Unlike the C5 which has a full boot while maintaining the enlarged cavity offered by a hatchback, the C-Quatre is a more typical 3-box, also known as sedan notchback. This appearance is preferred by Chinese consumers the French carmaker has said.
The sedan is a product of a joint-venture between Peugeot-Citroen PSA and Dongfeng Motor Corporation and it features a restyled front end with a more forward nose, as well as a slightly touched up side profile along with a sedan rear end, instead of the C4’s hatchback. You get the same lovely interior with that amazing steering wheel but with new trimming and upholstery and new multimedia system with Bluetooth and navigation.
As for the engines, C-Quatre is identical to the hatch back version and comes with the same range of petrol and diesel engines. If you go for petrol, you can have it with either 120 or 150 horsepower, while for HDi diesel engines you get 92, 110 or 140 hp.
Details are pretty sketchy at this time, so it’s impossible to say for sure whether the manufacturer intends to sell the new model globally, or keep it in China for a few years. Still, according to several rumors, the C-Quatre is expected to go on sale in the country this June.
The car sports several exterior styling modifications, including the front fascia, the front bumper and the fog lights but technical information is yet to be released.
The French manufacturer also displayed at the show the C5, a model that is expected to hit Chinese streets in early 2010. The car will be produced locally at the new Wuhan plant, Citroen said in a statement for the press: “Strengthened by its success in Europe - with some 87,000 sales in 2008 - the new C5 is a major asset for Citroën success in the high-end segment in China”.

The new BMW Vision concept or the future Z2 compact roadster as it will probably be called when it enters series production got a new face last week, as the graphic artist Huckfeldt drew up the car for German magazine Auto Bild. And if you can bet you saw pictures of the Z2 before, you should know those pictures were a fake and this rendering is likely to be the Z2’s looks. This rendering is the real one, according to sources quoted by bmwblog.com.

The new car will be based on the next generation 1 Series, embodying all of the company’s latest fuel efficient technologies. It will be powered by four cylinder twin turbo engines, with engine displacements from 1.8l to 2.0l and it will definitely be a rival to Mazda’s MX5/ Miata. Potential buyers can also expect a range topping 300HP model with a twin turbo power plant.

Apparently, Z2 will be the German manufacturer’s first hybrid roadster, as it will have a version badged eDrive. Together with the already familiar EfficientDynamics, the Z2 will use a new technology the company calls Active Aerodynamics. The technology will come from Bangle’s GINA concept and will make use of a movable front spoiler and opening and closing air intakes. Weight is a big concern on the Z2, so the car will feature both aluminum and composite materials on its body.
Moreover, it has been officially announced that this BMW Z2 would be based on the BMW Z4’s platform, and that a concept version dubbed as the BMW Z Vision Concept is expected to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, set to open its doors in September. As for the next 1 Series, the basis on which the Z2 will be built, BMW is looking into developing at least five versions. The lineup will comprise of a 5 door hatchback, a three door hatchback, a 2 door coupe, a 2 door convertible and even a small crossover (a 5 door mix of a wagon, a sedan and a hatchback).

However, being smaller and by featuring some technologies already available to the German manufacturer, the Z2 will most likely have a price tag of under 30,000 euros.
Additionally, word is the BMW also plans to produce a fully electric version carrying the eDrive designation based on the Z2.

source: autoevolution.com; bmwblog.com.

The luxury sports car uses a modified Maserati platform and powertrain (Maserati 4200, GranTurismo) and features a Ferrari/Maserati derived 90 degree cross-plane dry-sump lubricated 4.7-litre V8 assembled by Ferrari. The top engine performance figures may be summarized as a maximum power of 331 kilowatts (450 PS) at 7000 revolutions per minute, a peak torque of 480 newton metres (354 lbf ft) at 4750 rpm (80% at 2500 rpm) with an engine redline of 7500 rpm and rev limiter of 7600 rpm. The V8 engine has variable timing in intake valves and compression ratio of 11.3. Moreover, the six–speed transaxle gearbox has computerized gear selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel and may be used in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes. The gearbox can shift in 175 milliseconds when using Sport mode.

The muscular car is fitted with specially developed 20 inch tyres: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear. The innovative ‘P Zero Corsa’ racing tires are mounted on aluminium fluoformed perforated rims and a feature treads and structures created for extreme sporting use.
The 8C brakes have been called “phenomenal” by Road & Track magazine, with a stopping distance of 32 metres (105.0 ft), when travelling at an initial speed of 97 kilometres per hour (60 mph). The car features aluminium 6-piston fixed-calliper brakes at the front and 4-pistong brakes at the rear the perforated ventilated discs are big enough to ensure effective braking even in the most difficult situations. The official top speed is announced to be 292 kilometres per hour (181 mph) but it might be higher, with estimations that it could be around 306 kilometres per hour (190 mph) according to the Road & Track magazine. Besides, an Alfa Romeo engineer also stated that it is faster than announced top speed.

Source: motortrend.com; automobilemag.com.

However, according to AutoBild, the A8’s design will be aggressive, will feature too little progress in architecture and in detail, and like the new 7-Series will take no risks.

Source – 4wheelsnews.com; topspeed.com.

LP 650-4 Roadster details:
Logo embroidery on pillow by triangle
Bright orange painted details: e-gear paddles painted bright orange, e-gear switches frame painted bright orange
Smooth leather steering wheel with Arancio Leonis stitching
Lamborghini Logo embroidery (Arancio Leonis stitching) on head rest
Floor mats piping in Arancio Leonis

All trim levels get standard hill-hold assist, steering-wheel-mounted controls, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The 2.0 T models are now available with Quattro all-wheel drive. For the convertible TT, a manual top is now standard on the 2.0 T; a power top is optional. However, later in the year, Audi will introduce the TTS coupe and roadster, which will use a souped-up version of the inline-4 turbo that will supposedly be good for an impressive 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 2009 TTS will also be lighter than the other TT models. With the added power and reduced weight, Audi estimates the TTS will go from zero to 60 mph somewhere between 5.2 and 5.4 seconds.

The base Premium TT 2.0 T comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an automatic retractable spoiler, heated side mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping multifunction steering wheel, leather seats, full power accessories and a nine-speaker audio system that includes a single-disc CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium Plus trim adds automatic xenon headlights, daytime running lamps, power front seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with a compass, rain-sensing wipers and a trunk pass-through slot with a ski bag. The Prestige trim includes everything on the other trims, plus a navigation system, rear park assist and a Bose premium sound system with a six-CD changer.
Models equipped with the 3.2-liter engine come in the Premium Plus or Prestige trims only. On roadster models, the base 2.0 T trim comes standard with a manually operated soft top; a power top comes standard on all other trim levels. Stand-alone options, depending on the trim level, include 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires, xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable suspension dampers, satellite radio and upgraded leather upholstery.

The front-wheel-drive 2.0 T model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, paired to Audi’s six-speed dual-clutch S tronic automated manual transmission. (A traditional manual gearbox is not available.) Quattro AWD is optional. The Audi TT 3.2 comes standard with AWD and a 3.2-liter V6 that makes 250 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It is available with either the S tronic transmission or a conventional six-speed manual.
Fuel economy ratings for a base 2009 Audi TT coupe are 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. Ordering Quattro drops the highway mileage by 2 mpg. A 3.2 coupe has a 17/25/20 rating.

The base price is $35,200.

Evocative of “freedom and emotion”, the new cabriolet looked back to the 500’s history, drawing inspiration from the 1957 model-year convertible. Created by the Fiat Styling Center and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the 500C incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely top-of-segment safety features, 4-adult seat habitability and generous luggage space. Unlike the original, though, the 500C’s roof is electrically operated, and slides back into a neat ruffle of fabric atop the glass rear window.

Unlike it’s closest competitor - the MINI Cooper Convertible - the 500C has the same dimensions as its classic car counterpart. At 3.55 meters x 1.65 m x 1.49 m, the tiny 500C is angling to be the perfect weekend-adventure city car. Besides, the company claims the car will have a relatively untouched luggage space, even with the top down. They say they are using a “clever parallelogram hinge device” to fold the ragtop over the luggage compartment, keeping the gear untouched.

Featuring an innovative softtop - a fully fledged window to the sky - the new 500C comes with the same three powerplants: the 1.3 liter 75 HP Multijet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the two 1.2 liter 69 HP and 1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines, available with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission. Providing different features, all three engine types are generously sized. Moreover, as proof of Fiat Automobiles commitment to ecology and sustainable mobility, the new 500C incorporates the innovative “Start&Stop” system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent reignition. The system shuts off the engine when the driver shifts into neutral, and releases the clutch after coming to a complete stop. The engine is reignited when the driver selects a gear.

The new Fiat 500C will be introduced to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Everybody expects sales to begin later this year in Europe, with U.S. distribution likely in 2010.
Overall, its many special features make this new car one of the best turned out cabriolet models currently on offer in the city-car segment. The 500C is the proof of Fiat’s undisputed leadership in this vehicle class where continuous innovation ensures that its position as the industry’s standard is maintained. In fact the car sets new levels of in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and appointments whilst maintaining that unique and inimitable “Italian style”.

The Infiniti G37 has been fine-tuned to cope with European demands and expectations. To meet those demands, a special Infiniti team working within Nissan’s Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) has developed a package of changes to ensure the Infiniti G37 can compete with Europe’s finest on level terms.
With its long bonnet, long wheelbase and short overhangs, the Infiniti G37 blurs the boundaries between a four-door sedan and coupé. To the front, the L-shaped headlamps and double-arch grille - complete with sculpted “twisted” horizontal blades inspired by traditional Japanese swords - have become Infiniti design elements helping to give the brand a distinctive face.
As its name suggests, 2009 G37 sedan gets the coupe’s larger six, tuned to 328 hp at 7000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 5200, an ever-so-slight drop from the coupe’s 330 hp and 270 lb-ft. Arguably as notable as the bigger engine is the sedan’s new seven-speed automatic, which made its debut in the 2009 FX crossover.
The seven-speed is standard for all-wheel-drive Gs, including the newly available G37x coupe. The seven-speed G37 should also deliver better fuel economy than the G35. In fact, the car promises gains of 1 mpg in the city and 2 on the highway to 18/26 for rear-wheel-drive cars and 18/25 for the all-wheel-drive G37x. The seven-speed G37 should also deliver better fuel economy than the G35. It has an extra overdrive gear, and the final-drive ratio is 3.357:1 compared to 3.692:1 on the automatic G35. Same goes for the G37 Sport with the six-speed manual, which should cost about $34,000. Put the sport package on an automatic-equipped 2009 G37 Journey and you’re looking at about $37,000.
The acceleration times have been much improved: zero to 60 now takes only 5.0 sec, with the quarter-mile obliterated in just 13.5 at 105.3 mph.. Utilizing the same Bridgestone tires and suspension setup as its G35 S predecessor, which put up 0.91 g lateral acceleration and 25.9 sec at 0.69 g, the G37 S delivers comparable handling performance, recording 0.90 g and 26.4 sec at 0.68 g — likely a byproduct of the G37 S’s extra 98 pounds of curb weight over the G35 S.
Suspension design is fully independent and uses lightweight aluminium components to reduce weight as much as possible. With a racing-inspired double wishbone set up at the front, a multi-link arrangement mounted on a sub frame behind and an extremely rigid bodyshell, the Infiniti G37 feels agile and surefooted with a refined ride.
Moreover, four-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) is available as part of the Infiniti G37 Sport model. An AWD version, known as the Infiniti G37x, uses Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, as found on EX37 and FX models will be available. In fact, all versions of Infiniti G37, whether rear- or all-wheel drive come with Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

In other words, when Alan Mulally took over as CEO of Ford, one of the first things he did was to rename the Five Hundred full-size sedan Taurus to take advantage of the nameplate’s strong mindshare. The second thing he did was order a complete redesign of the car. Mulally promised the 2010 Taurus would be “the one we should have made originally.”
“Lightning can strike twice,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s North American design director. “Like the 1986 original, the new 2010 Taurus differentiates by combining style with substance.”

It seems that Ford decided to reposition the Taurus to become more of a personal luxury sedan, the likes of which have not been seen wearing a Ford badge in many, many years. Ford has decided to combine elements of its “Bold American” and European “Kinetic” design language for the 2010 model.
The new Taurus is powered by the automaker’s 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine, mated to one of two available six-speed automatic transmissions, including SelectShift with shift paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. As was the case with the previous model, all-wheel-drive is optional. The V6 motor delivers an estimated 263 horsepower and 249 foot-pounds of torque. It earns a ULEV-II emissions certification and comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions. Initially, the car will be offered in SE and SEL trim levels. Ford says it plans to offer a performance-oriented EcoBoost model, with an announcement regarding availability coming soon.
Taurus features a long list of high-tech features, including: Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, MyKey parental programmability, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, Rain-Sensing Wipers, EasyFuel capless refueling, Ford SYNC and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link.
The new 2010 Taurus will start at $25,995 – the same price as 2009 model. The uplevel SEL starts at $27,995 and the top-end Limited will set buyers back $31,995.

The 2009 H2 SUV is up to 7-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 3 trims: Standard, Adventure and Luxury. Adventure and Luxury are equipped with a standard 6.2-liter, V8, 393-horsepower at 5700 rpm and 415 pound-feet of torque at 4300 rpm, flexible fuel engine and they have a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, which is standard. Furthermore, the engine features OHV, SEFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 393@5700, Torque Of 415@4300, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Heads. It runs on ethanol/gas mixture with up to 85 percent ethanol.
When it comes to city driving, the H2 is often criticized for its sub-10 mpg fuel economy. But it’s off-road driving where the H2 really shines. The vehicle is capable of traversing a 40% off-camber slope, ascending or descending a 60% hill, and towing 8,200 lbs. The H2 is also capable of fording 20 inches of water and climbing a 16-inch vertical wall. The truck’s extreme width helps prevent it from overturning in certain situations. Besides, weighing 6,400 lbs, the H2 is certainly no featherweight.
Regarding the comfort and convenience, it has air conditioning with dual-zone atomatic control, automatic climate control, cruise control, power locks, remote keyless entry, power windows, power mirrors and adjustable steering.

It is also equiped with anti-thefts and locks: Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors, Theftlock(R) Radio Anti-Theft, Vehicle Anti-Theft Via PassLock(R) II Engine Immobilizer and Alarm and all these come as standard features.
The 2009 Hummer H2 SUV is available in black, all terrain blue, graystone metallic, solar flare metallic and birch white.
MSRP is $64,855.