car repair: August 2009

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Dacia launch possible in 2010 (UK)

Renault’s managing director has refused to rule out a UK launch for its budget brand Dacia. Roland Bouchara said in an exclusive interview that the company has only put off the launch of the brand in the UK due to the Pound’s weakness against the Euro and he said the situation would be looked at again in 2010.

“The weakness of the Pound meant we had to cancel the planned launch of Dacia,” said Bouchara. “There was no way it could be sold at a profit.”

The Pound has been recovering rapidly since its drop last year and earlier this year, and Bouchara expects that recovery to continue into 2010. If a Dacia launch were to happen, it would include a range of cars rather than single models such as the Sandero.

“Dacia will soon have a full range of cars, which would spread the cost of a launch,” said Bouchara. “We will take another look at it in 2010.”

Dacia's UK launch has been put off since 2008 due to the very delicate state of the British economy, which is now stabilising.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Quick Review: 2009 Chevrolet Impala Rental

I needed a rental car for a couple of days, and the only car available at my local Enterprise store was a red 2008 or 2009 Impala.

The Chevrolet Impala is a perfect example of why GM nearly went under, and how the Chevrolet brand was adrift without a clear identity. It is a mediocre car, with some very annoying details. It doesn't inspire passion, it isn't a car I would choose to buy. It is a rental fleet queen.

Good Points:

Quiet, smooth, 3.5L V6 with variable valve timing.
Clean, if boring, styling.
Flex-Fuel (E85) capable.
Unoffensive transmission behavior.
Decent fuel economy for a larger car (I got 25mpg average on gasoline)
Huge trunk

Bad Points:

The OHV V6 is modestly powered at 211HP/214Lb-ft. The 3.6 DOHC GM V6 makes 252HP.
Only 4 speed transmission.
Prominent tire noise.
Wind noise from driver's door seal?
Cheesy fake wood interior trim.
Odd wedge shaped sideview mirrors offer reduced visibility.
Hard plastics abound in the interior.
Bizarre vertical levers for dual zone temperature control, with very little resistance.
Pedal-type parking brake intrudes on foot room and interferes with dead pedal space.
No PRNDL markings on floor shifter (PRNDL displayed on IP).
Soft, squishy ride with lots of body lean.
Mushy on-center steering feel.
No hand-hold to open trunk (you can try to grab the trim, or put your fingers under the trunk lid edge).

The case for the Impala falls completely apart when you compare it with the newer Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu has a more powerful V6 engine, a 6 speed transmission, a much nicer interior, and about the same interior space (with more rear headroom).

2010 Audi A5 Sportback

It is no surprise that Audi A5 Sportback adopts the sports gear of S4 or the S5 convertible to become S5 Sportback. That it has from now on V6 3.0L with compressor of 333 horses with 5500 trs/min which exempts some 440 Nm of couple between 2900 and 5300 trs/min.
The S-Tronic gear box with 7 reports/ratios is part just like the true Quattro transmission. S5 Sportback announces beautiful performances the such 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.4 seconds or Vmax, of course autolimitée, of 250 km/h. the mixed consumption of this S5 with 5 doors is of 9.7 L/100km, which is, altogether, correct with the reagrd engine performances and output.

On the other hand, it seems that S5 Sportback makes in quasi discretion since outside, only the wheels in 18 inches fitted into 245/40 ZR 18 and of the black clamps will let appear a trace of sportivity… Encore that S5 Sportback of color Blue given luster to Sprint, rim All Audi Style 7 in 20 inches, interior red Nappa leather magma (or leather will alcantara black/beaded money) is a remarkable car with the two directions of the term! This beautiful S5 Sportback will be marketed in spring 2010 with a price market selling at 58.000€ on the Audi stand of the living room of Frankfurt.

Friday, August 28, 2009

2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL that comes to the USA on 2010

Mercedes-Benz starts its first row-produced fuel cell car on the road: new B ‑ category F-CELL. The pollution free electrical car has better an achievement, than a 2.0-Liter-Treibstoffauto similar is and completely for daily driving is corresponded. Zero emission the heading for system uses the equivalent of 3.3 litres of Diesel per 100 kilometer in the NEDC (new European driving cycle). Production of B ‑ category F-CELL begins late 2009 with a small lot. First from around 200 carriers is supplied at customers to Europe and in the USA at the beginning next year. The new fuel cell carrier offers everything, which people of Mercedes-Benz expect: High comfort and security as well as no reduction in the interior and loading capacity. Customers do not have to sacrifice driving pleasure any, because the electric motor has a maximum output of 100 horse power kW/136 and of maximum torque of 290 nanometers, which are present from the first revolution. It guarantees that B ‑ category F-CELL, whose impressive dynamic treating characteristics are far better in some cases than two-litres a fuel car arrives away at an excellent beginning. Despite these qualities the zero emission fuel cell carrier drive uses the equivalent of only 3,3 litres Diesel fuel per 100 kilometer (NEDC).

Owing to its large distance approximately 400 kilometers and that again refuelling times of the short-circuit from around three minutes, B ‑ category F-CELL guarantees local zero emission mobility even for long expansions. „2009 are the year, in which we manufacture further milestones, in which supportable mobility are concerned.

The B-category F-CELL takes row production conditions on an innovative role, like the first fuel cell of the world under propelled to be produced automobile, “, says Dr. Thomas Weber, Mitglied of the supervisory board of Daimler AG, responsible for group research and development for Mercedes Benz cars. The technological heart of the carrier is new production of the contract to produce high performance fuel cell system, in which gaseous hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen at staff 700 reacts, in order a river for the electric motor. The fuel cell system of B ‑ category F-CELL has a very good Cold engine even at the temperatures, which are as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. The heading for system was completely again-developed against the F-CELL in category, which was represented 2004, if Mercedes Benz engineers obtain considerable improvements, in the exit, in the torque, instrument range, reliability and began to characteristics and comfort. The B-category F-CELL now offers a driving of the pleasure and the everyday life suitability at horizontally aligned Mercedes - without local to emissions. As in the half-breeds with burn machines, uses fuel cell the car a Lithiumionbatterie with an exit of 35 kilowatts and a capacity of 1.4 KW/H to load energy and recover braking energy.

2010 of Mercedes-Benz B-Class-rearside.jpg

Lithium ion technology offers some advantages over conventional batteries, including compact measures, high speed, large reloading efficiency and a long service life. ‑ Category F-CELL the singular sand yielding floor architecture uses the b, which admits far away of a and of the B-category is. The advantage of this draft is that the drive components are in the sand yielding floor, in which it protected and much area will not take up, so that the interior of the carrier remains completely usable and is present a loading capacity of 416 litres. The B-category F-CELL does not need to be afraid comparison into equipment any is concerned. In the eye falling characteristics cover a bonamite silver end and an exclusive light alloy turn inside a draft with 10 spokes. In interior, leather upholstery you set for heating, continue automatic climatic price increase and the COMAND system, as well as other characteristics, guaranteeing a high stage of the comfort. The same level of security as in other Mercedes cars All the same which the conditions, which are reliability of B ‑ category F-CELL of the same high stage as in the Mercedes carriers with conventional burn machines. That B ‑ category integrated security concept F-cells considers the specific characteristics of the inventive heading for system.

The concept contains expertise of experience of many years Mercedes-Benz has had with fuel cell carrier drives and applications of high voltages. Mercedes engineers examined and optimized the drive-specific security of the components in more than 30 additional abort tests. Net of the gas stations required for wide-spread use of the car With more than 100 carriers and a combined total quantity examine of over 4, 5 million kilometers of the sample examination, the Daimler and Mercedes-Benz have the most extensive experience with fuel cell carriers of each possible manufacturer world-wide. The b ‑ category F-CELL is further certification that high stage of this technology of the development for automobile use.

However a complete net of the hydrogen gas stations must be still created, before at the place zero emission can become driving wide-spread reality. In order to form this possible, Daimler with government authorities, energy utility programs and oil companies co-operates with the community projects with the places such as Hamburg, Stuttgart and California. Mercedes-Benz regards the development of the electrical cars with battery and fuel cell carrier drives for local zero emission, as means of the addition of the carriers with Hightech combustion engines driving. Advanced Diesel and carburetor engines remain important for applications of automobiles for a long time to come - not only for individual mobility in the passenger cars - particularly over long distances more importantly - however, for freight transport in the LKWas. Electrical carriers on the one hand are used increasingly in the local traffic.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Chevy Mocks Volvo, I Mock Chevy

In a new ad campaign, GM's Chevrolet division points out the passion that some of their classic cars inspire. Link: http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2009/08/chevy-hates-on-imports-and-hollywood-with-recent-ad-campaign.html#more. One of the banners says "They Don't Make Songs About Volvos".

As a former Volvo 850 owner, I am a little hurt by Chevrolet's blow, implying that Volvo's don't inspire passion. I'd like to point out that in fact, there are several songs about Volvos. For example, "Volvo Cowgirl 99" by Sheryl Crow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VIUod8EAo4). Or Everclear's "Volvo Driving Soccer Mom" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_XWH7Ryd4). And I also found something called "The Volvo Song" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quAFK_CkXOs).

I don't think many people are writing songs about Impalas these days. If you dwell too much on past glory, you might re-inforce the idea that right now half of your lineup is sub-par boring crap, like the Impala. And the Aveo. And the Cobalt.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Audi RS3 Frankfurt Motor Show

Audi RS3 is rumored to be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt auto Show. The source of the rumor says someone from inside Audi says the new RS3 will debut at the German show. Apparently, the new Audi RS3 will be powered by the same engine as the new TT-RS which has a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine. If this is true, the Audi RS3 will develop around 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque. coupled with the company quattro all wheel drive system, the Audi RS3 is set to do some serious damage.

Other sources say the Audi RS3 could come with a 350 hp or a 400 hp engine, but this puts it dangerously close to the R8 in terms of performance. So, a 400 hp version Audi RS3 is highly unlikely.

2009 Nissan Infiniti FX35

The FX35 models are available with standard 303-horsepower 24-valve DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engines, while the FX50 offers a standard 390-horsepower 5.0-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 engine with Variable Valve Lift & Event (VVEL). All models feature a new, standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and available solid magnesium paddle shifters (standard on FX50). The Infiniti FX is a showcase of Infiniti’s design and technology leadership, including available Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) and Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP). The FX50 includes available Continuous Damping Control (CDC)®, Rear Active Steer and 21-inch super lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei.

2009 Infiniti FX

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

L.A. auto show to announce its first U.S.-market hybrid vehicle. The next-generation Hyundai Sonata will be a full hybrid, meaning it can run on electricity alone at low speed and for a limited distance.
Hyundai will use a unique version of a two-mode—or parallel—hybrid system designed to operate at peak efficiency in both city and highway driving. The Sonata will be the first hybrid to use lithium-polymer batteries instead of the current nickel-metal hydride or planned lithium-ion applications. The Korean manufacturer says the use of lithium-polymer batteries will result in a more durable and space-efficient package than other hybrids. The Sonata hybrid will not be a plug-in hybrid but Hyundai plans to add such a system alongside a fuel-cell vehicle at some point in the future.
The Sonata hybrid is due to launch in 2010, likely as a 2011 model. This hybrid introduction, accompanied by high-mileage “Blue” editions of the Accent and Elantra, will help Hyundai achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2015, five years ahead of the 35-mpg CAFE requirement’s 2020 effective date.

Hyundai has already said it plans to start selling an Elantra in Korea in July 2009 as the automaker’s first ever gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
Seven-Vehicle Plan

Hyundai will introduce seven new vehicles by the end of 2011 under what it calls its 24/7 Version 2.0 program. It is the second phase of a product onslaught that began with the original 24/7 that called for the launch of seven new vehicles from 2004 to 2006.
First up under the new plan is the Elantra Touring five-door hatchback, based on the i30 wagon sold in Europe, which is slated to begin production in November for sale in early 2009. Second to bat will be the 2010 Genesis coupe in the first quarter of 2009.

New 2009 Porsche Boxster S

Porsche Boxster Model year 2009 upgrades start where they do for any enthusiast machine: in the engine bay. The previous base Boxster's 2.7L flat-six has given way to a new 2.9L unit. Power rises from 245 to 255 hp; the Cayman's 2.9 is rated at 265 hp. There's no displacement increase for the S versions; it remains 3.4L, but the powerplant is largely new and boasts direct fuel injection. It spools out 310 hp in the Boxster S and 320 in the Cayman S, increases of 15 and 25 hp respectively.

Porsche's in-house developed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe -- call it PDK for short -- is a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle that's as modern as they come. It's really two separate transmissions, each with its own clutch. PDK allows control and responsiveness the old Tip S couldn't dream of and suffers none of the friction loss of a conventional automatic. It's available as an option on both Boxster and Cayman models.Boxster interior was rightly criticized as being too cheap and chintzy, something Porsche began working on early and has continued to upgrade. The '09 boasts a first-class cabin with a new center stack and new audio options. The optional (Porsche Communication Management) system incorporates a touch-sensitive monitor for the nav, audio, and other functions.

Naturally, you can connect your iPod, link your phone via Bluetooth, and even slip the SIM card out of your phone and right into a slot on the dash for full integration with the on-board system. Order up a Bose 10-speaker surround-sound speaker system if you like. New optional seats are now heated and cooled.

Boxster are minimal. New, larger front air intakes, rear diffuser, two tailpipes, new outside mirrors. You can see for yourself when the new Boxster and the new Cayman with the same improvements enter showrooms in March in the United States.The price increases will be fairly stiff,That could a minimum of $52,000 for the base model and $61,000 for the Boxter S.

Clarion NX509E Multimedia Car

The in-car electronics and multimedia specialist has launched today the new Clarion NX509E multimedia system. The Clarion NX509E promises to be as user friendly as possible despite the fact that it has the full spectrum of features. The Clarion NX509E is DVD-Video/DVD±R/DVD±RW/CD/CD-R/RW ready and is MP3/WMA/AAC compatible with ID3-TAG display. The new system is also able to play DivX videos.

The Clarion NX509E has direct iPod control via a rear USB connector and a fully-motorized 7-inch QVGA color touch-screen.

Press Release:

To utilise the many features on offer, Clarion’s NX509E incorporates 2-Zone technology, separating the in-car environment into two distinct zones, so that a DVD for example, can be shown in the back (with the addition of a suitable screen/screens), whilst the front seat passengers can listen to their favourite songs via CD, Radio, USB or iPod.

Clarion’s sophisticated NP509E navigation system is incorporated into the NX509E unit as standard, and offers the most up-to-date navigation experience. A rich POI database offers instant access to just about any point-of-interest in a surrounding area, including petrol stations, ATMs, leisure facilities and much more, whilst a ‘My POI’ feature allows you to add your own into a favourites file.

Encouraging safer driving, the NX509E’s navigation uses test-to-speech voice guidance to give clear and precise instructions, including road names, in much the same way they would be read out.

Bluetooth connectivity is an optional addition, via the BLT373 interface, allowing safe access to a number of mobile phone functions.

To enhance the home-entertainment feel of its in-car AVN unit, Clarion utilises a 24-bit D/A converter (usually found in expensive home audio systems) to cancel unwanted background noise, and create a clearer, more realistic audio reproduction.

Meanwhile, Magna Bass EX provides extra low-frequency impact (boosting bass by 10dB at 60 Hz), for a well-balanced sound reproduction, whilst the addition of BBE MP (Minimised Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) enhances compressed music formats.

The NX509E sports the most sophisticated navigation graphics, with comprehensive digital elevation model data used to create a realistic 3D landscape at all levels of zoom, whilst clear lane and signpost information and RDS-TMC traffic information delivers real-time, free traffic information whenever required, to lessen the chance of getting lost or stuck in a ‘jam’.The Clarion NX509E price has not been announced yet.

Toyota confirms - again - plans to build production plug-in hybrid vehicles

Plug-in hybrids and lithium-ion batteries are the Next Big Things and Toyota, it would seem from the recent flurry of electric car news, might be losing its grip on first place in the hybrid/lithium-ion battery race.
Lithium-ion batteries developed in a joint project between Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Continental (who will make the batteries) are used in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid as well as a BMW 7-Series hybrid concept car, and will be the sole power source for the pure electric Mini E. Of course, General Motors has the much ballyhooed 2010 Chevrolet Volt almost ready for primetime.

So has Toyota been resting on its Prius?

Not hardly, says Irv Miller, veep of Toyota’s American corporate communications. Says Miller, “Let me be clear about this: We believe strongly in the viability of plug-in hybrids in some applications, and in their use of lithium-ion batteries. We believe so strongly, in fact, that we plan to begin production of PHEVs late next year.”

Toyota has a joint venture (60 per cent owned by Toyota) with electronics giant Panasonic, which will begin production-line assembly of lithium-ion batteries developed entirely in-house.

Toyota, along with Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), began a test of plug-in hybrids equipped with nickel-metal-hydride (NmH) batteries to accumulate real-word data in late 2007. However, the NmH batteries, even in an oversized battery pack, gave only about seven miles of pure electric operation, and as such was not intended for general distribution.

While conceding that seven miles would be adequate for most weekend trips, Toyota still almost frustratedly cited the advantage of its current hybrid system as being independent of the extension cord.

So as announced by Katsuaki Watanabe, president of Toyota Motor Corp., at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, Toyota will build and deliver what he called "a significant fleet" of plug in hybrids to fleet users in the latter part of 2009.

Toyota will introduce the third generation of Prius at the Detroit auto show in January, and (purposefully?) leaked photos of it have been circulating the web and have been confirmed by Toyota as being accurate. Presumably at that time we’ll know, too, whether that plug-in hybrid will be in the form of a specially-equipped Prius.

What we won't know is when Toyota will offer a PHEV to the general public. Or will we? Stay tuned.

2009-2010 New Jaguar XFR

first reaction to the news the Jaguar XFR's all-new, supercharged 5.0L direct-injection V-8 develops 510 hp is a faintly disappointed "Oh..." It might outgun the 500-hp BMW M5 and the 507-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but it comes up short against Cadillac's mighty 556-hp CTS-V and Audi's head-banging 572-hp RS6. We're here to tell you, however, that sheer horsepower ain't everything. Just point the new XFR at your favorite stretch of gnarly two-lane, nail the gas, and you'll soon see what we mean.

The XFR is, of course, the new flagship car in an upgraded and expanded XF range for the 2010 model year. By now you will have noticed the entirely predictable exterior mods: a new front bumper fascia with large air intakes, deeper sills, a vented hood, new 20-in. alloy wheels, and quad tailpipes. Inside, the XFR retains the XF's cool and charismatic interior design, though Dark Oak veneer is the standard wood trim, complementing a unique dark mesh-aluminum dash panel. The XFR's front seats feature electrically adjustable bolsters for greater side support.

The big news is all under the skin: suspension tweaks that include magneto-rheological shocks, bigger brakes, an active differential, and the supercharged version of the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engine.

The 5.0L Gen III has been designed in-house at Jaguar. The new engine is almost an inch shorter than the current 4.2L V-8, thanks to the relocation of the oil pump. The aluminum block is now a high-pressure die-cast item with cross-bolted main bearing caps. The four-valve cylinder heads are made from recycled aluminum, and the camshafts feature variable valve timing activated by the torque motions of the valves themselves instead of oil pressure, enabling the oil pump to be reduced in size. The engine features what Jaguar claims is an industry-first direct-injection system with centrally mounted, multihole, spray-guided injectors.