2011 Suzuki Kizashi

Suzuki Kizashi 2010

uzuki Kizashi 2010

Suzuki Kizashi 2010

Suzuki Kizashi 2010

The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi will compete against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Malibu. The Concept Kizashi 3 is shown here.

Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

A big little-car company takes another stab at a midsize sedan, and this one’s all theirs. Kizashi--not its real name--promises a sporty persona and available all-wheel drive, but Camry, Accord, and Malibu probably have nothing to fear.

What We Know About the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

Suzuki is a rising star on the world automotive stage. It’s the top-seller of the “K-Class” micro cars popular in its native Japan. It has a strong and growing presence in Europe. It commands a whopping 55 percent of the booming Indian car market. And its global business spans 192 markets and 2.4 million total sales in 2007. In the U.S., though, Suzuki is a niche player despite more than 25 years on the scene. Though it’s built a strong reputation with motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, boat engines, and other products, the brand still struggles to make serious sales inroads with cars and trucks.

That may be about to change. Suzuki’s new SX4 compact cars are off to a decent start, mainly because they’re decently stingy with a $4 gallon of gas. And unlike the underwhelming Esteem and Aerio of yore, the SX4 is appealing enough to earn Consumer Guide’s Best Buy ribbon for 2008.

Now Suzuki is revisiting the midsize sedan after flopping with the 2004-06 Verona, a disappointing shortcut designed and built by GM-Daewoo in South Korea. Suzuki sees the U.S. as its “next great frontier” market, believing it can--and should--make far more money here, hence this new stab at a mainstream car with potential yearly sales in the hundreds of thousands. Never mind that the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi will have the tough task of wooing buyers away from perennial class favorites Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. This big little-car company is determined to be as much a power in America as it is elsewhere. We’re frankly not sanguine about the prospects in light of past performance, but you gotta admire their pluck.

Already announced for a calendar-2010 debut, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi will be a somewhat toned-down version of the Kizashi 3 concept unveiled at the March 2008 New York Auto Show. Kizashi is Japanese for “preview,” so a new title is expected for the showroom model. Unlike the Verona, this design is entirely Suzuki’s own, built on a new platform that may host other future vehicles.

If the concept is any guide, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi will be 8-10 inches shorter than today’s Accord and Camry, but will ride a similarly long wheelbase and stretch 2-3 inches wider. The same comparisons hold for Chevrolet’s new and in-demand Malibu, another inevitable rival. Suzuki says Kizashi styling is meant to evoke “the physical superiority and dignity of a world-class athlete,” but we see mainly cribbed elements of Acura RL, Audi A6, Mazda 6, and several other cars. Kizashi is attractive, just not knockout original. Incidentally, one source predicts the concept’s roofline will be lifted a couple of inches and its 21-inch wheels replaced by more sensible shoes, probably 17s or 18s. Just so you know.

The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi will offer front-wheel drive and a choice of two powerteams. One comprises a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The other mates a 3.6-liter V6 with a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic and optional all-wheel drive. The 4-cylinder engine is said to be all-Suzuki, too. The V6, however, is based on the so-called “high feature” General Motors engine used in the Malibu and Suzuki’s own XL7 midsize SUV. It’s a vestige of the longtime GM-Suzuki alliance that was dissolved in March 2006 after delivering the Korean-built Verona and the soon-to-depart Suzuki Reno and Forenza compact cars.

Suzuki isn’t talking other Kizashi specifics just now, though it does boast of “strong, refined urban performance” and structural “weight- and space-saving technology that evolved from the lessons learned by Suzuki’s motorcycle and WRC [World Rally Championship] development teams.” With spin like this, you might think the Kizashi will offer the driving spirit of a Suzi bike with four wheels and all the comforts--which is doubtless what’s intended.

But let’s move on. Logically, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi would include modern family car must-haves such as a four-wheel independent suspension, antilock brakes (with four-wheel discs likely standard at least for V6s), front and curtain side airbags, air conditioning, and power windows/locks/mirrors. But we’d also expect a no-cost navigation system, as announced for 2009-model SX4s. We haven’t heard about options yet, but the list will probably show rear-obstacle detection, radar-based cruise control, leather upholstery for 4-cylinder models, and the obligatory high-power sound system.

Summing up, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi could be a worthy new choice among midsize family sedans. It might even be the new class “driver’s car” by dint of what the company terms a “‘super sport’ identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA.” Then again, it could just as easily be another Suzuki car that over-promises and under-delivers both on the road and the sales chart. We’ll keep you posted.

Toyota Camry Facelift Launch On 31st July

Toyota will launch the facelifted Camry in India on the 31st of this month. The facelift will have minor changes like new front grill, new headlights, indicators on rear view mirrors, 10 spoke alloy wheels and Aux input.

Michael Schumacher returns to Formula One with Ferrari

Yesterday's rumors have been confirmed: Michael Schumacher will take Felipe Massa's place for the remainder of the 2009 Formula One season.

A Ferrari spokesperson said Schumi's return hinges on the seven-time F1 champion's ability to pass the FIA's physical and his return race will take place on August 23 at the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

[Source: BBC Sport]

Jeep Renegade Hybrid Concept

Jeep Renegade Concept Jeep's token 'green' concept car at the 2008 Detroit Motor show has a pair of electric motors While the electric motors are promising, the real interest lies in the Jeep Renegade's design The interior features a 'floating' LCD screen and a thermal unit for heating/cooling goods The Jeep Renegade concept hints at what is to come from the American car maker

A B-segment Jeep concept vehicle, the Renegade is a sporty, "minimized" two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

"With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a 'hang on and have fun experience,'" said Tony Shamenkov, Jeep Renegade concept principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.

Renegade is targeted at customers in the "Stylish Green" segment of the marketplace – those who are extremely environmentally oriented, appreciate high-tech and innovation, and enjoy performance combined with style in keeping with their "green" attitude.

Jeep Renegade Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade's case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine – allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. In fact, the Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range.

Renegade's BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard gasoline engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon, which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent gasoline-only vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Renegade concept's lightweight aluminum architecture and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel a very capable 4x4 system – complete with low range and locking differentials -- worthy of carrying the Jeep name.


Jeep Renegade Concept Exterior

The Jeep Renegade concept's "one-with-nature" personality is emphasized by its large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tires, and cut-down speedster windshield -- all of which combine to deliver on the Renegade's promise of cross-country fun and agility.

Among the unique exterior details are "deconstructed" rubber-clad headlamps and taillamps, as well as just-for-fun elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

While the Renegade features a roll bar, it has no top. Instead, the cargo deck just behind the cockpit can be fitted with a variety of "lids." Options include a plain lid, or lids configured to accommodate the gear of a particular outdoor day-trip activity, such as mountain biking or kayaking. Or it can come "as built" -- with formations designed to accommodate two matching water scooters with open storage underneath. Fluid-fill caps, a plug-in port and a first-aid kit are also included.


Jeep Renegade Concept Interior

Sustainability – a ratio between the energy needed to build and ship the vehicle as compared with the impact these processes have on the environment – is a key focus of the Jeep Renegade concept's interior design.

Materials used in constructing the Jeep Renegade concept were deliberately selected to be environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability.

Innovative construction includes one-piece molded soy-based foam seats and doors, a one-piece co-molded instrument panel with a urethane skin, a co-molded aluminum/silicone steering wheel, a one-piece molded chassis created without using environmentally-harmful resins, and a one-piece molded interior compartment "tub." This environmental care in designing the Renegade's interior is aligned with Jeep's "harmony with nature" philosophy.

"The Jeep Renegade concept's interior - actually the entire vehicle - is designed to minimize the number of parts necessary for assembly and function," said Scott Anderson, principal interior designer of the Renegade concept. "We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes."

The HVAC system, for example, is not coolant-based, while the color, grain and gloss of the interior parts are molded in one piece. Even the no-gloss exterior color of the Renegade's lightweight composite body is molded in to avoid the use of solvents present in automotive paints.

The dual-cockpit instrument panel is symmetrically balanced for easy "plug and play" left-hand drive and right-hand drive applications. There is no conventional wiring. Instead, the instrument panel features wireless electronics in sealed, self-contained units, removable by the customer. The panel is built about an exposed cross-car beam containing an integrated power strip, and on the passenger side, yaw, pitch and roll indicators (also built into the fluid-fill gauges). The instrument panel itself is hollow, allowing ample open storage below the beam. Separately-configured impact-absorbing vinyl-wrapped knee-blockers "float" beneath the cross-car beam.

The thin multi-plane acrylic instrument cluster mounts to the steering column, while the similar but separate center control screen mounts on a swivel base -- providing easy access to both occupants.

Located at the intersection of the steering wheel's T-shaped spokes, the circular LED screen rotates, allowing the driver to select the drive mode, while a flattened rim provides roomier thigh clearance. A driver air bag is concealed beneath the screen. Red or green translucent shift buttons allow Park, Reverse or Drive selections.

The Jeep Renegade concept's sporty doors incorporate unique canvas-pull remote "handles," while the rush of the moving landscape visible through the door's elongated openings enhance the feeling of carefree, open-air mobility.

The Renegade's contoured, figure-form seats -- covered in scuba-like waterproof materials that are both soft-touch and flexible -- feature in-seat belts and unusual, hollow, lightweight upside-down "U-shaped" headrests. The seats feature a urethane skin with soy-based foam co-molded with a composite substructure. The integral seatbelts, along with slender accent strips on the seats and instrument panel, repeat the Palm Metallic exterior color.

A "thermal unit" in the center console plugs into the electrical battery pack, permitting food to be either heated or cooled.

"Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable," Anderson said.

The Renegade's wireless interior is designed to be hosed down. It features a drain in the floor, while the formations built into the floor mat are designed to channel water to the opening. Hollow-section billet-formed pedals float above the tub floor.

Fun, functional and fabricated from recyclable materials, the Jeep Renegade concept offers agile, capable performance without sacrificing the environment its drivers seek to explore. Keeping with Jeep owners' desire to use their vehicles as an extension of their active lives, the Jeep Renegade concept promotes enjoyment of the good things of the earth while taking care of its future.


Jeep Renegade Concept Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with diesel range extender)

Two-passenger, open-air

Weight and Dimensions
Weight/GVWR 3150 lbs./3600 lbs.
Length 153.0 inches/3885mm
Width at H-point 62.9 inches/1598mm
Height 56.3 inches/1431mm
Wheelbase 101.6 inches/2580mm
Front overhang 25.0 inches/634mm
Rear overhang 26.4 inhces/671mm
Track front/rear 62.2 inches/1580mm
Approach angle 44.0 degrees
Departure angle 52.0 degrees
Breakover angle 32.0 degrees
Turn circle 35 feet/10.7m
Maximum width 71.4 inches/1814mm

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Four wheel drive with low range and locking differentials

Motor Dual electric
Power: 200 kW (268 hp) x 2
Regenerative braking

Battery 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack

Range extender 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder diesel

Fuel volume 10 gallons

Suspension Front – SLA
Rear – Multi-link

Wheels and Tires
Tire size front/rear 235/65R20x7.5 inches 32.1 inches/814mm
Tire manufacturer BF Goodrich

Color Scheme
Exterior Palm Metallic
Interior Black

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph 8.5 seconds
Standing ¼ mile 13.6 seconds
Top speed 90 mph
All-electric range 40 miles
Total range 400 miles
Fuel economy 110 mpg (combined, est.)

2009 Volvo V70 Review

From May 2008, the new V70 estate car becomes the fifth Volvo model to be offered with the Swedish carmaker’s sporty factory-fitted R-Design option pack. The refined V70 R-Design package combines a specially tuned lowered sports chassis with more distinctive styling.

Exterior-wise, the R-Design pack ads door mirror housings and grille detailing in silver finish, chrome exhaust tailpipe, a color coordinated rear spoiler and specially designed 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside the car, there are leather seats in off-black and cream embossed with the R-DESIGN logo, a leather steering wheel and unique aluminum interior trim, including sports pedals and center stack. The new instrument dials with blue inserts and sports gearlever complete the look. -Continued

As for the chassis, it has been optimised with the help of features such as stiffer anti-roll bars and bushings, and a lower ground clearance (20mm at the front, 15mm at the rear) for more direct road contact to deliver more responsive and rewarding steering feedback.

The whole package - Volvo V70 R-DESIGN

• Grille in silk metal finish with R-Design emblem.
• Foglamp décor at the front in silk metal finish.
• Door-mirror housings in silk metal finish.
• Five-spoke 18-inch aluminium wheels - Cratus.
• Black anodised window mouldings made of aluminium.
• Tailgate spoiler in the same colour as the body.
• Chromed visible exhaust tailpipe, 90 mm diameter,
• Rear colour-matched spoiler with black insert.
• Sports chassis: lowered 20 mm front and 15 mm rear.
• 11 exterior colours to choose between.
• Sports seats reinforced with extra foam padding in the seat and backrest cushions for added stability and comfort.
• Combined instrument with blue dial faces unique to R-Design cars.
• Sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather and R-Design emblem.
• Sports pedals made of aluminium.
• Upholstery of smooth leather in Off-Black and Ceramic Light colour combination, embossed with the R-Design emblem in the backrest.
• Specially designed centre console and unique décor pattern.
• Gear selector trimmed in perforated leather.
• Off-Black sports mats.
• The car has no rails on the roof. These are however available as factory options for those buyers who wish to specify them.

2010 Ford Mustang Most Popular Coupes

The 2010 'Stang is at once the same and different. Like the 2005-09 model, it's immediately recognizable as Ford famous pony car. If anything, it looks even more like a late '60s Mustang thanks to some additional curvature in its lines, especially along the belt-line. At the same time, it also looks more contemporary. The designers have improved the aerodynamics and reworked many of the design details. What may be even more important for drivers of the Mustang is an all-new interior that finally dispenses with cheap, hard plastics and looks like it was designed in this century, but more on that in a bit.



Starting at the front, the basic theme of the current 'Stang is retained with the forward-canted grille and inset headlamps. The turn signals have been moved into the pocket with the headlamps, which themselves appear smaller than before. The whole hood has been re-contoured with a "power-dome" in the center, which should provide plenty of clearance for performance hardware when tuners and owners begin modding their cars. Out toward the edges, the fender and hood are slightly concave leaving a ridge that runs back to the A-pillar. The whole leading edge of the hood now curves down smoothly to ease the airflow around the nose and over the top of the car. The old school antenna mast has finally been banished from the front fender and the windshield washer nozzles now sit under the trailing edge of the hood instead of on top.



At the outer ends of the lower front fascia are black plastic air deflectors to further enhance the airflow, directing it around the sides instead of underneath the car. All of this contributes to drag reductions of seven percent on the V8-powered GT model and four percent on the base V6. Better management of the air-flow around the front of the car also reduces lift by 23 percent.

Around the sides, the transition from the fenders to the wheel arches has been smoothed out, which eliminates the crease on the current cars. The longitudinal crease that starts at the trailing edge of the front wheels has been sharpened and now has a slight under-cut that makes it more prominent, while the "hockey stick" side scoop contour has been subtly re-shaped. The lower edge of each side window has been moved down and now intersects with the newly curved contour of the rear fender at the trailing edge of the door.



Exterior designer George Saridakis describes the rear haunches and other changes as giving the Mustang a more voluptuous look. At the very back, the outer ends of the rear fascia are now angled forward, which helps to reduce the visual impression of the rear overhang. Also contributing to that revised impression is a rear bumper with a reduced offset.



Around the back of the car, Ford designers have taken advantage of the illusion that results from using contrasting colors. The lower part of the rear fascia is now a contrasting black with a molded-in diffuser. The darker color reduces the visual height of the rear deck. The tail-lamps, which still feature the traditional three bar look, have been re-shaped and now feature sequential turn signals. When the turn signals are on, the three lamps light in sequence from the innermost to the outer. The rear badge has also been reshaped and the keyhole has been removed as the Mustang finally gets an interior trunk release.



When the 2005 Mustang debuted, one of the biggest and most justified criticisms was its interior, specifically the cheap materials and hard plastics. Those criticisms are completely banished in the 2010 Mustang. All the plastic surfaces on the dash are now soft to the touch and pleasant to look at. Even the trim across the dashboard is aluminum rather than metallic-finished plastic. The same goes for the spokes on the steering wheel. The dual-brow look across the top of the dashboard that dates back to the early Mustangs is now also reflected across the lower edge.



The center console of the current model has elements at a variety of heights and many drivers complain about hitting their knees on the parking brake lever when bracing themselves during cornering. The brake lever on the '10 Mustang has been shortened and moved back, well clear of driver's right knees. The arm rest is now flush mounted and there is a retractable cover over the cup holders. The entire surface of the center stack and console now mirrors the arm-rests on the door panels with everything at the same height and matching contours.

The designers have also taken elements that previously stuck up above the dash surface like the A/C registers and gauges and made them flush or even set them below the surface. The sub-flush gauge mounting reduces the impression of looking down a tunnel at the instruments. The back-lit gauges also now have a translucent arc where the numbers are. The numbers normally appear in black against a white background unless you go for the MyColor option. In that case, the background will appear in whatever color the driver chooses. MyColor also brings a back-lit "Mustang" kick plate that is kind of gimmicky but looks cool when you open the door.



The designers have also added a couple of nice detail touches. The standard icon that normally appears on traction control disable switches has been reworked to look like a Mustang including the tri-bar taillights. The basic shape of the steering wheel is carried over but the spokes have been chamfered allowing for a more comfortable grip. The overall impression of the Mustang's new interior is that Ford has improved its execution in making the cockpit both look more appealing and feel better to the touch.

When Ford redesigned the Escape CUV for 2008, the body and interior were also completely redone but the mechanical components were largely carried over. Similarly, the drivetrains and suspension components of the 2010 Mustang are mostly carried over, although some improvements have been made on the V8 GT model. According to chief engineer Paul Randle, the current Bullitt has been considered the best Mustang ever in many respects thanks to its wonderful balance of handling and power, so it was chosen as the baseline for the new GT.



The 2010 GT retains its 4.6L three-valve V8, which has now been bumped up to 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The air intake has been reworked so that fresh air is drawn from behind the grille rather than from the wheel well. The duct from the air filter box to the throttle body has been straightened and smoothed out to reduce flow restriction. The whole car has also been stiffened and new sound insulation has been added for a quieter driving experience.

Since Mustang drivers still like to hear the roar of a big V8, the engineers have compensated. A small tube coming off the side of the duct runs to the passenger compartment giving occupants some of that V8 induction sound directly. GT models with the new 19-inch wheel-and-tire package also get an aluminum strut tower brace to stiffen the car's structure further. The base 4.0L V6 remains unchanged for 2010, although 2011 or soon after will probably see the Mustang follow the Escape's path with more significant powertrain upgrades. That's when we're likely to see Ford's smaller displacement, turbocharged, direct-inject EcoBoost engines added to the pony.



The Mustang's suspension architecture has also been carried over from the S197, meaning struts with lower control arms up front and a live axle trailing links and a panhard rod out back. The engineers have re-tuned the springs and added new dampers that should improve wheel control and ride. New wheel-and-tire packages are now available across the board with a one-inch increase in diameter. The V6 Mustangs now have 17-inch wheels standard with optional 18-inchers, while the GT has 18-inch or 19-inch packages.



One feature that is new to the 2010 Mustangs is electronic stability control which will be standard on all models. The ESC always defaults to on when you start the car. On the V6 Mustangs the driver will have the option to turn the system off. On the GT, the system can be turned off, or switched to a performance mode that allows more slip before intervening to limit the fun.

One important thing that hasn't changed much is weight. The 2010 V6 Mustang only picks up 15 lbs compared to the 2009 model, while the GT climbs just 35 lbs. That means Mustangs still have an advantage of about 400-500 lbs over the new Camaro and even more compared to the larger Challenger.



We'll be allowed behind the wheel of the new 2010 Ford Mustang in mid-December, at which time we'll let you know how it behaves compared to its predecessor. From what we've seen already, the new interior is far beyond both its new competitors and its predecessor in the areas of design, ergonomics and materials. Assuming Ford doesn't significantly increase the price, the Mustang should continue to offer the affordable performance it always has with a new measure of refinement.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor sees no major changes following its hiatus for the 2009 model year. Endeavor is a midsize crossover SUV that seats five. The 2010 version reprises LS and SE trims.

2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor

Both are available with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered on the SE. The sole powertrain teams a 225-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard on the SE. The AWD SE is available with a navigation system and rearview camera.