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2009 Maserati QUATTROPORTE Sport GT S

Posted under Uncategorized on Friday, 4 September 2009 by theautoabc

The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury sedan segment of the automotive market . Conceived and developed as “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury sedan “, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s sportiness in the Quattroporte range. The technical changes to the new Quattroporte Sport GT S in respect to the Quattroporte S concern four areas: – the mapping of the V8 4.7 litre engine, with power increased to 323kW; – the gearshift management software, with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment; – the front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height; – the sports exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound. The sportier and more aggressive look is evident also in virtue of the interior’s and exterior’s stylistic choices: – the new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models; – the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish; – the side and rear “shadow line”, which includes black finishing around the doors, body-colored door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes, – the new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara® and leather upholstery; – the standard trim in Titantex, a “titanium colored” composite material.

2009 Audi A4 3.2 FSI quattro

Posted under Uncategorized on Friday, 4 September 2009 by theautoabc
The A4 with Quattro is a bit of a surprise in the Audi line up. First off, it comes in four variations. The introductory model is your choice of either a sedan or station wagon. Audi refers to the wagon version as an “Avant”. Power comes from a 2.0 litre direct injected and turbocharged gasoline engine. At the upper end, the sedan and Avant models come with a 3.2 litre direct injected V-6.
My first exposure to the A4 3.2 FSI was actually about a year ago in England. I managed to sweet talk Audi UK out of a car for a couple of weeks. I had asked for an automatic and wound up with a six-speed manual. Now I’m on the wrong side of the road, on the wrong side of the car, shifting with the wrong arm. To keep this short, I only tried to shift with the door handle a couple of times. I loved the A4 once I got used to it and looked forward to driving a Canadian model. The Canadian model that turned up was an automatic and not quite as well decked out as the British car. The British car had all the option boxes checked off while my tester here, was just a sedan with an automatic transmission. Mind you even the basic A4 with the 3.2 direct injected (FSI) V6 comes with an impressive array of standard equipment, including climate control and heated seats.There are still options such as Sat/Nav, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and upgraded stereo packages which include audio jacks and a USB port. Audi also includes a blue tooth prep package and satelliter radio on the option list. One important point to me was that the A4 was be able to seat four in comfort and to make sure, I rode in the back for a few hours. I have to admit that a larger car would have been more spacious, but I doubt if it would have been more comfortable. The seat itself had plenty of hip room and I had a decent amount of space for my shoulders. Head room was a bit tight. I found it to be OK, but my tallest son urged me not to hit any large bumps that could possibly bounce him around. Up front, the bucket seats were very comfortable and could form around a large range of body sizes. On the driver’s side, the power seat let me get comfortable in about 10 seconds and I finished up with a few small adjustments to the manually adjustable steering column. A few more seconds to get the mirrors in place and I was ready for a drive.

2009 Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line

Posted under Uncategorized on Friday, 4 September 2009 by theautoabc

The MC Sport Line customization program focuses on the racing vocation of the Maserati, fresh from its latest international triumph in the FIA GT championship with the duo Bertolini-Bartels in the land of Juan Manuel Fangio. Modena – December 3, 2008. Maserati has developed a special series of new options named “MC Sport Line”, which makes its worldwide debut at the Bologna Motor Show, with new contents that add to Maserati’s already extensive range of personalized features on offer. The MC Sport Line is designed to enhance the sporty DNA of Maserati vehicles for those customers who like to display their passion for racing through a dynamic look and a choice of technical solutions that increase the driving fun without compromises. The name “MC Sport Line” sums up the experience acquired on the track by the Maserati Corse department, whose contribution to the design of the functional components has been invaluable. The world of motor racing also inspired Maserati’s designers when it came to styling, hence the extensive use of carbon fiber, very popular among racing enthusiasts thanks to its direct connection with racing competitions. The GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of Maserati performance on roads, was the model chosen to present to the public the first proposals of the “MC Sport Line” catalogue, which will be extended in the GranTurismo range and then cover the entire Maserati line-up during the course of 2009. From early 2009, GranTurismo S customers will not only be able to enhance the sporty look of their vehicle’s exterior and interior – but even offer mechanical solutions. Aerodynamics can be modified thanks to the addition of front and rear carbon-fiber spoilers, which benefit from track tests conducted on the GranTurismo MC Concept; the new aerodynamics not only optimizes the vertical load but gives the car a very distinctive appearance, as do the side skirts with central panel finished in matt black, adding a dynamic edge to the side view. The sporty look of the exterior can be completed with the mirror housing and door handles, also made from carbon fiber. The same dark shade is reflected in the glossy black 20″ wheel rims that match the dark line of the exterior perfectly. The carbon fiber door sill bearing the words “MC Sport Line” tells you that you are entering a different environment, in which carbon fiber characterizes the door panels, dashboard and central tunnel. The steering wheel rim is also made from carbon fiber, as are the control stalks for the electro-actuated transmission and the body of the instrument panel, dashboard and door panels, featuring carbon molding. Looking at the central tunnel, carbon fiber dominates the entire section, acting as a backdrop to enhance the brilliance of the chrome. The “MC” pedal block complete with kickplate to the left is machined from a solid aluminium piece. Under the “skin”, the suspension has been stiffened thanks to new, stiffer springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars; the new suspension set-up is synchronized with a specific Maserati Stability Program software, allowing the driver more freedom. The car is now 10 mm lower than the GranTurismo S, resulting in a performance on the road of the GranTurismo S that is absolutely uncompromising in terms of handling and driving enjoyment. All the features listed are available either as part of the customization package, following the indications of Maserati designers; or individually, to cater for the personal tastes of each customer.

2009 Acura RDX Technology Review

Posted under Uncategorized on Friday, 4 September 2009 by theautoabc
For any brand that sells prestige, looks are fundamental. After years of identity crisis and soul searching, Acura finally seems to have found its defining character. The company’s slogan is “Advance”, but I would rather call it “The Future is Now”.The 2009 RDX compact SUV did not escape from the energetic claws of Acura designers. The front fascia is ultra-modern and what looks like a lack of structural coherence is actually a highly-complex design with zero orphan lines in the bodywork. While the front overhang is a bit too long, especially for off-road trips, the side profile still manages to look athletic and balanced. The RDX appears to be crouching and ready to pounce, as emphasized by the 18-inch wheels and low ground clearance. Aesthetically speaking, the rear end is not quite as well integrated to the rest of the vehicle; in fact, it looks unfinished compared to the nose and midsection. Beautiful functionalityThe great thing about Honda/Acura products is that interior quality is generally beyond reproach. The RDX is certainly no exception. Fit and finish are superb; the same goes for material selection and overall styling. However, like every other model from this Japanese automaker, the cockpit is littered with buttons and controls. Paradoxically, the dashboard remains simple and easy to use. The friendliness of Acura’s navigation system alone is worth an honorary mention. Ergonomics are considerably improved by the control knob and the bilingual voice recognition software proves very competent. Audio controls are a bit too low for easy manipulation; however, redundant buttons on the steering wheel fix the problem. Right behind is an absolutely-magnificent set of instruments. The configuration and backlighting are nearly perfect. Since the Acura RDX sits relatively close to the ground, access to the cabin is easy. Expect to find a good driving position and, given that it’s a Japanese product, the seats offer adequate side support.

Distnctive new three-row Lincoln MKT luxuries of fuel economy

Posted under Uncategorized on Friday, 4 September 2009 by theautoabc

ROMEO, Mich.,- Lincoln is offering full-size luxury crossover customers a fresh new choice with the 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row crossover that delivers the optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and technology.”We’re growing Lincoln’s product portfolio with a full-size crossover that offers more of everything luxury buyers want today – including more variety,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Lincoln MKT will help us further build momentum for Lincoln, which has been outpacing its luxury competitors and growing market share in recent months.”The all-new three-row 2010 Lincoln MKT joins the two-row Lincoln MKX mid-size premium crossover, the sporty Lincoln MKS luxury sedan launched in 2008 and the midsize Lincoln MKZ.Standard on every Lincoln MKT is the brand’s signature design – complete with a split wing grille, a beveled chamfer along the vehicle’s shoulder line, a flowing cantrail that frames the greenhouse and full-width horizontal taillamps that span the subtly curved weight-saving magnesium liftgate that adds visual character while protecting generous rear cargo space.Lincoln MKT craftsmanship is reflected in precise panel margins, and in the high tactile quality of interior surfaces and trim.Inside, high-quality materials and precision-stitched craftsmanship are evident on every surface – from the leather-trimmed seating surfaces and floating armrests to the optional flow-through second-row center console and standard jewel-like acrylic instrument cluster with LED white lighting.In addition, customers can choose how to best specify Lincoln MKT, which offers:* Customers’ choice of a standard fixed glass Panoramic Vista Roof(tm) with power-assisted front and rear sunshades – or the available Power Panoramic Vista Roof* Either six- or seven-passenger variations with two different second-row seating configurations. A standard 60/ 40 split folding rear bench seat features heated outboard seating positions. Power “fold and tumble” second-row seats, with heating, cooling and power-assisted lumbar adjustment are also available. A rear console-mounted five-quart-capacity refrigerator is available in the six-passenger seating configuration* An available dual headrest Family Entertainment System with twin 7-inch DVD playback screens offering individual or simultaneous programming* A litany of exterior paint colors, including Ingot Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Tuxedo Black Clearcoat Metallic, Red Candy Tint Clearcoat Metallic, Cinnamon Clearcoat Metallic, Steel Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Gold Leaf Clearcoat Metallic, Sterling Grey Clearcoat Metallic and White Platinum Tri-Coat.

Toyota Auris Hybrid First Photo

Posted under Uncategorized on Friday, 4 September 2009 by theautoabc

Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota’s first time one of the main models with hybrid technology presented a milestone in terms of being as well as Toyota’s Prius with a proven Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to integrate all the model line, will be the first step.

Toyota brand vehicles sold in Europe constitutes 10 per cent Auris. The market will be the first hybrid version of Auris in between 20-30 thousand are targeted to be sold. Toyota, Prius from Japan to Europe and the Lexus GS hybrid models, such as is sent. Toyota Auris model showed intense interest in Europe in the hybrid version wants to add into these tools.

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