Considered by many enthusiasts as the ultimate modern Ferrari, the limited-edition Enzo’s replacement will be a tough act to follow up for the Italian automaker. The second-generation Enzo, also named after the marque’s illustrious founder, promises to take performance – and, surprisingly, efficiency – to a new level.

Like the original Enzo, the car’s successor will be a range-topping supercar aimed at immortalizing the legendary founder of the brand. Available only to select current Ferrari owners, the next-generation Enzo will serve as the brand’s performance and technology showcase.

Based – at least in concept – on the Ferrari Millechili show car (though the production Enzo replacement won’t carry that name), the performance car will be loaded with the technology learned from years of Formula 1 experience.

Expected to be powered by a mid-mounted V8 engine, rather than the Maserati-based V12 that motivated the Enzo, power should easily exceed 700 horsepower. Though fuel efficiency is hardly a Ferrari selling point, the car must conform to more recent European Union standards, meaning a new emphasis has been placed on reducing consumption. It has been rumored that Ferrari will use twin-turbocharging to make the most out of a smaller-displacement (think under 6 liters) V8 engine.

Key to addressing the fuel economy issue is a significant weight and size reduction, which should bring the car well down from the just-over 3,000 lbs. of its predecessor; rumors out of Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters indicate that weight could approach 2,200 lbs. Improved aerodynamics, including adjustable front and rear spoilers, will not only help the new Enzo stick to the road at maximum speeds, but it will also ensure reduced fuel consumption.

Its platform could go one of two ways: Either a heavily-modified version of the FXX race car’s architecture – itself a variation of the road-going Enzo – or a slightly longer derivative of the F430’s aluminum space frame.

Production will probably be at least as limited as the original Enzo, meaning no more than 400 of the 1 million Euro-plus supercars will emerge from Maranello when it goes on sale in over a year’s time.

The Hethel company will be coming out with its latest Elise and Esprit by 2011 and 2012 if all goes well. Sources reveal that the Elise could be seen by the latter part of 2010 but will hit markets only in 2011, and will most probably be a development of the present model rather than a version of the latest Evora.

On the other hand, the Esprit’s production is contingent on the profitability of the Evora and a likely external funding. In spite of this fact, Lotus engineers are still targeting a 2012 introduction schedule. The model will be a longer, wider variant of the new Evora with a V8 powerplant mounted in the middle. Also planned for 2012 is an Evora Convertible, which will be a two-seater and may come with a different badge when it hits the market. It is known that the engineering and production systems of Lotus are flexible enough to permit a late decision in the order in which the Esprit or Evora Convertible reaches dealership. Continued after the jump!

If the financial climate changes for the better and the demand for supercars gains momentum, Lotus is anticipated to introduce the Esprit in advance of the Evora soft-top. However, if the market remains the same, the Evora Convertible will see introduction ahead of the Esprit.

Lotus intends to boost production to 8000 units annually by 2011, double to its current figure, but the credit crunch is most likely going to be a big obstacle to such intentions. Sources inside the company are currently forecasting between 4,000 to 5,000 Lotus models annually by 2011 and 2012, while many of its manufacturing contracts have been frozen due to the economic downturn. For instance, a joint-venture with Abarth on a sports car, which is an Evora instead of an Elise version, has frozen and the Europa-based Dodge Circuit EV has been shelved. But there are other ongoing negotiations being done with European OEMs and Lotus is looking forward to another EV program like the Tesla.

2007 Volkswagen Space up! Blue concept – click above for strong-flavored res fancy gallery

Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn delivered a speech in Münich on Friday where he announced that the German giant would release its first full of fire car in 2013. Among the points that Winterkorn emphasized was the race to electrification would be a marathon not a sprint. He also acknowledged that electrics alone won’confidentially be enough to meet all needs such VW is following a number of different technology paths. Winterkorn also warns in requital for “electro-hype” which could raise unreasonably high expectations among consumers. Even in Germany, whither consumers are considered to be better informed than in the U.S., surveys indicate that one in eight buyers think EVs are already here.

Winterkorn says that current battery technology is defective for the task. Referring to the 150 lb, 1.7 kWh NiMH battery for the upcoming Touareg hybrid, it has the energy equivalent of just 1.86 fl.oz of gasoline. Even lithium batteries still need work to get the cost and weight to a production viable point.

The leading VW EV that arrives in 2013 will be based in continuance the “New Small Family” derived from the up! concepts of 2007. As the decade wears on, VW plans to have a range of affordable EVs in its lineup. In addition to the EVs, Volkswagen will be introducing hybrids with and without plugs and Winterkorn expects elastic fluid and diesel engines to continue to be developed for another 15-20 years. Read Winterkorn’s Google-translated speech after the jump.

Posted in lotus car reviews Tagged: CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013, latest 2013 car reviews, latest car reviews ]]> http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/ceo-winterkorn-expect-first-vw-electric-vehicle-in-2013/feed/ 0 vinayraval CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013 http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/2012-lotus-esprit-powered-by-lexus/ http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/2012-lotus-esprit-powered-by-lexus/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:47:36 +0000 vinayraval http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/?p=232 ]]>

A new Lotus Esprit is in the works, and reports suggest that like the Evora coupe, the Esprit will get its power from Toyota.

Last year, we brought you the first live photos of the 2009 Lotus Evora from the London motor show. That new 2+2 coupe sports a version of Toyota’s corporate 3.5-liter V-6, chosen for reliability and flexibility, Lotus directors said at the world debut.

The Evora is a linchpin in Lotus’ strategy to spin off a lineup of vehicles from a single aluminum-body architecture, akin to Aston Martin’sstrategy. Over the course of the next four years, Lotus promises two more new vehicles–including a replacement for the Elise roadster and Exige coupe, and the new Esprit. All will use Lotus’ Versatile Vehicle Architecture, with aluminum construction and other lightweight chassis components.

For the Esprit, Lotus will again turn to Toyota for an engine. The latest report from Motor Authority says Toyota will offer Lotus a V-10 engine in development for the Lexus LF-A supercar, a project that’s been reported cancelled and revived repeatedly over the past year. In Lotus spec, the engine could be tuned to produce more than 500 horsepower. Other options include the 420-hp V-8 found in the 2009 Lexus IS-F and the 300-hp V-6 Lotus will fit into the Evora.

Esprit Coupe and Convertible models are said to be in the product plan. A launch in 2011 could mean the 2012 Lotus Esprit arrives in America in two years’ time–a mere 36 years after the first Esprit knifed its way into automotive history.

Alfa Romeo comes in handy lately with their latest models, including the Brera, the 8C, and the myth . But now comes the main attraction of the Italian firm, as they are to be submitted to the replacements 159 and 147(its successor is named Milan ). It also expects the new 169

For 159 , apparently because his replacement has a name, Giulia , the legendary model. But still no data of any kind, is 169 (or as they call).

New Giulia still no data, but if there is recreation to help us to imagine how serious this new model.New Giulia is the new platform developed under the group Fiat C, which also use theMilano

This could have an engine turbo four-cylinder petrol, V6 petrol and a number of turbo diesel. But do not forget theTAG , that will be part of the catalog.

In the recreation appreciate a completely new model, where there’s almost no line159 . Here we see a guide to design Myth , where the only thing that stands out for its beauty alone in this recreation, is the optical style Peugeot 206 , and design and opened the back door details that make it different but not very pleasing to the eye, most of all lenses (personal opinion

For now we must wait. Expectations about what is developing Alpha are many, hopefully not disappoint.

Via | Carscoop

Related Information: 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano, all the pictures and details / This lack of a super in the range Alfa Romeo / Alfa Romeo GTA 2011 Milano, the first recreation / GENEVA 2009 XX Ferrari 599, Alfa Brera TI TBI and Magna Steyr Mila EV

A new, big, rear-drive Alfa Romeo sedan is set to spearhead a U.S. comeback for the Italian brand–and it’ll do it on the coattails of the 2011 Chrysler 300.

Motor Authority reports that the plans forChrysler and Fiat’s new attack on the U.S. market will be topped by a new rear-drive sedan for Alfa Romeo that’s going global. The new Alfa–possibly dubbed the Milano, though the name applies to a smaller car across the Atlantic–will get a quick development cycle and could appear as early as 2012.

Chrysler and Fiat are working on product plans as they integrate development of vehicles from the far-flung corners of their new global empire. Last month, Fiat won U.S. approval to take a minority stake in Chrysler, in exchange for giving product and technology help to the ailing U.S. automaker.

The first fruits of the collaboration will come late next year, when the charming Fiat 500 shows up in Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep showrooms. It will be the only Fiat-badged vehicle sold in domestic showrooms; from there, Fiat plans to relaunch the Alfa Romeo brand Stateside while it also reinvigorates the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep lineups with new vehicles spun from Fiat platforms, and with vehicles newly developed for both companies.

With the new big sedan, Fiat hopes to give Alfa Romeo a range-topping sedan, something it’s lacked since the Alfa 166 shown here was discontinued. The new sedan will carry the underpinnings of the next Chrysler 300, due as a 2011 model. Both vehicles also will share a new range of V-6 engines developed by Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz, when those companies still were linked financially.

The Alfa version could offer coupe-like styling and a smaller body than the hulking Chrysler 300. And it could also share an assembly line in Ontario, Canada, where Chrysler now builds the 300, theDodge Charger and Challenger.

USTRALIANS will still be able to buy a traditional rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore for at least the next decade, even though the General is turning to small-car production to survive as a local manufacturer.

Holden is already working on development of the next-generation Commodore, which is due in around 2013 and would be scheduled to run until at least 2020.

And the good news for enthusiasts is that it will again utilise the Zeta rear-drive platform developed at great cost for the current VE, which was launched less than three years ago in 2006.

The 2013 Commodore may be slightly smaller than VE, and almost certainly lighter, with a range of different engine options and new technology designed to make it more environmentally sound, including idle-stop and turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.

GM product chief Bob Lutz has said that, despite global economy mandates forcing GM to cancel programs in other countries, the rear-wheel-drive Commodore production will continue in Australia, including “the next-generation version”.

In the meantime, the VE Series II is set to arrive in early 2010 with significant new technologies.

Holden has already confirmed that all its engines will be E85 ethanol-compatible by 2010 and is also set to introduce a dedicated LPG Commodore with breakthrough liquid-injection technology that promises petrol-matchingpower and economy

.

Left: Cadillac’s direct-injection 3.0-litre V6.

Direct-injection is also on the cards for the standard 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, which could improve both power and economy.

GM already produces a direct-injection version of this engine for Cadillac, which produces 225kW compared with the Commodore’s current 195kW, as well as an E85-compatible 3.0-litre version that matches the current Commodore V6 for power but has better economy.

The search for efficiency will also ultimately lead to Holden offering smaller turbocharged engines some time in the future. It already builds a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine for Saab, and is understood to be testing a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo in a VE Commodore.

These programs could be at the expense of the expected hybrid and diesel-powered Commodore variants.

GM Holden managing director and chairman Mark Reuss has confirmed that the Commodore has a long-term future and work continues on the next-generation model.

Mr Reuss also said that a rear-drive platform is important for the Commodore, which has been Australia’s top-selling car for the past 13 years.

“The rear-wheel drive platform is sort of what Holden has been known for here and we expect that to continue,” said Mr Reuss.

“There’s still a great market for it here … so, as long as our customers keep telling us they want to buy our car, we’ll produce it.

“(A rear-drive platform) is something we’ve invested in already and it’s something I think we can just continue to refine and improve and bring it to different levels of efficiency. That’s what we’re focusing on.”

Former GM Holden director and product planning chief Ian McCleave, in an interview with Wheels magazine, has also pointed to a likely refinement of the existing platform and a downscaling to reduce weight.

“With Commodore, there is opportunity to trim the car down, take some width and mass out … without losing the packaging efficiency and attributes that rear-wheel drive brings, which is handling, ride and styling proportions,” said Mr McCleave.

Mr McCleave said he could see the large and medium segment cars morphing, with the only distinction being front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Ford is already blurring the edges with its similar-looking Falcon and Mondeo.

Although Holden’s embattled parent company has been forced to retreat from new global RWD large cars due largely to increasingly severe fuel economy and emissions standards, reports from the US suggest that the Zeta platform is safe there until at least 2016, with the Australian-developed Camaro likely to run to 2020.

GM engineers are said to be working on weight reduction and efficiency improvements, such as better aero and a standard six-speed automatic transmission, on all Zeta-based vehicles to keep the platform viable.

Honda has revealed a surprise fuel cell-powered supercar at this week’s LA show

HONDA has rolled out yet another supercar concept, but one with a very big twist.

“People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”

nb

Over at our partner site the Car Connection, they got a chance to spend a day with the upcoming dedicated hybrid from Lexus the 2010 HS 250h.

The vehicle is expected to reach dealerships later this summer, but the press is getting their chance to test out the new vehicle now.  Our own chance is coming in early June and we will provide a test drive at that point, for now we will highlight some first impressions.

Lexus has yet to announce pricing on the HS, but expect a price tag beyond $35,000.  For that amount of dough, you end up with a car that is significantly different than the Toyota Prius upon which it is at least partially based off of, at least technology wise.

The HS uses a 2.4 liter engine that outputs 147hp and combined that with its own version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system.  Combined, they output a total of 187 hp making the HS a formidable performer.  According to Lexus, it can accelerate to 60mph in 8.4 seconds, a respectable number.  Though the performance is strong, it takes a toll at the pumps as this vehicle only achieves 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, strong numbers for a gasoline vehicle, but weak in comparison to many other hybrids.

Over at the Car Connection they too were unimpressed with the mileage numbers, not the posted numbers, but the numbers they achieved while driving the vehicle.  They were only able to achieve about 30 mpg in their short drive time.  When they drove it aggressively, there computer read out recorded 22 mpg over the course of 12 miles.  When driven gently, they were able to squeeze out 46 mpg

The difference in gas mileage between the Prius and the Lexus can be mainly attributed to the excess pounds the Lexus carries.  It tips the scales at 3,682 pounds compared to the lightweight Prius that chops nearly 600 pounds off of that number.  Though some of the gas mileage drop could also be due to the larger engine in the Lexus.

On the road, the Car Connection reports that the car is not sluggish, but not perky either.  They comment about the instant torque available from both the engine and the electric motor and note that this makes the car feels especially responsive between 20 and 60 mph. The Lexus also appears to be a better suited highway cruiser than the Prius.  Cruising at 80 mph, the engine still feels strong as the car behaves in a similar manner as the Prius does at 70 mph.

In the end, the Lexus HS is a Lexus and as such carries all kinds of extra features and amenities at a price.  Nearly $15,000 more than a Prius will buy you a similar car that performs slightly better, coddles you a little more, and impresses the buddies with its high tech gadgetry, but it doesn’t necessarily buy you a better car.

Posted in LEXUS car Tagged: 2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid Sedan, latest LEXUS car reviews, latest LEXUS car ]]> http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/2010-lexus-hs-250h-hybrid-sedan-review/feed/ 1 vinayraval 2010 Lexus HS 250h 2010 Lexus HS 250h 2010 Lexus HS 250h 2010 Lexus HS 250h http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/2010-volvo-xc60-review/ http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/2010-volvo-xc60-review/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:15:23 +0000 vinayraval http://newsautomobile.wordpress.com/?p=210 ]]>

Besides “safety”, “Volvo” is nearly synonymous with “wagon”. Alas, wagons are but a minor blip in American car sales statistics. Here, the wagon niche goes to crossovers. So, in order to increase its market share, Volvo has announced its newest crossover, the 2010 XC60.

Joining the existing XC90 and XC70, the 2010 Volvo XC60 introduces the newest styling trends and safety features from Volvo. The broad shoulders and dynamic shapes that have been the Swedish automaker’s hallmark for the past decade are further developed, and a re-proportioned grille, new headlights, and slick LED taillights with integrated brake lights point to the future. Interior design is right out of high-end Scandinavian furniture or audio components, and its airy, open look enhances the 2010 Volvo XC60’s healthy amount of interior space. Standard cabin amenities include HD radio, Sirius satellite radio, and connectivity for audio players via a mini-jack or USB port.

City Safety makes its debut as standard equipment in all 2010 Volvo XC60s. It’s a laser-based driver support system that incorporates the Collision Warning with Auto Brake system to reduce or even prevent low-speed accidents, such as hitting the car in front in slow traffic. It works at speeds under 19 mph (30 kph), and can stop the car if the speed differential between the City Safe-equipped Volvo and the vehicle in front is less than 9 mph (15 kph).

The chassis layout is standard for current Volvo crossovers, with the engine placed transversely in front for optimal crush zone size and placement, and Haldex Instant Traction(tm) all-wheel drive. The standard DSTC stability and traction control system has been enhanced by monitoring roll rate to detect incipient problems earlier. Engine and transmission choice is simple, a 3.0-liter inline turbocharged 6-cylinder with 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque — on regular unleaded. Peak torque is available from 1500 rpm onwards, making the 6-speed automatic transmission’s job easier. Geartronic manual shifting allows the driver more control when desired.

Built in Ghent, Belgium, the 2010 Volvo XC60 has been on sale in Europe since Fall, 2008. It will be available here in March, 2009, and is aimed at young singles and families with an active urban lifestyle. Volvo recently brought a fleet of European-spec prototypes to Sausalito, California, just north of San Francisco, for the press to examine and drive. All were in close-to-US-spec trim, with a minor difference in suspension tuning. More on that…

My first impression upon getting into the 2010 Volvo XC60 was that Volvo had out-Audied Audi. Nice trick, especially considering that Audi is a direct competitor. How? The detached center stack, a Volvo interior specialty since the S40 and V50 a few years back, has been taken to the next level with a light-colored wood inlay. Scandinavian design at its finest, it looks as though it should be part of an expensive audio component system. Function is not sacrificed, as controls, including the wonderful Volvo iconic HVAC control, are simple and self-explanatory. None of those inscrutable German knobs anywhere.

The 2010 Volvo XC60 seats are fully up to Volvo’s high standards, as a long drive up the coast proved. The morning was spent on Highway One, not normally thought of as an SUV road, except maybe by motorcyclists seeing SUVs as (barely) moving chicanes… not this one. Yes, it’s large, albeit considerably smaller than the XC90, but the Euro-spec suspension, fully-independent with MacPherson struts in front and a multilink system in the rear, was stiff enough to keep the 4200-pound vehicle from exhibiting much body roll and supple enough for a comfortable ride. Word has it that the final American version will be a little softer, the better to deal with our indifferently-paved roads. One hopes the European tuning will be offered as an option.

The afternoon’s festivities included a drive through the Coast Mountain Ranges to Highway 101 freeway, at that point, and back south. From the tight twisties of One and the Coast Ranges to the superslab of 101, the 2010 Volvo XC60 handled with aplomb. And smooth power, with no turbo lag and no real reason to engage manual-shift mode except out of curiosity.

Before the morning drive, we went through a quick demonstration of the City Safe system. The procedure was to approach a car-shaped airbag at under 9mph and let the system do the braking. Car-shaped airbags were used just in case anyone was a little over that 9 mph speed differential limit for the system to automatically stop the 2010 Volvo XC60. Over that, and under 19 mph, the system will apply the brakes, to lessen impact but not necessarily prevent it.

My co-driver went first. I was watching from the passenger seat, through the LCD screen on the back of a digital camera. Quick, slam-the-brakes stop and I missed that photo… My turn, what can I say, I’m a manual-mode kind of guy and hot the brakes before City Safe did. It does work as advertised, though.

In the 2010 Volvo XC60, Volvo strikes into new territory. It gives existing C30 or S40 or V50, or even S60 owners a larger Volvo to move up to when more car is needed but an XC70 or XC90 might be too big. It could also attract new people to the Volvo fold. It’s the most-refined Volvo yet in terms of drivetrain and suspension, and that’s good news for all.