Wednesday, October 6, 2010
VW has releases the first images and official details for the 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift which will have its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the beginning of next month. Sales in Europe will begin in mid January 2011.
The 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift comes with BlueMotion technology and a newly developed Start/Stop system that work together to reduce the vehicles fuel consumption and CO2 emissions level. For example, the 2011 Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TDI, that outputs 103 kW / 140 PS, offers now a 4.8 l/100 km fuel consumption, which is 0.7 l/100 km lower than the previous version.
On the styling front, the convertible features redesigned bumpers, modified headlights, a revised grille, and LED taillights. Inside, the cabin boasts a new multi-function display and optional 'Cool' leather seats which reflect sunlight and heat. Tech goodies include Light Assist (which automatically switches between high- and low beams), Park Assist, and Keyless Access.
The 2011 Eos has received multiple equipment additions, such as a multi-function color Premium display, Lights Assist, the second generation of the Park Assist, Keyless Access.
The vehicle’s engine range includes one diesel unit and three petrol units. The diesel is a 140 hp unit that can be mated to a six-speed manual or to a six-speed DSG automatic. The entry-level petrol unit is a 122 hp 1.4 TSI, which is followed by a 160 hp incarnation of the same engine and by a 210 hp 2.0 TSI engine (this is borrowed from the Golf GTI). All the petrol units come with a six-speed manual transmission, while the range-topper can be ordered with a six-speed DSG gearbox.
The interior has been revised to play up the center stack of controls. New materials are said to give the Eos a higher sense of quality. A new steering wheel has been specified, too.
Pricing for the 2011 Volkswagen Eos remains unchanged from the just-superseded version; $46,990 for the Eos 103TDI and $48,990 for the Eos 155TSI, excluding on-road costs.
Press Release
Volkswagen has unveiled the new face of the Eos convertible coupé ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show on 17 November.
The modifications bring the Eos in line with the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s design language as seen applied to the new Polo, Passat and Sharan. Horizontal lines dominate the front of the car with a prominent new grille complete with chrome highlights that create the impression that the Eos is wider and lower than the car it replaces. A set of new headlight units, similar in shape to those fitted to the Golf, features the option of integrated LED daytime running lights to lend the revised Eos an elegant new look.
A revised front bumper featuring new airdams and fog lights is joined by a reprofiled bonnet. At the back of the car a set of new tail lights, drawing on the look of those fitted to the new Passat, creates a distinctive new appearance.
As before, the Eos features an advanced five piece folding roof with an integrated tilt sliding glass sunroof. To go from a closed coupé to an open cabriolet – an operation that can now be undertaken remotely via the key fob if the car is specified with Keyless Entry – takes just 25 seconds while the boot capacity ranges from 205 litres when the roof is down up to 380 litres with the roof closed.
Inside, new trim finishes enhance the interior of the Eos which is both comfortable and extremely well equipped. Highlights include a leather multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, a powerful eight-speaker CD stereo system and sports seats.
The new Eos will be available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines when deliveries commence in the UK early in 2011. These include a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 122 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI unit producing 210 PS as well as a refined 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 140 PS. This unit, with BlueMotion Technology modifications including automatic Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, can return a combined economy of 58.8 mpg.
Prices and specifications for the new Eos will be announced when ordering opens for the car in November.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Chrysler has officially unveiled the redesigned 2011 Dodge Charger, which comes with various improvements over the previous version.
With inspiration from the 1968-1970 muscle car, the rear styling mimics the old model’s full-width tail lamps. This large rear cluster is lit up with 164 LEDs to leave followers in no doubt when it comes to braking.
Under a new aluminum hood, engine choices are a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, or 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine in R/T trim. which delivers 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive will also be available in the R/T that comes with 19-inch wheels and, unique for a car, an active transfer case that can disconnect the front-axle to improve fuel economy.
Interior changes include a new design for the steering wheel, which gets a thicker grip. Chrysler says the Charger's interior has been tuned for better sound quality.
Source: Dodge
Press Release
Dodge Brand Product Onslaught Continues: Introducing The All-new 2011 Dodge Charger
World-class Performance And Precision With An Iconic Soul
October 5, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand's flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.
The efficient and aerodynamic exterior of the 2011 Dodge Charger is spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, featuring a design that is sure to strike an emotional chord with Dodge performance enthusiasts of all generations.
With its sinister "ready to attack the road" face, the all-new Dodge Charger puts the world's best E-segment sedan competitors between its new "split crosshair" signature grille. Its sculpted all-new body is a conscious nod to its deep heritage and muscle-car roots. The Charger's profile is also a modern affair, a result of countless hours in the wind tunnel, from its lower hood line, faster windshield and radically raked back headlights to its tighter wheel openings, lower sill and race-car-like flat underbody, the Charger effortlessly cuts thought the air with its attitude intact. The aluminum hood features dual "scallops" that bring a sculptured, performance look to the front end, while large body-side scallops deliver a striking undulating A-line across the doors. Running front to rear is the iconic horizontal "coke bottle" or "double-diamond" body-side styling that creates a tapering silhouette accented with muscular front and rear fenders and gives the Dodge Charger one of the most distinct profiles on the road. Defining the fastback's wide stance is an all-new signature taillamp design that incorporates 164 illuminating LEDs to form its signature "racetrack" graphic and gives the new Charger its unmistakable character from blocks away.
The 2011 Dodge Charger's interior cockpit is meant to be an enthusiast office. The all new design feature premium materials throughout. Transmitting the performance chassis' world-class feel of the road, the all-new Charger features a new thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for enhanced performance feel and grip. Crafted in world-class materials, Charger's passengers are surrounded with comfort, craftsmanship and style, thanks to premium soft-touch materials and four available distinct interior color combinations. The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger's state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure. From segment-leading Garmin® navigation, to dual-zone climate controls and the ability to check fuel prices with the integration of available SIRIUS Travel Link, Uconnect Touch delivers an excellent experience for Charger's driver and passengers.
Maximizing its unibody's world-class structural stiffness, Dodge Charger engineers were able to tune the cabin for sound quality (rather than sound level) by isolating powertrain, road and wind noise. In addition, Charger's unibody packages material and structural design improvements, including dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush roll-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin. Combined, these design improvements place the all-new Dodge Charger's interior sound quality among the best in the E-segment.
As the Dodge brand's flagship, the chassis of the all-new 2011 Charger is designed, engineered and fine-tuned to deliver a level of quality, capability and refinement that rivals the very best European, Asian and North American E-segment sedans. With its new second-generation E-segment rear-wheel drive (RWD) architecture, Dodge Charger features world-class suspension-tunings with re-designed geometry making for a nimble, balanced chassis that will build the Charger's legend as one of the best driving sedans in the world.
Engineered to perform against the best E-segment sport sedans, the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger SE and Charger Rallye feature the new 3.6-liter Pentastar engine for world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency. For maximum thrills, efficiency and best-in-class power, the new Dodge Charger R/T lineup features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMITM V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode FuelSaver Technology.
The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T with all-wheel-drive (AWD) features a re-thought stance and 19-inch wheels to make it much more appealing than ever before. The AWD preserves the Charger's character and deepens its performance envelope in the most treacherous conditions. The Charger AWD features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system to improve fuel economy by up to 5 percent. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Dodge Charger's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive vehicles.
The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger features more than 65 safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready-alert Braking and Rainy Day Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on and off the track. Safety and security features available for the first time on the Dodge Charger include adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with forward-collision warning (FCW), blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross path (RCP) detection and ParkViewTM rear back-up camera with grid lines, all designed to provide the driver with added confidence while behind the wheel.
Built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ont. (Canada), the 2011 Dodge Charger arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Holden has just released the 2011 Holden Commodore VE Series II, a facelifted version of the VE Commodore that will be available with either a 3.0-liter V6, 3.6-liter V6, or a massive 6.0-liter V8.
The 3.0-litre SIDI V6 and 6.0-litre V8 engines are the ones compatible with E85 fuel. The flex-fuel system allows the car to use organically-developed ethanol fuel at the standardised 85 percent ratio. Using this fuel is said to reduce CO2 emissions coming out from the tailpipe by as much as 40 percent. And it doesn’t matter if you top the car up on regular unleaded or premium unleaded either, the engine and its software will figure it all; there’s no need to ‘switch’ from fuel to fuel.
A similar story can be told about these cars' interiors – minute tweaks to fit and finish have been made, though the big news is the addition of GM's new Holden-iQ infotainment system, available on all Series II models. Holden-iQ incorporates audio, Bluetooth and navigation functions into one 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, as well as a back-up camera (not available on the Ute).
Other standard facilities inside embody Bluetooth connectivity, iPod and MP3 harmony and memory USB hang ports. This is all passable by a 6.5 inch iQ screen. This shade additionally displays satellite navigation information – customary upon SS-V, Calais-V and Caprice models.
Source: Holden
Press Release
- Smart new touch-screen infotainment system on all models
- Improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions across the range
- 3.0L V6 and 6.0L V8 models capable of running on bio-ethanol
- Interior and exterior styling updates across all models
With the new range Holden has finessed the formula that has made Commodore the nation’s top selling car for 14 years straight, introducing smart multimedia technology, improved fuel economy and the capacity to run on environmentally friendly bio-ethanol.
VE Series II brings more multimedia features to the Commodore range than ever before through an all-new infotainment system that delivers full Bluetooth®, USB, iPod® and MP3 player integration across the range.
Known as Holden-iQ, the system is controlled through a clever, user-friendly touch screen mounted in the centre stack - the cornerstone of a refreshed interior across all models.
Introducing increased plug-and-play music functions and the ability to rip and store CDs on an internal flash drive[1], the system also delivers advanced satellite navigation features on selected models including live traffic condition alerts to help drivers avoid road congestion.
Commodore’s smart technology extends to the Series II powertrain line-up which delivers further fuel economy improvements on all models.
Holden’s frugal 3.0-litre SIDI V6 now achieves economy of 9.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the official ADR81/02 test. The 2 per cent improvement adds to the 12 per cent fuel economy gain made in September last year when Spark Ignition Direct Injection engine technology was introduced to the Commodore range.
The 3.6 litre SIDI V6 used to power premium Commodore models makes average fuel economy gains of more than 3 per cent while all luxury and performance models powered by Holden’s Gen IV V8 improve on average by more than 6 per cent.
The fuel economy improvements also result in reduced emissions across the range with all V6 models now achieving a four-star rating in the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.
In a major step towards creating a cleaner Australian fuel landscape, Series II introduces flex-fuel technology which enables customers to run their cars on bio-ethanol, known in many markets as E85; a blend of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.
Bio-ethanol is a cleaner burning fuel made in Australia from the waste bi-product of wheat, sugar, sorghum and eventually even household garbage.
In Australia today use of the fuel reduces lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent when compared to petrol.
A first for an Australian-made car, Series II models powered by the 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and 6.0 litre V8 engines will feature this flex-fuel capability, allowing them to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between.
To support Holden’s release of flex-fuel vehicles, leading fuel retailer Caltex has introduced Bio E-Flex, a high-ethanol blended fuel to be sold in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra from October.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, said Series II, which also receives a range of exterior design enhancements, reflected Holden’s focus on continuous improvements for Commodore.
“Our approach to Commodore has been about making a great car even better,” Mr Devereux said.
“It’s about introducing more improvements more often and getting technology into the car that our customers need and want.
“That’s what we have done with VE Series II.
“Our customers have been telling us they want to see our models refreshed with greater functionality from Omega to Caprice.
“We have listened and responded in a way that continues to position Commodore as the smart choice for Australian motorists.”
Mr Devereux said the introduction of flex-fuel capability to Series II vehicles highlighted Holden’s commitment to making motoring better for the environment through leadership with alternative fuels.
“We have placed an enormous emphasis on developing technology that can be used in today’s vehicles to make driving better for the environment.
“That has included leading the way for Australian produced cars with bio-ethanol, providing motorists with a cleaner fuel alternative when filling up their car.
“It is the first major step forward in our efforts to move renewable fuels like bio-ethanol from a niche product into the mainstream, by making it available on Australia’s top-selling carline.”
Smart Technology – Holden-iQ
The Holden-iQ system brings music, telephone and satellite navigation features to Series II models in one clear, user-friendly arrangement.
The focus of the system is a fully integrated, 6.5-inch full colour multifunction LCD touch screen mounted in the centre stack of all vehicles across the Series II range.
Featuring rich colour graphics, the display has been benchmarked against high-end multimedia products such as computers, phones and video games, providing a wide range of audio-visual functions.
Music can be played via an iPod®, memory stick, CD or wirelessly transferred from a paired mobile phone. USB devices and iPods plug into dedicated sockets located inside the centre console, and all music file playback from compatible devices is controlled via the touch screen.
Holden-iQ also introduces ‘virtual changer’ CD storage which replaces the mechanical stacker system from previous models with the capacity to rip and store up to 15 CDs on an internal flash drive. The system supports CDDA, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA playback. DVD systems, where fitted, also display on the Holden-iQ touch screen.
New Bluetooth® functionality improves drivers’ hands-free mobile phone experience. It synchronies a compatible phone’s address book and recent call history then displays the information on the touch screen. Outbound calls can be made via the contact list or a dedicated touch-screen key pad.
The high-feature Holden-iQ navigation system, standard on SS V-Series, Calais V-Series and Caprice models, delivers a high-clarity full colour mapping system, intuitive controls, live traffic alerts, speed advisory and point of interest functions. Voice guidance is integrated into the vehicle’s audio system.
It also features a touch screen keyboard to facilitate easy text entry, isometric and 3D map views and on-screen turn-by-turn and audio route guidance.
On those same models (except Ute) the touch screen also features a reversing camera display which is activated whenever reverse gear is selected. A strong safety feature, the colour screen display operates in tandem with audible park assist and works to show any obstacles directly behind the vehicle.
Improved Fuel Economy and reduced CO2 emissions
Holden engineers and designers working on Series II have instituted a series of modifications to produce an average fuel economy gain for all V6 models of 2.8 per cent and an average fuel economy gain for all V8 models of six per cent – making a combined average of just over four per cent across the VE and WM Series II range.
Modifications included aerodynamic improvements, which lower fuel consumption by reducing
the vehicle’s drag co-efficient, and mechanical changes. Omega and Berlina models were also fitted with lower rolling resistance tyres.
Aerodynamic improvements include:
- Addition of panels under the vehicle floor to reduce airflow drag (sedan and Sportwagon, excluding Omega)
- Reduced trim height on Omega and Berlina sedan
- Air deflectors fitted to the front of sedan rear wheels (Omega, Berlina Calais)
- Rear decklid re-design to include aero lip detailing (sedans)
- Front undertray modified to reduce drag
Mechanical changes include:
- Fitment of a clutched air conditioning compressor, which does not pump when the air conditioning system is turned off
- Engine idle speed reduction on 3.6L V6 SIDI variants
Further fuel saving enhancements see the Omega Ute brought into line with the remainder of the Commodore range, benefiting from Holden’s economical 3.0-litre SIDI V6 engine matched with the six-speed automatic transmission.
Styling
The multi-award-winning VE Commodore made a strong and dramatic design statement, characterised by its classic rear wheel drive proportions and an athletic stance emphasised by striking wheel arches.
For VE Series II, designers briefed to refresh the exterior have executed a series of subtle changes, including new front fascia, grille and headlamp treatments across the range.
Berlina specification and above feature new alloy wheels and the upper decklids of the sedan models are enhanced with integrated aero lip detailing.
On the interior, Holden has continued its trend of creating unique personalities for each model.
Mainstream, prestige and sports models all receive new centre stack features, mouldings, decoration and illumination colours.
Interior design work has focused on high standards of perceived quality, and creating a more ‘pilot oriented’ cabin integrating new features and accessories.
Readily apparent is a higher-mounted, more prominent placement of the Holden-iQ system display screen, controls and air vents.
Interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:
Omega
· Entirely new front fascia with a bolder, squarer appearance and new lower outboard inserts
· New larger grille, with a bright chrome detail surround and new hexagonal mesh inner
· Revised headlamp shape with new lens and bright bezel
· Decklid with integrated aero lip detailing
· New IP centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New centre console surround
· New full width decorative appliqué
· New HVAC controls
Berlina
Builds on Omega features with –
· New grille with prominent bright chrome crossbar
· New unique fog lamp surrounds
· New 17-inch, ten-spoke machine-faced alloy wheels
· New interior trim with woven fabric seat inserts and Sportec bolsters
Calais
Builds on Berlina features with –
· New front fascia and unique grille with prominent chrome header (attached to engine hood)
· New larger grille has full chrome surround, hexagonal mesh inner
· Lower fascia has full width bright detail
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel
· Full length bright chrome moulding on lower doors
· New 18-inch ten-spoke machined alloy wheels
Calais V-Series
Builds on Calais features with –
· New bigger 19-inch twin five spoke machined alloy wheels
Commodore SV6 and SS
· Exclusive sports front fascia, set apart by a new, larger grille
· Bolder, more muscular look accentuated by aggressive lower air intake
· Revised headlamp shape with new black bezel detail
· Integrated aero decklid lip detailing complements sports rear spoiler
· New 18-inch twin five-spoke machined alloy wheels
· New SS-style sports front seats for SV6 with deep bolsters and body-hugging contours
· High-mounted circular interior air vents.
· New sports centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New sports IP decorative appliqué
· New ‘white on Razor Grey’ instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SV6
· New ‘white on red’ instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SS
· Gloss black instrument cluster surround
· Razor grey finish ‘wrap-around’ linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from IP into the door handle surround and through the console
Commodore SS V-Series
Builds on SV6 and SS features with –
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel (same as Calais)
· New twin five-spoke 19-inch machined alloy wheels
· Red finish ‘wrap-around’ linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from the IP into door handle surround and through the console.
The VE Series II colour palette features 12 choices, including four new colours. The new colours are:
· Alto Grey – new mid-toned grey with silver highlights
· Hazard – head turning bright solid yellow
· Mirage Glow – a light, soft and luxurious beige
· Sizzle – bright metallic red
Carryover colors include:
· Heron – solid white
· Karma – an architectural blue with metallic highlights
· Nitrate – a classic silver metallic
· Phantom – metallic black with silver highlights
· Poison Ivy – a sports green metallic with blue highlights
· Red Hot – highly chromatic solid red
· Voodoo – solid electric sports blue
· Wildfire – metallic sports orange
More equipment, more features
Bluetooth® and iPod® integration is standard in all Series II vehicles, controlled through the Holden-iQ system.
Across the range each Series II model also receives dual-zone climate control and an outside temperature readout.