New 2010 Nissan Sentra Image

New 2010 Nissan Sentra Image

2010 Nissan Sentra gets slightly freshened styling and new option packages. This compact car offers six models. On all models except the SE-R and SE-R Spec V, the rear seat cushion can be flipped forward, allowing the split rear seat back to fold flat with the trunk floor.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer. Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, and Volkswagen Jetta. Our Recommended pick is the Scion xB.

Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept

Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept 2007

The 308 RC Z concept car is a new Peugeot interpretation of driving pleasure. The car is a 2+2 coupé, with true versatility and at the same time a style that is modern, original and well-balanced.

Using the 308 as a blueprint.
* to adopt a particularly stylish front design;
* to share a large number of components already developed for the hatchback, therefore simplifying the production of this coupé;
* to capitalise on the hatchback's strong points, which become even more effective in the 308 RC Z concept car (for example, suspension components, wheels, certain equipment items and the fl owing design of the fascia panel).

Its taut lines and streamlined design ensure an efficient aerodynamic specification (a SCx of just 0.65), improving performance, fuel consumption and therefore helping to protect the environment due to the reduced CO2 emissions.
With a length of 4.276 (same as the hatchback), a width of 1.840 (25 mm more than the hatchback) and a height of only 1.320 m, the proportions of the 308 RC Z concept car combines a very dynamic design with a high level of road holding.

Exterior styling
The particularly stylish design of the front of the 308 blends brilliantly with the proportions of this concept car.

From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profile with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings. The doors raise the visual profile, creating a link between the sloping front design and the curvaceous rear design.
The end result, firmly sitting on 19 inch wheels, suggests power, strength and dynamism, like an animal ready to pounce.

The specific shape of the rear window required the use of polycarbonate instead of glass. The two curved sections emerging from the roof give the vehicle an original appearance and contribute greatly to its aerodynamic efficiency. The design of the tailgate assists the airfl ow over the rear of the vehicle, while the shape of the rear of the vehicle provides sufficient down force onto the rear suspension to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler, thereby preserving the purity of the vehicle's lines.
The Peugeot Lion badge is displayed in a U shaped panel in the centre of the tailgate, and is backlit at night. In addition, simply by pressing the lion badge, opens the tailgate.

The rear lights are mounted fl ush with the car's wide rear wings. Fitted with light emitting diodes (LEDs), they have a ruby red finish combined with a stylised translucent section which contains the direction indicator.
Two centrally mounted exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound lower rear panel. To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser, but still allows sufficient space for the storage of a spare wheel.
The rich metallic grey exterior body colour is created by a special process using finely milled metallic particles. This gives the impression that the vehicle has been formed from a single block of metal, enhancing the purity of the car's lines and the styling of the bodywork to remarkable effect.
The interior
The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback. A pure, elegant and fl uid design, it allows a particularly clear view of the outside thanks to its sloping design which complements the vehicle's large front windscreen. It offers a high level of interior brightness, improved visibility and an overwhelming feeling of space.

The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquered fittings creates a sporty, upmarket impression.

Another sign of the vehicle's exclusive nature are the bucket type front seats with polished aluminium eyelets, the style of which is also refl ected in the design of the inner door panels. The ergonomically designed driver's seat ensures the driver is firmly in control of the vehicle.
At the rear there are two occasional seats trimmed in leather, both of which can be folded. The vehicle therefore offers real modularity and great versatility.

The engine
The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre THP engine developed from the EP6DTS engine designed and developed via the collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group, where it is fitted to the 207 RC, with a power output of 128 kW (˜175 bhp).
However, the 1.6 litre THP engine, as a result of new engine management software specially developed for the concept car, now produces a maximum power of 160 kW (˜218 bhp).
It is characterised by incredible fl exibility, thanks to its maximum torque of 280 Nm produced at a low engine speed (300 Nm in overboost). These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.

Its innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger optimally pairs the exhaust gases fl owing from two cylinders to ensure maximum fl ow onto the turbine, while its high-pressure direct petrol injection system improves combustion and overall engine efficiency.

The engine is coupled with an entirely new 6 speed manual gearbox.
This unit helps to give the 308 RC Z a particularly efficient compromise between performance and fuel consumption. For example, its maximum speed of 235 km/h is attained in sixth gear and it takes only 7.0 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h. In gear acceleration is impressive: only 7.5 seconds in 5th gear from 80 to 120 km/h. At the same time, fuel consumption is very reasonable with 6.7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, or just 160 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Wheels and suspension
In the tradition of Peugeot concept cars there is a linked front suspension employing the widespread use of aluminium to reduce the vehicle's overall weight.
This set up ensures exceptional road holding, excellent steering accuracy and great feedback intensifying the overall driving sensation.
The rear suspension, derived from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. It has been specially modified to take account of the wider vehicle tracks. Indeed the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback, and also the fitment of wider tyres, ensures maximum body rigidity, precision and vehicle stability.
Braking relies on large (360 mm) diameter ventilated discs at the front with four piston calipers.
Polished split rim 19'' alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.

Safety
Even for a unique model, Peugeot's designers do everything they can to make their dreams become a reality and leave nothing to chance. Safety is also made a top priority.
While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z concept car forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and the directional bi-Xenon headlamps.

Peugeot 908 V12 HDi DPFS

Peugeot 908 V12 HDi DPFS 2007

The Peugeot 908 V12 HDi DPFS

Peugeot announced its decision to accept a new technological challenge: to win one of the world's most prestigious and demanding motor races, the Le Mans 24 Hours, with a car powered by an HDi diesel engine equipped with a diesel particulate filter system (DPFS).

The monocoque body
The monocoque body is made of carbon and presents a truly closed structure, contrary to the 905, which was a "racing car" with a detachable tubular rollover bar. This type of structure offers strong natural rigidity (the "eggshell" effect) and allows the weight of the monocoque body to be optimised.

Body and aerodynamics
Created from scratch at the beginning of 2006, Peugeot Sport's aerodynamics department had the difficult task of designing in just a few weeks an exterior body that was both original and aerodynamically efficient.

Suspension, steering, brakes
Given the challenge of designing a complete car in record time and the particular constraints of the HDi DPFS engine, the Peugeot Sport team relied on proven solutions for the front and rear suspension design, the electric power steering and the brakes.

The gearbox
This is positioned longitudinally and will allow the fitment of up to 6 gear ratios, the limit laid down by the regulations.

The engine
The chosen engine architecture is a 100° V12 with a capacity of 5.5 litres. This is the maximum capacity permitted by the regulations and was chosen due to its greater internal airflow at low engine speeds. It also gives potential future development opportunities to use different grade fuels.
The choice of a twelve cylinder engine helps keep the cylinder bore diameter very close to that of a production series engine. In doing so, Peugeot can call on its extensive knowledge of diesel combustion and also ensure the engine has a reasonable piston stroke. The V12 architecture, well known for its good balance, also reduces vibrations to a minimum.
The 100° V angle, like the V12 architecture, makes it possible to lower the height of the centre of gravity without affecting the engine's torsional rigidity.
Two diesel particulate filters are located at the end of each exhaust system and guarantee "smoke-free" operation of the engine under all conditions.

The two exhaust systems are as short as possible. On each side a 6 into 1 exhaust manifold is connected to a Garrett turbocharger, then to a very compact diesel particulate filter before ending in a side exhaust pipe, located in front of the rear wheel.

Electronics
The 908 will benefit fully from Peugeot Sport's considerable expertise and knowledge in electronics, acquired as a result of its extensive experience with WRC cars - which are generously equipped with electronic systems - and in particular with respect to their experience of electronically controlled differentials.
Peugeot Sport will also benefit from the experience of the main supplier Bosch, who will be supplying and developing the "car system" on the basis of specifications provided by Peugeot Sport.
A high level of performance is therefore expected in terms of "traction control", a key function for controlling engine torque in a race track environment, whilst also ensuring optimum performance of the Michelin tyres.

Engine
* Rear central longitudinal position
* All-aluminium with one-piece aluminium cylinder block
* 12 cylinders, V angle 100°
* Capacity: 5.5 litre
* Common rail direct injection
* Engine management: Bosch MS17
* Power: 700 bhp
* Torque: 1200 Nm

Transmission
* Gearbox: longitudinal with a maximum of 6 gear ratios. Electro-pneumatic gearbox control
* Differential: self-locking

Suspension, steering, brakes
* Linked front and rear suspension
* Electric power steering
* Michelin tyres
* Wheels: BBS, magnesium
* Length: 4,650 mm
* Width: 2,000 mm
* Minimum weight: 925 kg

Peugeot Hoggar Concept

Peugeot Hoggar Concept 2003

Peugeot Hoggar Concept 2003

Peugeot 4002 Concept

Peugeot 4002 Concept 2003

Peugeot 4002 Concept 2003

Dacia Logan

Dacia Logan 2009

4 years after the release of the first Logan, Dacia introduces 'New Logan'. The latest version of this celebrated three-volume saloon builds on the same strengths that forged the success of its predecessor, including unbeatable value for money in terms of performance and equipment, plus outstanding cabin space and exceptional reliability.

More contemporary looks
New Dacia Logan stands out as a modern saloon with more contemporary exterior lines which reflect its robust, quality build. The grille, which first appeared on Dacia Sandero, is bigger and features the brand's new logo, plus a chrome upper trim as standard (except entry level version). The new front bumper is flush with the bodywork for a more integrated, harmonious feel, while the headlights are bigger and the fog lamps come with elegant carbon colour surrounds (depending on version).

The rear design of New Dacia Logan has been updated, too. The design of the new boot lid, which can be trimmed with a lower chrome strip, is more streamlined and its lines have been carried over to the revised rear lights. The rear bumper, too, is now flush with the bodywork and incorporates reflectors and a towing hook complete with concealing cap.

Dacia Logan
Other revisions include a new range of wheeltrims and alloy wheels (optional), while the list of available body colours has been extended with the addition of Basalt Grey, Electric Blue and Extreme Blue.

An even more pleasing interior
New Dacia Logan sets out to be even more appealing than ever. The new dashboard, which first appeared on Dacia Sandero, is modern and functional, while the design of the door panels also contributes to the cabin's modern feel thanks to their more practical pull handles and elegant trimming (depending on version). The upgrade in range has seen the introduction of two finishes for New Dacia Logan's dashboard, plus a choice of four upholsteries (depending on countries).

Drivers will appreciate the practical controls, and special care has gone into ensuring that all dashboard information is easy to read. The driving environment itself has been made even more comfortable and driverfriendly thanks to a new driver's seat adjustment control (depending on version) and a height-adjustable steering column (depending on version). Rear visibility has been improved through the fitment of a comma-type central rear headrest and large format door mirrors. These have been carried over from Dacia Logan MCV and are standard equipment on New Dacia Logan.

An exceptionally roomy interior
The size is more akin to C-segment norms, since the newcomer's overall length has been increased to 4,290mm (up 40mm compared with the previous version Logan), while its width is 1,740mm. Cabin space is one of New Dacia Logan's most salient features and three tall passengers (more than 1.90m in height) can be accommodated comfortably in the rear thanks to rear headroom of 873mm. Rear shoulder room is a remarkable 1,428mm too, a figure more readily associated with larger saloons.

The accent on safety
New Dacia Logan features the same safety features and equipment that enabled the model to achieve a threestar Euro NCAP crash test rating.

New Dacia Logan can be equipped with the latest generation Bosch 8.1 ABS complete with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), a new feature which debuted on Dacia Sandero.
Front and rear tracks of New Dacia Logan have been widened 7mm either side, which reinforces the roadholding capabilities of the vehicle.

All New Dacia Logan's seats are equipped with three-point seatbelts and headrests, while the new car is delivered as standard with two controlled-deflation airbags (depending on countries), driver and front passenger, the pressure of which diminishes following deployment in order to limit the load applied to occupants.

A comprehensive range of proven powerplants
New Dacia Logan comes with the same proven petrol engines and diesel engine that have contributed to the Dacia range's success.

The 1.4 MPI 75hp, 1.6 MPI 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp all comply with the criteria of cost, robustness and ease of maintenance that are a feature of the Dacia brand. They combine generous torque from low revs with thrifty fuel consumption: 7.0, 7.2 and 7.1 litres/100km respectively.
The 1.5 dCi stands out as a benchmark in the diesel engine field thanks to the use of such advanced technologies as second-generation common-rail direct injection which delivers both high performance and extremely low fuel consumption. The 1.5 dCi is available in 70hp form and a punchier 85hp version, while CO2 emissions of 120g/km point to the 1.5 dCi 70hp and 1.5 dCi 85hp engines' ecological credentials.

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S 2008

The new Quattroporte Sport GT S will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow for its worldwide preview (the Maserati press conference will take place at 11.30 on stand A06, in Hall 6.0). The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s saloon sportiness.

Exclusively for those looking for an even stronger sporting edge in a luxury saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.

This result was obtained with the introduction of new suspension layout, featuring single rate dampers and a “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.

Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). The increased size of the rear tyres allows optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, whilst the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a more aggressive look. Along with the black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic element of sporty Maseratis, the side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes are also in black, whilst door handles are in the same colour as the body of the car.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with eye-catching dark-chrome 20", seven spoke alloy wheels.

The choice of material for the interior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car's sporty character. Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with Alcantara, which covers the central zone of the seats, the interior door panels and the steering wheel. Maserati has previously used Alcantara for the interior of the Trofeo cars and the MC12.

The dashboard is finished in new carbon fibre with aluminium treads, whilst front seats are characterised by a new, more cosseting sporty shape.

FM Auto Antas V8 GT

FM Auto Antas V8 GT 2006

The F&M Auto Antas V8 GT is the first "Berlinetta" (touring car) created in the F&M workshop. It is completely inspired by the philosophy and material used in the "special series" of the past: the body, for example, is made of aluminium and completely built by hand. The car was featured the 2008 movie Speed Racer.

The F&M Auto Antas V8 GT is driven by a powerful V8 Maserati engine fed by carburettors and endowed with a pleasing elasticity of power, which gives the driver the sensation of "true" steering typical of the great touring cars of the past. Because of this, when the time came to name this "jewel", a word was chosen that comes from the ancient Tuscan language of the Etruscans: Antas, which means Eagle, the noblest and most audacious dominator of open spaces.

The F&M Auto Antas V8 GT comes equipped with a case covered in blue velvet bearing the silver plate with the identification numbers.

Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet 16v

Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet 16v, 2008

Designed by the Fiat Style Centre, the Fiat Bravo has a sleek, aggressive line, yet is elegant and compact at the same time. It is 434 cm long, 179 wide and 149 high, with a wheelbase of 260 cm and a load capacity of 400 l, among the best in its class. An embodiment of the great Italian car making tradition, the vehicle's interior is extremely comfortable, the available space has been used to best effect, and the materials and colour schemes exude quality. All in all, the Fiat Bravo is a beautiful Italian car, both inside and out. It will surprise even the most discerning European customer, and has all the substance of a car that offers outstanding safety, reliability and driving pleasure.

An example? The award of the 5 star Euro NCAP rating, the top score in the passive and active safety tests - thanks to the ultra-resistant body shell, 7 airbags, 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and front head rests with anti-whiplash function. Not forgetting that the new model uses the most sophisticated electronic control systems such as ABS with EBD, advanced ESP with hill holder, and an anti-slip ASR system.

Not only safe and fun to drive, the Fiat Bravo carries the latest technology to ensure onboard comfort and wellbeing. For example, the new-generation "Blue&Me" system - "Blue&Me Nav", the dual-zone automatic climate control system, two car radios with specific hi-fi systems, well-sized panoramic sunroof, cruise control, rain sensor, parking aid with front and rear sensors, and fog-lights with self-adapting cornering function.

The Fiat Bravo range is extensive and varied, with the 12 elegant liveries and 4 trim levels (Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Sport). Various solutions are available for different markets, all of them offering great value and designed to reflect the many ways of interpreting and using a car.

Compared to the well-known 1.9 Multijet 120 bhp, the 1.6 Multijet series represents an important step forward, with considerable advantages:

* torque improved by almost 25% (300 Nm at 1500 rpm) and consumption reduced by 8% measured on the NEDC cycle);
* acceleration from 0-100 kph in just 10.5 seconds, while pick-up from 80-120 km/h in 5th gear is almost 4 seconds lower;
* enhanced acoustic comfort with noise values improved by 5%.

The remarkable records in its category:
* it is the first Euro5-compliant car, well ahead of the legal deadline, and has the lowest HCNOx emissions in its category.
* it is one of the few cars in this power segment with a 6-speed manual gearbox (in both the 105 and 120 bhp versions);
* it has the highest specific torque (i.e. in relation to the displacement), in the power categories up to 200 bhp;
* maximum torque is delivered at lowest revs: just 1500 rpm for an availability of 290 Nm and 300 Nm generated respectively by the 105 bhp and 120 bhp versions;
* this is borne out by the acceleration values, the best among all engines up to 120 bhp;
* it is the only car with 35,000 km service intervals, reducing ordinary maintenance costs by 25% (calculated on distances travelled of 90,000 or 100,000 km, the most frequently used distances in long-term leasing agreements).

Fiat 500

Fiat 500, 2008

Ehe manifesto of the 'new Fiat' 500, a model that represents to all intents and purposes the materialisation of a new approach, of new brand strategies, and a different approach to the car. Exactly 50 years after the launch of the first edition of the model, which was to become an icon of Italian motoring and of an entire period of history, Fiat is accelerating into the future.

This is a story that has taken place twice. The first is the story of a very large number of owners, fans and enthusiasts who promoted the car's image as a good, reliable and economical vehicle, which became an expression of a part of their lives, the best part, evoking a carefree spirit and a lack of worries. The Fiat 500 is linked to these memories, to strong friendships and first loves, it evokes images of a positive past which many would like to revive.

Dante Giacosa's Fiat 500 was launched on July 4, 1957, as a cycle of rebirth was closing after the devastation of war, and a period of radical renewal of the company's product range was also coming to an end, opening the way for a cycle of successes in the coming decade, a period that we can consider one of the brightest in the brand's one hundred year history. T
The new Fiat 500 opens the way for an innovative process in a number of environments that are very significant for today's customers, clearly outlining where its ambitions lie in relation to the future positioning of the Fiat brand. The Fiat 500 respects the original concept in its shape and function, as you expect in these cases, so that it can evoke all the emotions and memories that make all 'icons' eternal, raising them beyond the limiting dimension of their category.

It is the first time that a car has been launched with the full range of engines (69 bhp 1.2. 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet with DPF and 100 bhp 1.4 16v) ready to meet the emissions limits set by Euro 5 standards, more than two years before the legislative deadline, a tangible sign of Fiat's determination to reaffirm its leadership where the environment is concerned.

It is the first time that a compact car (3.55 metres) has been built to achieve a 5-star rating in the EuroNCAP impact tests, and it is ready for the 6-star test if and when the new rating is introduced.

Safety at all costs, with no impact on prices, a bold decision, which confirms Fiat's intention of extending its strategy of leadership to vehicle protection, totally consistent with decisions taken in recent years as regards the Panda and the Croma, right through to the Grande Punto and the Bravo.

It is a safe product, not only for its structural sturdiness, but also because of the choices made in the construction of the range of outfits and services: 7 airbags as standard equipment (it is the only compact to offer a kneebag), and an advanced ESP available with all engines (standard on the 100 bhp 1.4 16v), are absolute novelties in this segment.

It is the first 'small' car to offer so much in the way of content: 4 specification levels, 3 engines at the launch, 12 colours, including 6 vintage colours that will bring the 1950s and 1960s to mind, plus tri-coat white produced by a process that is usually only adopted on luxury cars, 15 types of upholstery including luxurious Cordura and Frau Leather, 9 types of wheel rims, and 19 types of stickers, making a total of more than 500,000 variants (549,936 to be precise); the most interesting include the electric fragrance diffuser, with a choice of 3 different fragrances, and coloured key cases, an approach similar to that in the mobile phone market that lets you match the colour of the key to that of the bodywork, or to select another pattern of your own choosing. There has never been such a lavish array of accessories on such an accessible car.

The birth of the Fiat 500 represents the start of a new chapter, a declaration of the role that Fiat aims to interpret in the future on the market and in society. The stimulus to a new model of conscious consumption. A model for the exploitation of experience in the automotive field that focuses on quality and emotions, on uniqueness rather than on mass-production, where simplification does not mean doing without. The Fiat 500 is the tangible synthesis of these aspirations.