2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2010 Lincoln MKZ
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ, which goes on sale next spring, looks like it could be the younger sibling of the big MKS sedan — and that’s not necessarily a good thing. It made its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The face-lifted MKZ, a sibling of the midsize Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans, gets a massive chrome grille similar to the one on the MKS (Ford refers to this peculiar piece of Americana as a “split wing” design). There’s also a “sport” edition with stiffer springs, larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and seats with contrasting piping.
The MKZ also sports thinner wraparound headlamps and wider LED taillamps, plus new 17-inch alloy wheels.
A single powertrain team is offered: a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an option. Ford says 0-60-mph acceleration has been trimmed from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds.
Inside, the car gets a new instrument panel and center stack, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, genuine aluminum and wood trim and fancy Bridge of Weir leather seats with tuxedo stitching.
The 2010 MKS bristles with advanced technology, including adaptive HID headlamps, reverse camera system, rain-sensing wipers and a voice-activated entertainment/communications system. A new feature is a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert that warns the driver of approaching traffic when the vehicle is in reverse and backing out of a parking spot.
Like the 2010 Fusion and Milan, the new MKZ is built at Ford’s Hermosillo plant in Mexico and goes on sale in spring 2009.
LA 2008: 2010 Porsche Boxster S
Mercedes-Benz delays launch of 2010 S-Class
Mercedes-Benz’s sales are slumping worldwide — particularly here in the U.S. — but help in the form of a new S-Class has been delayed by a few months. An updated version of Mercedes’ flagship sedan was expected to make an appearance at last month’s Paris Motor Show, but a new report indicates the new S-Class will be kept under wraps until mid-2009.
According to AutoTelegraff, Mercedes-Benz has delayed the introduction of its next-generation S-Class until April’s Shanghai Motor Show. Mercedes reportedly delayed the next S-Class so that its debut would coincide with the launch of the S400 BlueHybrid.
The next S-Class is expected to soldier on with the current car’s lineup of powertrains, but new exterior styling as well as a host of new technologies – such as advanced radar and camera sensing technology, electronic crumple zones and new situational software – should give the S-Class a fighting chance against the all-new BMW 7-Series.
The 2010 S-Class was expected to hit the market in spring 2009, but look for that date to be pushed back to fall or winter of 2009.
Pontiac G6 facelift revealed ahead of L.A. show debut
Pontiac has unveiled a facelifted G6 for the year 2009, available at US dealerships from January next year. Talking about the G6, Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, said:
“The G6 has always been one of our most important vehicles and has been Pontiac’s number-one seller since it was launched in 2004. As the most complete family of mid-size vehicles available in the marketplace, the new enhancements for 2009 will further solidify the G6’s reputation for sporty style and handling without sacrificing value and fuel efficiency.”
G6 coupe is being offered with a 6-speed automatic gearbox to go with its 164hp 2.4-liter Ecotec engine. Pontiac says it’s capable of mustering out a figure of 33mpg, which is the same as the current G6 sedan. Steering wheel-mounted paddle controls are incorporated for that extra sporty feel. A FlexFuel version of the 219hp 3.5-liter V6 is available as a no-cost alternative if you happen to live in a place like Brazil. The 222hp 3.9-litre V6 in the convertible remains the same. This is true for the 252hp 3.6-litre V6 GXP models too.
Exterior upgrades include new front end styling, chrome surrounds on the honeycomb grille, revised headlights, body-colored mirrors, standard 17-inch chrome wheel covers and a standard 17-inch wheel for the Sun-and Sound package. The interior came under scrutiny too and Pontiac decided to make a few changes. Leading the charge are new HVAC controls, an updated MP3/CD radio player, as well as the optional MY LINK entertainment system.
Pontiac buyers can expect to pay at least $23,875 for a basic G6 sedan and $22,890 for a G6 coupe.
Opel Insignia Wins European Car of the Year
GM Europe’s Opel division has taken the European Car of the Year award for the first time in 22 years.
The Opel Insignia, the latest mid-sized sedan from the German automakers, beat out Ford’s new Fiesta by just one point to win the top prize.
The Insignia comes with a range of four 2.0 liter diesel engines (from 110 to 190 hp) and four gasoline engines which top out with a 2.8 liter V6 turbo with 260 hp. It has won largely positive reviews for its top notch styling and improvements in driving dynamics.
Car sales in Europe have been hit hard by the current crisis. New car sales were down 14.5 percent in October compared to the same period last year for the Europe region, which includes the 27 EU states and other European countries too, according to figures compiled by ACEA, the industry group that represents automakers in Europe.
The other runner ups were the Alfa Romeo Mito, the Citroen C5, Skoda’s latest Superb, the Renault Megane and the Mk VI of the VW Golf.
2010 Ford Mustang Coupe and Convertible Revealed
Even though the 2010 Mustang was supposed to be revealed on Tuesday, November 17, Ford itself seems to have semi-broken the embargo by letting out the first official photos on its dedicated micro-site. Half an hour later, 50 or so high-resolution images as well as the press release found their way into the net. Apparently FoMoCo has some sort of “democratic” system where it selectively chooses media outlets, magazines and blogs to hand out official info and photos well before it publishes them on its media site…
But anyway, time to see what the new Mustang is all about. First of all, the American automaker has revamped the Mustang’s exterior design in an evolutionary style. FoMoCo claims that the exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010 model. Overall, the new ‘Stang looks more aggressive (in an Aston Martin Vantage sort of way) and more contemporary than its predecessor. And yes, we do like what we see in the pictures.
“We understand Mustang’s heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s North American executive director of Design. “We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car.”
Like the exterior, the interior has been redesigned from the ground up with Ford promising that the
2010 Mustang features “world-class materials and execution”. In other words, Ford admits claims that it has replaced the cheap and hard plastics of the current generation model with upgraded, soft touch materials.
“That’s the difference between good enough and exceptional,” said Gary Morales, Interior Design manager. “We wouldn’t accept anything less than leadership design and world-class craftsmanship.”
Judging from the photographs, Ford seems to have done a nice job overall in modernizing the dashboard though the center console does appear somewhat empty and out of place design-wise. However, tech-fans will be pleased to know that the center stack adds the latest version of Ford’s SYNC while they can also customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the “My Color system”, which features no less than 125 color options.
Underneath the skin, Ford’s engineers have retuned the 2009 Mustang’s suspension and reworked the GT’s 4.6-liter V8 engine which benefits from the changes first seen on the Bullitt delivering 315HP and 325 lb-ft of torque. For the 2010 model, the entry-level 4.0-liter V6 engine remains unchanged producing a pathetic -for a 21st century car- 210HP and 240 lb-ft of torque.
“All of the Bullitt elements are the base foundation of the GT,” said Randle, noting engine and chassis improvements. “We also applied some improvements gained from Mustang racing. We’re learning constantly and always giving that to the customer on the base car.”
“We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience,” adds Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes. “The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance.”
The new ‘Stang is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2009 where it will be available in three body styles, coupe, convertible and with a glass roof option.
LA Preview: Kia Borrego FCEV
Kia will showcase its fuel cell technology in its Borrego in Los Angeles next week.
Its latest hydrogen-fuelled system is fitted into the Borrego - a large US-market 4×4 - in which it gives a top speed of 100mph and a range between re-fuelling stops of over 425 miles.
The new FCEV system has an increased output, with the fuel cell putting out 154bhp and new supercapacitors providing an additional 134bhp. It can also operate at lower temperatures, with start-up now no problem below freezing point.
The Borrego FCEV is said to return over 50mpg, and to be able to do 0-62mph in 12.8 seconds, aided by weight reductions.
Maserati considering road-going version of the GranTurismo MC Corse concept?
Maserati is best-known for making luxurious GT sports cars, but the Italian automaker is strongly considering a bare-bones racer for the streets. Maserati unveiled the GranTurismo MC Corse concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a new report indicates that show car could be a preview for a road-going version of the harder-edged Maser.
When Maserati first took the wraps off the GranTurismo MC Corse, it was widely believe that the car would campaign in some FIA sanctioned motorsports event. However, it now appears as though Maserati was targeting the MC Corse at the likes of Ferrari’s F430 Scuderia and Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS, according to EVO.
The road-going version of the concept would share the show car’s 450 horsepower 4.7L V8, but its curb weight would likely grow to just over 3,000 pounds, thanks to required safety equipment. But even with the added equipment, the MC Corse would check in several hundred pounds lighter than the standard GranTurismo.
No official word from Maserati on a production version of the GranTurismo MC Corse just yet, but we suspect an announcement could be coming in the next few months.
Aston Martin Launches new Vantage GT4 Racer
Aston Martin’s Racing division has revealed the 2009 specification Vantage GT4 race car that’s based on the firm’s latest 4.7-liter V8 Vantage model. Set to replace the outgoing 4.3-liter Vantage N24, Aston Martin’s new competition car has been built to FIA GT4 regulations and it targets professional and semi-professional drivers but also enthusiasts who wish to use it for track days and club racing. It is priced from £96,645 ($143,000 U.S. or €114,150) and is available to order now with delivery in January 2009.
The GT4 makes use of the new Vantage’s 4.7 litre V8 engine that has been upgraded with a free flow exhaust system and air filters and is matted to either a six speed manual, or a Sportshift transmission with paddle controls. Both versions have a Valeo twin-plate cerametallic racing clutch and lightweight flywheel to complete the powertrain specification.
Weighing in at 1,330 kg or 2,932 pounds, the GT4 is approximately 300 kg or 660 pounds lighter than the standard Vantage V8. Aston Martin Racing’s engineers managed to achieve this through a range of weight reduction measures that include the elimination of the interior trim and the replacement of the console and door casings by new lightweight mouldings.
Other changes in the interior concern the addition of a high-strength steel rollcage and Recaro competition seats. A suede-trimmed steering wheel with a quick release mechanism is also fitted as standard while the car’s safety features are completed with a Sabelt sixpoint safety harness with a push-button release and Lifeline Zero 360 gas extinguisher system.
Aston Martin Racing team performed only minor upgrades to the V8 Vantage road car’s suspension. These include larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars and adjustable ride height aluminium dampers, as well as single rate, flat ground springs with separate helper springs. The front subframe is modified for extra camber and castor while the GT4 sits on cast magnesium front and rear wheels wrapped in high performance Yokohama A048-R tires. The brakes are uprated with Pagid RS 29 race pads.
The road car’s basic active safety systems including the dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution have been carried over to the Vantage GT4.
2010 Nissan 370Z “Spied” on the street in Los Angeles
In a week’s time the world will be able to get a close shot at the new Nissan 370Z in the flesh at LA Auto Show. If the world cannot wait, there are these sneak peak images from GT-R-World which show the car snapping around in Los Angeles suburbs. Good colour too, Vibrant red, so as not to be easily missed by cameras. Those shiny discs are 19×9″ and 19×10″ Rays Forged aluminium wheels for the premium spec cars, with 245/40R19 tires up front and 275/35R19 at the back.
Up 0.2-litres from its predecessor the 350Z, 3.7-litre 370Z forges a throaty 332hp and 265 lb/ft of torque. True to Z car roots, including 350, the 370Z is a pretty practical coupe said by Nissan to swallow up two golf bags with no qualms. The rear brace has been simplified, resulting in better more space by the boot.
