Automotive Technology news
New car models, new technology, new features... Automotive news to the point
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Audi introduces new Audi Q5April 19, 2008
The Audi Q5 will go on sale in US in the first quarter 2009 as a 2009 model year vehicle and will be offered with 265-hp 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine with Audi Valvelift System (AVS) variable intake valve lift technology, six speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40/60). |
Ford introduces two new features: Blind Spot Mirror and the Cross Traffic AlertApril 9, 2008
The Blind Spot Mirror has a small integrated convex mirror that is aimed at the driver’s blind spot. When another car is in the driver's blind spot, it is still visible in the small convex mirror. Unlike similar aftermarket products, Ford's Blind Spot Mirror uses one continuos glass surface. Ford’s new Cross Traffic Alert feature is designed to warn drivers, backing out of a crowded parking spot of any cross traffic. According to Ford, The feature works in conjunction with Ford’s radar-based Blind Spot Monitoring System, utilizing this system’s two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels – one per side. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching. Cross Traffic Alert uses the radar when in reverse to pick up moving objects within a 65-foot range from either the left or right side of the vehicle. The radar also works when backing out of angled parking spaces because its view is wider than just strictly sensing traffic coming at a 90-degree angle. Conventional systems have limited sideways effectiveness. When cross traffic is approaching, two warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded. The Blind Spot Mirror and Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring System will arrive in early 2009. |
The 2009 Nissan Maxima debuts at the 2008 New York International Auto ShowMarch 19, 2008
Some of the available amenities include: - High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights - Heated steering wheel - RearView Monitor - Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with Voice Recognition - Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System - Interface System for iPod®. - 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive Fuel economy is estimated to be 19 mpg (12.4 L/100km) in a city, 26 mpg (9.0 L/100km) on highway. The 2009 Nissan Maxima will be assembled at Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plants. The 2009 Maxima is scheduled to arrive at Nissan dealers in early summer 2008. |
Pontiac introduces the G8 sport truckMarch 15, 2008
The G8 sport truck is manufactured in Adelaide, Australia, and is expected at dealers’ showrooms in late 2009. |
Mercedes-Benz plans to bring the first diesel models with AdBlue injection in AmericaMarch 13, 2008
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All 2009 Volkswagen models will come with Electronic Stabilization ProgramMarch 06, 2008
AUBURN HILLS, MI /PRNewswire/ - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that its Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) will be standard on every 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicle. This comes well ahead of the 2012 deadline set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when all 2012 model year vehicles sold in US will be required to have Electronic Stability Control or (ESC) system. As per the NHTSA, 'ESC systems use automatic computer-controlled braking of individual wheels to assist the driver in maintaining control in critical driving situations in which the vehicle is beginning to lose directional stability at the rear wheels (spin out) or directional control at the front wheels (plow out).' NHTSA estimates that ESC would save 5,300 to 9,600 lives and prevent 156,000 to 238,000 injuries in all types of crashes annually once all light vehicles on the road are equipped with ESC systems. |
2009 Infiniti FX Makes World Debut at Geneva Motor ShowMarch 04, 2008
The new FX features a extensive list of available equipment and technology, including a new 390-horsepower 5.0-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 or advanced V6 engine (V6 details to be released later), 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The new Infiniti FX also offers a wide range of available safety technologies, including: · Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), which provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking · Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, which help keep the vehicle in its travel lane · Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range), maintains a pre-set distance with the vehicle ahead at speeds between 0-90 mph · And the industry’s first application of Distance Control Assist (DCA), which helps reduce the stress of driving in heavy traffic by intuitively helping to release the throttle and apply the brakes to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead A new, available FX Sport Package includes a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, Rear-Active Steer and 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The 2009 FX is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealers in the United States and Canada in June 2008. |
Vokswagen in Geneva: International debut of the new SciroccoMarch 03, 2008
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Daimler reports breakthrough in Battery TechnologyFebruary 29, 2008
Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, says: “What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry...” Daimler engineers were able to developed integration of the lithium-ion battery into the vehicle’s climate control system. This ensures that the battery always works at optimal system temperatures of between 15 and 35°C, which in turn makes it possible for the battery to provide long service life and maximum performance. The main advantages offered by the newly developed lithium-ion battery are its very compact dimensions and its far superior performance compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. The weight/power ratio of the entire battery is 1,900 watts per liter (W/L). What’s more, the battery stands out by virtue of its high ampere-hour efficiency, long service life, and great reliability, even at very low temperatures. Its high level of safety is the equal of that provided by today’s auto batteries. According to Daimler, Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited for use in hybrid vehicles to help reducing fuel consumption and thus also CO2 emissions. At the same time, the Daimler engineers are investigating to what degree this technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars. The new battery will be used in the series-production S 400 BlueHYBRID beginning next year. |
Toyota redesigns 'Crown'February 18, 2008
Few most innovative technologies (the whole list is very long) include: - The Pre-crash Safety System (millimeter-wave radar type) that employs an eye monitor - the first of its kind in the world. It detects whether a driver's eyes are properly open. This function, combined with the system's current ability to determine the direction of the driver's face, enhances the ability to reduce collision-related damage. The Night View system, available in the Crown Hybrid, features the world's first pedestrian detection function based on a near-infrared camera, thereby improving a driver's visibility at night. The advanced car navigation system facilitates the entering and exiting of highways. Using its road map data, the system provides smooth acceleration when merging into highway traffic from an on-ramp or a service area by controlling the timing of up-shifting, as well as increasing engine braking for smooth deceleration when exiting the highway or coming to a tollbooth. The system also uses the map data to inform the driver of upcoming stop signs and issue a warning if the driver is late in decelerating. The navigation system-linked brake assist function assists the driver in the event of emergency braking, helping reduce vehicle speed. |
New 2009 Acura TSX to Debut at New York International Auto ShowFebruary 10, 2008
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Redesigned 2009 Acura RL Debuts at Chicago Auto ShowFebruary 06, 2008
For 2009, the RL will be offered in three different trim levels including RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™ (Collision Mitigation Braking System™). All RL's receive the new 3.7-liter 300h.p V-6 SOHC VTEC engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system. The Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ with rearview camera, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, Traffic Rerouting™, a rear view back-up camera, ventilated front seats, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), and AcuraLink® weather. The RL is the first vehicle on the market to feature in-dash integrated, continually updated real-time weather information in a single-screen format. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS™ (Collision Mitigation Braking System™) that also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and genuine wood instrument panel trim. The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide. |
Chrysler brings back iconic Dodge ChallengerFebruary 06, 2008
“The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG™ infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.” Performance targets for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a 0–60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 0–100–0 mph in less than 17 seconds, a ¼-mile elapsed time of less than 14 seconds, 60–0 mph braking distance of approximately 100 feet, and a skid pad performance of 0.88 g. With a U.S. MSRP of $37,995 (including $675 destination), the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms this spring. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant. |
Volkswagen unveils new seven-passenger minivan at Chicago Auto ShowFebruary 06, 2008
- Conversation Mirror - Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control - Dual power sliding doors with power windows - Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive Prices starting below $25,000. The Routan will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario |
Chevrolet Announces the new crossover 2009 TraverseFebruary 06, 2008
- Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls - Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows - OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation and Direction Download (with navigation system) - XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real-time traffic feature (with navigation system) - Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity The Traverse’s interior can be configured for seven or eight adults, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain’s chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. The third-row seat is capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing best-in-class storage space behind it. |
Porsche Cayenne GTS Makes its North American Debut at The Chicago Auto ShowJanuary 29, 2008
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GM Forms New Vehicle Engineering Organization for Hybrids, Extended-Range Electric Vehicles and BatteriesJanuary 24, 2008
WARREN, MI - General Motors has formed a new engineering organization especially dedicated to implementing hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles (E-REV) and advanced battery technology. According to GM - "The future of automotive transportation will be based on electrification of our vehicles" GM's newest engineering team will develop vehicles using a variety of propulsion systems including gas-electric hybrids and GM's innovative E-Flex architecture. Vehicles that will be engineered by this team include the production E-REVs based on E-Flex architectures; Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado 2 Mode; Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid; Saturn Vue 2 Mode Plug-in; Saturn Vue and Aura Hybrid; GMC Yukon and Sierra 2 Mode; and the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode. |
Toyota Introduces all-new Venza At 2008 North American International Auto ShowJanuary 14, 2008
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Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in Hybrid SUV May Begin Production in 2010January 14, 2008
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