated consumers looking for a stylish hybrid, the Milan now offers them the most fuel-efficient hybrid sedan in its class.”
In the 2010 model year, the Mercury Milan Hybrid will sport better fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.Ford is claiming that their hybrids will deliver “at least” five more miles per gallon than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Hybrid cars also gain the customizable LCD “SmartPanel” instrument cluster.
n2a to Reveal Anteros
n2a Motors, Inc. announced that it will debut its latest model, the Anteros(In Greek mythology, Anteros was the god of requited love), at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 21st. Continuing a tradition of unique styling and impressive performance, the Anteros is built on the new 2009 Corvette platform and features a body reminiscent of iconic Italian designs. Built from modern lightweight carbon fiber, the Anteros is available with a variety of performance and appearance options. n2a Motors is taking orders for January 2009 deliveries.
n2a Motors will be displaying the first production convertible and coupe versions of the Anteros in their exhibit. The black convertible is built using a stock 2009 Corvette donor car, featuring the 430 hp/424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 engine that gets 16 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The silver coupe is based on a 2009 Corvette Z06 and is modified with Lingenfelter’s 630 horsepower performance package. All base models include a carbon composite body, hand-stitched leather interior, three-piece aluminum wheels, and a custom cat back exhaust. Chevrolet’s 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the Anteros can be serviced at any GM dealership.
Each Anteros takes approximately 12 weeks to build from the time of order. n2a Motors starts by removing the donor Corvette’s body panels and installing the new carbon composite Anteros body, a process that takes nearly 800 hours for n2a’s coachbuilding craftsmen to complete. The interior is entirely new with re-contoured leather seats, leather dash, Italian carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels, while the wheels and exhaust are removed and replaced with n2a’s custom-made components. The turnkey Anteros Coupe starts at $149,500 and the Anteros Convertible starts at $154,500. Anteros Coupes built on the Z06 platform start at $176,500. Performance packages ranging from 525-1000+ horsepower are available for an additional cost.
The Anteros is the follow-up to n2a Motors’ 789 model that debuted to critical acclaim at the New York International Auto Show in March 2008. Inspired by the designs of the 1957, 58, and 59 Chevrolets, the 789 was hailed as “merely the coolest car…on the planet” by the New York Times. The 789 is also built on the C6 Corvette platform and utilizes a carbon composite body. Coupe 789 models start at $139,500 and the convertible base model is $144,500. A convertible 789 will also be on display at the LA Auto Show.
Volvo S60 Concept Gets Crystal Console
Volvo Cars has engaged world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors in the work with the company’s next concept car.
The automaker has revealed that its concept for the new S60 will feature a center stack and console made from crystal.The Volvo S60 concept is expected to make its debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show in January.
In order to meet the relevant strength standards, the finished piece consists of three sections joined together at the Volvo Cars concept car workshops.
Invisible light sources give the crystal a glow that can be changed to match the driver’s mood.
“It almost looks like a waterfall from the instrument panel, flowing through the centre of the car,” says Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin.
“The full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature. However, it does open up opportunities to use crystal on a smaller scale in the future. We’ll have to see how our customers respond,” says Steve Mattin.
The next S60 was originally slated to hit the market in mid-2010.
BMW X1 Concept Revealed
The X1 was introduced as a concept,on display this week at the Paris Motor Show. But like the recent M3 and X6 concepts, it will be nearly identical to the production car.Typical features of a BMW X model combined with elegant, sleek proportions. This alone gives the BMW Concept X1 unique character within the range of BMW X models as a whole.
The global success and great appeal of BMW’s X models results not only from the precise and target group-oriented development of this vehicle concept, but also from the implementation of typical BMW features in this category. Hence, the particular thrill and unique style of every BMW X model
forms a perfect match with uncompromising premium quality.The new Meridian Gold Metallic paintwork colour accentuating the youthful and dynamic look of the Concept Car.
As can be gleaned from BMW’s logical nomenclature, the X1 uses mechanical bits copped from the 1-series in the same manner as the X3 borrows from the 3-series, and the X5 raids the 5-series parts bin.
No doubt it will have those wonderful engines from the 128i and 135i and also the X1 will be arriving with both six- and four-cylinder gas engines, but the plan is to also bring a four-cylinder twin turbo 2.0-liter diesel engine, the same one enjoyed immensely in the Europe-only (so far) 204-horsepower 123d 1 Series. With 295 pound-feet of torque as well, the 123d returns an average of 45.2 mpg on a U.S. gallon and acceleration to 60 mph in less than 7.2 seconds.
The X1 is expected to hit the market in late 2009 with full time all-wheel drive.
Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept
The changes the designers of the Maserati Style Centre have made to the GranTurismo S to create the racing model have improved its performance and above all its aerodynamic efficiency, without disturbing to its elegant, curvaceous line.
Maserati engineers placed great emphasis on the MC Corse’s aerodynamics and airflow, adding new side skirts, a spoiler for increased downforce, side vents, a new front end with a larger lower air intake to improve cooling, and a new hood featuring an added scoop and two vents.They made major improvements to reduce the car’s weight with Lexan windows, a carbon fiber dashboard, and multiple composite body panels,while also boosting its performance.
The MC ( Maserati Corse) uses the same 4.7-liter V-8 found in the production GranTurismo S, unveiled at the 2008 Geneva motor show. At 450 hp, the MC’s engine makes only 10 ponies more than its stock form.Maserati has given the a revised exhaust system, a racing catalytic converter and silencer.
The brake system has received an upgrade to withstand the stress typical of use on a track, whit adoption of larger discs and monobloc racing calipers.
Technical specifications
… * Engine: V8
… * Displacement: 4,691 cc
… * Max. Power: 450 hp
… * Max. Torque: 510 Nm @ 4,750 rpm
… * Weight / power ratio: <3.1kg/hp
… * Body: composite materials, windscreen and rear and side windows in Lexan
… * Chassis: In welded steel with integral roll cage structure. FIA approved
… * Electrical system: Specific, with data acquisition system
… * Fuel tank: 100 l, with carbon safety structure, FIA approved
… * Brakes: Steel disks, front 380mm, rear 313mm, without ABS
… * Wheels: front 12″x18″, rear 12″x18″
… * Tires: front 285/650/18, rear 315/690/18
… * Weight: < 1.400kg
…
Chevrolet Volt for 2010
The extended-range electric vehicle that is redefining the automotive world is no longer just a rumor.General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle on Tuesday, allowing outsiders their first full look at the car GM says will go on sale in 2010.Chief Executive Rick Wagoner introduced the small, curvy four-seater at the automaker’s Detroit headquarters during an event to celebrate GM’s 100th anniversary.
“The Volt symbolizes GM’s commitment to the future — the kind of technological innovation that our industry needs to respond to today and tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges,” Wagoner said.
“We’ve placed a huge priority on getting the Volt to production as soon as possible. Typically, we would develop the battery and propulsion technology BEFORE we kicked off a production program. But the Volt is being developed with a strong sense of urgency.
We have devoted significant resources to this project: Over 200 engineers and 50 designers are working on the Volt alone, and another 400 are working on related subsystems and electric components. That’s how important we think it is, and that’s how much stock we place in the future of extended-range electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt.”Vehicle Line Director Tony Posawatz said.
Lagonda is about to celebrate its 100th birthday
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez has confirmed his intention to revive the Lagonda marque.
For those who wonder ,Lagonda was a British car manufacturer, founded as a company in 1906 by the American Wilbur Gunn (1859-1920). He named the company after a river near his home town of Springfield, Ohio. The company was purchased and integrated into Aston Martin in 1947.The last model Lagonda produced was the 1961-65 Rapide, a nameplate which Aston is also revived with its upcoming four-door coupe model.Although Aston used the Lagonda name as a model designation from 1976 to 1989 for a four-door, and concept cars in between.
In a statement Chief Dr Ulrich Bez said, “After my eight years with Aston Martin, four with profitability, and 16 months of independence, it’s time to think about a longer term future. Aston Martin is an honest, authentic brand which builds the most beautiful sportscars combining modern technology with craftsmanship. Next year we will launch the four door Rapide sportscar, and this will be followed by the project ‘one 77′, the most spectacular Aston Martin ever. Aston Martins are currently available in 32 countries but we will remain limited in our market penetration by the pure character of our cars - sportscars.
“We have now investigated and concluded that the revival of the Lagonda brand would allow us to develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar, and therefore offer a perfect synergy. Lagonda will use a unique design language as Aston Martin does. We will take elements of DNA from the past but will be very future orientated as we are with Aston Martin. With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world.
“In 2009 Lagonda is about to celebrate its 100th birthday and in its centenary year we are confident that we will show the first concept of a car which could be in the market in 2012,” he confirmed.”
Fact: Having been founded in 1906, Lagonda marked its centenary two years ago already.
Mercedes Benz Concept FASCINATION
From official press release: “The design study’s elongated body is dominated by the dynamic front-to-rear sweep of its lines which gives it a dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary. This impression is emphasized by the long, frameless, side-window line which describes a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also increasing the impression of length and creating a remarkable sense of lightness. The side windows can be lowered completely - one of the fundamental genetic markers of every Mercedes-Benz coupé - to provide an uninterrupted view of the stylish way in which fine materials have been used inside the vehicle”.
