Hyundai Sonata Midsize Sports Sedan

Hyundai introduced its all-new Hyundai Sonata at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. This marked the North American debut of the latest version of the popular midsize sedan, introducing Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language and an all four-cylinder engine lineup to the U.S. market. Hyundai Sonata is the second vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months) following on the heels of the all-new Tucson. Production of Hyundai Sonata will begin in December 2009 at Hyundai's U.S. plant in Alabama with retail sales beginning in January 2010.

Hyundai Sonata Midsize Sports Sedan

The new Sonata will launch with Hyundai's new Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Hyundai Sonata is the first midsize sedan to adopt GDI technology as standard equipment in a naturally aspirated powertain. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.3:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder. This powerplant will deliver best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower and best-in-class torque.

The Sonata 2.0T, as the car is officially named, is powered by a new 2.0-liter Theta II twin-scroll turbocharged gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine that produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1800-4500 rpm with regular fuel. The engine is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control that drives the front wheels. No performance figures were released but Hyundai did announce that the Sonata 2.0T will deliver an estimated 22 mpg (10.7lt/100km) city and 34 mpg (6.9lt/100km) highway.

The 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo engine will be available on the Sonata SE and Limited trim level, with the Limited getting additional upgrades, including a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch "hyper" silver alloy wheels, dual exhaust system and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Next year, Hyundai will add a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive model featuring Hyundai's breakthrough lithium polymer battery pack. Details about these powertrains will be announced at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Hyundai Sonata's innovative segment first powertrain lineup is a key driver of Hyundai's goal to be the most fuel-efficient automaker on the planet.

Hyundai's commitment to making the Hyundai Sonata extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transaxle. Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic A6MF2 transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.

Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 26.4 pounds lighter than the five-speed it replaces. It also is 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost. When it comes to transmissions, more gears are definitely better. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong acceleration.

All Sonatas have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Hyundai Sonata's turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

One of the program targets for the 2011 Sonata engineering team was world-class power-to-weight ratio. Power-to-weight ratio pays dividends in both performance and fuel economy. Hyundai Sonata is rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is 25 percent stiffer in torsion and 19 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than its predecessor, yet it is lighter than many midsize sedans, also offering more interior room.

The 2011 Sonata is a smart combination of superior styling, performance, safety and fuel efficiency. What’s more, it’s an affordable midsize car, putting a luxurious and rewarding driving experience within reach of many. Make the 2011 Sonata a part of your future.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz - Luxurious Super Sports cars

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is one of the biggest supercar releases of the past year. But the company isn't content with just making ultra luxurious supercars for the rich and well dressed, they also plan on releasing a fully homologated GT3 race version for the gentleman racer.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The GT3 racing version of the SLS AMG is powered by the same mid-front mounted 6.3 litre V8 engine as the road car. There'll probably be a few modifications for the race unit, but Mercedes haven't yet announced final power outputs or specifications. Or even a final weight figure. That's all for the FIA to decide in the near future as part of the homologation process.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

Power transmission in the SLS AMG GT3 is done through a six-speed sequential racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking differential. As in the SLS AMG road car, the transmission is located at the rear axle for better weight distribution: the engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 is instantly recognizable as belonging to the SLS AMG family - as any GT3 racer is. The biggest visual changes are a new front apron, new splitter, redesigned bonnet with additional air intakes and vents, new sideskirts which have air inlets for cooling the rear brakes, rear diffuser and a prominent adjustable rear wing. The C-pillars provide housing for the standardized filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The communication of Daimler release says that “the AMG V8 engine with 6.3-liter is identical to that used in the serial sports car. With a low weight, however, sports car accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h for only 3.7 seconds (serial sprint for 3.9 seconds). The maximum speed was announced for 300 mph, but producers say they have more opportunities to raise her brakes are racing by AMG, as disks are ventilated. Front wheels are size 12×18, rear 13×18.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

Powering this race car is a 6.3-Liter V8 engine that produces 600HP and controlling all this power is a six speed racing transmission system with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races.

"Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports car series," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The body of the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 is the most significant difference from the road car starting with the aggressive front fascia and splitter to the massive rear spoiler. The hood of the race model is also very different from the normal SLS AMG with a large center cooling vent that helps to move air to cool the engine and the braking system. Along the side of the car, vents have been added to cool the rear brakes without compromising aerodynamics and all of these improvements to the overall cooling effort of the car makes it ideal for long road races like the 12 Hours of Sebring.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The SLS AMG GT3 is equipped with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift. A steering wheel with a diameter of 13 inches facilitates perfect vehicle control. Because it is open at the top, the driver always has a perfect view of the central display, which provides all relevant information such as road speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times and gear selection. The SLS AMG GT3 is also equipped with precisely calculated cooling channels – openings in the front skirt and ahead of the rear wheels direct cool airflow over the brake discs. All four brake discs are ventilated, slotted and drilled.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG race car is expected to delivery scheduled prior to the start of the 2011 racing season. However, interested customers can order this awesome vehicle starting in autumn 2010. The Mercedes-Benz display at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the 2011 SLS AMG will carry a starting price-tag of $183,000 when it goes on sale.

2011 Ford Mustang Sports Cars Boss 302R

Years ago Larry Shinoda designed the original BOSS 302 special-edition Ford Mustang. The car, which was offered in 1969 and 1970, was a high-performance machine built to compete in the Trans Am Racing series. No doubt, the car became a major highlight in the history of the Ford Mustang.

2011 Ford Mustang Boss 302R

In December of 2009, Ford Racing announced the highly anticipated return of the BOSS Mustang. The new car, named the BOSS 302R, will be available as a serialized off-road-only vehicle, limited in number to a total of 50 units. Ford reports the car was designed In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Ford Mustang Boss 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the Ford Mustang Boss 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.

"To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for Boss to join the list of America's most coveted Mustangs. The original Boss 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Ford Mustang Boss 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win."

The Ford Mustang Boss 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race. Each base model will come with a 5.0-liter four-valve engine and a six-speed manual transmission with a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package, starting at an MSRP of $79,000.

And, with a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-Boss R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. Five Boss 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona. MSRP of the Boss 302R1 is $129,000.

The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Ford Mustang Boss 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.

According to Jamie Allison, director of Ford North American Motorsports, "We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing. The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing."

"Racing has long served as a technical proving grounds for production engines," said Allison. "What's good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Ford Mustang Boss 302R is the same as the 2011 Ford Mustang GT."

2011 Koenigsegg Sports Car Agera - Celebrate 15 Years

Geneva Motor Show 2010 - The new Koenigsegg Agera. To celebrate 15 years of making dream cars, Koenigsegg unleash their latest jewel, the Koenigsegg Agera. A new supercar aimed to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level, both on the road and the track.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

The Agera is on display at the 80th Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva. The Agera shares some styling tweaks that are similar to the CCX and owes its name to the Swedish translation of “to act”, thus symbolizing the Koenigsegg philosophy of always improving its cars and pushing its designs to the limit.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

Koenigsegg Agera is powered by Twin Turbo engine with 910 hp in term of running on regular petrol. Coming on to the major details, based on the regular CC, the Koenigsegg Agera boasts of a 4.7-liter twin turbocharged V8 producing 910 PS (669 kW/898 hp) at 6850 rpm and 1100 Nm (811 lb-ft) at 5100 rpm. There is over 1000 nm of torque available from 2680 to 6100 rpm.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

To balance this, the Agera features the latest in braking technology with 392×36 and 380×34 ventilated and drilled ceramic discs. When combined with a dry weight of just 2,832 lbs and the sequential gearbox the Agera can sprint to 100 km/h in as little as 3.1 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.9 seconds and blast on to a top speed of 245+ mph. As well, new traction control is fitted with auto adapt functionality for different road conditions and driving styles as well as several manual settings.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

Beside the new engine performance, Koenigsegg also features the new Koenigsegg Agera stitching and seams for Agera interior and has developed a new type of interior illumination, which shines through the billet aluminum buttons and surfaces by way of invisible nanotubes.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

The Koenigsegg Sports Car Agera will be produced in parallel to the Award winning CCX and CCXR models. The pre-production show car will be put through its phases for the coming six month prior to the production car launch of the Agera. Pricing details have not been revealed as of now but it is being said that the supercar maker will bring a pre-production model of the Agera to the Swiss Motor Show. According to GTSpirit, just 16-20 Agera models will be built each year, starting later this year.

ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan

Both short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered. The BMW ALPINA B7 will make its North American premiere at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010. Bmw announced today the prices for the 2011 Alpina B7 for US - $122,875 (standard wheelbase) and $126,775 (extended wheelbase). BMW of North America announced that the BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will join BMW’s North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. The BMW ALPINA B7 represents the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity. However, Alpina B7 is slightly less powerful that the 760i, but it looks very very sporty and aggressive.

ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan

Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.

ALPINA – a name famous in Europe and the wider world for putting a particular performance accent on BMWs, though not yet so well-known in North America. BMW – a name famous all over the world for motor vehicles of performance, quality, luxury and safety.

The two companies, both at home in the German state of Bavaria, have a long history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. Burkard Bovensiepen, son of the founder of ALPINA Business Machines and an enthusastic racing driver/engineer, began his automotive career path in 1961 by developing a dual-carburetor setup for the just-introduced BMW 1500 sedan. It was a predictive beginning: to take an already fine-performing BMW (which also just happened to be a practical sedan) and making it perform even better.

ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan

By 1964, BMW had officially recognized ALPINA’s contribution to BMW performance. Not long thereafter, Burkard Bovensiepen founded the ALPINA company – ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG – that continues today, creating special versions of BMW automobiles that offer a particular brand of performance for discriminating auto enthusiasts. Yet outside the circle of dedicated BMW enthusiasts, ALPINA has kept a low profile in North America. In addition to racing versions of BMWs, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis. ALPINA is located in the small Bavarian city of Buchloe, some 50 miles southwest of Munich, BMW’s headquarters city and the capital of Bavaria.

ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan

The B7 is the newest manifestation of the unique BMW-ALPINA synergy – once again based on the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. Currently, BMW offers ultra-performance models of its 3, 5, 6, X5 and X6 Series developed by BMW M, BMW’s own performance subsidiary. For an ultra-performance version of the 7 Series – a vehicle defined by luxury and generous interior space – something other than “M” performance character was called for. In recent models, ALPINA has concentrated on delivering very high levels of performance with moderate rpm ranges and automatic transmission. Most appropriately, the new BMW ALPINA B7 applies this philosophy to the newest 7 Series to produce a luxury sedan of stunning performance. “A 7 Series Beyond,” one might say.

2011 Next-Gen Kia Optima Sports Sedan

The next generation Kia Optima is set to make its world premiere at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. "The next generation of Kia Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia - and that's exactly what we set out to achieve." Kia has officially unveiled the next Optima four-door coupe, ahead of the full reveal set to take place at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Kia’s new flagship sedan/coupe looks to be a far more attractive and far more worthy of a flagship designation.

2011 Kia Optima

Just weeks ago Kia released new sketches of the upcoming 2011 Magentis four-door coupe – currently known as the Optima sedan in America. The sketches look to be very true to the now official images that have been released ahead of the full reveal set for the upcoming 2010 New York Auto Show. The saloon exudes an athletic confidence from every angle - its raked roofline, high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular, self-assured stance. The striking visage of the car features a new interpretation of Kia's bold 'tiger' family face that's edged by piercing projector headlamps.

2011 Kia Optima

The Kia Optima is currently the flagship sedan for the automaker and the next model gains considerable changes in the exterior cosmetics department. The outgoing Optima is a fairly tame sedan, but Kia is replacing its sedan with a much sportier silhouette – much more akin to a coupe, than a sedan. So much so, Kia says the 2011 Optima will be labeled as a 4-door coupe, rather than a sedan. Following the theme of recent model revisions, new Kia Optima is longer, lower and wider than before, the Kia's coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.

2011 Kia Optima

In addition to significantly overhauling the overall styling direction of the Magentis/Optima, Kia says that it will be bringing its next flagship sedan/coupe closer to the ground with a lower stance, in addition to giving it a wider and more stable stance to go long with its longer wheelbase. Kia says the end result is a four-door coupe that has more room for its occupants and cargo alike, as well as a more planted driving dynamic. "For this car we started with a clean sheet and worked to achieve an exterior design with a European feeling and stance," explains Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Europe. To help achieve this, the exterior was designed by his team in Frankfurt. The interior was created by the design team in California.

2011 Kia Optima

Power-wise, the Optima will use the same engines as the 2011 Sonata and will be offered in four and six-cylinder versions. The four-cylinder offering, should it come from the 2011 Sonata, will be a 2.4-liter good for 200 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft of torque – all the while getting as much as 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The new D-segment offering is spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines a newfound poise and presence. "This new model embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."

The 2011 Kia Optima is expected to hit the market in the fall of 2010, with a hybrid version possibly available at lunch, or relatively soon after.

2011 Lincoln Luxury Sports Sedan MKZ Hybrid

NEW YORK, March 31, 2010 – Lincoln today introduces its first hybrid – the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

“Today’s luxury customers do not want to make sacrifices. Lincoln has found a way to deliver a luxury sports sedan with the comforts they expect, the technology they want and the environmental responsibility society demands,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development.

Ford’s latest hybrid sports sedan, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ has finally lifted off its covers at the New York Auto Show. Using its second generation of hybrid technology, the company aims to ‘further broaden its aggressive electrification plan.’ From the Department at Ford Motor Company comes the new hybrid version of the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ hybrid is fitted with the same gasoline-electric system found in the hybrid versions of its corporate twins, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid powertrain combines a 156-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and 106-hp electric motor for a total system output of 191 hp; it’s rated for 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway in the Fusion and Milan variants. Ford cited its hybrid as “the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America” as it returns 41 miles per gallon of average fuel consumption.

In pure electric mode, the MKZ Hybrid can reach 47 mph. While we have yet to match those numbers (the Milan hybrid we tested returned 32 mpg combined), Ford says it expects similar EPA ratings for this MKZ. The company goes on to name the car’s Public Enemy No. 1, the Lexus HS250h, and says that the MKZ will offer the best fuel economy of any luxury sports sedan.

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid model is expected to deliver at least 41mpg (5.7 lt/100km) in the city and reach speeds of up to 47 mph (75 km/h) in pure electric mode.

Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme, of course, will be much better equipped than either of its less-expensive brethren. It will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and, of course, a slightly snazzier version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. In the Milan and Fusion hybrids, a screen-based botanical garden grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving; the Lincoln adds pretty flowers!

The loads of standard features in the hybrid include, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, Lincoln SYNC, 10-Way Power Passenger Seat, Genuine Wood Trim, Reverse Sensing System, Keyless Entry Keypad, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler, Personal Safety System, MyKey, Integrated Spotter Mirrors, Acoustic Laminated Windshield and standard Bridge of Weir leather seats.

Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we speculate it will cost around $38,000 to start. Sales will begin later this year.