Please be advised that The Blog of Cars has moved to www.theblogofcars.com

The Blog of Cars will be getting some big changes. To make sure we can concentrate on the work required to complete them, the blog won’t be running until we’re finished. We’ll be back in a month or so, and we hope the changes will be worth the wait.

Ford built its Fiesta number 6,000,000 just days after Transit number 6,000,000. These are just two examples of how much the car industry has progressed in the last decades.

If you present Jeremy Clarkson with a Transit, he’ll go on and on about how about 80%  of all bank robberies in the UK during the 1970′s featured a Transit in some part of the heist. He’ll also tell you about how the Transit pretty much built modern England and that there are an infinite number of options when it comes to ordering one. I think the man is talking absolute sense, and the US is now getting Transits as well (Albeit just the Transit Connect for now). Only time will tell how it will fare against the V8 powered vans on this side of the pond, but so far, it’s a huge success.

Now, the Fiesta is pretty much the same: a popular car in Europe that has no problems going fast. It has had its own one-make race series since 2006, and it’s very practical for what it is. Now, it’s coming stateside as part of Ford’s globalization program.

When you compare the early cars to their modern counterparts, you get to grasp the first line of the title. The new Fiesta is 20 inches longer than its original counterpart, has three times the horsepower and weighs quite a lot more. Inside, you get air conditioning, power steering, airbags, ABS, keyless entry and in the US model,  Ford Sync. The Transit isn’t that far behind.

You may be saying “But nothing of what you just mentioned is out of this world, even a base model Nissan Versa has an airbag these days.” However, if you were in 1979 and told your average guy that their new, cheap hatchback would get air conditioning as standard, the man would very nearly pass out. All of the modern commodities you have on your SUV or Honda Fit are the result of years of decreasing prices and more readily available technology. There was a time when you only got ABS in a Mercedes S-Class. Think about that the next time you need to slam on your brakes.

Press Release (Fiesta)

SIX MILLION FIESTAS ALREADY BUILT BY FORD IN COLOGNE

COLOGNE, May 4, 2010 – The Ford Fiesta, Europe’s top-selling car in the first quarter of 2010*, set another record today at the Ford Niehl Assembly Plant in Cologne, Germany.

The 6 millionth German-built Fiesta, a three-door Vision Blue Sport edition, with a 1.6 litre Ti -VCT engine (120 PS), destined for a German customer, rolled off the production line today – 31 years after the first one was produced here in October 1979. To date, seven generations of the Ford Fiesta have been built in Cologne in 1989 and the Niehl facility became “lead plant” for Fiesta production in Europe.

Since Fiesta production began in Europe in 1976, the ever-popular car has sold over 13 million units in total and has been built in four Ford European manufacturing plants, including Cologne. The first car was built in Valencia, Spain in 1976, where – as with Niehl – the latest-generation Ford Fiesta continues to be built. From 1976 until 2002, the Fiesta was also built at Ford’s Dagenham plant in the United Kingdom, and at the Saarlouis plant in Germany between 1976 and 1980.

Over the years, thanks to increased production efficiency, more Fiestas have been built faster and to even higher quality levels at Niehl. Ford continues to be considered by industry experts to be one of the most efficient carmakers in Europe.

It took ten years to reach the first million units production milestone of the Fiesta; the second millionth Fiesta rolled off the assembly line in less than half the time; the time between the fifth and sixth millionth Fiestas was just over three years.

Around 4,300 employees are currently producing 1,885 Ford Fiesta and Ford Fusion models daily in a flexible three-shift-system at the Niehl site. In 2009, the plant manufactured 406,200 cars in total – 350,500 Fiestas and 55,700 Fusions. About 80 per cent of the plant’s total vehicle production is exported.

“The Fiesta’s success speaks for itself. Its innovative design combined with state-of-the-art technology continues to be a great hit with customers,” said Ken Macfarlane, vice president, manufacturing, Ford of Europe. “To achieve six million units of production is a great milestone for Niehl, and one that everyone at the plant should be justly proud of achieving. This is not just a success for Ford, but also for Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia and Germany.”

Niehl production of the latest-generation Fiesta started in August 2008. Only 18 months after its debut, more than 750,000 customers have purchased the new Fiesta around the world, with more than 670,000 cars being sold in Europe.

The Niehl Assembly Plant also played a key role in an initiative to introduce the new Fiesta to consumers in North America. Under its “Fiesta Movement” programme, Ford selected 100 customers to drive the new Fiesta and then relate their experiences through social networking sites such as Facebook, FlickR and YouTube. A fleet of 100 five-door Fiestas for the programme was built at the German plant and exported to North America in March 2009.

The Fiesta will begin to arrive in dealer showrooms in North America during the second quarter of 2010.

Ford also will launch its global Fiesta in key Asian Pacific markets during 2010. Aside from Niehl and Valencia in Europe, the Fiesta also is built in Nanjing, China and Rayong, Thailand. The Ford Cuautitlàn Plant in Mexico will celebrate its first production Fiesta model in the coming weeks.

Press Release (Transit):

SIX-MILLIONTH FORD TRANSIT PRODUCED

Major Milestone For Ford’s Legendary Commercial Vehicle

COLOGNE, April 30, 2010 – Ford’s legendary Transit commercial vehicle is once more making headlines after the six-millionth example rolled off the production line today at the Ford-Otosan plant in Kocaeli, Turkey.

The milestone vehicle – a white, medium-wheelbase, FT280 Kombi – is destined for a German fleet customer, but Transit’s production achievement and its upcoming 45th birthday are also being celebrated in special ceremonies at Ford’s other Transit assembly plants around the world in Southampton (UK), Nanchang (China) and Hai Duong (Vietnam).

“With six million units now produced and a 45-year life so far, Transit is not only the longest-serving model in Ford of Europe’s product portfolio, but throughout that time it has been a major pillar of our profitable business in Europe, and is one of the most successful commercial vehicles in automotive history,” said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.

“We are very proud that the Transit name has become synonymous with vans in many markets around the world and we fully intend that it will continue to build on that iconic status into the future,” Fleming added.

Right from its launch in 1965, Transit has lived up to its reputation as a durable, practical and versatile tool for professional customers, consistently offering the latest commercial vehicle technologies combined with high levels of durability and safety, car-like comfort and driving quality and low cost of ownership.

The latest-generation Transit is the only medium commercial vehicle range in the world to offer customers the availability of front, rear- and all-wheel drive powertrains on one platform.

“It’s just one example of our razor-sharp consumer focus with Transit,” said Steve Adams, Ford of Europe Vehicle Line Director for Commercial Vehicles. “Our aim always is to deliver for our professional customers a wide range of commercial vehicles fully tailored to meet their diverse demands and needs.”

Created in the days even before the European Community and Ford of Europe existed, Transit was the first Ford product to be conceived and developed for the whole of Europe, bringing together for the first time engineering and marketing teams from Britain and Germany. It has remained a pacesetter ever since.
Ford Transit is also a truly global success story and is now available to customers in more than 85 markets on five continents. In its highest volume market, Britain, it has continuously held position as the segment leader since its launch in 1965.

Despite the recent economic difficulties, Transit was the most successful vehicle in the one and two tonne segment in 2009 within its main 19 European markets. With an overall market share of 12.8 % – up 0.2 points on the 2008 result – Transit posted its best European share for six years.

In August 2010, the Ford Transit will pass another key milestone as it will celebrate its 45th birthday.

“The Ford Transit has a superb heritage and an even brighter future. We’ll keep counting and we will keep reminding the world that Transit remains true its heritage and its hard-won reputation,” Fleming said.

Source: Ford

Motor Trend reports that a reliable source from Mazda HQ says the RX-8 will be ending sales in North America by 2011.

This rumour comes shortly after the official announcement of the RX-8 not returning to Europe for the 2011 model year. However, unlike the Eurpean situation, which is due to emissions standards, the US exit is, if true, most likely due to poor sales.

The RX-8 is likely on its way out completely, and not just in certain markets. Rumour has it that a RX-7 successor will replace the RX-8 as Mazda’s flagship sports car. Let’s hope so.

Source: Motor Trend via Jalopnik

Fiat has revealed a new Uno. The only market confirmed so far is Brazil, the same country where it will be produced.

The Uno will launch with two available flex-fuel engines: a 1.0L unit and a 1.4L. The 1.0L will develop 73bhp on alcohol and 75bhp on gasoline, while the 1.4 will put out 88 and 85 respectively. Power will be sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

At a length of 3.77m and width of 1.64m, the Uno will be positioned between the Panda and the Grande Punto.

There will also be a SUV-mimicking variant of the Uno available, called the Way. This kind of car is very popular in Brazil, and the Way is unlikely to be offered elsewhere. Changes on the Way include higher ground clearance, roof bars and contrasting bumpers and trim around the wheel arches.

Sales will begin later this month in Brazil. You can get a better look at the new Uno in the gallery below.

Source: Autocar

Chevrolet has updated the Corvette Z06 for the 2011 model year, and the first updated Z06 will honour the 50th anniversary of the Corvette’s first Le Mans win with a few special additions.

The changes for the 2011 Z06 include Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Gen II tires and a new dual-mode exhaust system designed for a more aggressive sound. Also new will be the Z07 and CFZ option packages, announced back when the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition was launched.

The first 2011 Z06 produced (Pictured at the beginning), VIN #00001, has received a special paint job to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Corvette’s first class win at Le Mans. The car gets a paint job similar to that of the winning car, including a white body, twin blue stripes over the hood, roof and trunk, and a #3 logo. There are also 50th anniversary logos on the B-pillars, and the mirrors are painted in Cyber Gray. It gets the CFZ and Z07 packages.

Pricing for this exclusive model runs insanely high however: the buyer will have to pay a $300,000 donation to the Corvette Museum, as well as the estimated $85,000 production price of the car. Luckily, that $300,000 donation is tax deductible. Nonetheless, I reckon I’d spend $385,000 on something else. More pictures of the first 2011 Z06 can be found over at Corvette Blogger. Also, you can find a video of the Z06 update announcement below.

Source: Corvette Blogger (1 via Jalopnik) (2 via Autoblog)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching an investigation into the Dodge Caliber concerning sticky pedals.

Sound familiar? Well, even though these pedals were manufactured by the same company which made Toyota’s faulty accelerators, the NHTSA says that these pedals use a completely different configuration, so they’re likely not related to the Toyota recall.

As with Toyota’s recall, Chrysler believes the issue is mechanical. Luckily, the Caliber is equipped with a brake override system, so if the pedal jams, the brakes should be able to override it. Five reports of the pedal jamming have been received, but no injuries or accidents have been reported.

The estimated 10,000 affected cars were produced during a five-week period in March and April 2006. Owners can visit their local dealer for a free inspection. There’s no information on what will be done to fix the issue.

Source: The Detroit News

Audi has released a more track-oriented version of the R8, dubbed the R8 GT.

The GT has all the basics down for a track version of a supercar: a fixed wing, more power and less weight. However, let’s have a look at the details.

The car is based on the V10 variant of the R8, which is pretty powerful on its own. However, the GT puts out 560 hp, 35 more than the standard car, while torque rises by7 lb-ft to 398. Weight has been decreased by a solid 100 kilos, using thinner glass, carbon fibre and other weight saving methods.

The exterior suggests its a track car, but in that subtle Audi way. The spoiler at the rear isn’t so big that you don’t fit under bridges, and the sideblades at the front are small and discrete. The front also gets a double lip, while the rear gets a redesigned bumper and set of ventilation louvres, but these are also subtly integrated.

To add to the race preparedness of the GT, customers can order a racing package. This package include a bolt-in roll bar in red or black, four-point seat belts in red or black, a fire extinguisher and a kill switch for the battery. You can also order a full cage instead of the roll bar, as well as a rotary lock for the four-point seat belt. Interestingly, a comfort package is also available, including cell phone preparation and leather upholstery.

Sadly, only 333 of these great machines will be made. More details can be found in the press release after the gallery.

Press Release

The Audi R8 GT: Extreme lightweight construction and tremendous performance

- Limited-production, top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car
-100 kilograms lighter, body parts in carbon
-V10 FSI with 412 kW (560 hp), 0 – 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds

INGOLSTADT, Germany, May 1, 2010  -  Now even more powerful, lighter and faster: Audi presents a limited-production version of it R8 high-performance sports car, the R8 GT. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 412 kW (560 hp); vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 100 kilograms (220.46 lb). The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph).

The R8 high-performance sports car has been a winner from the very beginning. This applies to both the production models, winners of the “World Performance Car” Award in 2008 (R8) and in 2010 (R8 V10), and to the race car, the R8 LMS, which won 23 races in its first season and claimed three championships. The genes of the race version are now coming to the street – in the R8 GT. The exclusive series is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT has a badge with its production number on the shift lever knob.

Consistent use of lightweight construction: 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) trimmed

The production R8 5.2 FSI quattro is already a shining example of the Audi’s lightweight construction philosophy. Its aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body weighs only 210 kilograms (462.97 lb). The aluminum body panels are joined to the frame of extruded profiles and cast nodes by means of positive and friction connections. The engine frame is made of ultra lightweight magnesium.

The ASF body is largely hand-built at the Neckarsulm plant in a complex manufacturing process. The extremely high strength of the body is the basis for the high-performance sports car’s precise handling, and it also offers good vibration comfort and first-rate crash safety.

Thanks to the ASF body, the production R8 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1,625 kilograms (3,582.51 lb) – with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and optional R tronic transmission. This made it all the more difficult for the engineers to once again achieve substantial weight savings. They took an elaborate approach involving every aspect of the vehicle, and in the end the scales came to rest at 1,525 kilograms (3,362.05 lb).

The windshield of the R8 GT is made of thinner glass; the bulkhead between the passenger cell and engine compartment, as well as the window in the rear hatch are made of strong, lightweight polycarbonate. These three modifications saved nine kilograms (19.84 lb). The fixed rear wing is good for an additional 1.2 kilograms (2.65 lb); thinner sheet metal and additional cutouts shaved 2.6 kilograms (5.73 lb) from the aluminum hatch over the 100 liter (3.53 cu ft) luggage compartment at the front of the car.

The long rear hatch is made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – an advantage of 6.6 kilograms (14.55 lb). The rear bumper and the sideblades of this same material save an additional 5.2 and 1.5 kilograms (11.46 and 3.31 lb), respectively. With its minimal weight and extremely high strength, CFRP is the ideal material for a high-performance sports car, and Audi has broad-based expertise in its use.

The engineers also fought to shave every possible gram of weight from the technical components of R8. They shaved one kilogram (2.20 lb) from the power brake system, four kilograms (8.82 lb) from the aluminum caps of the brake discs and 9.4 kilograms (20.72 lb) from the battery. The engineers also found 2.3 kilograms (5.07 lb) in the air intake module and 2.8 kilograms (6.17 lb) in the insulation of the engine compartment.

The interior also harbored substantial weight-savings potential. The new, lightweight carpeting accounts for 7.9 kilograms (17.42 lb); the bucket seats with a chassis of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) account for 31.5 kilograms (69.45 lb). Numerous additional detailed measures targeted the interior, the exterior and the technology, such as higher-grade, lighter steel for the exhaust system’s tailpipes.

Even sharper and more effective: the design

The design of the Audi R8 GT is the expression of concentrated power – a beautiful, technical sculpture measuring 4.43 meters (14.53 ft) long, 1.93 meters (6.33 ft) wide and only 1.23 meters (4.04 ft) high. The exterior underwent numerous modifications that further sharpened the appearance. Many of them also reduce the weight and enhance the aerodynamics. The R8 GT produces even more downforce when driven fast than the production model – without any increase in the Cd value (0.36) or frontal area (1.99 m2) (21.42 sq ft).

The frame of the single-frame grille, its struts and the slats in the air intakes are finished in matt titanium gray; the grille is painted matt black. The splitter under the bumper has a double lip and is made of carbon. Slender, curved flics at the corners of the nose increase the downforce on the front axle and are also made of a carbon fiber composite.

One highlight of the R8 GT are the standard LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes for all functions. They produce bright, homogeneous light, have a long service life and low energy consumption. The headlights also have an attractive and distinctive appearance. The daytime running lights each comprise 24 LEDs and appear as a continuous band. The reflectors are reminiscent of open mussel shells.

The defining element of the side view are the sideblades, which direct air to the engine and in the R8 GT are also made of matte carbon. The same material is used for the reduced-size housing of the side mirrors, which are mounted on an aluminum base. The 19-inch wheels feature an exclusive five twin-spoke Y design in a titanium-look finish. The front fenders sport “GT” badges.

The modifications to the rear of the car are particularly apparent, beginning with the fixed wing of matte carbon. The ventilation louvers on both sides of the rear hatch and the CFRP bumper, which integrates the large, round tailpipes and vents for the wheel wells, have been redesigned. The larger diffuser is made of carbon fiber composite; the license plate bezel and the wide slats at the rear are in matte titanium gray. The tail lights, which also use LED technology, have dark housings with panes of clear glass.

Audi offers the R8 GT in a choice of four body colors: Samoa Orange metallic, Suzuka Gray metallic, Ice Silver metallic and Phantom Black pearl effect

Breathtakingly powerful: the 412 kW (560 hp) 5.2 FSI

The modified V10, whose cylinder head covers are painted red, gives the Audi R8 GT breathtaking performance. The R8 GT sprints from a standing start to highway speed in 3.6 seconds, and from zero to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in 10.8 seconds. And the thrust does not let up until the top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph) is reached.

Changes to the engine electronics coaxed an additional 26 kW from the ten-cylinder, which now produces 412 kW (560 hp) from a displacement of 5,204 cc. The torque curve peaks at 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm, 10 Nm (7.38 lb-ft) more than in the production version. The V10 has a specific power output of 79.2 kW (107.6 hp) per liter displacement. Its power-to-weight ratio is 3.70 kilograms (8.16 lb) per kW or 2.72 kilograms (6.00 lb) per hp. The engine redlines at 8,700 rpm.

The long-stroke engine (bore x stroke 84.5 x 92.8 millimeters [3.33 x 3.65 in]), which is hand-built at the factory in Györ, Hungary, features a crankcase made of a aluminum-silicon alloy that is both lightweight and very strong. A bedplate – a frame for the crankshaft bearing bridges – further enhances its rigidity. The complete engine weighs only 258 kilograms (568.79 lb). It is characterized by a cylinder angle of 90 degrees and dry-sump lubrication, which uses a highly efficient oil pump module. Both solutions lower the center of gravity and thus improve driving dynamics.

The crankshaft is designed as a common pin shaft. The connecting rods of the opposing pistons engage a common crankpin, resulting in alternating firing intervals of 54 and 90 degrees. This unique rhythm gives the V10 its fascinating sound – a grand, technical music very much like that in racing. Two flaps in the exhaust system modulate its volume and tone as a function of load and engine speed.

The normally aspirated engine consumes an average of 13.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (17.17 US mpg) – very good fuel economy given the tremendous power. The FSI gasoline direct injection system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers at up to 120 bar of pressure. The turbulent mixture cools the cylinder walls, enabling a compression ratio of 12.5:1. A variable intake manifold and the continuous adjustment of the chain-driven camshafts ensure that the combustion chambers are fully filled. Flaps in the intake ports facilitate the formation of the mixture by inducing a tumbling motion in the inflowing air.

The drivetrain: uncompromising traction

Gear changes in the R8 GT are handled by the R tronic sequential manual transmission. The electrohydraulic clutch and switching unit receive their commands electronically. It changes its six gears much faster than a skilled driver could – within a tenth of a second at high load and engine speed.

The electronic management system offers an automatic mode with the Sport and Normal characteristics, and two manual levels. It is controlled using the short gear selector lever on the center tunnel and two paddles on the steering wheel. Maximum thrust when starting is ensured by Launch Control – a program that manages full acceleration with high engine speed and minimum wheel slip when starting.

quattro permanent all-wheel drive is the ideal technology for a high-performance sports car. The central viscous coupling located at the front differential sends 15 percent of the power to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear axle during normal driving. This split harmonizes perfectly with the Audi R8 GT’s 43:57 percent weight distribution. The coupling sends as much as 30 percent of the power to the front wheels within milliseconds, if necessary. A mechanical locking differential at the rear axle further improves traction. It provides up to 25 percent lockup when accelerating and up to 40 percent on the overrun.

Chassis even tauter and more precise

The Audi R8 GT high-performance sports car is a driving machine with breathtaking lateral acceleration and lightning-fast, nearly instantaneous reactions. Its engine is mid-mounted close to the vertical axis; its mass is almost negligible during fast direction changes. The R8 GT is dynamic, precise and stable in almost every situation.

The chassis follows the classic racing design – double wishbones made of aluminum locate the wheels. The hydraulic, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a direct 16.3:1 ratio and connects the driver closely and precisely with the road. A manually adjustable coilover suspension, which lowers the body by as much as 10 millimeters (0.39 in), is standard. Higher front and rear wheel camber rates make the handling a tick more agile than with the standard model.

The 19-inch forged wheels are 8.5 J x 19 up front and 11 J x 19 at the rear, and are shod with size 235/35 and 295/30 tires, respectively. Audi will mount 305/30 tires together with optional wheels on the rear axle upon request. Cup tires, which offer the ultimate in performance on dry roads, are available for racing enthusiasts.

Audi mounts internally ventilated, carbon fiber ceramic brake disks standard. They are extremely durable and abrasion-resistant as well as particularly lightweight. Together they weigh nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than their steel counterparts of the same size. They measure 380 millimeters (14.96 in) in diameter up front and 356 millimeters (14.02 in) at the rear. The friction rings are bolted to the stainless steel caps via elastic elements. Red anodized aluminum brake calipers – with six pistons up front – are exclusive to the R8 GT.

The ESP stabilization program has been specially tuned to the R8 GT and can be switched into a Sport mode at the push of a button to allow spectacular, but safe, oversteer when accelerating out of a corner. The driver can deactivate the system entirely for a trip to the race track.

Exclusive and dynamic: interior and equipment

At Audi, reducing weight means increasing performance and efficiency, but not sacrifice. The Audi R8 GT, which Audi sells in Germany for €193,000, comes with an automatic climate control system and power windows, a navigation system with MMI operating logic and a powerful sound system. A 465 watt, ten-channel Bang & Olufsen sound system, a CD changer and the Audi Music Interface are available as options. As always with Audi, the interior shows loving attention to detail. Rich materials spoil the occupants with a fine look and feel.

The ergonomic interior is adorned in sporty black and dark gray. The steering wheel, the headliner, the roof posts, the knee pad, the parking brake lever and the bucket seats are covered with Alcantara accented with contrasting stitching. A synthetic sharkskin-look material that feels slightly rough to the touch is applied to the bulkhead, the door liners, the instrument cowl and the dashboard. The “monoposto” – the arch in the cockpit – is made of matt carbon.

The instrument cluster features white dials with “R8 GT” badges. The newly designed selector lever is made of CFRP and aluminum; the center tunnel and the door liners sport decorative inlays in the body color. The door sills feature trims of matt aluminum decorated with the “R8 GT” logo.

A number of exclusive features are available as options for the R8 GT. Exterior options include two alternative wheels, a body-color front splitter and a CFRP engine compartment lining. Carbon elements on the doors, the tunnel, in the cockpit and on the instrument panel are available as interior options. Others include a multifunction leather steering wheel, seat belts in red, orange or gray, floor mats with the “R8 GT” logo and CFRP door sill trims illuminated in red. If desired, Audi will fit seats with carbon frames, which are somewhat lighter than the CFRP shells. The Alcantara seat covers are optionally available with an embroidered “R8 GT” logo.

A race package is available for racing enthusiasts. It includes a bolt-in roll bar in red or black, which has both road and type approval, as well as road-approved four-point belts in red or black, a fire extinguisher and a kill switch for the battery. An optional front bar module for motorsports evens includes a rotary lock for the four-point seatbelt and turns the roll bar into a full cage. Buyers looking for more comfort and convenience can choose cell phone preparation with an innovative belt microphone. Audi also offers a full leather package, control elements in leather with contrasting stitching and a cruise control system as options. The parking aid is included with the standard equipment.

Photos and further information are available at
www.audi-mediaservices.com/en

Source: Audi

Acura has announced a recall for the 2004-2008 TSX equipped with the 2.4L inline-4 engine. The issue involves the power steering hose.

The hose could deteriorate from the heat of the engine, causing a crack from which power steering fluid can leak. The fluid can then leak onto a hot exhaust component, resulting in smoke or fire. One fire incident has already been reported.

To repair the issue, a new power steering hose will be installed, as well as a new o-ring gasket. The power steering fluid will be replaced as well. Owners will be notified at the end of May.

If you own an affected TSX, head over to your local dealer for an inspection, or wait for that letter to arrive from Acura.

Press Release

Statement by Acura Regarding TSX Recall

04/29/2010 – TORRANCE, Calif. -

Acura today announced a recall of approximately 167,000 Acura TSX vehicles to replace a power steering hose. Affected TSX vehicles are 2004-2008 models sold in the United States with the 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine. The repair involves installing a new power steering hose, o-ring gasket and fluid– all done at no cost to the vehicle owner.

The recall is being conducted due to the potential for premature deterioration of the exterior surface of the hose as a result of prolonged exposure to high under-hood temperatures. In the event of excessive deterioration, a crack in the hose could develop, which could allow power steering fluid to leak or spray on a hot exhaust component potentially generating smoke or a fire. Acura has only received notice of one incident resulting in a fire.

Owners of affected vehicles will be informed by mail starting at the end of May. In addition, TSX owners can go to owners.acura.com/recalls or may call (800) 382-2238 for more information.

Source: Acura

Hyundai has launched the next-generation Elantra/Avante at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

It will be powered by Hyundai’s new 1.6L, four-cylinder Gamma GDI engine. It develops 138 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque in the new Elantra. The engine sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Elantra is the latest car to utilize Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy, and I think it’s very good looking.

As for the interior, no pictures have been released, and the only details we have been told is that it will have heated rear seats and a colour LCD information display in the gauge cluster. We’ll let you know when the interior is revealed.

Press Release

Hyundai Unveils All-New Avante at Busan Motor Show

- World-premier of new Avante compact, Hyundai’s global best-seller

- Featuring 1.6L Gamma GDI engine, 6-speed automatic

(Busan, Korea)  Hyundai Motor Co. had its world-premier of the all-new Avante compact sedan, the company’s best-selling model worldwide, at the Busan International Motor Show 2010 today.

“The new Avante encompasses Hyundai’s latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class,” Steve S. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai’s Global Business Division, said at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) today. “We’re confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide.”

With sportier and even more elegant lines than its predecessor, the new Avante – badged as Elantra in markets outside Korea – continues Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy.

Hyundai has applied its latest 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive compact, the first time GDI and six-speed automatic have been featured on a compact sedan in Korea. The new Avante delivers a peak output of 140ps and maximum torque of 17.0kg·m.  It is also about 10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors, thanks to GDI, the six speed automatic and other fuel economy enhancements.

The new Avante will delight and surprise with a raft of other advanced features not found on other compacts, including HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, LED combination lamps in the rear, heated rear seats, puddle lamps and a color TFT LCD information display nestled in the gauge cluster.

Under the Avante/Elantra badge, Hyundai has sold over 6 million units worldwide since the car’s launch in 1990. Hyundai will begin sales of the all-new Avante in the second half of 2010 in Korea.

Hyundai’s New 1.6L Gamma GDI Engine

Hyundai displayed its all-new 1.6L Gamma GDI engine in Busan today, which it first showed in Beijing auto show last week. It is the smallest member of the Hyundai gasoline engine family to benefit from the application of Gasoline Direct Injection technology.  With the help of GDI, this four-cylinder powermill develops 140ps, an approximately 13 percent improvement over a conventional 1.6L Gamma fed by MPI. GDI technology doesn’t only boost power output: It also improves fuel economy while lowering emissions. The new Gamma also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, a Variable Induction System and exotic anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

At a separate commercial vehicle booth, Hyundai displayed a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus and a Universe Limousine luxury coach, among other displays.

Source: Hyundai and Autoblog