TOKYO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Honda Motor Co. announced Thursday that it will launch new gas-electric hybrid car "Insight" Friday.
The Insight is priced between 1.89 million yen (21,000 U.S. dollars) and 2.21 million yen (24,500 U.S. dollars), cheaper than its bigger rival Toyota's Prius, which is sold at the minimum price of 2.33 million yen (25,800 U.S. dollars).
The new hybrid, however, covers 30 km per liter of gasoline, against 35.5 kilometers for Toyota's Prius.
The second largest automaker in Japan aims to sell 5,000 Insight cars per month.
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Showing posts with label SUV Cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SUV Cars. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Perodua NAUTICA 4WD - Review
Perodua NAUTICA 4WD
The new Nautica SUV which was launched mid of year 2008 signals a new phase in the evolution of Perodua. This is the first time that Perodua is not building its own model and instead importing it as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from Japan, a move that critics say is a departure from its original mission and also not appropriate for a national car company.
Perodua estimates that the successor to the Kembara would draw about 200 buyers a month at most and while making 2,400 units a year locally is possible, the question is whether it will be worth the investment and whether it will be a CKD assembly approach or manufacturing (which means stamping body panels). There are companies which do assemble less than 3,000 units a year but their plants are geared towards smaller volumes than what Perodua today produces.
The first thing most people will remark is that the Nautica looks like the Toyota Rush and yes, it is a shorter version. From various conversations with Perodua, Daihatsu and Toyota engineers, the Daihatsu BeGo/Terios from which the Nautica is derived is the ‘standard’ wheelbase model and Toyota adapted the platform to use for the Rush for Asean in order to get a 3-row SUV (and also uses the same platform for the Avanza).
Dimensional differences are therefore visually noticeable since the Rush has to accommodate three rows of seats. The wheelbase is almost 100 mm longer while the body is about 300 mm longer but the width is the same for both models. However, Perodua’s marketing people do not regard the Rush as a direct rival since that is aimed at a more family-oriented target group which needs a 7-seater. So if it is not competing with the Rush, then the Nautica is actually in a segment on its own as other 2-row SUVs are larger and cost more with the exception of the Chery Tiggo from China.
The Nautica has a 1.5-litre (1495 cc) DVVT petrol engine with a DOHC, 16-valve aluminium cylinder head and cast iron block. This is the largest engine now offered by Perodua as the Rusa van, which had a 1.6-litre engine, is no longer in production.
The compression ratio of the engine is around 10.0:1 but it is tuned to run on RON92 petrol without problems. In this state of tune, it produces 80 kW/108.8 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. DVVT, the variable valve-timing mechanism, enhances driveability throughout the rev range which, in turn, helps in fuel economy and promotes more complete combustion for less toxic emissions.
Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available but the drivetrain is a full-time 4WD, like the Kembara’s. The use of 4WD in small models is not new in Japan and many of the manufacturers have provided it as a means to improve stability on slippery surfaces like ice and snow, and not for off-road capability. Thus the 4WD in the Nautica is essentially a ‘mild’ system that will come in useful on wet roads and also for casual off-road driving. Don’t expect it to perform like a Toyota Land Cruiser just because it has 4WD and in any case, the Dunlop Grandtrek tyres (215/65R16) are not intended for extreme conditions.
Moving inside the Nautica, it will be immediately evident that it is very different from the Kembara. The earlier SUV was small and the cabin was compact but the Nautica offers a lot more space with its wider body. Those who felt the Kembara’s seating made them too ‘intimate’ with their passengers will be pleased with the extra elbow room and also the larger seats. The driver’s seating position is high, like in the Kembara, something which was a major reason for many people buying the SUV.
Whether the Malaysian public will accept a Perodua that costs RM89,900 remains to be seen and it really depends on the strength of the brand image today. Much has gone into brand building in recent years to try to get away from the cheap image that it started off with and make it a brand of choice. Given the serious and consistent efforts to raise build quality and after-sales service, Perodua has succeeded to some extent.
The Nautica will be a good test of how Malaysians regard Perodua today and besides that, by offering a model at this price will enable the company to more easily adjust its prices later on if and when the government decides to remove all special privileges for national carmakers and their prices will need to be revised upwards.
Perodua NAUTICA 4WD [Read more!]
The new Nautica SUV which was launched mid of year 2008 signals a new phase in the evolution of Perodua. This is the first time that Perodua is not building its own model and instead importing it as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from Japan, a move that critics say is a departure from its original mission and also not appropriate for a national car company.Perodua estimates that the successor to the Kembara would draw about 200 buyers a month at most and while making 2,400 units a year locally is possible, the question is whether it will be worth the investment and whether it will be a CKD assembly approach or manufacturing (which means stamping body panels). There are companies which do assemble less than 3,000 units a year but their plants are geared towards smaller volumes than what Perodua today produces.
The first thing most people will remark is that the Nautica looks like the Toyota Rush and yes, it is a shorter version. From various conversations with Perodua, Daihatsu and Toyota engineers, the Daihatsu BeGo/Terios from which the Nautica is derived is the ‘standard’ wheelbase model and Toyota adapted the platform to use for the Rush for Asean in order to get a 3-row SUV (and also uses the same platform for the Avanza).Dimensional differences are therefore visually noticeable since the Rush has to accommodate three rows of seats. The wheelbase is almost 100 mm longer while the body is about 300 mm longer but the width is the same for both models. However, Perodua’s marketing people do not regard the Rush as a direct rival since that is aimed at a more family-oriented target group which needs a 7-seater. So if it is not competing with the Rush, then the Nautica is actually in a segment on its own as other 2-row SUVs are larger and cost more with the exception of the Chery Tiggo from China.
The Nautica has a 1.5-litre (1495 cc) DVVT petrol engine with a DOHC, 16-valve aluminium cylinder head and cast iron block. This is the largest engine now offered by Perodua as the Rusa van, which had a 1.6-litre engine, is no longer in production.The compression ratio of the engine is around 10.0:1 but it is tuned to run on RON92 petrol without problems. In this state of tune, it produces 80 kW/108.8 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. DVVT, the variable valve-timing mechanism, enhances driveability throughout the rev range which, in turn, helps in fuel economy and promotes more complete combustion for less toxic emissions.
Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available but the drivetrain is a full-time 4WD, like the Kembara’s. The use of 4WD in small models is not new in Japan and many of the manufacturers have provided it as a means to improve stability on slippery surfaces like ice and snow, and not for off-road capability. Thus the 4WD in the Nautica is essentially a ‘mild’ system that will come in useful on wet roads and also for casual off-road driving. Don’t expect it to perform like a Toyota Land Cruiser just because it has 4WD and in any case, the Dunlop Grandtrek tyres (215/65R16) are not intended for extreme conditions.Moving inside the Nautica, it will be immediately evident that it is very different from the Kembara. The earlier SUV was small and the cabin was compact but the Nautica offers a lot more space with its wider body. Those who felt the Kembara’s seating made them too ‘intimate’ with their passengers will be pleased with the extra elbow room and also the larger seats. The driver’s seating position is high, like in the Kembara, something which was a major reason for many people buying the SUV.
Whether the Malaysian public will accept a Perodua that costs RM89,900 remains to be seen and it really depends on the strength of the brand image today. Much has gone into brand building in recent years to try to get away from the cheap image that it started off with and make it a brand of choice. Given the serious and consistent efforts to raise build quality and after-sales service, Perodua has succeeded to some extent.The Nautica will be a good test of how Malaysians regard Perodua today and besides that, by offering a model at this price will enable the company to more easily adjust its prices later on if and when the government decides to remove all special privileges for national carmakers and their prices will need to be revised upwards.
Perodua NAUTICA 4WD [Read more!]
Friday, December 12, 2008
2009 Subaru FORESTER - Review and Photos
The current Subaru Forester was introduced for the '09 model year. Based on the most recent Impreza, this Forester is larger and offers more ground clearance than its wagonlike predecessor. The result is a compact sport-utility that is decidedly less compact, offering the same type of sizable maximum cargo capacity and interior space available as its principal competitors.
As before, Subaru offers a pair of horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engines with all-wheel drive as standard. The 2.5X models feature a naturally aspirated unit that produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard and a four-speed auto is optional. The XT models get a turbocharged version of this engine that churns out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. All XT's get the automatic.
The Forester comes in four trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base model is very modestly equipped, but some of the XT's features are available in a Premium Package that includes alloy wheels, sunroof and a reclining rear seatback. The Limited models gain luxury items like leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control and an upgraded stereo. They can also be outfitted with an optional navigation system.
As with its previous iterations, the current Subaru Forester is a strong entry in the constantly growing compact SUV segment. Although the four-speed automatic hampers its performance and refinement, this new Forester is nevertheless an impressive entry. With a comfortable cabin, ample cargo space and lots of available equipment, the Forester stands up well to best-selling competitors from Honda and Toyota.
Article & Image Source : Edmunds.com
As before, Subaru offers a pair of horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engines with all-wheel drive as standard. The 2.5X models feature a naturally aspirated unit that produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard and a four-speed auto is optional. The XT models get a turbocharged version of this engine that churns out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. All XT's get the automatic.
The Forester comes in four trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base model is very modestly equipped, but some of the XT's features are available in a Premium Package that includes alloy wheels, sunroof and a reclining rear seatback. The Limited models gain luxury items like leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control and an upgraded stereo. They can also be outfitted with an optional navigation system.
As with its previous iterations, the current Subaru Forester is a strong entry in the constantly growing compact SUV segment. Although the four-speed automatic hampers its performance and refinement, this new Forester is nevertheless an impressive entry. With a comfortable cabin, ample cargo space and lots of available equipment, the Forester stands up well to best-selling competitors from Honda and Toyota.
Article & Image Source : Edmunds.com
2009 Subaru FORESTER Photos
[Read more!]
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
2009 Lancer Ralliart and Ralliart Sportback Now On Sale in Australia
2009 Lancer Ralliart
Mitsubishi Australia has formally announced that the turbocharged, AWD "Baby Evo" is now available from dealerships nationwide. We already told you about the Ralliart's mechanical specs before, so we won't repeat ourselves here. What we will say, however, is that for just $42,490 for either sedan or Sportback the Lancer Ralliart makes a solid case for itself as a mid-range sportscar with loads of potential.
Sure, it might be a couple of G's pricier than its nemesis the Subaru WRX, but it comes with Mitsubishi's excellent TC-SST double-clutch gearbox as standard and is but a turbo swap and a re-tune away from churning out Evolution X levels of power.
It's also reasonably opulent for a Lancer too, with Aussie-spec Ralliarts receiving aluminium pedals, leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, power windows, Smart Key central locking, climate control and automatic headlights and wipers. A 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system is optional, as is a sunroof. Make mine a white Sportback, please.
Source : Japancarblog.com
Image : Mitsubishi
2009 Lancer Ralliart [Read more!]
Mitsubishi Australia has formally announced that the turbocharged, AWD "Baby Evo" is now available from dealerships nationwide. We already told you about the Ralliart's mechanical specs before, so we won't repeat ourselves here. What we will say, however, is that for just $42,490 for either sedan or Sportback the Lancer Ralliart makes a solid case for itself as a mid-range sportscar with loads of potential.Sure, it might be a couple of G's pricier than its nemesis the Subaru WRX, but it comes with Mitsubishi's excellent TC-SST double-clutch gearbox as standard and is but a turbo swap and a re-tune away from churning out Evolution X levels of power.
It's also reasonably opulent for a Lancer too, with Aussie-spec Ralliarts receiving aluminium pedals, leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, power windows, Smart Key central locking, climate control and automatic headlights and wipers. A 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system is optional, as is a sunroof. Make mine a white Sportback, please.Source : Japancarblog.com
Image : Mitsubishi
2009 Lancer Ralliart [Read more!]
Friday, November 21, 2008
Third Generation Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier
Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier
The new RX350 (there might be a 3-litre engine for some markets) and RX450h hybrid have improved powertrains. The RX 450h gets an enhanced Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which delivers a total system output of 295 bhp, 27 bhp more than the powerplant in the RX hybrid before.
The RX 450h can be ordered with front-wheel or electronically-driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency due to added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.
The new RX 350 has an improved 275-bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift 6-speed transaxle. The AWD version has an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.
The suspension has a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension said to provide exceptional agility and control. To complement this new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front MacPherson strut geometry has been optimized.
The new RX offers a number of Lexus-first technologies that are intended to enhance the ownership experience. Customers can order a Hard Disk Drive-based navigation system with a "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the centre console, it is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. While the RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands.
The spacious 5-passenger interior includes a new "dual-zone cockpit" design. This intuitive layout helps the driver navigate the advanced interior of the new RX, which features two distinct yet integrated zones: a "display zone" and an "operation zone." The "display zone" assists the driver via an 8-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display is also available and its high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight. The "operation zone" provides access and control to a large range of information through the available "Remote Touch" navigation controller and the steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch.
[Read more!]
The new RX350 (there might be a 3-litre engine for some markets) and RX450h hybrid have improved powertrains. The RX 450h gets an enhanced Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which delivers a total system output of 295 bhp, 27 bhp more than the powerplant in the RX hybrid before.The RX 450h can be ordered with front-wheel or electronically-driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency due to added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.
The new RX 350 has an improved 275-bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift 6-speed transaxle. The AWD version has an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.
The suspension has a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension said to provide exceptional agility and control. To complement this new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front MacPherson strut geometry has been optimized.
The new RX offers a number of Lexus-first technologies that are intended to enhance the ownership experience. Customers can order a Hard Disk Drive-based navigation system with a "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the centre console, it is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. While the RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands.The spacious 5-passenger interior includes a new "dual-zone cockpit" design. This intuitive layout helps the driver navigate the advanced interior of the new RX, which features two distinct yet integrated zones: a "display zone" and an "operation zone." The "display zone" assists the driver via an 8-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display is also available and its high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight. The "operation zone" provides access and control to a large range of information through the available "Remote Touch" navigation controller and the steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch.
Source : Motor Trader
Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier
[Read more!]
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Toyota RAV4 - Review and Specifications
2009 Toyota RAV4 
Standard features for the base RAV4 include 16-inch steel wheels (17-inch alloys are optional), full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Sport adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear tinted windows, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, heated side mirrors and several exterior details. The range-topping Limited trim includes 17-inch wheels for a smoother ride, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an in-dash six-CD changer with satellite radio (optional on the two lower trims).
[Read more!]
Like the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz," a body of metal is nothing without a heart. Thankfully, the 2009 Toyota RAV4 -- when fitted with the optional V6 -- has plenty of heart, thanks to 269 horsepower, potent acceleration and a modest appetite for fuel. In fact, this V6 gets about the same fuel economy as some four-cylinder-equipped competitors.
Standard features for the base RAV4 include 16-inch steel wheels (17-inch alloys are optional), full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Sport adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear tinted windows, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, heated side mirrors and several exterior details. The range-topping Limited trim includes 17-inch wheels for a smoother ride, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an in-dash six-CD changer with satellite radio (optional on the two lower trims).
The 2009 RAV4 comes standard with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers a healthy 179 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Optional on all trim levels and coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces an impressive 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, the RAV4 V6 4WD delivered a very quick 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds. 
All RAV4s can be equipped with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Front-drive models have a limited-slip differential. In 4WD models, the electronic 4WD system sends most of the power to the front wheels until slippage is detected, at which point power is also sent to the rear wheels. Unlike many competing vehicles, the RAV4 offers a true 4WD lock feature that fixes the front/rear power split 50/50, which is useful for driving in snow and light off-roading.
The EPA estimates a four-cylinder, front-drive RAV4 gets 22 mpg in the city/28 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg combined. The 4WD model has a 21/27/24 mpg rating. The V6 gets virtually the same fuel economy as four-cylinder crossovers, with 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined ratings for the front-drive version. Four-wheel drive results in a loss of only 1 mpg on the highway.
2009 Toyota RAV4
[Read more!]
Monday, November 17, 2008
2008 Honda ELEMENT SUV Combines Rugged to Sporty
2008 Honda ELEMENT
The ultra-versatile 2008 Honda Element SUV offers a spacious interior that quickly adapts to people or cargo, while three unique exterior styles range from rugged on the Element LX, to refined on the Element EX, to sporty on the "street custom-styled" Element SC. For 2008, available Element SC exterior color options expand to include Royal Blue Pearl (exclusive to the SC).
"The Element provides extraordinary levels of utility with its completely flat cargo floor, removable flip-up rear seats and convenient side cargo doors with integrated `B-pillars,'" said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Element also excels at both tailgating and side-gating - if you have a preference."
Standard safety equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA) and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Additionally, the Element has earned the federal government's top five-star crash safety rating for both frontal and side impacts.
The 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine connects to either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WDTM, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction.
Composite body panels on the fenders (black on LX, body-colored on EX and SC) provide increased dent resistance compared to steel panels.
Inside, spacious seating exists for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with removable, flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64+ seating arrangements). The Element LX and EX have a black urethane-coated utility floor thatquickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture; the Element SC has a carpeted passenger area. Air conditioning with micron air filtration is standard on all models. A tilt-able and removable 20x30-inch rear skylight is standard on Element LX and EX models equipped with available Real Time 4WD.
2008 Honda ELEMENT
Saturday, November 15, 2008
2008 LATEST MITSUBISHI PAJERO Sport SUV
2008 Mitsubishi PAJERO
The latest model by Mitsubishi is the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV 2008. The new Pajero Sport will be phased in selected regions such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year. Means this SUV is going to be in Malaysia soon.
The new design have some of the idea of Mitsubishi Triton if you can see. With a redesigned front grill, rear trunk, and more dynamic lines… For the rest, we’ll have to wait until the end of September for more pictures of this new SUV.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its new Pajero Sport SUV model at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29).
The model will be named differently such as Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia.
The new Pajero Sport features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by a stylish and vast interior space that engenders a sense of comfort, purpose and safety. This cabin, available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration is also very practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor, ideal for leisure use.
Mitsubishi’s latest SUV will be powered by a choice of three engines which all deliver outstanding motive performance and fuel economy: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit.
The new model of Mitsubishi Pajero will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero SUV, which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. The body, frame and driveline not only give Pajero Sport outstanding off-road performance but allow it to deliver excellent drive dynamics over all surfaces.
In terms of architecture, the body of the New Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder frame to realize high levels of durability and reliability, consistent with the needs of its target markets.
2008 Mitsubishi PAJERO
The latest model by Mitsubishi is the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV 2008. The new Pajero Sport will be phased in selected regions such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year. Means this SUV is going to be in Malaysia soon.The new design have some of the idea of Mitsubishi Triton if you can see. With a redesigned front grill, rear trunk, and more dynamic lines… For the rest, we’ll have to wait until the end of September for more pictures of this new SUV.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its new Pajero Sport SUV model at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29).
The model will be named differently such as Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia.
The new Pajero Sport features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by a stylish and vast interior space that engenders a sense of comfort, purpose and safety. This cabin, available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration is also very practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor, ideal for leisure use.
Mitsubishi’s latest SUV will be powered by a choice of three engines which all deliver outstanding motive performance and fuel economy: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit.
The new model of Mitsubishi Pajero will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero SUV, which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. The body, frame and driveline not only give Pajero Sport outstanding off-road performance but allow it to deliver excellent drive dynamics over all surfaces.
In terms of architecture, the body of the New Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder frame to realize high levels of durability and reliability, consistent with the needs of its target markets.
2008 Mitsubishi PAJERO
[Read more!]
The Second Generation Nissan MURANO
2009 Nissan MURANO
The second generation of the Nissan Murano crossover SUV goes on sale in Japan this week and the fact that it looks rather like the first generation is said to be because the designers wanted to carry over a strong sense of "Murano-ness" from the previous design as part of a "super evolution".
Like the previous generation, the new Murano has a dynamic body design that is highlighted by elegant flowing surfaces and curves. The silhouette stretches like one seamless motion from the aggressive front bumper to the rear bumper. In front, quad-cylinder style High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional headlights are integrated with the wide front signature Murano grille. 3D concave surface body sides provide a beautiful contrast with the sculpted fenders, while the unique window silhouette - with the rear edge heading upward - provides another example of the new generation design's "Murano-ness."
[Read more!]
The second generation of the Nissan Murano crossover SUV goes on sale in Japan this week and the fact that it looks rather like the first generation is said to be because the designers wanted to carry over a strong sense of "Murano-ness" from the previous design as part of a "super evolution".Like the previous generation, the new Murano has a dynamic body design that is highlighted by elegant flowing surfaces and curves. The silhouette stretches like one seamless motion from the aggressive front bumper to the rear bumper. In front, quad-cylinder style High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional headlights are integrated with the wide front signature Murano grille. 3D concave surface body sides provide a beautiful contrast with the sculpted fenders, while the unique window silhouette - with the rear edge heading upward - provides another example of the new generation design's "Murano-ness."
Like the original, the heart of the new Murano is its advanced powetrain and chassis combination which is anchored by Nissan's proven QR25DE 4-cylinder and VQ35DE V6 engines paired with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and rigid D-platform. The QR25DE engine achieves improved output and fuel-efficiency through reduced friction. Torque and output are also enhanced throughout a wide speed range by enlarging the radius of intake and exhaust ports and an increased compression ratio.
The Xtronic CVT includes a new Adaptive Shift Control which controls the shift timing according to the driver's personal driving style and the driving environment in order to optimize both performance and fuel economy. With the advanced ALL MODE 4×4-i all-wheel drive system, superior grip is provided on slippery roads by monitoring wheel spin and adjusting front/rear torque split accordingly.
2009 Nissan MURANO
[Read more!]
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Toyota Caldina - Cute and Sporty
Toyota Caldina
[Read more!]
The all-new Caldina of September 2002 is a pure sports wagon, and does not share body panels with Allion, Premio, and Avensis. Engines for the Caldina are 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE, 2.0 L 1AZ-FSE, or 2.0 L turbo 3S-GTE. Trim levels are 1.8 X, 1.8 Z, 2.0 Z, 2.0 ZT, and 2.0 GT-Four (the later is coded ST246). All models have automatic transmission. Minor refresh was given in January 2005. With the discontinuation of Celica, the Caldina was one of sportiest Toyota models sold in Japan.
Caldina GT4 is also widely available as imported recondition cars in Malaysia.
Production of the 3rd generation Caldina ended in 2007. That was also the end for both the renowned 3S-GTE engine and the legendary "GT-Four" moniker in Toyota's lineup.
Caldina GT4 is also widely available as imported recondition cars in Malaysia.
Production of the 3rd generation Caldina ended in 2007. That was also the end for both the renowned 3S-GTE engine and the legendary "GT-Four" moniker in Toyota's lineup.
Toyota Caldina
More pictures of Toyota Caldina
[Read more!]
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