New Replacement Model For Waja

As per some of your requests, Theophilus Chin has whipped up some artist renderings of what a new Lancer-based Proton Waja Replacement Model could look like, based on the disguised car we saw earlier today. Please remember the image above is just a rendering based on the disguised car and is not representative of any product Proton might launch in the future. Look after the jump for another front three quarter view. You can click any of the two renderings in this post for a larger view.

Source:Paultan

The Z1000 From Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Z1000 allotment for the American bazaar in 2010, and already afresh we should be beholden that Kawasaki had abundant to spare.Though the change is subtle, the headlamp/flyscreen is adapted slightly, giving the Z an alike sleeker, meaner face, and the headlight is Kawasaki’s aboriginal use of a “line-beam unit.” A new LCD apparatus panel, arresting through an orange lens, can be agee for bigger examination angles.The astern 41mm angle best compression damping acclimation for a now absolutely adjustable front-end, and a new close over the angle tubes accomplish it attending like one, big stout unit.

Also, a new button allowance helps appearance bankrupt headers while added pieces awning the mid-pipe allocation aloof ahead of the bifold bankrupt cans that engineers fabricated beneath than on the 2007-08 Z1000 acknowledgment to the use of an under-engine pre-chamber. Otherwise, the bankrupt retains the “quad” look.The antecedent Z had a bore and achievement of 77.2 x 50.9mm, banausic from the aboriginal bearing Z’s 953cc displacement. The 2010 archetypal now sports 77 x 56mm bore and achievement abstracts – absolutely 1mm over the ZX-10R’s 76 x 55mm – for an agent displacing 1,043cc. Compression arrangement is 11.8:1, and fueling is handled by a coffer of 38mm Keihin burke bodies.

Specs / Specification New Kawasaki Z1000 ( 2010 ) :

* Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
* Displacement: 1043cc
* Bore x Stroke: 77.0 x 56.0mm
* Compression Ratio: 11.8:1
* Fuel Injection: DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
* Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
* Transmission: Six-speed
* Final Drive: X-ring chain
* Rake / Trail: 24.5 degrees / 4.1 in.
* Frame Type: Aluminum Backbone
* Front Tire: 120/70 ZR17
* Rear Tire: 190/50 ZR17
* Wheelbase: 56.7 in.
* Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.
* Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in.
* Front Brakes: Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers
* Rear Brake: Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
* Overall Length: 82.5 in.
* Overall Width: 31.7 in.
* Overall Height: 42.1 in.
* Seat Height: 32.1 in.
* Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal

Source:ExclusiveAutomotivePerformance

Skyline R35 New Facelift

Nissan’s GT-R is set for the most comprehensive update yet! To go with the freshly updated look revealed in these leaked pictures, Nissan’s halo-car will get a few engineering tweaks as well as welcoming a luxurious new Spec-M model to the range.

Visually, the GT-R gets new daytime running lights and a restyled front bumper, while at the back there’s a new diffuser. The tweaks are functional too, the new shape improves the GT-R’s aerodynamics, with the drag coefficient dropping from 0.272 to 0.268. The updated diffuser has improved downforce by 10%.

The black and blue paint finishes shown in the picture are all-new for the updated car and will be named Aurora Flare Blue Pearl and Nebula Opal Black.

The driving experience will be improved too. A new set of forged aluminium wheels are 12kg lighter than the existing units, helping to improve everything from acceleration to handling.

Spec-M variants offer buyers new levels of customisation and there’s a £4,000 optional pearlescent white finish unique to the luxurious supercar. Among the changes will be softer springs, more comfortable leather seats and a wide selection of interior colours and materials.

All new models will see power and torque from the twin-turbcoharged 3.8-litre V6 increased and efficiency improved by around 3%.

The lighter and more powerful performance focused Spec-V will also inherit the latest updates. Below that, base models will now be labelled Pure Edition.

Source:Autoexpress

Recalls From Ferrari

After completing its investigations into the fires which affected a number of 458 Italias, Ferrari has issued a voluntary safety recall to get modifications carried out to all 458s which have been built so far.

The campaign covers all cars built so far, up until the end of July. As the factory was shut in August, so no cars were made in that month, this will affect 1,248 cars.

Dealers are calling or emailing clients so the modification can be made to the wheelarch and heatshield assembly. Letters are also being sent.

Adhesive used in the wheelarch assembly has been found to be liable to melt at high temperatures, deforming the wheelarch which can then fall against the exhaust. If the car is being driven hard in places with a high ambient temperature, there is also a risk that the adhesive can catch fire.

The recall will see the adhesive used in the assembly replaced by mechanical fasteners.

Owners of the five cars which hit the headlines because of fire damage will be given a brand new replacement 458 free of charge, as long as the fire was caused by the adhesive issue.


Source:Autoexpress

New Launch From Lotus

Lotus has released full information and photos of its latest sports car, the Evora. Previously known only by its "Eagle” code name, the car was revealed at the British auto show.

The Evora will be positioned above the Elise and Exige S models and, like the not-for-the-U.S. Europa, aims to provide increased day-to-day usability, which means it should be no harder to get in and out of than a Corvette, with a low, flat door sill. Think Porsche Cayman as opposed to all-out track toy: the Evora will carry more creature comforts and be larger (although that’s a relative term) than the Elise and Exige in an attempt to help attract new customers to the Lotus brand.

The basic structure is similar to every other modern Lotus: mid-engine, lightweight—the Evora prototype weighs 2976 pounds—and smaller than most everything else on the road. Like the Europa, the Evora has a sloped rear window and a fixed roof, although a convertible will arrive at a later date, and Lotus hints at further variants.

The Evora will be offered either as a true two-seater or with a 2+2 seating arrangement, but Lotus warns the rear seats are only suitable for children, and we suspect only those with very short legs.

Power will come from a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing, tuned to produce 276 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, and Lotus says the car clears the 0-to-60-mph sprint in less than five seconds and tops out around 160 mph.

The Evora employs typical Lotus aerodynamic tricks to keep the car planted at high speeds, including a rear diffuser and spoiler. Lotus engineers claim the Evora is quicker around the famed Nürburgring circuit than the Elise. It is not designed to offer a go-kart-like ride, but rather to appeal to a wider demographic. That said, the Evora rides on Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, so performance should still be superb.

Inside there are way more toys than in the Exige and Elise: air conditioning, leather seating, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a backup camera, cool blue LED lighting, and a remote garage-door opener.

There’s also a slick Alpine audio and navigation system with satellite radio, iPod, and Bluetooth connectivity, and a clever audio equalizer. We recently installed a similar system in our long-term Subaru WRX STI, and it sounds great.

As a further concession to practicality, the Evora even has a rear-mounted trunk that’s supposed to fit a set of golf clubs. Because it’s mounted behind the engine, the trunk is cooled to stop engine heat from melting cargo—but we wouldn’t go so far as to put ice cream back there. Lotus rounds out the features list with anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control.

Lotus says it will be another six months before the Evora is available for test drives. The Evora will go on sale in spring 2009, starting in Europe, with only 2000 to be built per year unless demand warrants adding a second shift at the Hethel, England, plant. We’re waiting to hear back from Lotus on how many are headed to the U.S. We expect them later in 2009 as 2010 models.

The car is the first of three new models Lotus promises as part of a five-model business plan to grow the niche brand. It is the first all-new addition to the lineup since 1995.

Source:carandtrader

Kia SUV 2010

Longer and lower, the new Kia Sorento brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban CUV. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia's new CUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty.

The 4.7-metre long new Kia Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication.

As part of Kia's drive to expand market coverage with its latest CUV, the new Kia Sorento will be manufactured with a total of four engines - with different engines being available in various regions around the world in order to best suit local requirements and with CO2 emissions from just 173 g/km.

The original Kia Sorento was a 'landmark' vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established 4x4 and SUV brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a 'maker of small cars.'

Now, under the direction of Kia's Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the Kia design team aimed to deliver futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism, to once again differentiate Kia's larger CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) from potential rivals by incorporating Kia's new design DNA.

"The dynamic design of new Kia Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Sporty and striking, the new Kia Sorento represents a new breed of vehicle," commented Peter Schreyer, CDO of Kia Motors Corporation.

Bold frontal styling incorporates Kia's new 'signature grille' that blends seamlessly into the new Kia Sorento's four-light, black bezel wrap-around headlamps. The profile's rising upper belt-line and the dynamic bevel treatment beneath the greenhouse plus the unique trapezoid C-Pillar adds tension and endows new Sorento with a unique appearance. Extending the rear window to the outer edges of the simply styled tailgate hints at the spacious cabin and the large tail lamps enhance the sporty appearance.

During the development of the new Sorento, Kia engineers ditched the body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell with room for up to seven occupants. Building on those new foundations, they concentrated on eight key areas - class-leading performance, increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved on-road handling, more fun-to-drive responsiveness, greater cabin space and comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies.

The original Kia Sorento earned widespread media and public acclaim for its innovative styling, durability, off-road abilities and value-for-money. Since 2002 it has attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia and achieved global sales of almost 900,000 units.

"With the new Sorento, we have created an all-new, seven-seater CUV that will soon be recognized as an 'exciting all-rounder' with a much broader customer appeal," commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of the International Business Division. "Despite the current economic uncertainties, we are confident that the new Kia Sorento will significantly increase Kia's share of the CUV market, achieving annual global sales of 140,000 units from 2010."

The new, longer bodyshell created for the new Kia Sorento, with its repositioned A-pillars and dashboard (moved forwards) and extended tailgate (moved rearwards), ensures that the cabin is much more spacious than the current model. The real and perceived quality of the cabin is greatly enhanced and available high-tech features will include: keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof.

The new Kia Sorento's interior styling echoes the sense of power and dynamism created by the exterior appearance. Kia is confident that existing Sorento owners and new customers will be equally impressed by the cabin's generous proportions, sweeping dashboard design, high-quality fit, discreet trim accents and the availability of numerous high-tech features.

The thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is becoming a Kia trademark feature and through it the driver can view another element of Kia's developing design DNA - the 'three-cylinder' instrument cluster. Similar to the cluster fitted to the latest version of Magentis and the recently-launched Kia Soul, the new Kia Sorento's cluster has clear and precise graphics.

Depending on the model, new Kia Sorento will be equipped with a six, eight or 10-speaker audio system, with MP3 and iPod connectivity, plus built-in or external amplifier and a new sat-nav system with a 6.5-inch screen. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.

The longer bodyshell created for new Kia Sorento ensures that the stretched cabin is much more spacious than the current model, with seating for up to seven people. Interior headroom is increased by 64 mm (to 906 mm) and legroom by 102 mm (to 795 mm). Luggage space in the new Sorento is amongst the best-in-class as cargo capacity is increased by 15per cent, thanks to moving the tailgate back by almost 70 mm.

During the design and engineering process to create the new Sorento, Kia's research and development team prioritized achieving a major improvement in the vehicle's refinement and minimizing its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). An excellent foundation for creating a vehicle with good NVH qualities is a stiff bodyshell structure and the new Kia Sorento features a much higher percentage (70.4per cent) of high-tensile strength steel compared to the previous model (40.0per cent).

Kia's all-new Sorento will be manufactured with up to four different engines to meet the needs of motorists in every region of the globe.

For the Korean market, Kia is offering the new Kia Sorento with three engines, including a version of its 2.7-litre V6 engine running on low-cost LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) called the 'Mu LPI'. This unit delivers 165 ps and 244 Nm - the reduced outputs are a consequence of using LPG which contains 25% less 'stored energy'. New Kia Sorento will also be available in the Korean market with the four-cylinder 2.4-litre Theta II petrol engine that delivers 175 ps and 225 Nm, as well as the new four-cylinder R2.2 diesel engine.

The all-new 'R' family of turbo-diesel engines proves that Kia's engineering capabilities are indeed world-class. The 2.2-litre engine comfortably out-performs most four-cylinder and many V6 units from rival brands, while complying with Euro 5 emissions standards thanks to their third-generation common-rail fuel system. The R2.2 generates a maximum of 197 ps and 435 Nm.

New Kia Sorento buyers will be offered a wide choice of transmissions and drivetrains - depending on model. Five-speed and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. Both six-speed transmissions are new or upgraded.

Kia's all-new six-speed automatic transmission is a regular 'torque converter' automatic, but it incorporates a unique 'flat' torque converter, which allows the unit to be 54 mm shorter, has 62 fewer parts (than a five-speed unit), weighs 12 kgs less and boosts fuel economy by up to 12per cent over a traditional automatic transmission.

New Kia Sorento buyers can select from two advanced drivetrains to 'best-match' the on-road and off-road abilities of their new Kia vehicle to their lifestyle. The 2WD drivetrain offers lower weight and enhanced fuel economy, while the 4WD drivetrain will be ideal for buyers who regularly face difficult driving conditions, tow trailers (weighing up to 2,500 kilos, depending on model) or go off-road.

Traction is also boosted by the available HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) which prevents the vehicle slipping backwards, and DBC (Down-hill Brake Control) that limits vehicle speed to just 5 mph on steep declines.

For the new Kia Sorento, the suspension engineers' brief was to shift the handling bias a little to improve the on-road driving experience, in terms of ride quality and steering 'feel' - whilst retaining the vast majority of the previous model's off-road abilities. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm and thanks to the new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell construction the centre of gravity has been lowered by 54 mm.

The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension is 'carried over' from the previous model, but with significant improvements. The steering is now more direct, requiring fewer turns of the wheel lock-to-lock.

For maximum stopping power, all new Kia Sorento models are equipped with an all-disc braking system. Either as standard or an option, ABS anti-lock and EBD brake force distribution systems are available.

New Kia Sorento presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard or as options - depending on market. Active safety technologies that buyers can specify include ESC, HAC, DBC, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), plus several systems to boost braking performance during extreme conditions.

Reversing is made even safer by a new Kia Reversing Safety Camera mounted on the tailgate. This camera is fitted with a 130 degree wide-angle lens and transmits images to a 3.5-inch LCD display panel set within the cabin's rear view mirror whenever reverse gear is selected.

New Kia Sorento's robust all-new bodyshell structure delivers increased impact resistance. Using a much higher percentage (70.4per cent) of high-tensile strength steel the new vehicle achieves excellent rigidity and strength. Particular attention was paid to the B-pillar areas, with a roll-over hoop incorporated into the B-pillars and much stronger (60 kg grade) steel is used in the side sills.

The new Kia Sorento bodyshell is designed to achieve the top-score 5-Star rating in Europe's EuroNCAP and the USA's current official NHTSA crash tests, plus a 'Good' rating (again the top-score) in IIHS tests for both frontal and side impacts.

Source:Netcarshow

New Subaru Outback 2010

For fifteen years, the Outback as all but defined Subaru in the United States. The high-riding wagons have been the perfect vessels for the brand's signature all-wheel-drive system. Through three generations, the Outback formula has effectively remained the same. For the fourth-generation 2010 Outback, Subaru has made the most significant changes so far to its best-known model.

The Sport-Utility Wagon: More of the former, less of the latter.

Subaru had been offering four-wheel-drive station wagons here since the mid 1970s, but it wasn't until 1995 that the company created the Outback as a special model. Essentially an all-wheel-drive Legacy station wagon with extra ground clearance and a rugged, outdoorsy image, the Outback has hewn to the same formula through two successive redesigns, even as it has added more engine options (including a turbocharged four and a six-cylinder) and more luxury features.

For 2010, however, the Outback branches out, using a unique bodyshell instead of borrowing one from the Legacy wagon (which is no longer sold in North America, but is still offered in Subaru's home market). Given free reign to craft an Outback-specific body, Subaru designers evolved the shape away from a pure station wagon and more towards a crossover/SUV--much as they did with the new Forester last year.

As a result, the car is fractionally shorter in length (by 0.8 inch) but substantially taller in height (growing 2.0 inches) and wider (2.3 inches). The larger body provides more passenger room and cargo space. Most significant is the increase in rear-seat legroom, which has been expanded by nearly 4 inches, and is now truly generous even for passengers over six-feet tall. The higher roofline provides lots of headroom as well, and seat comfort--formerly a sore point--has improved. In the cargo hold, a repackaged rear suspension is less intrusive, and maximum volume is up by nearly 6 cubic feet while the height of the load floor remains low.

Still a kin to the Legacy, at least under the skin

Although it no longer uses a Legacy wagon's body, the Outback is still mechanically related to the Legacy sedan, which is also new for 2010. Both cars share four- and six-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engines, along with a range of available manual and automatic transmissions.

This new Outback, however, loses one of its previous three engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four remains, as does the--now larger--six-cylinder, but the turbocharged four has been dropped (although Subaru still offers it in the Legacy GT). Subaru product planners point to poor sales of the turbo in the outgoing model, although a turbocharged engine's inherent advantage at high elevations would seem to make it a good choice for in mountainous areas where the Outback is so popular.

Two boxers left standing

Like all Subaru engines, the two remaining offerings are horizontally opposed, or boxer, engines. The four-cylinder is essentially the same unit that as before. For 2010, however, its two available transmission choices are new. Where the Outback previously did not offer a manual transmission, it now has a six-speed stick shift as standard on the base and mid-level ("Premium") trim levels. Choosing it saves $1000 over the available automatic, but you give some of that back at the gas pump, as the manual's gas mileage, 19/27 mpg (city/highway), falls short of the automatic's 22/29 mpg.

The reason for the automatic's efficiency is that it's a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is great for fuel economy but is a little strange when accelerating as it can hold the engine at the optimal rpm rather than allowing revs to rise with the car's speed. There are also shift paddles that allow the driver to effect manual up- and downshifts through six preset ratios. Overall, the 170-hp four is up to the task of moving the relatively lightweight Outback--which is commendably svelte compared to the typically porky crossover--but one occasionally wishes for more grunt during two-lane passes or when climbing the steepest hills.

The Outback's optional six-cylinder engine is larger than before--3.6 liters, up from 3.0. Its 256 hp is a modest increase over the smaller six's 245 hp, but its 247 lb-ft of torque a represents a more substantial jump over the previous 215 lb-ft. Despite the increased displacement, the six--which is paired exclusively with a five-speed automatic--manages to increase both city and highway fuel economy by 1 mpg, to 18 city/25 highway. And unlike its predecessor, it runs on regular fuel. This engine makes easy work of propelling the Outback. Less expensive to run than the old six, and less expensive to buy (the extra cost is slightly lower than before), the six-cylinder could see a greater take rate than its recent average of 10 percent or so.

On (and off) the road

Both engines are surprisingly quiet--the burbling, boxer-engine patter that has long characterized Subaru four-cylinder engines is suppressed. The Outback is a quiet cruiser overall; Subaru has finally ended its fixation with frameless door glass, and wind noise is notably absent. The front suspension is essentially the same as before with damper struts, but the rear switches from a multi-link setup to A-arms. The ride on the highway is plush, if a bit floaty, with suspension tuning identical for both engines. The steering is slightly quicker in the new car but it's not very linear, with a bit too much gain as one moves off center, resulting in the need for small steering corrections.

Of course, a major component of the Outback image is its ability to venture off-pavement, and that capability is slightly enhanced, as all Outbacks now have 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the front and rear overhangs have been trimmed. For most Outback buyers, "off-road" likely translates to "dirt roads". We bombed down plenty of dirt two-tracks in the mountains of Montana, and the Outback never put a tire wrong. More impressive was the car's body structure, which proved tight and rattle-free despite the pounding.

Other items and innovations

In keeping with its outdoorsy image, the Outback is often shown with bikes, skis, or kayaks on its roof, so it's fitting that a roof rack is standard. An interesting new twist, however, is that the rack's crossbars--which often are sold as an extra-cost accessory or, if they're standard, can't be removed and therefore contribute to wind noise--pivot out from the side rails, where they're stored when not in use. A new Harman/Kardon sound system is available, with a USB port and an iPod input (for those who don't upgrade to the H/K system, and iPod input is available as a dealer accessory). Other new options include navigation, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The parking brake is now electronically activated by a button on the dash, and includes a useful hill-holder feature.

Powertrain

Engine: 2.5-liter SOHC H-4Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5600 rpmTorque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpmPowertrain: 3.6-liter DOHC H-6Horsepower: 256 hp @ 6000 rpmTorque: 247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, continuously variable automatic, 5-speed automaticDrive: 4-wheel

MeasurementsL x W x H: 188.2 x 71.7 x 65.7 inLegroom: 43.0/37.8 inHeadroom: 40.8/39.3 inCargo capacity: 34.3/71.3 cu ft (seats up/down)Curb weight: 3386-3658 lbsEPA rating (city/highway): 19/27 mpg (2.5L, 6-speed), 22/29 mpg (2.5L, CVT), 18/25 mpg (3.6L)

source:automobilemag