Showing posts with label Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Video: Jaguar's BMW M5 Rival, the new 2010 XFR V8 with 510HP

The XF we've all been waiting for, the new supercharged XFR, was finally revealed at this week's Detroit Show. Fitted with Jag's new direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 and a Roots-type supercharger, the 510-horsepower strong XFR goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds, or 0.2 and 0.4 seconds slower than its arch rivals, the BMW M5 and Audi RS6 respectively. If you hit the jump, you can watch the XFR in Jag's new promotional video. Unfortunately, for reasons that we fail to understand, Jaguar did not include any audiobites from the XFR's supercharged V8 engine, which is a pity as other than that, the film is overall entertaining.


2010 Ford Taurus Sedan: Action Video and Live Photos from Detroit Show

Sporting a completely redesigned exterior and interior, the new 2010 Ford Taurus made its world debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. While Ford has no illusions of repeating the success of the first generation Taurus, the American automaker does have high hopes for its new flagship sedan. Dynamic styling aside, the new Taurus also features Ford's 3.5-liter V6, generating 263HP and 249 foot-pounds of torque, paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Taurus engine plan also calls for optional availability of Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, with an announcement regarding availability coming soon.

The new 2010 Taurus will hit U.S. showrooms this summer offered in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. Prices will start from $25,995, including destination and delivery, meaning that the new Taurus begins at the same entry level price as the 2009 model. The Taurus SEL series will begin at $27,995 while the Taurus Limited series will begin at $31,995.

The SEL series comes equipped with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, heated exterior mirrors, supplemental park lamps and chrome exhaust tips. The Limited series adds to the SEL appointments with standard leather seats, 19-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels, 10-way power driver and passenger seats, reverse sensing and a premium sound system with SYNC.

























Video: Jaguar XFR Prototype tops 225 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats

At the Detroit Show, Jaguar revealed a specially modified XFR prototype that recorded a top speed of 225.7 mph (363.2 km/h) during a secret speed trial at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah last November. The XFR prototype beat Jaguar's previous speed record of 217.1mph (349.4 km/h) that had been set back in 1992 by the XJ220. The man behind the wheel of the fastest Jag ever was Paul Gentilozzi, owner of Rocketsports Racing who led the Jaguar XKR to five series victories between 2001 and 2006 in the Trans Am series in the USA.

Jaguar said that prototype model was equipped with a slightly more powerful version of the standard XFR's 5.0-liter V8 with additional horsepower being liberated by a remapped ECU, a modified air intake and exhaust system and revised supercharger settings. It was also fitted with minor aerodynamic and safety modifications that were made to meet the requirements for a Bonneville run. According to the British automaker, no internal engine components were changed and the six-speed automatic transmission was standard, including the gear ratios.









Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Video Galore: Chrysler 200C Hybrid-Electric Concept Presentation, Driving and Static Footage

True, as many of our readers cleverly pointed out, Chrysler's surprise concept at this year's Detroit Show, certainly does bear a resemblance (or two...) up front with the Opel Insignia. But to tell you the truth, in our books, Chrysler's designers did a wonderful job with the 200C EV, creating a dynamically styled and well proportioned rear-wheel drive sport sedan. If the firm manages to make it through these difficult times, we hope that the 200C will find its way into production. Hit the jump to watch four videos of the concept that include the Detroit Show presentation, driving and static footage as well as interviews with car's designers.


Chrysler 200C EV Detroit Show Presentation



Chrysler 200C EV Driving and Static Footage


Chrysler 200C EV Exterior Designers



Chrysler 200C EV Interior Designers


China's Brilliance Shows off its Goods at the Detroit Show

The 2009 Detroit Auto Show marked the first official appearance of China's Brilliance on the U.S. automotive scene. BMW's Chinese partner introduced four of its most prominent models to the American public, including the Pininfarina designed M1 mid-sized sedan and the M2 compact saloon, as well as the M3 Coupe and FRV C-segment hatchback. Thanks to Mitsubishi's decision to pull out from this year's show, Brilliance was able to occupy (along with China's BYD) that space on the main floor of the Cobo Centre.

Brilliance has already began selling many of its vehicles to several European countries as well as emerging markets such as Russia and Egypt. The Chinese automaker has not made any announcements lately about if and when it will launch its line-up in North America, but we gather that with the current economic crunch and the effects it has on the American auto market, it won't be any time soon.












Video: 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Driving and Static Footage

Looks like there's a conspiracy of some kind among automakers when it comes to publishing video material for their hybrid models. Just like Honda and it's ultra tedious Insight video, Toyota also released some lifeless 'b-roll' footage for the new Prius that was revealed at the Detroit Show. For the record, we edited the official video cutting it down to a viewable four minutes as well as adding an 'eco' conscious song to break the annoying silence. Enjoy it right after the jump.


Detroit Show: Dodge Circuit EV -aka- All Electric Lotus Europa

Cash-strapped Chrysler LLC didn't have a lot of money to spend on concept cars at this year's Detroit Show so Dodge was left with the re-introduction of the Lotus Elise based, all-electric Circuit EV sports coupe. As many of may remember, Chrysler had presented the Dodge EV along with two other all-electric prototypes last September. Aside from a few subtle cosmetic changes that concern the front-grille and bumper, the new alloy wheels and the quirky orange paint job, there aren't any substantial differences between the Circuit EV and the EV.

The Circuit EV is propelled by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain, that utilizes just three powertrain components that include a 200 kW (268HP) electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

Dodge claims that the zero-emissions Circuit EV sprints from zero to 60mph (96 km/h) in less than 5 seconds while it hits the quarter-mile in 13 seconds and achieves a top-speed of more than 120mph (196 km/h).

The Dodge Circuit EV has a driving range of around 150 to 200 miles between charges. The batteries can be charged simply by plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.