Showing posts with label Wagons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wagons. Show all posts

Sunday, March 28, 2010

New York Auto Show: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon unleashed


Here in America, drivers who prefer station wagons to crossovers and SUVs are in a distinctly fringe minority. In spite of that, Cadillac has heard the cries from the wilderness and delivered the car we've been clamoring for. The CTS-V Sport Wagon is now finally official and production starts later this year.

Ever since AMG built a handful of Hammer station wagons back in the late 1980s, the idea of a family hauler with ludicrous power and torque has held a strange and twisted appeal for us. The V-wagon takes all the traits we love about the 556-horsepower sedan and adds the expanded cargo body style.

Aside from the tailgate, everything else is carried over, including the magnetic ride damping system, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s, and the asymmetrical half-shaft rear end to avoid axle tramp. Add in 25.4 cubic feet behind the back seats and 58 cubic feet with them folded and we may well have the perfect performance car. Did we mention the 551 pound-feet of torque?
via:autoblog


2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon



Press Release

CADILLAC CTS-V SPORT WAGON SHOW CAR DEBUTS AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW 
  • V-Series performance combined with dramatic CTS Sport Wagon
    design

  • 556-hp (415-kW) supercharged 6.2L V-8

  • Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with steering wheel
    shift controls

  • Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot
    Sport PS2 tires

  • Limited availability beginning in late 2010
NEW YORK – Cadillac today unveiled the CTS-V Sport Wagon show car,
foreshadowing the next addition to its V-Series performance line. It
combines the performance and luxury of the landmark CTS-V Sport Sedan
with the dramatic design of the CTS Sport Wagon.

"The CTS-V Sport Wagon is a natural extension of both the V-Series and
the CTS lineup, offering an uncompromising performance car to
enthusiasts who want the extra room of a wagon," said Don Butler, vice
president for Cadillac marketing. "The V-Series Sport Wagon is another
hallmark of the dramatic presence and power of Cadillac vehicles."

The exterior is finished in Midnight Silver, first seen on the Cadillac
Sixteen Concept, and accented by lustrous Liquid Silver-finished wheels
and a black chrome finish on the grille's mesh insert. The rear fascia,
upper spoiler and center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the
show car.

Inside, the CTS-V Sport Wagon show car is trimmed in exclusive black
leather with Alcantara accents. The upper section of the instrument
panel and upper door panels are covered in the same premium leather,
accented with midnight Sapele wood, while the microfiber material and
stitching is applied to the lower door panels, pillars, console lid,
headliner and steering wheel center. The show car features fine-grain
black leather- trimmed Recaro seats with Alcantara seat inserts. The
seat inserts are divided in the center and accented with dark gray
stitching, while the V-series logo is laser etched into the seatbacks.
Obsidian Black accents grace the center stack, console, steering wheel
and door panels.

The show car's bespoke color and trim elements hint at the potential
direction of color and trim in future Cadillac models. These elements
are not yet intended for production, but represent Cadillac's desire to
gauge customer reaction to new color and trim options.

Production CTS-V Sport Wagon The CTS-V Sport Wagon will go into
production in late 2010, with initial sales in North America, followed
by export markets including Europe and the Middle East. The new model
rounds out the V-Series offerings, which include all variants of the CTS
family's sedan, coupe and sport wagon body styles.

Like its sedan and coupe stable mates, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is powered
by a supercharged 6.2L V-8, which delivers 556 horsepower (415 kW) and
is backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed
automatic. A suite of technical and performance elements complement the
powertrain, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin
Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum
wheels.

Like the other CTS V-Series models, the Sport Wagon incorporates a
unique grille that doubles front-end airflow to help enable its
high-performance capabilities. It is also visually identified by an
aggressive front fascia and raised center section of the aluminum hood
that provides clearance for the supercharger. It rides on 19-inch forged
aluminum wheels available in painted or polished finishes.

The rest of the exterior carries the dramatic design of the new CTS
Sport Wagon; the details of which include:
  • Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif

  • Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology

  • Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button)

  • CHMSL-integrated roof spoiler

  • Integrated roof load management system with available cross bars for
    a seamless appearance

  • Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment

  • Available panoramic UltraView sunroof.
At the rear is a pair of 3-inch (76 mm) chrome exhaust outlets, which
caps a performance dual-exhaust system made of high-grade stainless
steel that will maintain a lustrous appearance longer than ordinary
stainless.

Of course, cargo capability is a hallmark of wagons and the V-Series
Sport Wagon delivers with 25.4 cubic feet (720 liters) of space behind
the rear seats and 58 cubic feet (1,644 liters) with the seats folded –
virtually doubling the available space of the sedan.

Supercharged performance

The 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine powers the CTS-V Sport Wagon – the same
acclaimed engine found in the V-Series Sedan and Coupe models. Rated at
556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the
most powerful engine offered in Cadillac's history.

The engine features an intercooled Eaton Twin Vortices SeriesTM (TVSTM)
supercharger. This unique supercharger design employs twin four-lobe
rotors, twisted 160 degrees. Typical superchargers feature three lobes
twisted 60 degrees. The fourth lobe and added twist, when combined with
unique air inlet and outlet ports, create smoother, more efficient
airflow into the engine. In addition to improved overall efficiency,
this supercharger has superior noise and vibration characteristics
compared to more ordinary designs.

A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the CTS-V Sport Wagon –
a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic
6L90 six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift controls. The
steering wheel-mounted controls require no shift lever movement and
allow immediate tap up/tap down gear selection. Performance Algorithm
Shifting provides the automotive transmission with a
performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance
driving. As with many Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide
the shifter into the manual "gate" to put the transmission into a
performance mode.

Torque is channeled through the six-speed transmissions to a
high-performance rear axle that features a limited-slip rear
differential within a cast iron housing for greater thermal management
and asymmetrical half-shafts to smoothly manage the supercharged
engine's incredible torque. The unique design includes alternately sized
half-shafts that also help dynamically balance the oscillation of torque
from side to side, effectively eliminating "power hop."

Magnetic Ride Control

The V-Series achieves exceptional levels of road-holding performance,
but also maintains the poise of a luxury car in "regular" driving
conditions. The technical enabler of this dual-mode driving character is
Cadillac's landmark Magnetic Ride Control. It is standard on the CTS-V
Sport Wagon and is the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology.
It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology,
rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and
precision.



Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally "read the road" every
millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually
instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of
particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the
car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other
dynamic maneuvers.

The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control
to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the
CTS-V Sport Wagon, an extra measure of control is offered, with two
selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the
suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.

Cadillac pioneered Magnetic Ride Control, bringing it to production
first in 2002, following decades of research on magneto-rheological
science. Today, the technology appears only on a short roster of the
world's most elite vehicles, including Cadillac V- Series models, the
Escalade luxury SUV and the STS and DTS luxury sedans.

Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires

The CTS-V Sport Wagon incorporates sophisticated braking and tire
systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance
technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners
and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston
calipers in the rear.

Large vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing
heat resistance and eliminating fade. The brake rotors from Brembo are
manufactured with "dual-cast" technology that combines cast iron and
aluminum, resulting in superior performance and weight reduction.

The CTS-V Sport Wagon also includes an electric parking brake, which
allows for optimal dead pedal placement, which is important for
high-performance driving.

Michelin partnered with Cadillac engineers to develop an exclusive Pilot
Sport PS2 tire specifically engineered for the CTS-V. The tires support
high levels of grip in track conditions, while also affording excellent
performance on the road.

Comfort, style and technology

The interior of the CTS-V Sport Wagon is shared with the sedan,
including streamlined instrumentation, LED lighting and
hand-cut-and-sewn accents.

The CTS-V Sport Wagon production model will come standard with
performance seats featuring perforated sueded microfiber inserts
designed to hold the driver and front passenger in place during
cornering. Recaro performance driving seats are optional and provide
excellent support for spirited driving. These 14-way adjustable
performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat
cushions and backrests.

Complementing the performance seating are a thick steering wheel and a
gauge package designed for easy, at-a-glance reference during
performance driving. Large instruments have bold readouts, including an
LED-lit "tracer" function in the tachometer that flashes as the engine
nears the red line. The gauge layout includes a boost gauge and a
lateral acceleration display.

Obsidian Black accents grace the center stack, console, steering wheel
and door panels. The production steering wheel and shifter are available
in Alcantara, providing the luxurious character of suede. These accents
are elegant to the touch and aid the driver during support
high-performance driving. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a
hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console.

Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. Standard
features include an advanced navigation system with a deployable screen,
Bose 5.1 digital surround audio, factory-installed Bluetooth phone
integration and a 40-gigabyte hard drive that allows the customer to
store a large library of music files. The system uploads files via a USB
port or the in-dash DVD/CD drive and allows stored tracks to be searched
and selected through the radio controls.

About Cadillac

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent
years, Cadillac has engineered an historic renaissance led by artful
engineering and global expansion. More information on Cadillac can be
found at media.cadillac.com.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

GMAC to provide financing for Saab dealers and customers

2010 Saab 9-3X

* GMAC chosen as financial services provider to Saab Automobile
* Preferred source of wholesale and retail financing for dealers and customers

Trollhättan. Following its successful launch as an independent company, Saab Automobile announced today that it has selected GMAC Financial Services as the preferred provider of wholesale and retail financial services for qualified Saab dealers and customers in many different countries around the world.

2010 Saab 9-3X

Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: "Today's announcement is excellent news for the Saab organization as a whole and also for Saab's customers. It not only makes available competitive financing, but also provides valuable continuity for the dealer network which already uses GMAC services."

2010 Saab 9-3X

2010 Saab 9-3X

Bill Muir, GMAC President said: "We are delighted to be able to build on our strong relationships with Saab dealers and customers, and we look forward to working with Saab as it begins a new chapter in its history."
More Photos

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Audi to advertise during Super Bowl for the third consecutive year


- Spot to focus on Audi A3 TDI, the 2010 "Green Car of the Year"
- 70's icons Cheap Trick will reinterpret one of their classic songs for the ad
- Spot will air in the 4th quarter of the game


HERNDON, Va., Jan 8, 2010 - Audi of America today announced that it will advertise during Super Bowl XLIV, the brand's third consecutive time in the Super Bowl. The spot will highlight the Audi A3 TDI, recently named by Green Car Journal as the 2010 "Green Car of the Year" and will have a fun, tongue-in-cheek environmental theme. Rock legends Cheap Trick will reinterpret one of their classic pieces as the soundtrack to the commercial.


Returning to the Super Bowl after a nearly 20-year hiatus, the 2008 Audi spot delivered a parody of the movie "The Godfather" and signaled that the brand was ready to challenge the perceived luxury leaders. The 2009 effort featured actor Jason Statham in a series of high-speed chase scenes involving recent luxury models, sending the dual message that some things are best left in the past and luxury is evolving, with Audi at the forefront. This year, Audi will demonstrate its leadership position within the luxury segment with a brand spot that delivers the message that being environmentally conscious might not be easy, but the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel is now a proven environmental solution.


Audi TDI clean diesel technology has achieved amazing sales success and consumer acceptance in the United States in a very short period of time. Since their introductions in 2009, the Audi Q7 TDI accounts for 43% of the sales for that line, while the A3 TDI accounts for 53% of that line's sales. TDI clean diesel technology produces 20% fewer C02 emissions than comparably sized gasoline engines and uses substantially less fuel. In fact, the Q7 TDI has been EPA rated at 25 MPG highway, while using 30% less fuel than a similarly sized gasoline engine. The A3 TDI achieves 42 MPG on the highway. Green Car Journal's award of "Green Car of the Year" to the A3 TDI is a true validation of the quality and environmentally sound elements of this technology.


The A3 TDI is one of the many new models Audi has introduced in the last few years. Joining the stunning R8 sports car, the A5, the A4, the Audi Q5 crossover and the Audi Q7 TDI, among others, the A3 TDI is another terrific vehicle that combines incredible fuel economy with the Audi brand's commitment to stunning interiors, tremendous performance and excellence in overall engineering. Audi now has one of the industry's most complete and compelling model line-ups.


"Despite the difficulties the automotive industry has faced, our brand has continued to grow through this past year, introducing new and exciting models, and getting people talking about Audi," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "In short, the Super Bowl has worked. The brand has never been stronger, market share is increasing and we are setting the stage to increase our momentum in 2010 by letting more of America in on the great secret that is Audi TDI clean diesel technology."

The advertising agency for Audi, San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners created the ad.
More Photos

Friday, November 13, 2009

2011 Volvo V60 Rendered


Based on the same platform as the S60, the new V60 wagon is expected to debut late next year as a 2011 model and follow in the footsteps of previous Volvo wagons like the V40, V50 and V70 lines. It would also serve as a more stylish rival to other premium wagons like the BMW 3-Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, Audi A4 Avant and the upcoming Acura TSX Sport Wagon.


Wearing the bold lines of Volvo’s new family styling, the V60 would likely feature the same engine options as the S60 sedan - although Volvo remains tight-lipped on the specifics for now.
Looking to take a larger slice of the prestige market, Volvo will likely aim the V60 at the likes of the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate.
The 2011 Volvo S60 sedan is scheduled to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, and while there is no official word on a wagon variant, March is a long time away…


Powertrain options will almost certainly be shared with the S60. One option is likely to be a new 1.6-liter gasoline unit with turbocharging and direct-injection technologies--a spinoff of a Ford EcoBoost mill.
via:motorauthority

Monday, November 9, 2009

2011 BMW 5-Series Touring Spy


The new 5-Series Touring is expected to arrive 12 months after the reveal of the Sedan, which is making its world debut at March's 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and these latest spy shots give us a glimpse of how it will look. Most of the planned changes for the 2011 BMW 5-Series will be skin-deep.


Looky, looky – it's another piece of future German metal disguised to look like MC Escher on peyote. But what is it? Well, unlike the never ending back-and-forth between the A6 and/or the A8, we're certain this is the new 2011 5 Series Touring, a.k.a. a Bimmer station wagon or "Kombi" as they call 'em over in Europe. Not bad, right? Kinda lithe yet athletic at the same time. Good looking, too. And let's not forget the M versions of these puppies. Only thing is, what we think probably doesn't matter – odds are we'll never see the 5 Series Touring here in the States.


Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a mix of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models, such as the next M5, will possibly include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight.


A few reasons. Never mind the nearly 1,000 pound weight advantage of the wagon (around 4,000 pounds) over the GT (about 4,800 pounds) – which should bring with it better mileage, performance and handling – to its detractors, the Gran Turismo just has an air of Chrysler Pacifica about it. Of course, since the day it came out, many of us auto-journo types have been asking why one would buy the SUV-ish X5 when the hauls-just-as-much-stuff 5 Series wagon is not only available but costs less, goes quicker, handles better, etc. Looks like BMW just might just disarm that line of questioning altogether. Maybe.
More Photos

Monday, June 15, 2009

Hamann Typhoon G-Class goes from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds


The standard AMG-prepped Mercedes Benz G55 SUV not extreme enough? Apparently the engineers at German tuning firm Hamann didn’t think so, which is why they have created a new performance upgrade for the unlikely recipient that boosts output to a supercar-like 600hp (441kW) and 576lb-ft (782Nm) of torque.


Called the Typhoon, the modified G55 AMG SUV has been fitted with Hamann’s high performance HM600 power kit. The list of modifications include a new ECU, an uprated belt pulley set, and a revised transmission with a separate oil-cooler. The end result is a blistering (for an SUV) 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 162mph.


Other modifications include 24in light-alloy wheels, Yokohama tires, custom suspension, uprated brakes, LED daytime running lights, and a roof-mounted spoiler. Inside, the performance theme continues with the addition of a Hamann steering wheel, aluminum pedals, a 24-piece carbon-fiber trim set, illuminated stainless steel door sill plates, and velour trim.


If you think Hamann’s work is crazy, just take a look at what Brabus has done to the G55 to churn out more than 700hp (522kW).


via:motorauthority

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Reader Spy: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes E-Class wagon arrives from Namibia


We find it cool that carmakers cart their rides all over the globe to carry out
the most brutal testing in the most out of the way places. They must find it a
little frustrating, however, that car mavens with cameras and internet
connections lurk in even in the most remote locations .

According to AB reader Tom, he spotted a pair of lightly-camoed Mercedes-Benz
E-Class wagons and a sedan "on the desert gravel roads between Walvis Bay and
Solitaire in Namibia." The wagons are getting ready for their debut at the
Frankfurt Auto Show in a few months, and if the tailpipe application is accurate
then the black one is likely a V8 – and yes, this does mean we want a
blacked-out wagon E550 wagon. You can check out high-res pics of the trio below.
Thanks for the images, Tom!
via:autoblog

Saturday, April 11, 2009

New E-Class Brings 50,000 Orders to Mercedes


Finally, there's a little bit of good news for a change for an automaker. Mercedes-Benz has already received approximately 50,000 orders for its new 2010 E-Class, the company announced today. The sedan arrives in European showrooms on May 9 and marks a return to the Mercedes core as "a solid, safe, comfortable, conservative car in which you can invest utter faith," Paul Horrell wrote in our First Drive.

Sales chief Klaus Maier claimed dramatic sales improvements in a statement, "In Germany, bookings for an E-Class saloon more than doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year."
Read More


Other article:
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Video: Mercedes E-Class Coupe Promotional
Geneva Motor Show: New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Debut
Leaked: Mercedes E-Class sedan brochure
Spied Shot:Mercedes E Class Sedan Interior
New 2010 Mercedes E-Class Down to Last Strips of Camouflage
New 2010 Mercedes E-Class Clearest Spy Photos Yet
2009 Mercedes E-Class Wagon
2008 Mercedes E-Class Sales hit 1.5 million
2010 Mercedes E-Class Photos Leaked
Frankfurt Motor Show: Mercedes E-Class Estate/ Wagon Spied
Spy Photos; Mercedes E-Class Coupe in Black Almost Free of Camo
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Rendered Speculation: New generation Ford Focus have the Photoshop

Ford shapes up family car for the next decade with dramatic looks and cutting-edge tech.


Ford gave the strongest hint of how its upcoming models will look when it revealed the Iosis Max at the Geneva Motor Show last month (see Issue 1,053). And it’s from this car that the new Focus takes much of its styling inspiration.


New turbocharged EcoBoost engines dominate the line-up. Entry-level models will come with a 1.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit offering 89bhp or 108bhp, but most variants will get a new 1.6-litre turbo, available with 148bhp or 178bhp outputs.
more detail. ...



Other article:
Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS?
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Rendered Speculation: Ford's next Euro Focus to spawn Scirocco-fighting coupe
Ford Focus Facelift According to Loder1899
2008 European Ford Focus: In Depth
Ford Kuga Debuts in Geneva
Ford Edge on Sale in Brazil this Year
Leaked: Euro Ford Focus Wagon

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Rendered Speculation: New York-bound 2010 Subaru Legacy


Following up on our earlier story about the 2010 Subaru Legacy's impending rumored debut at the New York Auto Show, a handful of renderings have surfaced from a variety of sources giving us a glimpse of what we might see in the Big Apple.


Many of you have voiced some (ahem) minor displeasure with the Legacy concept's new nose, and although these images aren't official, they won't do much to curb your criticisms. While we're evenly split on how well the new fascia will make the transition from concept to production, here's hoping that the blistered wheel arches and taut rear end make the migration from the drawing board to the dealerships.



via:autoblog



Other article:
Hyundai Unveils Genesis Premium Sports Sedan
Saleen S5S Raptor Concept Finds the Web a Day Before Debut

Sunday, March 8, 2009

2009 Nagoya Auto Trend: Nissan GT-R Wagon Makes Debut


Japan's history of building some hot goods. Both the gas turbine R33 - R driver built options and trial or the official "unofficial gas turbine - R of a car" Autech Stagea RS260 famous gas turbine - R of the power and the subsequent R34 gas turbine - R racing among the front fascia Masa change to adapt to the future.


Of course, time changes, we continue to move forward. The RB26DETT is a production, therefore has become a bit less Autech Stagea inventory of light yellow M35 Stagea cars, so that you can do to solve it?


Shown here the answer is staring at your face all the time, this front-end R35 interchangeable M35 Stagea Nagoya are automatically displayed in the trend this weekend. It seems to continue to exchange the two sides and the rear quarter also maintained a small outbreak of the subject. Overall appears to be a really solid job.


These power supplies are usually VQ35DE unknown V6 3.5-liter engine either RWD or all-wheel-drive system configuration, make this a very easy to hide one caress quantified suite Twin Turbo.
via GTRBlog]




Other article:
Geneva Motor Show: Nissan Qazana Crossover Design Concept
Wald Nissan GT-R Black Bison Photo Appreciation