Car Blog

A Total of 40 Vehicle Debuts Already Anticipated at the Nov. 17 and 18 Press Days

The Los Angeles Auto Show announced that more than 20 World Debuts are confirmed for the 2010 Press Days, Nov. 17 and 18. Many important North American premieres are also anticipated, bringing the total vehicle debuts to approximately 40.

This year’s show will feature a greater number of significant World Debuts than ever before. Because the unveilings are coming from manufacturers in Europe and Asia, in addition to the U.S., more international media are expected to attend.

“The growing global significance of the LA show is clearly demonstrated by the number and importance of the debuts,” said Andy Fuzesi, general manager, LA Auto Show.

In addition to more debuts, the auto industry’s continued economic recovery has spurred greater participation and engagement from manufacturers at the show. Nissan and Infiniti are returning with a major presence after a one-year break from auto shows. Several significant World Debuts are expected from Nissan including the all-new Quest minivan, as well as, important news about the much anticipated all-electric Leaf. Also, Fiat is returning to the U.S. after almost a 27-year hiatus and will feature its new vehicle for the U.S. market, the Fiat 500-Cinquecento. Read the rest of this entry »

Knockhill Debut Comes Weeks after Tesla’s Official Entry in the UK Racing Circuit and the First Roadster Delivery in Scotland

Tesla Motors will debut this weekend at the Scottish Motorfair, where the award-wining Roadster will keep pace with a Formula 1 car and other supercars.

“We hear every day from people who want to start accumulating zero-emission miles – but they don’t want to sacrifice performance and fun”

Held May 22-23 in Fife, the seventh annual Knockhill show in comes a month after the UK Motor Sport Association permitted electric vehicles to race in official competitions. The Tesla Roadster has already begun collecting trophies at prestigious UK circuits – and it will be the only zero-emission car at Knockhill that is already on sale and in production.

Tesla, which has delivered cars to customers in 25 countries so far, is providing test drives to the media and to qualified prospective customers this weekend in Scotland – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to “go electric” as soon as possible.

“We hear every day from people who want to start accumulating zero-emission miles – but they don’t want to sacrifice performance and fun,” said Tesla UK sales manager and race car aficionado Gian Avignone, an Aberdeen native. “The Roadster is truly the only car that meets their needs, and they can start driving it today.”

The Roadster accelerates faster than supercars that cost twice as much, yet it produces zero tailpipe emissions and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional outlets throughout Europe, is the only sports car in the world that can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

Scotland is now home to its first Roadster!

Tesla’s first appearance in Knockhill comes only weeks after Tesla delivered its first car to a customer in Scotland, who lives just east of Edinburgh.

Scotland is an extraordinary model for renewable energy and a great place to demonstrate the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Scotland has an abundance of hydro-electric schemes and already generates substantial wind power. It’s expected to be a 21st century leader of tidal and wave power development.

Local companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive throughout the UK.

The 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2010), under the theme “For a Greener Tomorrow”, concluded at the China International Exhibition Center (New Center) on May 2, 2010. The Exhibition of Auto Components and Parts closed on April 27, a few days earlier.

With strong support and unprecedented enthusiasm from domestic and foreign automakers, Auto China 2010 achieved great success. A total of 990 vehicles were on display, 89 of which made their world debut (including 14 world premiers from global automakers), as well as 65 concept cars (37 of which are from global automakers). The 200,000 square-meter exhibition area reached a new record. All of the global automakers recognized Auto China 2010 as one of the most important A-class auto shows worldwide. Domestic automakers showcased achievements in home-grown innovation and new energy vehicles. Management leaders from both domestic and foreign automotive industries attended press conferences, new car announcements, and brand-building activities. Nearly 12,500 journalists from 1,564 media organizations worldwide witnessed the panoramic view of the auto show and made comprehensive reports.

With the concept of energy-saving and emission reductions, Auto China 2010 was under the theme “For a Greener Tomorrow”. The auto show displayed the latest advanced technology in the auto industry. New-energy cars from automobile giants and home-grown brands showcased the future of the automotive industry. Passenger cars, commercial vehicles, auto components and parts, as well as other related products were showcased together in the nearly 200,000 square-meter exhibition area.

Auto China 2010 displayed passenger cars and auto components and parts in both the New and Old China International Exhibition Centers respectively for the first time. It not only fulfilled the demand of exhibitors, but also provided a more convenient and comfortable environment for the professional audience.

The number of visitors to this year’s Beijing auto show reached 780,000 — a new record attendance for China’s auto shows. The event received 145,900 visitors on May 1, setting a new one-day record attendance for China’s auto shows.

The 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition will be held in April 2012. Organizers are looking forward to seeing all domestic and overseas exhibitors, media friends, and audiences in 2012.

The 19th Annual ‘United Way Bud Classic Car Show’ Takes Place This Saturday

For classic car lovers in Houston, it’s become a tradition each May. And this Saturday, an expected 250 classic cars of all makes, models, years and colors will compete for more than 150 awards at the 19th annual “United Way Bud Classic Car Show.”

The show will be held Saturday, May 1, at Anheuser-Busch’s Houston Brewery, 775 Gellhorn near the intersection of I-10 East and I-610 East. Other supporters of the event are Silver Eagle Distributors, Yellow Cab and the Bud Cruisers Car Club.

Money raised at Saturday’s event continues the local brewery’s longstanding support of United Way. Earlier this year United Way of Greater Houston received a $49,961 check from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, representing an increase of about 3 percent in support from the previous year. Along with employee donations of $68,281, local contributions from the brewer in the last year totaled more than $118,000.

“Our annual car show helps support a great cause – the United Way,” said Rick Wohlfarth, general manager of the Anheuser-Busch Houston brewery. “For the last 19 years this event has been coordinated and run by volunteer Anheuser-Busch employees in Houston, who always have given generously to their friends and neighbors through the local chapter of United Way.”

The event is free to spectators. A charity auction will be conducted to benefit United Way. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the car show taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An awards presentation will be from 2 to 3 p.m.

“It’s fascinating to see the passion and attention to detail in the restoration process of these cars,” Wohlfarth said. “It’s that same passion that our employees exhibit on a daily basis when they brew, package and ship the best-selling beers in the world.”

Anheuser-Busch and its charitable foundation have supported United Way of Greater Houston for several decades. The Anheuser-Busch Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Anheuser-Busch, donating funds to hundreds of charities each year in communities across the country.

“Anheuser-Busch has been a wonderful partner with the United Way over the years,” said Anna Babin, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “Their commitment to the United Way helps strengthen our community and makes a lasting difference in the quality of life we all enjoy.”

The donations will be used to support a number of local health and human service programs through 15 non-profit agencies.

United Way of Greater Houston seeks to improve people’s lives by creating lasting changes in conditions that affect its communities. United Way collaborates with local business, government, nonprofits, faith-based groups and individuals to define and address the most pressing problems. At the same time, United Way continues its tradition of helping area residents meet basic health and human service needs by supporting innovative programs that have positive, measurable outcomes.

Source: Anheuser-Busch

As a Chinese fairytale of “Eclosion to Butterfly” indicates, Geely alternative fuel vehicles have, through painstaking effort, come all the way to have their premiere on Beijing Auto Show this time. For years, Geely has been committed to R&D of alternative power systems for vehicles, and its 5 alternative fuel vehicles for mass production will be marketed in 2 years.

With eye-catching showcase in 2009 Shanghai Auto Show as a concept car only, Geely Intelligence (IG) this time is identified as a pioneering in-research model of Geely’s alternative vehicles. It is face lifted from former single door and 3+1 seat layout to double seagull-wing doors and 2+2 seat layout now, while remains its hybrid power and cost design.

Geely brings two electric vehicles this time — EK-1 and EK-2.EK-1 is lead-acid battery powered reaching 80km/h top speed and 80km range, and EK-2 is lithium iron phosphate battery powered with max. speed of 150km and range of 180km and can recharge 80% of battery capacity in 18mins.

In development of alternative power system, instead of restricting in one specific R&D direction, Geely diversified its development rating on different subjects during various time spans. According to related officer from Geely, currently, when various many factors are involved, in practical fleet, alternative fuel power is still but an option for the whole global auto industry, at least not such unified as the internal-combustion engine powered by petroleum. Considering this, on alternative fuel power solutions, Geely set its development mode of multiple propulsions ready to answer calls from both market needs and tomorrow challenges. Apart from battery electric vehicles, Geely showcase 1 vehicle model with GSC (Geely Intelligent Stop-Go System) and 2 models of GPEC (Geely Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle) .

For plug-in hybrid electric power, a relatively mature alternative energy power technology, Geely has finished its application design in serial and parallel forms and ready for mass production. Geely’s EC7 is applied with GPECs(Geely Serial Plug-in Electric) with iron phosphate battery + 1.0 L engine, 60 km range when solely by battery, launch recently; EC8 is applied GPEC (Geely Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle, parallel), good at fuel economy and dynamic performance, fitted with 2.4L engine to challenge international premium alternative energy vehicle.

Equus will Showcase Hyundai’s Approach toward Intelligent Luxury

Hyundai aims to break down the barriers of owning a luxury car with the introduction of its all-new flagship, the 2011 Equus. Equus will compete with the best luxury sedans in the world on all levels including amenities, performance, advanced technologies, design and ownership experience when it arrives at select Hyundai dealerships late this summer.

“Equus takes Hyundai’s formula for intelligent luxury to a new level,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve applied the lessons in engineering excellence we’ve learned with Genesis to the Equus, while adding a new level of customer experience that will further differentiate our take on luxury from the traditional premium brands.”

Equus broadens Hyundai’s lineup of premium vehicles and like Genesis, is built on Hyundai’s world-class rear-wheel-drive architecture. It is powered by the award-winning 4.6-liter Tau® V8. The Tau inside the Equus will produce an estimated 385 horsepower using premium fuel and 378 horsepower using regular fuel. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Equus showcases features such as a lane departure warning system, electronic air suspension, smart cruise control and a Lexicon® audio system.

PREMIUM REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

When Genesis was introduced, Hyundai promised that its rear-wheel-drive architecture would spawn more products in other segments. Equus is the third of those products, this time riding on a lengthened Genesis architecture. Equus is 7.2 inches longer (203.1 inches vs. 195.9 inches) than Genesis. Equus boasts an excellent 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling and more refined steering characteristics.

Equus reduces interior noise levels and improves ride and handling with a stiff, light weight body structure. The use of high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Equus with significantly higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight despite having a spacious interior cabin.

WORLD-CLASS TAU V8

Headlining the Equus’ performance capabilities is Hyundai’s Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine, a two-time Ward’s 10 Best Engine winner, mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. The Tau V8 delivers an estimated 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque (378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft using regular fuel) to fit the demands of luxury consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Equus to 60 miles per hour in less than 6.4 seconds. On premium fuel, the Tau V8 produces more horsepower than the powerplants found in the Lexus LS460, Mercedes-Benz S550, and Audi A8 and nearly the same power as these competitors on regular fuel.

LUXURY SEDAN STYLE WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

The design of the Equus is handsome and pleasing to the eye. The rear-end treatment is progressive with bold taillights, strong shoulders and an overall look of precision. This look is accomplished through fully-integrated asymmetrical exhaust tips and rear LED turn signal indicators. The side silhouette is refined, with character lines that accent the rear fenders. Up front is a subtle horizontal radiator grille and well-proportioned headlamps with jeweled detailing. LED turn signals are inside the HID headlamps along with an adaptive front lighting system with white LED position lamps. The lower air intakes are bold and add to the positive reaction of the overall design. To assist in parking, and navigating blind corners and alleys in urban driving, there is an optional forward-view cornering camera integrated into the grille.

CUTTING EDGE HUMAN TECHNOLOGY

The busy executive as well as the couple heading out on the town will feel right at home in the 2011 Equus due to abundant luxury touches and passenger comfort features. This ambience begins with superior quality of materials and design layout. The leather upholstery, Alcantara® headliner, natural wood trim and leather-wrapped French-stitched instrument panel showcase the richness of the Equus interior.

The seats are designed with adjustable driver thigh support, plenty of width, great range of adjustment, and heated and cooled functionality. Thermoelectric devices located in the seat backs and bottom cushions provide control for heating, cooling and humidity. There is ample leg and head room for drivers over six-feet tall and an optional massaging driver seat. In fact, Equus has more leg, head and shoulder room in the front and rear seats than the Lexus LS460.

The driver’s cockpit boasts an abundance of features and premium services. The Driver Information System (DIS) provides navigation, XM Satellite Radio, HD Radio technology, hands-free Bluetooth telephone system and much more.

ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED AIR SUSPENSION

Driving dynamics are a critical element in every luxury sedan, and the Equus offers first-rate ride and handling characteristics without traditional compromises. Equus’ electronically controlled air suspension meets the challenge of the wide variety of road surfaces drivers face everyday. For drivers who enjoy a firm ride and more stability when cornering there is a sport setting with additional body control. For customers who wish their ride to be a little on the softer side there is a normal setting for more ride compliance.

In urban areas, the Equus is easy to maneuver and park, thanks to excellent steering and its electronic parking assist feature. While the Equus is large, it doesn’t feel over-sized or clumsy, that’s due to its 37.7 foot turning circle and variable-effort steering system.

On winding country and mountain roads, Equus benefits from the precise wheel control delivered by its five-link front and rear suspension geometry. This geometry is maximized through Continuous Damping Control (CDC) which continually monitors road and driving dynamics and adjusts damping force accordingly. The standard 19-inch chrome alloy wheel and tire package with staggered width (P245/45R19 front P275/40R19 rear) tires offers excellent gripping power and precise control.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES DELIVER UNCOMPROMISED SAFETY PERFORMANCE

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Equus boasts world-class active and passive safety features to help prevent accidents, and maximize the well-being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Equus continues the Hyundai tradition of offering key safety technologies, with features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags, electronic active head restraints, lane departure warning system and smart cruise control. Equus even has a Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM) that optimally manages ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety.

Equus’ total of nine airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants and a driver’s knee airbag.

Hyundai’s lane departure warning system offers a warning light and chime after a one-second lane departure, and adds a haptic warning via the seatbelt after a three second lane departure.

Smart cruise control automatically manages the Equus’ speed through the braking and throttle systems to maintain a specified following distance selected by the driver.

The electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold enables the parking brake to hold the vehicle automatically when the vehicle stops, and deactivates as soon as the gas pedal is pressed.

Equus has an optional camera located on the front grille and a standard camera on the rear decklid. These cameras help detect how close objects are when parking. Distance is indicated on the in-dash LCD monitor.

Equus is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 13.6-inch front rotors have four-piston fixed calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single floating piston calipers.

LEXICON® AUDIO SYSTEMS TEAM WITH XM, HD RADIO(TM), and APPLE TO OFFER UNRIVALED AUDIO PERFORMANCE AND CHOICE

Hyundai Genesis and Equus offer a Lexicon-branded state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7® technology. The Lexicon surround sound audio system includes a 13-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing 608 watts of sound in 7.1 discrete surround sound audio. Equus also offers the clarity of digital HD Radio technology, XM Satellite Radio and iPod®/USB integration.

PRICING
The Equus will launch with a starting price in the mid $50,000 range.