SsangYong Korando platform to underpin two new models

SsangYong is working on two new models that will enter the B and D segments as part of a three-year plan to pull the South Korean company out of its £200m debt. The three-year plan lies with Mahindra and Mahindra, who are in concluding stages of purchasing a large share of SsangYong.

Vice president of marketing, Johng-Sik Choi, said that “We want to be working at maximum output, which is producing 250,000 cars globally per year – the new Korando should account for 100,000 of those. To do that we intend to enter growing markets such as Russia, China and South America, and we will expand our model range with cars built on our new monocoque platform.”

The all-new Korando compact SUV uses a SsangYong first monocoque platform. This chassis will be used on the B-segment (think VW Polo, Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Peugeot 207/Citroen C3, Nissan Micra) and D-segment (Renault Laguna, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis, Chevrolet Epica) cars. The former is set to be launched in 2012.

A compact petrol engine will be the main engine in the B-segment car, but according to Soo Won Lee, chief of research and design, “an electric-diesel range extender similar to that used in the Chevrolet Volt could be piloted in 2014”.

The larger D-segment car will use an updated version of the 173bhp 2.0 common-rail diesel engine in the Korando. For the moment, the Rodius large MPV and Kyron mid-sized SUV are likely to obtain revisions, including the new diesel engine, while the Rexton will be axed.

Mahindra’s association in SsangYong’s future is vital for the company’s existence, and the two companies will be related closely.

“It would make sense for us to platform share,” said Choi, “and it is possible that Korando may enter India badged Mahindra in the near future, though nothing will be confirmed until we have signed the contract in November this year.”

Fiat 500 to retain its shape for next refresh

At this time, chief Fiat designers are working out on how the next 500 city-car should look.

The 500 has been a runaway success for Fiat and is about to go on sale in the U.S, meekly revised and built in Mexico.

Designers are unwilling to drastically redesign the next 500 and are currently thinking that it should become “our Mini”, hinting at very little alterations.

The second-generation Fiat 500 was launched in 2007 – 50 years after the original model – and came to the UK in January 2008.

2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

The LP570-4 Blancpain Edition was presented today by Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, and Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, at the final race weekend of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo in the “Piero Taruffi” circuit, Vallelunga. The road-legal Blancpain Edition celebrates the two-year relationship between the Italian supercar brand and the

2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

The LP570-4 Blancpain Edition was presented today by Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, and Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, at the final race weekend of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo in the “Piero Taruffi” circuit, Vallelunga. The road-legal Blancpain Edition celebrates the two-year relationship between the Italian supercar brand and the watchmaker. Lamborghini’s partnership with Blancpain, the watch maker, is no longer limited to the Super Trofeo racing series as they unveiled together the first road-going Blancpain edition Lamborghini Gallardo.

The new features of the 2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition are easily noticeable. It comes with a huge front bumper, massive rear spoiler and diffuser, and new side skirts. These bits are all inspired by the actual racing car, but they look a bit too aggressive for a road car. One other feature derived from the racing model is the new engine cover, which is optimized for better ventilation, and looks superb!

2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

“Lamborghini super sports cars is extremely happy about its cooperation with Blancpain. In just its second year, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo has established itself in the premier league of gentlemen’s racing,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Each race is a battle of dedication and passion for every single hundredth of a second – something that characterizes both of our brands. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition demonstrates the close bond between our road-going super sports cars and the race car.”

The engine that powers the Gallardo Blancpain is the same V10 unit from the series Superleggera production car which churns out 570 hp. Given the 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) weight of the car which results in power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per hp, this car is capable of going from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and flies past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark only 6.8 seconds later, ultimately exceeding 320 km/h (199 mph).

Blancpain is the title sponsor of the successful Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series. The cooperation between these two brands brings together the highest levels of engineering excellence from the automotive and chronometry industries. Blancpain has been producing innovative masterpieces of watch-making art in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux since 1735. Each timepiece is assembled by one single watchmaker, reflecting the quality and individual attention with which Lamborghini builds its super sports cars for the road, and its 570 hp Super Trofeo race cars.

2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

Abaut Lamborghini Gallardo : The Lamborghini Gallardo (Italian pronunciation: [ga'?arðo][citation needed]) is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production. Each car costs about $180,000 to $210,000. The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull. The Spanish word gallardo  translates into "gallant".

The Gallardo offers two choices of transmissions, a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission, and an advanced six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic robotized manual, which Lamborghini abbreviates to "E-gear". The "E-gear" allows the driver to make shifts much faster than a manual transmission would. The driver shifts up and down via paddles behind the steering wheel, but also has an automatic mode.

The car will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show.

2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

The LP570-4 Blancpain Edition was presented today by Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, and Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, at the final race weekend of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo in the “Piero Taruffi” circuit, Vallelunga. The road-legal Blancpain Edition celebrates the two-year relationship between the Italian supercar brand and the watchmaker. Lamborghini’s partnership with Blancpain, the watch maker, is no longer limited to the Super Trofeo racing series as they unveiled together the first road-going Blancpain edition Lamborghini Gallardo.

The new features of the 2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition are easily noticeable. It comes with a huge front bumper, massive rear spoiler and diffuser, and new side skirts. These bits are all inspired by the actual racing car, but they look a bit too aggressive for a road car. One other feature derived from the racing model is the new engine cover, which is optimized for better ventilation, and looks superb!

2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

“Lamborghini super sports cars is extremely happy about its cooperation with Blancpain. In just its second year, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo has established itself in the premier league of gentlemen’s racing,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Each race is a battle of dedication and passion for every single hundredth of a second – something that characterizes both of our brands. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition demonstrates the close bond between our road-going super sports cars and the race car.”

The engine that powers the Gallardo Blancpain is the same V10 unit from the series Superleggera production car which churns out 570 hp. Given the 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) weight of the car which results in power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per hp, this car is capable of going from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and flies past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark only 6.8 seconds later, ultimately exceeding 320 km/h (199 mph).

Blancpain is the title sponsor of the successful Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series. The cooperation between these two brands brings together the highest levels of engineering excellence from the automotive and chronometry industries. Blancpain has been producing innovative masterpieces of watch-making art in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux since 1735. Each timepiece is assembled by one single watchmaker, reflecting the quality and individual attention with which Lamborghini builds its super sports cars for the road, and its 570 hp Super Trofeo race cars.

2011 Lamborghini Super Sport Cars Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

Abaut Lamborghini Gallardo : The Lamborghini Gallardo (Italian pronunciation: [ga'?arðo][citation needed]) is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production. Each car costs about $180,000 to $210,000. The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull. The Spanish word gallardo  translates into "gallant".

The Gallardo offers two choices of transmissions, a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission, and an advanced six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic robotized manual, which Lamborghini abbreviates to "E-gear". The "E-gear" allows the driver to make shifts much faster than a manual transmission would. The driver shifts up and down via paddles behind the steering wheel, but also has an automatic mode.

The car will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show.

2010 KIA Forte Koup SX

2010 KIA Forte Koup SX
2010 KIA Forte Koup SX
2010 KIA Forte Koup SX
2010 KIA Forte Koup SX
2010 KIA Forte Koup SX

2011 Chevrolet Volt could receive 25% electric range increase

GM has been making a racket about how the Volt has an electric range of “upto 40 miles” before the 1.4 litre turbo-charged petrol engine kicks in, giving an extra 300 mile range but that may all change....

With GM filing essential paperwork with the federal government, information is leaking out at how GM may buoy up its claimed range of 40 miles to 50 miles on electric power. GM hasn’t previously hinted at extending the range beyond 40 miles since the concept was first launched in early 2007.

In the paperwork, GM wrote: "When powered only from electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery; the Chevrolet Volt has a typical range of 25-50 miles depending on terrain, driving technique, temperature and battery age."

When GM-Volt came across this statement they reached out to GM spokesman Rob Peterson. Peterson said, "We've always said up to 40. But now we tweaked the EV range to from 25 to 50."

Peterson clarified that the change comes after a million plus miles have been recorded with the Volt, and the engineers were confident that the change was real-world possible with a fuel conscious driver. "A conservative driver under ideal conditions will get more than 40 miles,” Peterson said. “We don’t often highlight this potential to go beyond 40.″

Western Digital Caviar Green (WD10EADS) Failure

On my desktop PC I have a 1 TB secondary drive which I use for storing photos, videos, music, and etc.  I was using a WD Caviar Green model WD10EADS, and it developed a strange behavior.  File access slowed to a crawl, with wait times of between 3 and 5 seconds to read from or write to a file.  Disk utilization (resource monitor) showd 100%, but the drive wasn't making much noise.  According to the SMART check, everything was still within spec.  Then I tried to do a sector test on it, using WD's Data Lifeguard tool, and it failed about 2/3 the way through, "Error 8: too many bad sectors".  

My theory about what is going on is that the drive controller, for some reason, is not able to "wake up" anymore, and so sometimes when you ask for a file it takes a long time to actually read it or write it, but my data did not appear to be damaged--I was able to copy everything off of the drive, it just took multiple tries for some files.

Thanks to a 3 year warranty, I am able to send the drive back for replacement to Western Digital.   I'm a little spooked by the failure though, and I am going to replace the drive with a non-Green model for now.  I liked how quiet the Caviar Green was, but it wasn't the fastest drive even when it was working.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

The Italian automaker announced the 2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale, that it will debut the lightest and most powerful variation of the GranTurismo, at this year's 2010 Paris Motor Show. Maserati said the car will boast "razor-sharp handling and will break the 300km/h [187mph] barrier", adding that the reworked body also produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

The Italian automaker announced the 2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale, that it will debut the lightest and most powerful variation of the GranTurismo, at this year's 2010 Paris Motor Show. Maserati said the car will boast "razor-sharp handling and will break the 300km/h [187mph] barrier", adding that the reworked body also produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars Gran Turismo MC Stradale looks sporty, the bumper and grille has been redesigned. The car also has a large diffuser to improve performance. Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the two-seater 2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale that will debut at the Paris Auto Show. GranTurismo MC Stradale high-performance model and will be on sale next spring, with £ 105,000 prize.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale is in the GranTurismo S. The basis is seen in power, it features a 4.7L V8 engine, maximum power of 336kw. Corresponds to a 6-speed manual transmission with mechanical top speed to 300 km / h, the 0-100km / h acceleration of about 4.5 seconds.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale responds to demands for a GranTurismo which can balance on-road driving needs with race-driving desires, incorporating the handling and aerodynamic lessons from Maserati's three racing programs.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

No other details were given on the car but the official photos show a raft of styling upgrades including the new front end with a lower spoiler and additional air ducts, chunkier side skirts, possibly larger front fenders with new air vents, a boot lid spoiler and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and twin central exhaust pipes plus unique alloy wheels.

Lexus LFA Supercar

LFA supercar will be on display for the first time in North America at two back-to-back premier venues — the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas this November and the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Next year, Lexus will show the LFA at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chicago Auto Show, Dallas Auto Show and New York

Montreal Auto Show: Locus Plethore supercar unveiled…almost

The centerpiece of the 2007 Montreal auto show was supposed to be the Plethore, a supercar being developed in Quebec by HHT Locus Technologies. As we reported previously, the car nicknamed “the Quebec Bomb” employs carbon fiber construction and an 8.2-liter V8 to produce a high power-to-weight ratio driving from behind a three-passenger cabin with a center-line driving position, an innovative

Supercar trio show future's bright

Design studies show how BMW, Lamborghini and Ferrari supercars could lookTake a look at the supercars of tomorrow. These amazing machines are the work of Iranian designer Emil Baddal.He’s taken styling cues from BMW, Lamborghini and Ferrari sports cars – and then let his imagination run free. Of the three striking drawings, the BMW design is perhaps the most successful, taking the famous ‘

Details Emerge on Jaguar's new 200mph Supercar

New Jaguar supercar will likely come with 5.0 liter supercharged V8 under a rear, glass-paneled bonnet

Green GT’s All-Electric Supercar Unveiled

Up-and-coming Swiss auto company GreenGT recently unveiled plans for a fully-electric vehicle that is heralded to be the most powerful and cutting-edge electric race car ever built. Designed with the famous Le Mans race in mind, their Twenty-4 vehicle is currently undergoing development and will boast two 100-kw electric engines that provide 350-400 horsepower and a top speed of 171 mph.

Mercedes Planning Audi R8 Killer

Rumours are building of a Mercedes supercar to rival the forthcoming R8 from Audi. German publication Auto Motor und Sport have released this rendering of what they think a possible Audi R8 killer will look like. The article speculates that Mercedes could unveil the new mid-engined model sometime around 2010, with the entire production taking place at its AMG plant. If we were Mercedes and

BMW supercar concept pays Homage to M1.

German car maker BMW has built a 21st-century version of its legendary, late-’70s M1 supercar, writes JEZ SPINKS.Rumours of a new BMW supercar have been reignited after the German car maker revealed a concept car to mark the 30th anniversary of its first and only mid-engined car, the M1.BMW used last weekend’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este exhibition in Italy to unveil the M1 Homage,

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars derived from a project to create a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle. The Peugeot Epine Concept design study was developed to have a sportscar-like performance while creating a new way to get in touch with nature. Inspired by Formula One cars and motorcycles, Epine features a whale skeleton, as a tribute to Mother Nature.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

The concept car was created by Daniel Schumpert. Peugeot Epine was basically a project that was supposed to turn into an environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle, but eventually it turned into a “consumer’s racing car”.

This Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles ride relies on the Epine system, with an innovative seating arrangement and the drive-by-wire technology, as far as steering is concerned. The energy source of the vehicle is placed at the back, while the storage area is at the front of the car. The major technical feature of this car is the Epine system that allows a complete seating arrangement by adopting the drive-by-wire technology to run the steering system.

The rear-engined sportscar is minimalistic with an exposed frame, Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Hybrid Concept Cars uses the Michelin Tweel concept airless wheels, with a positive impact on the suspension system.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Turns out that the wheel spokes are able to compress and decompress, thanks to the materials they’re made out of, allowing a wide variety of car motions. This futuristic Peugeot measures 4,260 mm (length), 1,882mm (width) and 1153mm (height).

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars derived from a project to create a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle. The Peugeot Epine Concept design study was developed to have a sportscar-like performance while creating a new way to get in touch with nature. Inspired by Formula One cars and motorcycles, Epine features a whale skeleton, as a tribute to Mother Nature.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

The concept car was created by Daniel Schumpert. Peugeot Epine was basically a project that was supposed to turn into an environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle, but eventually it turned into a “consumer’s racing car”.

This Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles ride relies on the Epine system, with an innovative seating arrangement and the drive-by-wire technology, as far as steering is concerned. The energy source of the vehicle is placed at the back, while the storage area is at the front of the car. The major technical feature of this car is the Epine system that allows a complete seating arrangement by adopting the drive-by-wire technology to run the steering system.

The rear-engined sportscar is minimalistic with an exposed frame, Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Hybrid Concept Cars uses the Michelin Tweel concept airless wheels, with a positive impact on the suspension system.

Peugeot Sport Cars Epine Concept Cars Inspired by Formula One and Motorcycles

Turns out that the wheel spokes are able to compress and decompress, thanks to the materials they’re made out of, allowing a wide variety of car motions. This futuristic Peugeot measures 4,260 mm (length), 1,882mm (width) and 1153mm (height).

Renault plans affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car

Renault could have a rear-wheel-drive sports car within its line-up by 2014, providing chairman Laurens van den Acker gets his way.

Van den Acker said he not only thinks Renault should be building a compact, affordable sports car, but also that the chance to make it lies in Renault’s planned alliances.

“Any car maker with a product range as broad as ours should have room for an affordable sports car,” van den Acker said. “The challenge to design a great driver’s car is very exciting. It won’t be easy to make a strong business case, but through Renault’s global alliances, I believe it will be possible.”

Insiders within Renault have confessed that numerous projects have been abandoned to produce a new ‘Renault Alpine’ sports car since 2000. The latest proposal that took its design cues of the 2006 Nepta concept was negated in 2007.

As well-placed internal source suggested that the car considered is a compact, affordable coupé, a nearer counterpart for the Alpine A110 ‘Berlinette’.

Most current platforms Renault-Nissan now have would force Renault to place the engine up-front, however, if Renault were to confer with their new alliance partner Daimler for admission to the next Smart Fortwo’s rear-engined platform, a more faithful successor for the four-cylinder A110 might be possible along the lines of the last Smart Roadster Coupé.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Mercedes Viano/Vito facelift

The Mercedes Viano leads its class, defining the new benchmark for large MPV segment/compact commercial vehicle segment. New engines and transmissions reduce emissions and fuel consumption while enhancing performance. The new chassis offers the ultimate in ride comfort and driving safety. The cockpit and passenger compartment are more user-friendly and attractively appointed than ever. The Mercedes Viano is instantly recognisable by its "face", featuring the Mercedes star in the style of the current passenger cars, and a newly designed rear section.

In the UK, two trim-levels are offered; Trend and Ambiente. Both are available in three sizes; Viano compact (4,763mm), Viano Long (5,008mm) and Viano Extra-Long (5,238mm) and with three diesel engines; 2.0 CDI, 2.2 CDI and 3.0 CDI V6.

Entry-level Trend offers a 6 speed manual gearbox, 16” steel wheels, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, fog lamps, twin-sliding side doors, roof-rails, metallic paint, tinted glass, air conditioning, Bluetooth, front electric windows w/electric rear ventilation windows, fold-away table, child-proof door locks, ISOFIX child seat fittings, height adjustable front seats, trip computer, radio/CD player w/ AUX-in socket and 4 speakers, height/reach adjustable urethane steering wheel, x2 airbags, ESP w/ASR and remote central locking

In addition to the Trend grade, Ambiente offers a 5 speed automatic gearbox, cruise control, 16” alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps w/LED day-time running lights, rear air suspension, leather steering wheel, leather interior and x4 airbags (dual front, side).

If you fancy the options list, you’ll find 3 designs of alloy wheels going upto 18”, bi-xenon headlamps, premium sound system, satellite navigation system, curtain airbags, leather interior, electrically sliding side doors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather steering wheel, wooden interior finishes, electric heated front seats, panoramic glass sunroof, rear air conditioning, electrically folding door mirrors and lots more.

A 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system is available in certain markets alongside a 3.5 CDI V6 engine.

Prices start from £27,720 for the Viano Compact 2.0 CDI Trend, rising to £38,245 for the Viano Extra-Long 3.0 CDI Ambiente.

Full photo album can be viewed here.

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