Tuesday, July 12, 2011
2012 Buick Regal eAssist Hybrid
2012 Buick Regal eAssist Hybrid
2012 Buick Regal eAssist Hybrid |
Buick is doubling the number of cars it offers with a hybrid powertrain with the introduction of the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist hybrid. The more efficient Regal is expected to be rated 26/37 mpg city/highway pending EPA certification. The eAssist Regal is debuting at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.
For those of you keeping track, that's one mile per gallon more in the city for the Regal eAssist hybrid than Buick predicts the LaCrosse eAssist hybrid will achieve in the EPA's hands. Both cars feature a 115V lithium-ion battery and a 15-kilowatt motor/generator. The engine at the heart of the cars is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower on its own, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The same 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels (and low rolling resistance tires) are used on both Buicks. Thanks to the Regal's smaller size, however, the wheels don't appear as undersized as they do on the LaCrosse. If the driver is in an especially green mood, the car can be put into a fuel economy optimizing mode with the AC unit that allows for more frequent and longer engine stop periods.
Regenerative braking is, of course, part of the package. Unfortunately, so is reduced cargo capacity. Trunk space on the hybrid Regal is 11.1 cubic-feet (down from just about 14 cubic-feet on the regular Regal), still a smidge bigger than the LaCrosse eAssist's 10.9 cubic feet.
The Regal with the eAssist technology goes on sale this fall, but it's unclear where Buick will price it, given the LaCrosse is expected to start around $30,000. We'll have more details soon, live from the Chicago show floor.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition |
In addition to the paint job, Black Diamond Edition CTS-Vs get yellow brake calipers behind Satin Graphite wheels plus yellow suede inserts in their Recaro seats - a scheme seen in the CTS Coupe Concept - and dark Midnight Sapele wood trim.
The Black Diamond package costs $4850 and is available on all three versions of the CTS-V - coupe, sedan, and wagon - and will be available starting in March.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition
2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
The parade of new or returning Porsche 911 models continues for 2011 with the introduction of the new GTS, Turbo S, GT2 RS, GT3 RS and limited-edition Speedster. Also for 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera, Targa and Turbo models offer Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface as standard. New option packages available on the more mainstream models provide some cost savings.
2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
2009 cadillac escalade platinum
2009 cadillac escalade platinum |
2009 cadillac escalade platinum |
2009 cadillac escalade platinum
2009 cadillac escalade platinum
For 2009, Cadillac mates its two-mode hybrid system to the top-line Escalade Platinum SUV. A 6.0-liter V-8 rated at 332 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque replaces the 403 horse 6.2-liter. And, with a weight north of 7,000-lbs, the hybrid returns 20 mpg city , thanks to regenerative braking, stop-start, cylinder deactivation, and electronically driven aircon and power steering systems. The latter system, Cadillac says, boosts fuel economy up to 0.5 mpg by reducing parasitic losses.With a seven mpg city gain, the Platinum retains its high-line features, including a grille styled after the CTS, 22-in. wheels, magnetic suspension, LED headlights, Aniline leather-upholstered interior, and a DVD entertainment system with screens in the front-seat headrests. Two- and four-wheel drive configurations are available.
The hybrid package comes at a $3600 premium over the standard Platinum. Rear-drive starts at $85,885 while four-wheel drive comes in at $88,395
Hyundai Veloster Rally Car
Hyundai Veloster Rally Car
Hyundai Veloster Rally Car |
Rhys Millen has had great success tuning up the Genesis Coupe, but the newest Hyundai racer, which is making its debut at the 2011 Chicago auto show, provides another avenue to display his driving prowess. In stock trim, the Veloster appears to be a promising prospect for the first- or second-time new-car buyer. With 500 horsepower? Sounds like a beastly racing machine.
To start, Millen and his family firm Rhys Millen Racing took a Veloster and stripped it down to the bare chassis. It was then sent to sit in an alkali bath for five days, similar to the process endured by classic cars undergoing a full restoration. Completely nude, the chassis was stitch welded to improve rigidity.
A familiar sight resides in the engine bay, with Hyundai’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four setting up shop. A new turbo sourced from HKS captures the heated exhaust gases to offer 500 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. All the power will be managed by Millen’s right foot and the Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission, while the Xtrac all-wheel drive system will be supported by Proflex long-travel suspension capable of surviving high jumps and very sudden and rapid changes in elevation.
Eventually, the body panels had to go back on but RMR came prepared. Losing weight is critical to a rally car’s performance, so the doors, quarter panels, vented hood, and front and rear fascias are now molded from a carbon-fiber/Kevlar composite and painted blue, orange, and white. As has become customary with Rhys Millen efforts, the Red Bull livery is applied to full effect. The change in build materials nets a 75-percent reduction in weight over the stock pieces, and Hyundai lists this Veloster’s curb weight at 2656 pounds.
In motion, a specially designed, carbon-fiber rear wing that’d look at home on a Porsche 911 boosts aerodynamic grip. Six-piston Alcon front brake calipers have been tasked with clamping down on 14-inch Alcon rotors. Just as impressively, the Alcon rear calipers house another six pistons each and push brake pads against 12-inch rear rotors. Protecting said brake components are special 18-inch HRE wheels wrapped in 245/40R18 Hankook Racing tires. And of course, the necessary safety appointments include an eight-point rollcage and a Sparco seat with restraining harnesses.
Millen will be behind the wheel of his personal creation, and a second Veloster will also be built for this year’s Summer X Games. Millen will take part in the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship.
Five-time British National Rally champion Marcus Dodd (who works magic with the Hyundai Accent WRC racecar) and Australian motocross freestyler/daredevil Robbie Maddison (who once jumped his motorcycle 322 feet and 7.5 inches to break a world record) will team up at the X Games.
A third Veloster will enter the racing scene too, though it’ll keep the front-wheel drive setup to stay eligible for a limited number of races in the U.S. Rallycross Championship’s 2WD class. Celebrity drivers will be determined at a later time.
Hyundai Veloster Rally Car
Monday, July 11, 2011
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