Archive for the ‘Auto News’ Category

 

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe U.S. pricing starts at $38,990

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Cadillac has announced pricing information for the 2011 CTS coupes.

Priced from $38,990 ($40,890 for AWD), the CTS coupe is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 304 hp (227 kW / 308 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. It comes nicely equipped with a six-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is optional), 18-inch alloy wheels, rear park assist, a Bose audio system, remote starting, and power seats.

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Posted by autoforspeed on May 22nd, 2010 1 Comment

Ford Start concept previews future design language

Ford Start concept

Ford’s vice president of design, J Mays, has released details about the company’s new styling direction.

Previewed by the Start concept, which recently debuted at the Beijing Motor Show, the design language will attempt to give cars a “warmth and charm” consumers can “bond with.” As Mays explains, in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, “People purchase products because they are prepared to spend part of their life with it. It is an emotional relationship.”

While Ford’s European designs have been attractive, American products have fared much worse. As Mays bluntly stated, “Five years ago, we were a commodity.” This has started to change, thanks to the introduction of the 2010 Taurus and 2011 Fiesta, but more work needs to be done.

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Posted by autoforspeed on May 21st, 2010 No Comments

Jeep Releases New Photos and Video of 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Chrysler LLC group has rolled out fresh pictures and a new video with some B-Roll footage of its all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee a couple of weeks ahead of the SUV’s U.S. market launch in early June.

The 2011 Grand Cherokee will be offered with a choice of two engines including the Chrysler Group’s all-new 290HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers up to 23 mpg, and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360-horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque.

In its latest press release, the company revealed prices for the entry-level 4×2 Laredo model that starts from $30,995, while the 4×4 version of the Laredo will start at $32,995. The new Grand Cherokee is built at the Chrysler group’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.

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Posted by autoforspeed on May 20th, 2010 No Comments

First Ferrari hybrid on sale 2015, following government pressure

Ferrari hybrid

Ferrari could put a hybrid car on the market by 2015, according to the automaker’s CEO and GM Amedeo Felisa. In an interview with Autocar, Felisa says that either European Union or Italian environmental regulations could force the company to put a hybrid up for sale.

However, Felisa comes off as defensive in the interview, saying he does not see the point in Ferrari being forced to comply with lowered emissions rules. “The issue of emissions for Ferrari is more a political one than real one,” Felisa said.

“Lowering emissions of every Ferrari will not save the planet, but it will cost us a lot of money.”

Currently, Ferrari is only exploring hybrid powertrains to reduce emissions within the next ten years. The company has not ruled out the eventual use of hydrogen.

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Posted by autoforspeed on May 19th, 2010 No Comments

Limited edition BMW M3 GTS-R rumored following Nurburgring 24hr victory

Limited edition BMW M3 GTS-R

With an BMW M3 GT2 winning the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, rumors are suggesting BMW will build a limited edition M3 to celebrate the victory.

M3post is reporting a reliable source, known as Scott26, has told them the car will be called the M3 GTS-R. It will be based on the M3 GTS and feature a matte black paint job, a front spoiler, wider rear fenders, and lightweight alloy wheels. More importantly, the GTS-R will use plenty of carbon fiber components. In addition to the standard carbon fiber roof, other components such as the rear spoiler, hood, and deck lid would also get the fiber treatment to keep weight down.

Under the hood, power will likely be provided by a massaged 4.4-liter V8 with at least 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp). Mated to a seven-speed M dual clutch transmission (M-DCT), the GTS-R could potentially be equipped with a KERS regenerative braking / boost system from the 2011 BMW M5.

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Posted by autoforspeed on May 19th, 2010 No Comments