2011-Volvo S60

Here are the first official pictures of the all-new Volvo S60 – sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo model.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

The Volvo S60 can be equipped with Pedestrian Detection – a groundbreaking safety feature that can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver does not react in time.

The all-new Volvo S60 is being unveiled to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March next year. Production of the sporty sedan model will start in early summer 2010 at the Volvo Cars plant in Ghent, Belgium.

“Customers in this segment want emotional appeal, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. The Volvo S60 has it all. We are convinced that it will be one of the strongest contenders around,” says Stephen Odell.

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid (2010)

BMW announced the production version of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid makes its world premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) and will reach US BMW Centers in fourth-quarter 2009. ActiveHybrid technology provides a glimpse into the future, achieving outstanding driving dynamics with equally impressive efficiency. It melds both of these qualities to offer a truly unique driving experience. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupe with full hybrid drive capitalizes on the options offered by combining the combustion engine with electric motors to create a powertrain with new levels dynamic performance and efficiency.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure combined with enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management providing the kind of progress to make the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid a genuine BMW in the hybrid market.

The overall drive system featured in the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid consists of a 400 hp twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft.

Precisely controlled interaction of the three power units optimizes the overall efficiency of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid at all speeds, with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is limited electronically to 130 mph, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20%, and a CO2 emission rating of 231 grams per kilometer. EPA ratings will be available closer to the market introduction.

BMW’s first full hybrid model is able to run exclusively on electric power – and that is entirely free of CO2 – up to a speed of 37 mph (60 km/h), with the combustion engine being activated automatically whenever required.

These performance figures are made possible by utilizing a two-mode active transmission. The ideal combination of the two power modes can be controlled for enhanced efficiency and dynamic performance in any driving condition. With the two electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four multi-plate clutches, drive power is transmitted through a 7-speed automatic transmission. As would be expected in a BMW, the driver can operate the transmission manually. BMW’s lauded xDrive all-wheel-drive system distributes the power between the front and rear axles.

The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH high-performance battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle’s on-board network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same as on the original BMW X6. On brake application and/or on deceleration, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the battery pack. To provide this function either one or both of the electric motors act as a generator, feeding electric power generated back into the high-voltage battery.

Porsche Boxster Spyder (2010)

With the all-new Porsche Boxster Spyder, Porsche is introducing a new, lightweight version of the mid-engined Porsche Boxster roadster at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December, the distinctive styling and technical specification of which represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car - light, powerful, open-roofed, and very efficient.

This is precisely the formula already applied in creating the most successful road-going sports and racing cars throughout the history of Porsche, ranging from the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder of the 1950s to the RS Spyder Le Mans Prototype race car so successful in motorsport today.

Weighing 1,275kg, the Porsche Boxster Spyder is the lightest model in the Porsche line-up, and continues this clear-cut philosophy in a package offering full homologation for the road, reflecting a common wish expressed by Porsche customers.

The new model becomes the third version in the Boxster range, joining the Boxster and Boxster S, yet stands out clearly at first sight from the other versions of the mid-engined roadster, quite simply because the Spyder has been developed first and foremost for driving in the open air. The low-slung, lightweight soft top extends far to the rear and serves to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and rain. When closed, the soft top, together with the bespoke extra-low side windows and the two unique, striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, boasts a stretched and sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Porsche Carrera GT.

Significantly, the new model weighs 80kg less than the Porsche Boxster S which, combined with a lower centre of gravity and revised suspension, gives the Porsche Boxster Spyder the calibre of driving dynamics that clearly reflect the unique look of the car.

The Porsche Boxster Spyder features a tuned version of the proven 3.4-litre flat six ‘boxer’ engine with Direct Fuel Injection, which is located ahead of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 bhp, 10 bhp more than in the Boxster S.

Equipped with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) twin-clutch transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the Porsche Boxster Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 62mph in 4.8 seconds. Again with optional PDK, fuel consumption is a mere 30.4mpg (9.3 litres/100km) in the NEDC New European Driving Cycle and top speed, in turn, is 166 mph (267 km/h) – with the roof removed.

In terms of its fundamental concept, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder built back in 1953, both models sharing the same mid-engined roadster concept offering low weight and supreme agility combined with equally outstanding driving pleasure – in essence, an authentic roadster experience.

The 550 Spyder was the first Porsche sports car from Stuttgart developed specifically for racing but also homologated for the road. Weighing only 550kg, this unique Spyder scored numerous victories in the years following its production on the race circuits and in road races popular at the time. The 550 Spyder was followed by other extremely successful Porsche Spyders, such as the 718 RS 60 in 1960.

In 2004 and 2008 Porsche dedicated a limited edition of special Boxsters bearing the additional name Spyder, inspired by these legendary racing cars. By contrast, the new Porsche Boxster Spyder is a regular, specially developed and upgraded production model with far-reaching modifications versus the Boxster and Boxster S.

Market introduction of the new Porsche Boxster Spyder will start worldwide in February 2010, and will be priced from £44,643 in the UK. Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their Porsche Boxster Spyder, and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

BMW M3 GTS (2011)

With the BMW M3 GTS, BMW M GmbH now offers a truly outstanding performer based on the BMW M3 Coupé also ideal for Clubsport events – exactly the right car for the truly discerning customer demanding the very utmost in terms of power and performance. The BMW M3 GTS is largely hand-built by the most skilled craftsmen at BMW M GmbH as a perfectly harmonised package of outstanding modifications, with production exclusively to the customer’s personal order. Focused on motorsport, the modifications comprise both the drivetrain, the suspension and the body of the car, as well as its interior.

BMW M3 GTS will be in spring 2010.

Offering this truly exclusive model for the genuine motorsport enthusiast, BMW M GmbH is continuing a great tradition introduced on former generations of the BMW M3. Once again, the outstanding sports potential of the BMW M3 is being consistently enhanced and upgraded to an even higher level, the customer benefiting from the Company’s wide range of know-how in the development and production of racing cars. Through its race-oriented modifications enhancing both performance and safety, the BMW M3 GTS is ready to go in Clubsport events on the track and comes with the option for homologation on the road. So that the driver is able to make his way to the race track in the very same car he will use for racing.

Consistent lightweight construction, adjustable aerodynamic units, an increase in engine size and output on the V8 high-speed power unit and suspension technology meeting all the requirements of motorsport – all this gives the BMW M3 GTS a top position among high-performance cars built for Clubsport racing. Unladen weight according to the DIN standard is less than 1,500 kg (3,300 lb), the lightweight body comes with special mounts for six-point seat belts and a rollcage fitted behind the B-pillar.

Through its design and construction, the materials used and its special equipment, the BMW M3 GTS is a lightweight performer all the way, offering a genuine motorsport driving experience in every respect. In addition to the carbon fibre roof already featured as standard on the BMW M3, weight is consistently optimised by features such as silencers made of titanium, the extra-light centre console and door linings, the omission of rear seats, automatic air conditioning and an audio system, as well as sound insulation tailored specifically to this very special model.

V8 high-speed power unit: derived from motorsport, optimised for motorsport:

The eight-cylinder power unit of the BMW M3 GTS enlarged in size to 4.4 litres and boosted in output to some 450 hp boasts construction principles and technical details carried over directly from motorsport. A supreme surge of ongoing power throughout a wide range of engine speed characterises the outstanding performance of the V8 with its high-speed concept. The features typical of a motorsport engine include the crankcase made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy and constructed in bedplate design, individual throttle butterflies, anti-knock sensors with ion flow technology, and, wet sump oil supply optimised for supreme driving dynamics.

Seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic with race-bred gearshift:

Power is transmitted in the BMW M3 GTS by the M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic also available as an option on the regular production model. This seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox follows a principle also developed for motorsport, shifting gears without the slightest interruption of engine power. The transmission was developed specifically for a particularly powerful high-speed engine and offers ideal qualities for truly dynamic acceleration at all times. The gearshift characteristics on the seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic have been tailored specifically to the modified power unit of the BMW M3 GTS and the driver is able to shift gears both through the selector lever on the centre console and through special M shift paddles on the steering wheel.

High-performance suspension with purpose-built brakes:

To convey the supreme power of the engine to the road in equally supreme style even under the most extreme conditions, the BMW M3 GTS comes with suspension technology likewise derived from the highest realms of motorsport. While the suspension is based on the front and rear axle of the BMW M3 Coupé, the rear axle subframe is bolted firmly in position and the suspension features adjustment threads on the dampers for individual variation of the inbound and rebound strokes.

The high-performance brake system of the BMW M3 GTS features fixed callipers with six pistons up front and four pistons on the rear wheels. The race-oriented set-up of DSC Dynamic Stability Control naturally considers the supreme dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Different-sized tyres front and rear running on 19-inch M light-alloy Competition rims in double-spoke design ensure optimum transmission of acceleration and brake forces to the road.

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet (2010)

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.

The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don’t have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.

Much like Ford Racing’s previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.

Nissan announces ambitious world car V, from Tata’s Nano

Nissan announced it will launch a new small car in Thailand, India and China in March 2010, in an effort to overthrow the Tata Nano as the developing world’s car of choice.

The first new car launched by Nissan particularly aimed at these emerging markets will be called the V — for versatility — and Nissan expects a staggering one million sales by 2013.

The first details of the motivated little auto reveal a game plan lifted from the Tata Nano: fewer and cheaper auto parts. The V will feature 20 percent fewer parts than the average Nissan and they will be almost totally locally made in their intended markets.

The V will feature a 3-cylinder diesel or gasoline engine, just an 11-gallon (41-liter) fuel tank and highly-engineered plastic in place of less cost- and fuel-efficient steel and aluminum.

The hatchback model will be released in 2010, with a sedan and CUV model in 2011. The car will be sold in Europe and the US in 2011, eventually reaching nearly 150 countries.

Prices were not announced, but the car will probably compete not just with the super-budget-friendly Nano but also with the upcoming Ford Fiesta world car, which is expected to be unveiled with similarly ambitious designs at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

Last month the auto publication Edmunds Inside Line reported that the car made for the Thai market will yield 47 miles per gallon (20 kilometers per liter) and feature carbon dioxide emissions that are 40 percent lower than the average passenger car.

Nissan is the eigth best-selling auto maker in the world this year and works in partnership with France’s Renault, the 10th bestseller, which would make them the fourth-largest automaker globally when combined.

Skoda Superb Combi (2010)

Following the successful launch of the five-door Skoda Superb sedan, Skoda premieres the long-awaited Skoda Superb Combi at the 2009 IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt. The Czech carmaker is keen for this medium-class car, delivering exceptional space and comfort, to re-define benchmarks in the segment. The unique design with the typical Skoda “face”, the expressive rear section and the dynamic silhouette help the new Skoda Superb Combi stand out clearly from market competitors. The car commands respect not just because of its practical qualities, but also on account of its style and elegance. The generous wheelbase and the roofline forming a gentle arc ensure that the car has well-balanced proportions which provide the perfect space for passengers and luggage alike.

In a history of automobile production stretching back over more than a hundred years, Skoda Auto has manufactured numerous “combined cars” (hence the name “Combi”) in its hometown of Mladá Boleslav. As early as the mid-1920s, when the company was still producing under the name of its founders, Laurin and Klement, it came up with estate bodies for the L&K 100 and 110 models. These “swap bodies” transformed sedans into commercial vehicles with a loading area, and at the time were regarded as the preserve of traders. The original version of the Skoda Superb back in the 1930s was also available not only as a luxury sedan, but also as a light commercial vehicle. After the Second World War, the Skoda portfolio included estate cars as we know them today. Perhaps the best known examples of these cars, boasting the comfort of a sedan and the loading capacity of a commercial vehicle, were the Skoda Octavia Combi (produced from 1961 to 1971), and the 1202 STW (manufactured until 1973).

The new Skoda Superb Combi is 4,838 mm long, 1,817 mm wide, and 1,481 mm high. Including the roof rails, delivered as standard and available either anodized or black, the car’s height rises to 1,510 mm. The outstanding loading capacity is bigger than anything seen yet in the segment: the luggage compartment holds 633 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1,865 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The width of the tailgate is large enough to accommodate bulky items. The low loading sill, a mere 600 mm above the ground, makes handling baggage easy.

The wealth of interior equipment and fittings in the five-door estate matches that in the car’s predecessor. And numerous smart details have been added:

This is the first time it has been possible to equip a Skoda vehicle with the KESSY keyless locking and ignition system. A transmitter in the body of the key communicates with the control unit in the car and unlocks the doors when the handles are touched. The car can also be locked without using a key or remote control central locking by pressing a button on the external handle. The engine can be started and turned off with a button located on the right-hand side of the steering wheel column. To start the engine, the driver first has to press the clutch pedal (in cars with manual transmission) or the brake pedal (if the transmission is automatic).

Few safety Tips to be given by Parents to their Teens!

Teens of this generation are pretty fast in all fields and when it comes to

Few safety Tips to be given by Parents to their Teens

driving they are faster and its parent’s responsibility in explaining all safety tips while driving. And you also got to ensure that your teen is keeping in mind and following those safety tips.

First and foremost tip is not to allow their teens to drive unless and until they are eligible to drive and you shouldn’t give license to them unless you feel that your teen is enough matured to drive on roads. Parents shouldn’t think of the illegal demand that may cost to life but they should bear in mind about the safety of their teen.
When your teen gets license it doesn’t mean that your teen has become an expert in handling safe driving. Its can be just the learning stage so it’s better that you don’t leave them all alone on roads for drive. Give them good knowledge and habits for driving and make sure that they follow the traffic norms and regulations. Make sure that they follow all traffic norms.

Cell phones are the biggest distraction to your teens while they are on drive! Hence at the time of driving prohibit the usage of mobile phones by your teen as teen driving should never be clubbed with cell phones. This is just as risky/dangerous as drunk driving. Also guide your teen not to use any other thing which distracts their drive like iPods, eatables and putting makeup. And most vital is parents are not suppose to/try in interacting with their teens while they are on drive as its also a part of distraction.

Night driving to be prohibited by teens. Its just because most of the accidents are happening during night time and therefore its better to shun nighttime driving particularly when they are at learning stage.

Normally parents become role model for their children. They see their parents driving and slowly they are likely to imbibe the same habits and style of driving when they commence to drive on roads. When parents are clam and patience and follow all traffic norms while driving then they are guiding their children to a safe drive and hence it’s the duty of each and every parent to follow safe driving tips and habits.

Another most important point to be noted by parents is they are not supposed to give their teens a big SUV as they are just in the learning stage. Its always better to give them a small/medium size sedan which is fully loaded with plenty of safety aspects like anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability control, cruise control and automatic seat belt tensioner. In case of any emergencies all the safety aspects stated above play a major role. At times when teens are in apposition of not controlling the steering wheel, anti lock brakes and other related safety aspects will be of great help to shun car collision and make sure that they wear seat belt every time when they are on drive!

Another vital point is to educate your teen in maintenance of car. Tell them to check the tyre pressure, fluid level, battery charge, and performance of engine. This makes your teen to be pretty cautious and alert in case of any fault. And this in turn avoids accident even if there is any severe fault as they’ll be alert! Also educate them to respond to unexpected situations like lost key, stolen car or any abrupt breakdown of car and make sure there is an emergency kit in the car dash and all this consequently improves the safety standards of the car as well as the teen.

Comparison of Car Insurance Quote

Prior to stepping into your car, there is a legal necessity which is to be always ensured that you have relevant cover for your car. In case you fail to do so then it may lead to stumping up a hefty fine, points on our license and in few cases you might prosecution.

With car insurance being obligatory for every driver, it connotes that there are lots of policies out there which cost from a few hundred pounds to thousands of pounds.

With the car insurance market so vast, there are lots of companies that provide the same kind of cover for dissimilar prices so it is very important to search all around to find the cheapest quote out there. An average person might save up to a third of their cost by searching around.

You got to be very cautious when selecting the right cover as different policies cover different features of your situation. Few policies covers may not cover you if you drive your car at work or perhaps if you drive another person’s car whilst others do.

Comparing quotes from the hundreds of car insurance providers out there can be a tiresome task and information may be lost along the way. Comparison websites are a famous handy tool which allows you to search the major competitor leading in you finding the cheapest most suitable quote out there.

The results you get from comparison sites may be broken down so you can compare the complete quote against others making it less probably that you will be caught out.

AAAT- A Super Supporter Site!

It’s time to feel proud for the team of www.aaat.com which is an excellent auto transport company. This company has got listed in www.transportreviews.com site as Super supporter site. AAAT is a site which has great team offering best satisfactory services to all its customers. And this company has also got good rating in transport reviewing site. So people who wants transport services then you can well opt for AAAT for availing best customer services at all time.