It is very good, that there live on light people in which heads, strange concepts are born such remarkable and during that time...
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Knightly armour for a cat
It is very good, that there live on light people in which heads, strange concepts are born such remarkable and during that time...
KIA begins sales of coupe Forte Koup
Appearance Koup is inherited from the conceptual car with the same name debuting in April 2008 in New York.
In USA KIA Forte Koup will cost no more than 20 000 dollars.
A date started of sales of a coupe in Europe, and also the European characteristics and the prices will be known later.Related Posts: KIA
Friday, March 6, 2009
Report::- February 2009
One more day in February wouldn't have done much to salvage yet another bad month of sales for the U.S. auto industry, but it wouldn't have hurt. All of the big automakers saw sales down around 40% or more last month compared to February 2008. Chrysler Co. (-44%), Ford Motor Company (-48.4%) and General Motors (-52.9%) again took the brunt of it, but Toyota (-39.8%), Honda (-38%) and Nissan (-37%) weren't far behind. This just goes to show that the argument about U.S. domestic automakers not selling what people want to buy is bogus, as people just aren't buying across the board.
That said, the same brands that sold well in January have pulled out another one in February. The Koreans both did relatively well with Hyundai down just 1.5% (its Daily Average Sales rate was up 2.6%) and Kia up 0.4% in sales. Subaru, meanwhile, was up a solid 1.4% in sales last month.
What are these brands doing that the others aren't? In Subaru's case, the redesigned Forester is selling like mad, up 107% last month with 5,978 units sold. Hyundai has an extra 1,263 units sold thanks to the all-new Genesis, but the Accent, Elantra and Entourage were all up, as well. Kia, meanwhile, got strong performances from the Amanti (!), Sorento and Sedona, as well as a 341 new Borregos sold last month. A combination of new models, attractive incentives and sales people who are better with the pitch than the next guy are probably all contributing to how well these brands are weathering the U.S. recession.
| Report- February 2009 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Vol. % Change | Total Sales 2/09 | Total Sales 2/08 | DSR % Change | Daily Avg. 2/09 | Daily Avg. 2/08 |
 Acura | -41.5% | 7,659 | 13,084 | -39.0% | 319 | 523 |
 Audi | -24.4% | 4,653 | 6,152 | -21.2% | 194 | 246 |
 BMW | -37.5% | 12,979 | 20,775 | -34.9% | 541 | 831 |
 Buick | -51.5% | 6,196 | 12,768 | -49.5% | 258 | 511 |
 Cadillac | -52.2% | 4,666 | 9,760 | -50.2% | 194 | 390 |
 Chevrolet | -54.5% | 75,555 | 166,166 | -52.6% | 3,148 | 6,647 |
 Chrysler | -62.8% | 15,519 | 41,709 | -61.2% | 647 | 1,668 |
 Dodge | -38.8% | 46,590 | 76,141 | -32.3% | 1,941 | 3,046 |
 Ford | -48.8% | 84,422 | 164,915 | -46.7% | 3,518 | 6,597 |
 GMC | -51.2% | 16,204 | 33,237 | -49.2% | 675 | 1,329 |
 Honda | -37.5% | 63,916 | 102,313 | -34.9% | 2,663 | 4,093 |
 HUMMER | -68.7% | 1,053 | 3,362 | -67.4% | 44 | 134 |
 Hyundai | -1.5% | 30,621 | 31,090 | 2.6% | 1,276 | 1,244 |
 Infiniti | -36.8% | 6,359 | 10,068 | -34.2% | 265 | 403 |
 Jeep | -32.0% | 21,941 | 32,243 | -29.1% | 914 | 1,290 |
 Kia | 0.4% | 22,073 | 21,988 | 4.6% | 920 | 880 |
 Lexus | -38.4% | 13,108 | 21,277 | -35.8% | 546 | 851 |
 Lincoln | -41.2% | 5,633 | 9,573 | -38.7% | 235 | 383 |
 Mazda | -30.4% | 16,401 | 23,548 | -27.4% | 683 | 942 |
 Mercedes | -23.5% | 14,199 | 18,564 | -20.3% | 592 | 743 |
 Mercury | -44.6% | 5,989 | 10,806 | -42.3% | 250 | 432 |
 MINI | -17.2% | 2,826 | 3,415 | -13.8% | 118 | 137 |
 Mitsubishi | -50.8% | 4,484 | 9,105 | -48.7% | 187 | 364 |
 Nissan | -37.1% | 47,890 | 76,151 | -34.5% | 1,995 | 3,046 |
 Pontiac | -40.7% | 14,200 | 23,935 | -38.2% | 592 | 957 |
 Porsche | -11.5% | 1,518 | 1,715 | -7.8% | 63 | 69 |
 Saab | -62.8% | 482 | 1,295 | -61.2% | 20 | 52 |
 Saturn | -57.2% | 6,338 | 14,801 | -55.4% | 264 | 592 |
 Subaru | 1.4% | 13,089 | 12,906 | 5.6% | 545 | 516 |
 Suzuki | -60.3% | 3,495 | 8,800 | -58.6% | 146 | 352 |
 Toyota | -40.0% | 96,475 | 160,892 | -37.5% | 4,020 | 6,436 |
 VW | -17.5% | 13,660 | 16,556 | -14.0% | 569 | 662 |
 Volvo | -55.3% | 3,356 | 7,505 | -53.4% | 140 | 300 |
| COMPANIES | ||||||
| BMW Group | -34.7% | 15,805 | 24,190 | -31.9% | 659 | 968 |
| Chrysler LLC | -44.0% | 84,050 | 150,093 | -41.7% | 3,502 | 6,004 |
| FoMoCo | -48.4% | 99,400 | 192,799 | -46.3% | 4,142 | 7,711 |
| General Motors | -52.9% | 127,296 | 270,423 | -51.0% | 5,304 | 10,817 |
| Honda America | -38.0% | 71,575 | 115,397 | -35.4% | 2,982 | 4,616 |
| Nissan NA | -37.0% | 54,249 | 86,219 | -34.5% | 2,260 | 3,449 |
| Toyota Mo Co | -39.8% | 109,583 | 182,169 | -37.3% | 4,566 | 7,287 |
Porsche celebrates 250,000th Cayenne
Say what you will about Porsche's brand-bending foray into the SUV world, but the Cayenne has been nothing short of a blockbuster sales success for the German automaker that's normally associated with lightweight, technologically-advanced sportscars. To drive that point home even further, Porsche has just announced that the 250,000th Cayenne has rolled down the assembly line at its plant in Leipzig, Germany. This vehicle happens to be destined for Austria, but Porsche is quick to point out that the SUV gives it access to markets like China, Russia, Latin America and the Middle East that would typically shy away from the brand's sportscar roots.
The specific Cayenne to hit the quarter-million mark happens to be powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine, another stark departure for the automaker that had once worshiped only at the high-rpm altar of petrol. My, how times have changed.
[Source: Porsche]
Pillows
It is impossible to put into words, that most of all it was pleasant to me: idea or this remarkable photo.
Toyota Verso crams three rows into Corolla-sized package
Toyota officially unveiled the latest version of its slick looking, Euro-centric people mover at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Called the Verso (not to be confused with the Nissan Versa), the three-row, five-door hatchback wears handsome sheetmetal with lines that are definitely "in family" for Toyota. For as much as we like the outside, the instrument panel has Scion disease. Center gauges. Please stop it. That third row also has severely limited legroom, but it's still a neat trick to fit so many perches within a Corrola-sized footprint, even if some are occasional-use grade. The Verso will likely delight for bopping across the moorland, but you might need to have your legs removed so you'll fit in back.
Skoda descends on Switzerland with a Yeti
Europeans are about to get one more soft-roading cute 'ute to add to their shopping lists now that Skoda, Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary, has released the production version of the Yeti at the Geneva Motor Show. First shown in concept form back at the 2005 show in Geneva, the production Yeti keeps the same basic design as its conceptual forebear, but we think it loses some of what made it so interesting in the first place.
Gone is the contrasting white roof that was obviously cribbed from Toyota's FJ Cruiser but looked perfect in this application. So too gone are the flanks, now smoothed out and looking very first-gen Honda CR-V-ish and missing the hidden rear door handles from the concept.
Inside, the Yeti features the same innovative seating arrangement as the Roomster, featuring three separate rear buckets that can individually slide fore and aft or be removed completely. Gas and diesel-powered engines ranging from 1.2 liters to 2.0 liters will be offered with up to 170 horsepower along with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Expect sales in Europe to begin later this year.
Bleu who? Mansory Linea Vincero more our style
The Bleu Centenaire wasn't the only limited edition Veyron on the floor at the Geneva Motor Show. While Bugatti has created a wide array of individualization programs for its supercar, German tuner Mansory saw fit to create its own and displayed a revised version of the Veyron dubbed the Linea Vincero. We got our first look at the car back in December when it was mysteriously pictured on a dealer web site, but with its official unveiling we now have full details from Mansory. Exterior modifications are relatively subtle and include a new front fascia, shorter hood, LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a diffuser, larger side and rear air outlets and new forged wheels. The interior features carbon fiber accents, special leather seating and trim and an ambient lighting system utilizing LEDs. Unlike the other Veyron models, the Vincero comes with a power upgrade, up to 1109 bhp and 967 lb-ft torque, thanks to an upgraded cooling system and exhaust system. With a total of three planned for production, the Linea Vincero could very well be one of the more popular color combinations out there.
Wiesmann Roadster MF4
Since its inception back in 1985, Wiesmann has been busy building beautiful retro-themed coupes and convertibles, and to celebrate its 20th anniversary (of what, exactly, we're not sure) the automaker has just released its MF4 Roadster at the Geneva Motor Show. We love the old-school looks, especially the soft top that collapses on the rear parcel shelf as it does on classic British and German roadsters. The running gear, though, is thoroughly modern and highlighted by a modified version of the BMW M3's 4.0-liter V8, in this case tuned to put out 367 horsepower.
KTM X-Bow ROC unveiled
Late last month we learned that KTM was planning to bring two new versions of its X-Bow roadster to the Geneva Motor Show. One of those machines is the new X-Bow ROC edition, and our men on the scene managed to assemble a gallery of live shots of the new model that you can view in the gallery below. This new ROC edition was built to commemorate the Austrian firm's inclusion in last year's 2008 Race of Champions, so it fittingly features a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque shell and adds a sports exhaust to Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder mill that's shared with other models in the range. Unique paint and badges also help set it apart from lesser X-Bows.
Despite the fact this new model shares plenty of special bits with the top-level Superlight X-Bow, KTM was able to price the limited edition ROC model rather aggressively with a base MSRP of 69,980 euros - a full 10,000 less than its pricier sibling. Also new is the X-Bow Street, which retails for an even more wallet-friendly 49,980 euros.
Aston Martin DBS Volante
The curiously shaped Lagonda revival, absurdly potent One-77 supercar and V12-powered Vantage were not the only new vehicles that Aston Martin brought to the Geneva Motor Show. Last but certainly not least is the DBS Volante, which is Aston-speak for a droptop version of James Bond's favorite ride. Powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that's shared with the standard DBS, the new Volante delivers 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque to its 6-speed rear-mounted gearbox, available in either standard manual shift or in sequential Touchtronic forms. It's a stunning package to be sure, and with a 0 to 60 run of just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 191 miles per hour, it's got plenty of toupee-lifting performance to match.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage packed with power
The V8 Vantage is a true beauty, and it's more powerful than ever with it's new 4.7L V8. That may be enough grunt for a lesser GT, but the Vantage is getting even more pony power later this year. The upgraded V12 Vantage will receive Aston Martin's 6.0L V12 engine capable of 510 hp and 420 lb-ft. With the recent horsepower wars, it seems as though you can get 510 hp anywhere, but the V12 Vantage is more than just the world's most beautiful sports coupe. Ginormous ceramic brakes, liberal use of carbon fiber and vastly stiffened spring rates ensure that the V12 Vantage is more than just a gussied up version of its V8-powered sibling.
If you're wealthy and looking to score this V12 beauty, you'll have to wait until after the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May. Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez announced that a V12 Vantage modified only with safety equipment would run the world's most famous track before the British supercar is given the go-ahead for production. After seeing the V12 Vantage in person on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show, we're guessing this twelve-pot Aston will be worth the wait.
BMW Alpina B6 GT3
BMW tuner par excellence Alpina is returning to the motor racing scene for the first time in two decades with the new B6 GT3, which the pseudo-works firm unveiled for the first time here at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 6 Series, the B6 GT3 features a unique radial supercharger fitted to its 4.4-liter V8 to drive 530 horsepower to the rear wheels – in proper Bavarian style – in what looks to be a compelling competition package.
Alpina itself will be fielding a pair in the European FIA GT3 series and at "selected 24-hour endurance races" (Nurburgring, Le Mans... we're looking at you), but the B6 GT3 will also be offered to private teams. Alpina has fitted adjustable everything to the car and a full array of electronic control systems to ensure that gentlemen racers – not just professional drivers – will be able to handle it and so that the car will qualify for a wide array of racing series. We're looking forward to seeing the green menace tackling the Green Hell soon, but in the meantime had to content ourselves with checking it out at Alpina's show stand here in Geneva where it was displayed alongside the new B7 Bi-Turbo, which we'll have for you shortly.
Brabus G V12 S Biturbo is our kind of birthday cake
Nothing says "happy birthday" like 700 horsepower and nearly 1000 lb-ft of torque. That's what Brabus figures, at least, and we're with them. To mark the 30th anniversary of the indomitable Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, Brabus presented the G V12 S Biturbo here at the Geneva Motor Show, and it could hardly be missed in the middle of the Palexpo show floor. The tuned twin-turbo 6.3-liter V12 sits in a tricked out G-Wagen decked out in black with LED headlamps, custom bodywork, black leather everything, a 163-mph top end and a physics-defying 4.3-second spring to 60 mph. At nearly half a million on the sticker, you're not likely to see one parked at the local mini mall – unless you live in car-bonkers Abu Dhabi where a supposedly McLaren-powered G-Wagen was spotted last year
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