Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3 Debuts
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans
Tags: Japanese, kizashi
The Concept Kizashi 3, which suggests both Suzuki’s future design direction and stated intent to offer a larger, more upscale sport sedan, was joined at the 2008 New York International Auto Show by the North American debuts of the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2.
The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki’s Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. The design theme began with the Concept Kizashi, which made its debut at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2, unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show last October, which further pushed Suzuki’’s new design language. The Concept Kizashi 3 will represent the completion of the Kizashi concept series, as well as providing a closer-to-production vision of a future Suzuki sport sedan offering.
BMW Concept CS Lands In New York
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, BMW, Concept Cars, New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans
Tags: cs, German
BMW showed its face for the future of luxury vehicle design and performance with the North American debut of its Concept CS at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The Concept CS is BMW’s vision of a unique four-door car that combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the thrill of a high-performance sports car — offering a driving experience unlike any other.
More than any other sedan in the past, the body design of the BMW Concept CS lends itself to optimum performance. The low-slung, dynamically stretched silhouette; the long engine compartment lid; and the stylish lines and contours accentuating rear-wheel drive technology simply perfect for sports driving, all set clear standards for supreme dynamics in a new dimension of outstanding vehicles. Through its luxurious presence, stylish elegance and challenging dynamism, the BMW Concept CS offers truly unique design language with highly individual aesthetic features never seen before.
The BMW Concept CS adds an unparalleled touch of sporting dynamism to the conventional culture of a sedan, offering the driver and passengers the complete dynamic experience of such unique power on four full-sized single seats. While the conventional sedan focuses primarily on driving comfort, the BMW Concept CS sends out a clear message of active, dynamic driving. With the generous feeling of space in this four-door being supplemented by a sporting and low seating position enjoyed not only by the driver and front passenger, but also by the rear passengers on their own single seats, it is a message that reaches all of the car’s occupants. For this reason alone, the BMW Concept CS is the ultimate vision of a sports car for the ambitious driver, while simultaneously offering passengers the same experience of sporting performance and luxurious pleasure.
Featuring height-adjustable collar elements directly integrated in the seats, the four full-sized sports seats meet all the needs of personalized entertainment and communication, thus raising the experience of quality within the interior to an unprecedented standard.
Interaction of innovative design and exclusive materials, together with the use of a highly expressive color scheme, gives the interior of the BMW Concept CS a unique touch of luxury based not on simple opulence, but rather on perfect quality.
The BMW Concept CS offers particularly innovative technology within its dynamic, low-slung headlight units, which generate a powerful and consistent light beam. Innovative reverse-projection LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) bundle their light on a reflection area from where the beam is conveyed smoothly, consistently and with utmost precision to the road ahead. This provides a particularly homogenous area of illumination without the slightest dazzling effect, since the oncoming motorist does not look directly at the projectors.
A new experience of dynamics and ambience; exemplary quality in design and finish; extreme precision in the dimensions of the car; and concentrated luxury within the interior – these are the features that characterize the BMW Concept CS. And at the same time all this bears clear testimony to the superior know-how and competence of BMW’s engineers and designers in creating such truly emotional automobiles.
Second-Gen 2009 Acura TSX Revealed
Filed under: Acura, Auto Show Pictures, New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans
Tags: Japanese, tsx
Acura opened the New York International Auto Show with its world debut of the all-new second-generation TSX sports sedan. With new engines, refined drivetrain, and Acura’s latest Keen Edge Dynamic styling, the all-new TSX highlights a new direction for Acura sedans.
Producing 201 horsepower from a 2.4-liter engine, the DOHC VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder now delivers its power across a much wider rpm range. Along with more torque, the new 2.4L is also cleaner as it meets EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards.
Merging crisp, dynamic design with a bold new signature Acura grille, the 2009 TSX is more distinctive and sporty. Due to its greater length and width, wider track, and longer wheelbase, the new TSX provides additional interior room while new fully independent front and rear suspension with dual-stage dampers provides more agile handling.
The TSX is equipped with an impressive list of standard equipment which includes a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, power windows/mirrors/locks, a premium 7-speaker sound system (with CD, AM/FM and XM® Radio), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface.
The available Technology Package features leading-edge electronics including the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink® weather. Included in the Technology Package is an audiophiles dream in the form of a 415 watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS™ Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio designed by Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner.
Designed with an emphasis on safety, the 2009 TSX now makes use of Acura’s esteemed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The 2009 TSX, with ACE™ and a host of other safety features, is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both governmental (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK.
2009 Cadillac CTS-V Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Cadillac, Sports Sedans
Tags: American, CTS-V, Detroit
The 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI was the stage for the world premiere of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. Cadillac’s high performance V-Series represents the ultimate expression of the brand’s performance and luxury, and the much-anticipated new CTS-V will include many significant technical and design enhancements aimed at placing it within the elite group of the world’s most capable cars.
The 2009 CTS-V extends the momentum created by Cadillac’s 2008 CTS Sport Sedan, which is earning wide acclaim from critics and consumers alike.
Watch the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V Video:
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Mitsubishi, Sports Sedans
Tags: Detroit, Japanese, Lancer, Ralliart
Mitsubishi showed the potential of the Lancer vehicle line at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI with the 2009 Lancer Ralliart and we were there to get its debut on video. Do you think the Ralliart can give the Evo a run for its money?
Click here for more on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Debuts
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Mitsubishi, Sports Sedans
Tags: Detroit, Japanese, Lancer, Ralliart
Mitsubishi showed the potential of the Lancer vehicle line at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI. The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance that creates a unique product between the Lancer GTS 2.4 and the Lancer Evolution models. The Lancer Ralliart makes effective use of the Lancer’s rigid unibody and four-wheel independent suspension by mating this capable chassis to a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive.
Lancer Ralliart is powered by the new 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine (also used in the Lancer Evolution) that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi’s efficient Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that helps enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle by allowing the driver to execute lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts. The TC-SST transmission also operates in fully automatic modes for Normal and Sport driving conditions.
The Lancer Ralliart’s full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi’s Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring drive torque to the front and rear according to different driving conditions to realize the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics on Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow surfaces. Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with front helical limited slip differential and a rear differential mechanical limited slip differential.
Elaborating on the basic sporty design and proportions of the Lancer, the Lancer Ralliart exterior is distinguished by its more aggressively styled front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger.
The interior design places greater emphasis on function and vehicle control. Lancer Ralliart is equipped with FAST key, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone interface, the same Twin Clutch-SST shifter used on Lancer Evolution, and easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifters. Available equipment and options to include: Recaro seats, HID headlights, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, Sirius satellite radio, power sunroof, and a 30-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with digital music server.
Video Of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
Filed under: New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans, Subaru
Subaru used the 2007 New York International Auto Show to debut the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX. This new model comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine that delivers its maximum torque and horsepower earlier than the previous model, with 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, a full 800 rpm earlier than the previous generation WRX. Low-end torque and fuel efficiency was improved through the addition of a new intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger. Roadfly is pleased to bring video from its unveiling.
Video: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
Video of Suzuki Showing Its All-New SX4 Sedan At NYIAS
Filed under: Auto Show Videos, New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans, Suzuki
Blending driving excitement and performance in a stylish, head-turning package, the sporty SX4 sedan joins a growing array of spirited Suzuki products displayed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
Built in Japan, the SX4 sedan features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque, making it more powerful than the segment volume leaders. It is available with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
The chassis of the SX4 sedan evolved from the award-winning Suzuki Swift that received numerous industry accolades worldwide, including many “Car of the Year” awards in Europe and Asia. With an emphasis on dynamic performance, the sport-tuned SX4 sedan brings the excitement of the Swift to the U.S. market. The SX4 sedan features a rigid steel unibody underpinned by a well-controlled chassis that was fine-tuned in Europe to provide stability, crisp and responsive handling and braking, and minimal body roll. For optimal braking performance, it features four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as standard equipment.
The stylish design continues inside the SX4 sedan. Wide door openings provide the driver and passengers with superior ease of entry and egress, while the large cabin proportions and command seating position optimize visibility to enhance driving confidence and control. The cabin allows comfortable seating for five, with more overall interior space than the segment’s volume leaders. The SX4 sedan also features theater-style seating for the rear passengers.
A functional and high-tech center panel offers large, circular controls flanked by modern aluminum- colored trim. Instruments and controls are backlit by contemporary, high-tech red lighting, and the ergonomic design of the instrument cluster and dashboard provides clear views of the meters and easy access to the controls for a true driver-oriented cabin. The sporty cockpit theme extends throughout the cabin with a dark interior that features black cloth for a look that is both sharp and refined.
The sedan’s handsome integrated center stack also houses a sophisticated audio system – standard AM/FM/MP3/CD with four speakers. The system is XM Satellite Radio ready and offers an available premium sound system, featuring nine speakers and in-dash six-disc CD changer.
Consistent with Suzuki’s philosophy of both fun and safe driving, the SX4 sedan offers an extensive array of standard safety features, including four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Passive safety equipment includes a reinforced body with front and rear crush zones designed to help absorb impact energy and six standard airbags: driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags; and side curtain airbags designed to provide additional protection for outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. In addition, the SX4 sedan is fitted with front three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point inertia reel rear seat belts and ISO FIX-compliant child seat anchors.
The all-new 2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fall of 2007.
Video: 2008 Suzuki SX4
