Smart ForTwo gets updates, new matte finish option
Filed under: MPG, SMART
2010 Smart ForTwo – Click above for high-res image gallery
Here in America, the Smart ForTwo isn’t exactly selling like hotcakes, mostly due to the fact that it isn’t very practical or efficient, it can carry an awfully high price point and the engine and transmission are, well, less than stellar. Still, Smart is hoping that a host of upgrades to the diminutive ForTwo will make it a more attractive to potential buyers seeking a sort of trendy urban-mobile, and the automaker will be adding things like new paint colors, better interior refinement and slight styling tweaks to the car in the Fall of this year.
In addition to the six metallic exterior colors, the ForTwo is now available in a cheeky matte light green, and convertible models can now be fitted with a red or blue soft top. Additionally, a slight nip/tuck has been given to the front fascia, which now includes optional LED daytime running lights in the lower air intakes. Inside, the instrument panel has been redesigned and a new touchscreen infotainment system is on hand, encompassing navigation, audio and Bluetooth connectivity controls. What’s more, a limited edition “Lightshine” model will be on hand, which adds things like body-colored headlamp surrounds, new 15-inch wheels and contrasting matte chrome components.
Not much has changed in the area of engines or transmissions, but Smart has found a way to lower the overall CO2 emissions of each powerplant. Even the most powerful engine remains under the 120 g/km mark, and the smallest diesel offering (not available in America) produces just 86 g/km of CO2. Fuel efficiency might not exactly be the Smart’s forte, but in terms of cleaner emissions, it’s seriously good.
Still, though, the Smart’s biggest challenge in America is being able to stand up against the rest of the sub-$20,000 competition, which offers better all-around utility, power and efficiency. It’s a hard sell, the ForTwo, but the 2010 model is certainly better equipped than any model before it. Follow the jump to read the full list of changes in Smart’s press release.
2011 KIA Sportage to arrive early (UK)
Kia’s all-new Sportage SUV is scheduled to go on sale 1st August.
At first, the Sportage will be offered with the 2.0 litre CRDi engine; each of the first all wheel drive Sportages in the UK will be badged First Edition. The First Edition models will feature leather interior w/ heated front seats, dual zone climate control, automatic wipers & headlamps, 18” alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.
From November, the Sportage range will be completely available, including petrol engines, further diesel units and front wheel drive variants.
Full details of the all-new Sportage range, which has had its ride and handling tweaked on UK roads, will be publicised on 20th July.
Report: Infiniti to double fuel mileage with next hybrid
Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Infiniti, Nissan
2010 Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M35 Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery
Up to this point, Nissan has relied on hybrid technology purchased and licensed from the undisputed leader in hybrid vehicles. That would be Toyota, naturally. But the two Japanese automakers will be moving in separate directions in short order as Nissan has developed its own hybrid powertrain technology, and unlike most other automakers, Nissan’s system will debut powering a rear-wheel-drive machine wearing the Infiniti badge.
And there’s apparently another way Nissan and Infiniti’s first in-house hybrid system will differ from Toyota’s full hybrid and Honda’s mild hybrid architecture. According to Reuters, Koichi Hayasaki, Nissan’s chief engineer of its rear-wheel-drive hybrid system maintains that “Typically, carmakers say the fuel economy improvement on their cars using a ‘strong’ or ‘full’ hybrid system is roughly 30 percent, while for ‘mild’ hybrids, it’s 15 percent. We’re aiming for an improvement of 60 to 90 percent.”
Further, Nissan claims its hybrid system will use a single electric motor and twin clutches (instead of two electric motors as used by Toyota), a move that ought to help make the system simpler and lighter than its competitors. It will also use lithium ion batteries instead of cheaper but less energy dense nickel metal hydride cells. If Nissan can manage to hit all of its targets, we may be looking at a new hybrid standard bearer.
Video: This time, EVO’s Chris Harris takes Ferrari 599 GTO to the track
Chris Harris and the Ferrari 599 GTO on track – Click above to watch videos after the jump
So, if you were watching Chris Harris give the Ferrari 599 GTO what for and thinking, “Yeah, but can you can only really use a car like that on a track,” sit back and prepare to be vindicated. The gurus at EVO have been so kind as to release a three-part video series showing exactly what can be accomplished if the car is unleashed on the Ferrari Fiorano test track. And let’s just say you don’t hear him complain about the air-conditioning this time around.
The first segment sees Harris wedged in the cockpit with the insanely fast Raffael De Simone at the wheel – the same guy who managed to fling the car around the Nurburgring in 6:58.1. If you like seeing the typically even-keeled Harris get surprised by the wicked carbon ceramic brakes on the 599 GTO, you can check it out on the EVO site.
But we’re more interested in watching Harris himself shuffle the Prancing Horse. While there’s a profusion of descriptors like “quick” “awesome” and “outrageous” thrown about during the brief segments, it’s interesting to see the car’s driver aids come into play – and just how far they’ll let the car get out of line before reigning you in. Hit the jump to find out.
2011 Renault DeZir Concept
In autumn 2010, on the motor show in Paris, Renault will provide sports coupe Renault DeZir Concept. The first photos of new items have appeared on the Internet.
Beautiful electric trolley different rises doors, wide wheel arches, 21-inch wheels and a narrow LED optics.
Double car is equipped with 150-horsepower electric motor and a set of lithium-ion battery, charged by a household electrical outlet.
According to Western media, a compartment DeZir Concept should be the prototype of the new serial sports car company Renault, which production could start as early as next year.
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Autoblog Podcast #185 – Valve Springs, Speed Records, Wagons and Tangents
Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, Toyota, Volvo
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth wrap up the 4th of July long weekend with Episode #185 of the Autoblog Podcast. Topics are Toyota’s valve-spring recall, a new engine in the Mercedes CL-Class, the Bugatti Veyron’s speed record, and the newly teased Volvo V60 Wagon. We go off on a Saab tangent and finish up by responding to your questions before wrapping at an hour and twenty minutes. Thanks for listening, see you next time!
Autoblog Podcast #185 – Valve Springs, Speed Records, Wagons and Tangents
In the Autoblog Garage:
Jaguar XF
Porsche Panamera S
Corvette Grand Sport
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
News:
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