Merry Christmas!

First of all I want to wish all our readers a very, very nice Christmas. I hope you will have a very good time with your families tomorrow and lots of petrolhead gifts from Santa. Apart from the usual message to all our users on behalf of The Blog of Cars team, I want to wish my colleague, Igor, a Merry Christmas as well as I haven’t spoken with him today.

All the best,

The Blog of Cars

Kia releases special edition Soul

Kia has released a special edition of their Soul called the Ignition Soul. This is the second special edition Soul, the first being the Denim Soul.

This special edition gets an Ignition Orange paintjob, offset black striping, blacked out 18-inch rims, an alloy gas cap and rear spoiler.

The car is based on the Soul+ trim of the Soul. The car is fully loaded, with an Audio Upgrade Package, iPod connection cable, carpeted floor mats, moon roof, fender vents, and fog lights, in addition to all the standard features the Soul+ gets, such as Bluetooth, cruise control and two 12-volt power outlets.

It will start at $17,500 equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. There’s no word on whether or not it will be limited production like the Denim was.

I’m a huge fan of the Soul, it’s a very funky looking car, and this makes it even better.

Source: Autoblog

Climax Cars reveals plans for Sports Racer

Climax Cars has revealed production plans for their Sports Racer.

This is a car based on the theory of cars like the Ariel Atom 500 V8 and Caparo T1: an enormously powerful engine fitted into a lightweight body. This has a 4.6L V8 putting out 345 hp, and it weighs just 905 kg! That’s a power to weight ratio of 380 hp per tonne. Unless you go for the supercharged S variant. That puts out 415 hp, power-to-weight of 458 hp per tonne. That is pretty impressive, but you have to bear in mind that the Ariel Atom V8’s power-to-weight ratio is 1000hp per ton. To the Sports Racer’s advantage is the price. Priced at roughly $150,000, it’s about $50,000 less than the estimated price of the Atom V8.

The car is made out of aluminum and has all round double wishbone suspension. It’s fully adjustable to cater for both road and track needs. Optional extras include ceramic brakes, full racing harnesses, and sequential or semi-automatic transmissions.

It looks pretty nice, but I’d rather spend an extra $50,000 on the Ariel Atom V8.

Source: Autocar via Autoblog

Electric Fiat 500 to join Chrysler-badged Lancia in Detroit

A few days ago, I reported about the possibility of a Chrysler-badged Lancia appearing in Detroit, most likely the Delta. Now, it is being said that an electric Fiat 500 will be joining this car.

It will most likely not make it into production. Even if it does, it will be a while before that happens, especially since the polar-opposite of it, the 500 Abarth, has been confirmed as the first 500 to make it to North America. The rest of the Fiat 500 lineup will be appearing at Detroit as well, presumably in North American market form. This includes the normal 500, the Abarth, and the 500C.

I think the 500 is a great car, so it’ll be nice to see whether or not they’ve kept it in good shape for the North American market.

Source: Detroit Free Press and Automotive News via MotorAuthority

GM reveals GMC Acadia Denali ahead of Detroit

General Motors has revealed a Denali variant of the GMC Acadia, ahead of its live appearance at the North American International Auto Show (Better known as the Detroit Auto Show).

This is the brand’s first Denali crossover. It is available with AWD and FWD, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The engine it will use is a 3.6L direct-injected V6. It develops 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, while getting 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway with FWD, and 16 and 23 respectively with AWD. The only available transmission is a 6-speed automatic.

That’s all available on the normal Acadia though. Actual changes include a mono-colour body, chrome honeycomb grille (Featured on all Denali models), revised lower front and rear fascia, HID headlamps, unique body-side moldings with chrome accents, dual chrome exhaust tips, and, of course, Denali badging. There are also special 20-inch, two-tone, chrome wheels. Five colours are available: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

There are some changes inside as well. The sound proofing has been improved, there are leather seats with matching door panel trim, heated and cooled front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts, lighting in the footwells, a sunroof with a fixed rear section, a head-up display, and plenty more. As with the exterior, you’ll find some Denali badging here too.

The only mechanical change is that the suspension has been tuned to go with the new wheels.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, and nor has the date when it will appear in showrooms, but these details should be released during the Detroit Auto Show.

Here’s GM’s press release for more info:

The 2011 Acadia Denali – The First Denali Crossover Ever

• GMC is extending its exclusive Denali line to include the highly successful Acadia brand that defined the crossover segment
• The all-inclusive Acadia Denali is the ultimate combination of space and efficiency with top-of-the-line amenities
• Signature Denali cues include the honeycomb grille, chrome accents, body-color fascias and fender flares, mahogany wood steering wheel and wood accents, and lighted sill plates

DETROIT – Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.

“The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that’s just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.”

The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia’s refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.

The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.

The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:

• Unique lower front and rear fascias
• High-intensity discharge headlamps
• Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
• Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
• Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
• Dual chrome exhaust tips

Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.

The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Luxury amenities

Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:

• Premium acoustics – laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
• Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
• Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
• Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
• Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
• Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
• Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
• Head-up display (HUD)

Additional content includes:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
• Bluetooth connectivity
• OnStar
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
• Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
• XM Satellite Radio
• Rearview camera system
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
• Remote vehicle start

GMC capability

Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).

A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.

The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali’s 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
• Traction control system
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Acadia Denali is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty – the best coverage in America.

About GMC

GMC is one of the industry’s healthiest brands and is evolving to include more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers. The all-new GMC Terrain is a smaller SUV that offers outstanding fuel economy along with the capability, engineering excellence and refinement that have defined GMC for more than a century. Complementing the Terrain is the Acadia eight-passenger crossover, Yukon and Yukon XL and Sierra pickups. Today GMC is the only manufacturer offering three full-size hybrid models. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com.

2011 GMC ACADIA DENALI SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:	GMC Acadia Denali
Body style / driveline:	crossover SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
Construction:	body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:	sport utility vehicle
Manufacturing location:	Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Lansing, Mich.
Key competitors:	Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9

Engine

	3.6L V-6 VVT DI
Displacement (cu in / cc):	217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:	aluminum
Cylinder head material:	aluminum
Valvetrain:	dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
Fuel delivery:	direct injection
Compression ratio:	11.3:1
Horsepower (hp / kW) @ rpm:	288 / 215 @ 6300*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm) @ rpm:	270 / 366 @ 3400*
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (rpm):	6700
Emissions controls:	dual close-coupled converters; two pre- and two post-oxygen sensors
EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):	17 / 24 (FWD) 16 / 23 (AWD)

Transmission

	Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic
Gear Ratio (:1)
First:	4.48
Second:	2.87
Third:	1.84
Fourth:	1.41
Fifth:	1.0
Sixth:	0.74
Reverse:	2.88
Final drive ratio:	3.16

Chassis / Suspension

Front:	coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle
Rear:	linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame
Steering type:	hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort
Steering ratio:	16.1
Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.89
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):	40.4 / 12.3

Brakes

Type:	four-wheel disc
Rotor diameter (in / mm):	front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated
Anti-lock braking system (ABS):	Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:	20-inch chrome-clad
Tire size and type:	P255/55R20 H-rated blackwall

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	118.9 / 3020.7
Overall length (in / mm):	201.1 / 5107.9
Overall width (in / mm):	78.9 / 2004.1
Overall height (in / mm):	72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.9 / 1775.5 (w/o roof rails)
Track
Front (in / mm):	67.3 / 1709.4
Rear (in / mm):	67.3 / 1709.4
Curb weight (lb / kg):	4720 / 2141 (FWD) 4925 / 2234 (AWD)
Min. ground clearance (in / mm):	7.4 / 189 (FWD and AWD)

Interior

Seating capacity:	7 or 8
Headroom
First row (in /mm):	40.4 / 1024 (w/o sunroof); 38.5 / 978 (w/ sunroof)
Second row (in / mm):	39.3 / 996 (w/o sunroof); 38.3 / 973 (w/ sunroof)
Third row (in / mm):	38.4 / 975.3 (w/o sunroof); 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)
Legroom
First row (in / mm):	41.3 / 1049
Second row (in / mm):	36.9 / 937.2
Third row (in / mm):	33.2 / 843.2
Shoulder room
First row (in / mm):	61.9 / 1574
Second row (in / mm):	61.1 / 1551
Third row (in / mm):	57.8 / 1468
Hip room
First row (in / mm):	57.8 / 1468.1
Second row (in / mm):	57.9 / 1470.6
Third row (in / mm):	48.3 / 1226.8
Cargo volume
Behind first row, with second seat folded and third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):	115.9 / 3282
Behind second row, with third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):	68.7 / 1946
Behind third row (cu ft / L):	24.1 / 683

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):	154 / 4362
Fuel tank (gal / L):	22.0 / 83.3
Engine oil (qt / L):	5.5 / 5.2
Transmission fluid (qt / L):	9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only)
Cooling system (qt / L):	11.8 / 11.18
Max towing capacity (lb / kg):	5200 / 2364
GCWR (lb / kg):	9500 / 4309 (FWD) 9700 / 4400 (AWD)
GVWR (lb / kg):	6459 / 2930

*SAE certified
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Source: General Motors

Toyota to unveil Etios budget car at New Delhi Auto Expo

Toyota will be unveiling a budget car dubbed the Etios at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Expo.

The car will only be a concept, but will make it into production form. Toyota says the concept car is 90% production reality. It won’t be a Tata Nano rival despite being a budget car. It’s aimed at a slightly higher market than the Nano with a price tag of around $10,000.

The name Etios means ‘the origin of’. There will be a hatchback and sedan variant. The sedan will go on sale first, with the hatch following three months later. Both variants will be shown in New Delhi.

Since it is a budget car, there are plenty of things done to keep the price down, including limited sound proofing, a hard but durable interior, basic seats and only one windscreen wiper. There will be two engine options, a 1.4L diesel engine, currently available in the Yaris, or a 1.2- or 1.3-litre gasoline engine. It is still unclear whether it will stay 1.3L or be downsized to 1.2 to conform with small car regulations.

Sales will be begin near the end of 2010, in areas such as India, Russia and South America. Production should start in India, but some production will be done in Brazil beginning in 2011.

Toyota will display this car along 13 other concept and production cars at the Auto Expo, which begins January 5th.

Source: Autocar

Saab of Milford sends out letter possibly indicating that Spyker will indeed buy Saab

Saab of Milford sent out the above letter to its customers, notifying them that the sale of Saab to Spyker will not affect their customer service. But wait a second, since when has Saab been sold to Spyker?

Now, this letter doesn’t say straight up that Saab has been sold to them, but rather that Spyker has satisfied all of GM’s requirements to buy Saab. So this may not mean that Saab will be/has been sold to Spyker. If that’s the case though, why would they send out this letter? Guess we’ll have to await official confirmation to find out.

Source: Jalopnik

General Motors to unveil several new cars at Detroit, leak name for upcoming Cadillac concept

CanadianDriver was invited to a media preview of General Motors’ show display at the Detroit Auto Show, and they can report that quite a few new cars will be unveiled.

The cars include the eagerly awaited Chevy Camaro Convertible, a new Chevrolet Aveo, an extensively revised Malibu, production versions of the Chevrolet Spark (Pictured above) and Orlando, a high-performance Buick Regal, and a GMC version of the Chevy Orlando, which will be called the GMC Granite.

The Camaro Convertible will be just that, a Camaro Convertible. Don’t expect any changes apart from the roof.

The new Malibu was unexpected. It’s been only three years since the car underwent a complete revamping. The mock-up on display showed that the bodywork will be more sculptured, the metal will have crisper edges, and there will be larger wheel arches and a raised rear deck.

The Aveo gets bigger for its update. It was designed in Korea, but will be produced in several plants around the world for different markets. The North American market will have it built in the US. There will be hatchback and sedan variants.

The production Chevy Spark won’t be far off from the concept (Pictured above). It was designed for the youth market. The interior will get a unique gauge cluster with an enormous tachometer and digital speedometer mounted to the steering column.

The Orlando won’t be far from its concept either. It is based on the Aveo. It will get seven-passenger seating and a four-cylinder engine. GMC’s version of the Orlando, the Granite, is being called an “urban utility vehicle”, and will be the smallest GMC ever made. It is targeted at a younger market than the Orlando. It will have to compete with the likes of the Honda Element, Kia Soul and Nissan Cube, so it should be a funky looking car. Autoblog predicts that a Denali version should be on the way.

The high-performance Buick Regal is something I’ve been really hoping for. Most of its performance parts will be taken from the Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall Insignia VXR. The Regal, including this high-performance model, supposedly called the GS,will be built in Europe for the 2011 model year, but production will be moved to Oshawa, Canada for 2012.

Lastly, Jalopnik got invited to this event as well, and they noticed on the floor plan that there was a car called the “XTS Showcar”. This is presumably the concept Cadillac previewed a few days ago. A while ago, there was a closed media event where General Motors previewed some cars, and one of them was a concept called the XTS and it was supposed to succeed the STS/DTS. So maybe this is what we’ll be seeing. Alex noticed that the car has 4-doors in the preview picture, making this even more likely.

Sounds like General Motors will have a very interesting lineup at the Detroit Auto Show.

Source: CanadianDriver via Autoblog and Jalopnik

Volvo recalls over 140,000 cars

Volvo is recalling over 140,000 cars in two different recalls announced by the NHTSA.

The first recall involves 136,100 cars. They are the S60, S80, V70, XC70, and XC90, model years 2001-2005, sold and operated in warmer regions of the US, the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Flordia, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and the U.S. territories (Pretty much separate countries under a certain degree of rule from the USA, such as the Virgin Islands) to be exact. Hot climate and temperature cycling, combined with varying fuel quality, can result in cracks in the fuel pump flange. These cracks could leak fuel, which may result in a fire. Volvo will replace defective flanges at no charge starting in January.

The second recall involves the XC60. This is the second recall for the car. 5,253 cars are affected. A fuel line rail cover on the car may be improperly attached, which could expose the fuel lines to damage. Damaged fuel lines can leak, which can result in a fire. Dealers will reattach the cover properly for free to fix this. This recall will also begin sometime in January.

So, if you own any of these cars, call your local dealer to get the fix installed, and refrain from driving them until then.

Here are the recall notices from the NHTSA:

Vehicle Make / Model / Model Year(s):

VOLVO / S60 2001-2004
VOLVO / S80 2002-2005
VOLVO / V70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC90 2003-2005

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 17, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V483000 PE09039
NHTSA Action Number: PE09039

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 136100

Summary:

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY.

Consequence:

IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND, IF IT IS THE DEFECTIVE PUMP, REPLACE IT WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE CAMPAIGN IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 866-637-3774.

Notes:

VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R220. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vehicle Make / Model / Model Years(s):

VOLVO / XC60 2010

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 09, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V477000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Potential Number of Units Affected: 5253

Summary:

VOLVO IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 XC60 VEHICLES. THE FUEL LINE RAIL COVER THAT PROTECTS THE FUEL LINES UNDER THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED EXPOSING THE FUEL LINES TO DAMAGE.

Consequence:

DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINES MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL LINE RAIL COVER FOR PROPER ATTACHMENT AND REATTACH IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Notes:

VOLVO RECALL R218. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Source: Autoblog

Visual Changes

We’ve made some visual tweaks to the blog to go with the holiday season. Hope you like them!