Breaking: Ford To Move Production Of Kuga SUV To USA, We Finally Get It As Well

Being that the stronger Euro to the dollar makes it less profitable to produce the Kuga in Europe, Ford decided to move the production Stateside.  The report stated that Ford will shift production from its factory in Saarlouis, Germany to Luisville, Kentucky in October 2011.

As many as 80,000 examples of the stylish SUV will be exported to Europe.  The proper challenger to the Kuga is VW's Tiguan, and stateside it will compete with the likes of Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV.  Expect additional powerplants to compete with these vehicles.

Honda unveils U3-X personal mobility device

PRESS RELEASE

Honda Develops Revolutionary New Personal Mobility Device to Work in Harmony with People 

World's first driving system capable of 360 degree movement 

Pursuing the concept of "harmony with people" Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device to provide free movement in all directions just like human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in the real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.

This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed, move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans their upper body to shift their body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through ASIMO (Honda's bipedal humanoid robot) robotics research, and the world's first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, the compact, one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be user friendly and unimposing to people around it. This is achieved by making it easy for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and by seating the rider at roughly the same eye level as a person standing.

Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 (sponsored by JAMA) which will begin on 24th October 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986 at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan, striving to develop the next-generation mobility products that bring joy to our customers. These research projects includes ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X.

Source: Honda Worldwide : Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.

Williams to use Cosworth engines in 2010

Article By Jonathan Noble

Williams will switch to Cosworth engines next season, AUTOSPORT has learned, after believing its prospects for success in 2010 are best served with the independent engine maker.

Although the Grove-based outfit came close to a deal with Renault, high level sources at the French car manufacturer have revealed that Williams has now informed the company that it is no longer interested in a tie-up for next year.

With Toyota already having confirmed that it is ending its customer supply deal at the end of this year, it means that Williams has now settled on a switch to Cosworth.

Williams is refusing to confirm  engine plans until after the end of the season, but its engineering director Patrick Head praised Cosworth's efforts in preparing for its return to Formula 1.

"They are certainly very committed to it and working hard," he said. "They have been one of the options but we are not stating where we cast our final hook in terms of what is available to us until after the final race of the season. But I think our design office know what they are designing for."

Sources claim that one of the key attractions for Cosworth is the fact that the engine supplier will be able to re-tune its power unit until early next year - something no other manufacturer is able to do because of F1's engine freeze.

The tweaks could help ensure Cosworth's engine is competitive throughout 2010, which is why Red Bull Racing is also considering a switch to the power unit if it is unsuccessful in its bid to secure Mercedes-Benz power.

Head said that his team had chosen to finish its partnership with Toyota because it fancied a change of direction.

"We had a very good relationship with Toyota," he said. "We made a decision about two months ago that we wanted to go in a different direction and I think the reasons are not for public consumption.

"We haven't had any falling out so it's an amicable parting. There were a number of factors that caused us to make the decision but I don't think that the combination of the reasons we decided to make a change are not ones that we are prepared to share. But it was nothing that caused any shouting and screaming, we chose to change direction.

"Ross Brawn and the team showed that you can make an engine change on Christmas Eve and still produce a pretty competitive car but I don't think our design office would thank us for doing that and they will have a little longer than that to design the car around the engine."

[Sources: Autosport and F1-Live]

Production Honda CR-Z Due Fall 2010

Its been decades since the original CR-X roamed freely  Stateside, and now the spiritual replacement will be imported here next year.  Honda's concept lines from the 2007 car has been largely carried over intact, all except a taller roof and more conventional upright windshield.

  This model will be geared with performance in mind and have great fuel economy.   Displacement will increase to 1.5l and in addition, receive a six-speed manual transmission.  The CR-Z will go on sale in the Spring of 10' in Japan and then arrive in the U.S. some time in the Fall.

Honda SkyDeck Hybrid Concept

The future of sockermom mobiles?   What a market to corner and Honda already has snatched the best selling vehicle in class away from the Chrysler minivan.   The SkyDeck Hybrid follows Honda's design language previewed by the CR-Z but the difference is, this is a design buck.  A six-seat MPV form study with a futuristic interior that is all.

Cantilever style seats mounted on center tunnel, with slide forward rear seats that glide under the front when folded.   Unique, swing up front doors similar to Lambo and sliding rear doors that drop down dangerously low to the curb.  Over all, a design that stays true to Honda's ever advancing and cohesive  design language.

Ford of Europe Debut Mondeo Econetic Titanium Individual

Ford has tapped into the specialty vehicle arena  in Europe by adding limited spec models similar to  what has been done with the Mustang.  The new "Individual Line" introduced the Fiesta Titanium Individual earlier this year followed now by the Mondeo Titanium  Individual 2.0 115Ps TDCi.

The 113bhp 2.0 TDci used in the base model is replaced by the higher spec engine with a fuel economy of 54.3 mpg. All the features of the regular Titanium Mondeo, difference is 16 inch with optional 17s.   Other features to help efficiency are aerodynamically optimized sports suspension with air deflectors, rear spoiler (five door model) optimal gearchange indicator that helps with efficiency.   The next generation Modeo will underpin future Ford Fusion models, thus continuing Ford's international design focus.

Source: Ford UK

Infiniti Planning Electric BMW 1-Series/ Audi A3 Rival

Infiniti is planning to release a new entry level model as a direct competitor to  BMW 1-Series  Lexus 2009 LF-Ch Concept and the  Audi A3.  What will make the Infiniti unique and stand apart will be its own design feature: an all electric powertrain.

This type of vehicle will be important to help establish Infiniti as brand lead in Europe where compact variants like the Audi A3 flourish. The model is still in the  development stage, so information is limited, but it is believed the Infiniti will share powertrain with all-electric Nissan Leaf due to market next year.   Infiniti believes this is the road to travel, other electric vehicles and hybrids are on the horizon as well.

Souce: AutoExpress

2010 Toyota Sai: A Lexus HS 250h For The JSM Market

Toyota's 2010 Sai, based on the Lexus HS250h hybrid, is designed for people who is looking for a more premium hybrid experience than they would get in the Toyota Prius. The Sai would seem to fit somewhere in between. It offers the same powerplant as the HS, but not quite as many luxury features. It's basically an HS with different nose, tail and interior detailing, just  a little short of "badge engineering."  So far, this will be offered in Japan's home market, releasing the same horsepower as the sister HS250, 147 hp, 187 hp when the electric boost from the 245-volt battery pack, but gets an impressive 23.0 km/I, that equates to over 54 mpg (compared to 35 city/34 highway mpg rating of HS 250h here in the States)

PRESS RELEASE

TMC Unveils Luxury Hybrid 'SAI'

Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces the unveiling today in Japan of the compact luxury sedan "Sai", which is planned to go on sale in Japan on December 7. 

The Sai is based on a concept derived from the Japanese word sai-which means "talent" when written as "" and "coloration" when written as ""-as a hybrid-only sedan "combining advanced talent and multi-color sophistication".

The Sai, designed with extensive consideration for the environment, features a gasoline-electric hybrid system with a 2.4-liter engine for outstanding fuel efficiency and use of Ecological Plastic (made from plant-derived materials) for approximately 60% of the interior surface area. Its highly efficient package achieves an outstanding balance between maneuverability, comfort, refined sedan styling and aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, in addition to offering advanced features for high-level safety performance, such as a millimeter-wave-radar Pre-crash Safety system, the Sai, among its other attributes, provides cruising performance and riding comfort befitting a luxury vehicle, altogether making it a compact luxury vehicle for a new era that brings together "talent" and "coloration" to enrich customers' lifestyles.

[Source: Toyota]

Integrated Videos and Maps for Driving Directions From Microsoft

Microsoft seems to always fine the innovative "one up" and has out done Google by using similar snapshots like Streetview and plays them like video at  specific sections of the route you travel.  The video aide you by helping you remember where you need to be by pre-mapping a crucial direction.  You can watch the video before you start, previewing certain landmarks and turns before you get there.   The  images are streaming as though it  is occurring in real time, so you feel like the video images are actually appearing as you travel to your location.  Still in prototype phase, this will revolutionize the navigation industry.

[Source: Microsoft and MIT]

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250: Why Can't We Play?

Again, and again, there are so many vehicles that comes around that is known for being such brilliant vehicles on offer everywhere but stateside, well the Renaultsport 250 is no exception.  The Renaultsport line has been consistently progressing in style and performance.  The 250 comes in two versions:  a race Cup model, and standard.  the former get all the modifactations along with the Suspension Package with limited slip, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, red Brembo calipers, grooved discs, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2  tires on 18 inch wheels.   Going for convenience, opt out the Cup option and you'll get all the conveniences like leather, electrically adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tires, auto lights and wipers among with other options.  No bump in horsepower, both get 250 hp with 250 lb-ft. torque.  Price for admission: Between $36-38K.

PRESS RELEASE

THURSDAY 15th OCTOBER 2009

RENAULT ANNOUNCES SPECIFICATION FOR MEGANE RENAULTSPORT 250

* New Mégane Renaultsport 250 priced from just £21,995 on the road

* Available in two versions: Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup and Mégane Renaultsport 250

* Two chassis settings including the availability from launch of the Cup setting with a limited slip differential

* Unique features in the segment: Renaultsport Monitor and Renaultsport Dynamic Management

* Extensively revised Renaultsport 2.0-litre turbocharged engine now developing 250hp and maximum torque of 340Nm

* Extensive personalisation choices with interior and exterior colour options available through the Renault i.d. programme

* Ordering opens 1st November with first deliveries from January

Renaultsport has a rich heritage in high-performance cars and the latest, the Mégane Renaultsport 250, has been eagerly awaited since its unveiling in March in Geneva. 

Continuing the range line-up of its Renaultsport brothers, Twingo and Clio, the new Mégane Renaultsport 250 is available in two versions: the Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup at £21,995 on the road and the Mégane Renaultsport 250 at £22,995. The former includes the specific Cup chassis whilst the latter adds more equipment and the standard sport chassis setting. 

Despite its performance intent, the Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup is equipped with a generous specification including cruise control, speed limiter, eight airbags, RAID automatic door locking, Brembo brakes, Renaultsport Dynamic Management ESP system, Renault keycard, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, 60W RDS MP3-compatible CD player with fingertip control, Bluetooth and RCA connection, ISOFIX child seat mountings, rear parking sensors and, of course, the Cup suspension pack. 

The Cup Suspension Pack includes a limited slip differential, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, grooved discs, red finish to the Brembo brake calipers, 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres and 'AX-L' 18" x 8.25" alloy wheels in satin black. 

The Mégane Renaultsport 250 is particularly well-equipped adding leather upholstery, heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory function, Renault Hands Free card, dual-zone climate control, automatic operation of the lights and wipers, 18" (x 8.25") 'Keza' alloy wheels with 225/40 Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres, extra tinted tailgate and rear side windows, tyre pressure monitor and Multi-functional TunePoint. The Cup Suspension Pack is available as an option combined with Recaro front seats at £1,950. 

Customers can choose to personalise their car with a broad range of options including the Renaultsport Monitor telemetry system, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlamps, Recaro seats, 19" Speedline alloy wheels with the latest generation 235/35 Continental Sport Contact 5 tyres, Carminat TomTom, Arkamys 4x30 RDS radio with 6 CD and Bluetooth and Multi-Functional TunePoint, electric folding door mirrors, front parking sensors and a fixed glass roof. As part of the Renault i.d. programme, customers can choose one of two interior colours or anthracite finish to the exterior detailing. 

The Mégane Renaultsport is available in seven colours: Glacier White, Capsicum Red, Extreme Blue, Pearl Black, Mercury, Oyster and, unique to the model, Sport Yellow. As standard, the centre section of the front bumper and F1-style blade, door mirrors and rear diffuser are finished in gloss black. Customers can choose to have these elements in anthracite as part of the Renault i.d. programme. 

Both versions of the Mégane Renaultsport 250 are in group 17E for the ABI rating. 

The Mégane Renaultsport 250 range is available to order from 1st November with first deliveries arriving in the UK in January. 

Renault recognises that its Renaultsport customers make up some of its most devoted and loyal fan base. Renaultsport organises regular trackdays in the UK and abroad through www.renaultsport.co.uk, the website for Renault performance fans to get the latest information and share discussions in the community forums. Customers can find more information through this website or by visiting their nearest Renault dealer. 

"Baby Enclave", "Baby LaCrosse" Confirmed for Buick

GM showed dealers both small-scale upcoming Buick products.

Source: GMI

GMI has been told that the "Baby Enclave" is going to be based on the Gamma II platform that will underpin the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo and is similar in size to that of the Nissan Rogue. An independent source of GMI's also confirmed this evening that the GM Executive Committee has approved the Gamma II Buick crossover.

Back on August 10th General Motors invited a swarm of Twitter users and bloggers to the GM Design Dome to preview essentially every future product that GM has coming. Of course the Twitter users that were there at the time were tweeting about the products as they saw them. Of which, we heard about three Buick's. The first was the Regal, which GMI has extensively uncovered over the last two days and the other two were more hush-hush. One was asmall car and the other another crossover.

As everyone knows by now, GMC-Buick dealerships were invited to Detroit for a meeting with GMC-Buick management regarding the new products that both brands will be getting going forward. Aside from the Regal dealerships were shown the other two new Buick's. The first was a small car based on the Delta II compact car platform. Two dealerships that attended the event have told GMI that the car looked like a "baby LaCrosse" from a design perspective. The dealerships were not told what the small car will be named, however rumors have surfaced on the web that the small car will be named "Verano." GMI has confirmed with the U.S. Trademark office that General Motors Company has issued a trademark for "Buick Verano" back on May 20, 2009. Production for the car is slated to begin sometime in 2011.

The other future Buick shown to dealerships was the now-famous "Baby Enclave." The dealerships GMI has talked with stated that GMC-Buick management were calling the vehicle the baby Enclave as well. The vehicle is expected to be on the TE platform, which currently underpins the Cadillac SRX. It is also suspected that a clay model of this vehicle was shown in the background of GM's May the best car win commercial featuring Chairman Ed Whitacre. Like with the small car, the baby Enclave has been rumored to end up with the name "Encore." That name would certainly fit with it's big brother, the Enclave. Like with the Verano name, GMI did confirm with the U.S. Trademark office that GM has filed a trademark for the name "Buick Encore" on June 8, 2009. The baby Enclave is expected sometime in 2012.

It is important to note that the names for the two new Buick's have not been finalized as of yet. GM did not even tell the dealerships the speculated names, however GMI is fairly confident the names will be finalized based on sources we have talked to.

 Link: www.gminsidenews.com

Hurst SEMA Scholarship Camaro eBay Auction Announced

What a better way to support the automotive aftermarket industry and keep a constant flow of future industry leadership than to offer the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Through eBay, SEMA and Chevy along with Hurst will auction off a Hurst-tuned Camaro with all the proceeds going to the scholarship fund.  In addition to  the auction win, an all expense paid trip to November's SEMA show in Sin City.  The Hurst Camaro will have silver graphics, 20-inch polished wheels,  a Eibach suspension upgrade along with additional other mods.   Biding opens at a cool $10,000.  How cool is that?  For more information, link to eBay auction. 


PRESS RELEASE

Hurst/SEMA Camaro Auction

In a nutshell, SEMA, in cooperation with Chevrolet, eBay Motors and Hurst Performance Vehicles, announced that it will auction a special pre-production HURST/Camaro prior to the 2009 SEMA Show. The proceeds are to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, a program that fosters industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket.

This very special HURST/Camaro is serial #3 and is the first HURST/Camaro to be offered to the public. This 445 Horsepower beauty is finished in Hurst's best bad-boy colors; brilliant black with honest-to-goodness real painted silver and red stripes. Hurst hardware could pass for art; especially the massive 20" polished forged aluminum HURST T-2 wheels, a Hurst Billet/Plus short-throw shifter with a special red anodized HARD-DRIVE® billet pistol-grip shift handle, a Hurst AIR-SPEED® rear deck spoiler. The Eibach suspension and Magnaflow stainless performance exhaust system deliver more attitude and performance to match the looks of this stellar performance machine. The interior has a personalized HURST/Camaro dash plaque and logo embroidered floor mats. Signatures from the Hurst Executive Team, Linda Vaughn and "Doc" Watson will be on the car and documentation is provided to complete the car's provenance guaranteeing that it is truly one-of-a-kind.