TopSpeed Daily Update |  |
- Infiniti FX
- Mitsubishi has no plans of leaving the US market
- Subaru Forester
- A Whole New Direction: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept
- Rendering: Lotus Elite Track Version
- Nissan 370Z by Senner Tuning
- Opel GTC Paris
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe by ARK
- Fiat 500 Prima Edizione sold out in the US
| Posted: 24 Sep 2010 04:30 PM PDT The SUV market may be slowly, very slowly, shrinking as more and more people decide that smaller, more efficient models are the way to go, and Infiniti seems to have noticed. The Japanese company revealed details on the FX luxury SUV and with those details came news of a price decrease for the mid-sized SUV. The FX50’s price saw a decrease of $2,600 USD and the FX35 model got reduced by $1,250 USD. Both received a few updates for the new year as well. For 2011, the FX will be offered in three trim levels: FX50 AWD with 5.0-liter V8 - $56,400, FX35 AWD with 3.5-liter V6 - $43,050, and FX35 RWD with 3.5-liter V6 - $41,600. The 2011 FX will be offered with two engines: a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine rated at 390 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with 303 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque. Infiniti will offer only five option packages: Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package, different for the FX35 and FX50, Sport Package (FX50 only), Technology Package (FX50 and FX35). Safety features found on every 2011 FX include a seat belt reminder system; standard Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS); dual-stage front supplemental air bags with occupant classification and seat belt sensors; seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for enhanced outboard seat occupant head protection. Press release after the jump. Infiniti FX originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 16:30 EST.
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| Mitsubishi has no plans of leaving the US market Posted: 24 Sep 2010 04:00 PM PDT It wasn't that long ago when Mitsubishi was a household name among American auto buyers. Unfortunately, the company's stature and sales figures have both torpedoed to the point that rumors of the company leaving the US market aren't being treated as ridiculous blasphemy anymore, but more as an increasing possibility. Gone were the days when the Japanese brand could sell 200,000 vehicles a year without even trying. Back in 2002, they sold 354,111 of their vehicles, but today, the company's trying hard to even push 50,000 sold models. So with the way Mitsubishi is going these days, pulling out of the US market isn't as crazy as it once was. That is, until you talk to Osamu Masuko, the president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. When asked if the company is ready to leave the US market behind, Masuko flatly responds: "It never enters my mind." On the contrary, according to Masuko, Mitsubishi is aggressively planning on quadrupling its sales volume by 400% to 200,000 vehicles. Of course, that part is easier said than done, but the company is confident that by coming out with new products like smaller and more fuel efficient cars, as well as electric vehicles, Mitsubishi could turn around their fortunes. It remains to be seen how this will all play out, but in the end, we're all rooting for Mitsubishi to rebound from the current mired state they're in. It may not be as popular as it was, but with a lot of work – and some luck, too – Mitsubishi can still regain their footing in the American market. Mitsubishi has no plans of leaving the US market originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 16:00 EST.
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| Posted: 02 Jul 2010 08:00 PM PDT Subaru has announced a long list of updates for the 2011 Forester SUV. The list of improvements starts with a new engine for the 2.5X models. They get a new 2,498 cc engine delivering 170 HP and 174 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm. This engine delivers 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. The 2.5X Touring models receive new HID headlights (low beam) with automatic height adjustment, a display audio system with backup camera, dual zone automatic climate control, silver finish roof rails, electroluminescent gauges, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Also, depending on the model, Subaru is offering new standard audio system, iPod control capability, USB port and Sirius Satellite Radio capability, a new TomTom Navigation System for the 2.5X Premium that includes removable 4.3-inch touch-screen portable navigation device, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio capability, new 17-inch alloy wheel, and new body-color roof spoiler on 2.5XT models. Press release after the jump. Subaru Forester originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 2 July 2010 20:00 EST.
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| A Whole New Direction: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Posted: 24 Sep 2010 03:00 PM PDT It has not been an easy couple of years for the third member of America's big three. Their products were lame and their profits were even worse, not to mention public perception after the bailout wasn’t that good. While General Motors and Ford have been dominating with new vehicles, Chrysler has been laying low with the same old stuff. Needless to say, this machine has been a long time coming. With 2010 comes a whole new machine, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a stable in the Chrysler lineup for years, redone and ready to dominate the competition. Not that there is much competition for a full size off-road SUV. Taking cues from the new Dodge Ram, the 2011 Grand Cherokee takes them in a whole new direction that results in one of the best interiors money can buy. Not to mention a vehicle that is quiet and refined on the road, but hard and aggressive in the rough stuff, not that we were able to go in any. Hit the jump to continue reading. A Whole New Direction: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 15:00 EST.
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| Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept Posted: 24 Sep 2010 02:40 PM PDT After the IPL G Coupe, Infinti will come at Paris Auto Show with the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Cabrio Concept. Depending on people’s reaction on the concept Infiniti will decide if the IPL models will also make it to Europe. The IPL G Cabrio Concept comes painted in new Malbec Black – a pearlescent black paint with red hints combined with a Monaco Red leather interior. The IPL program includes 19-inch split-rim 7-spoke graphite-finish alloy wheels, a new bumper section, blacked-out grille and headlight surrounds, a body-color bootlid spoiler and of course a lowered body. The interior will get black lacquer on the center console, the dashboard area above the glove box and doors adorned with KACCHU, the name given to the armour used by Japan's feudal warlords, or samurai, in the Middle Ages. Under the hood there is a 3.7-liter V6 engine with an output of 338 HP and 374 Nm of torque. This will sprint the concept from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds, while top speed is 167 mph. Press release after the jump. Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 14:40 EST.
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| Rendering: Lotus Elite Track Version Posted: 24 Sep 2010 02:00 PM PDT A few days ago, Lotus released the initial details of their future hybrid supercar, the Lotus Elite. Being since this is one of the first cars Lotus has introduced as part of their brand reinvention, it comes as no surprise that artists have already taken the vehicle to the next level by providing us with a rendering of what the Lotus Elise would look like if it was bound for the track. Maybe even a trip to LeMans. This rendering takes the supercar to the next level by providing it with what looks like touches of carbon fiber throughout the length of the car, more than likely to help reduce the car's weight. New side vents have also been added, as well as a new hood vent to help cool down the engine. This photo also shows a new front grill, rear spoiler, and side skirts. The yellow from the standard model's brake calipers has been extended to dual yellow stripes going down the car's bonnet. The standard Lotus Elite comes powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces around 500-plus horsepower with a 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of just under 200 mph at 196 mph. We would obviously expect the track version of the Elite model to produce slightly higher numbers than these. Rendering Credit: Jack Darton Rendering: Lotus Elite Track Version originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 14:00 EST.
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| Posted: 24 Sep 2010 01:00 PM PDT Senner Tuning just might have a thing for white cars. Last year they came out with a vehicle which they are now famous for called the Whitelady Z and they also introduced the "White Power" RS6, which wasn’t exactly a treat for the eyes. Both were tuned by Senner and both were sparkling white. Now, Senner Tuning is bringing on yet another white model packaged up in a Nissan 370Z. It’s called the Asphalt Surfer and is capable of producing an impressive 365 HP. The tuning package includes an ECU-remapping, a sport air filter with Cold Air Intake, and a sport exhaust made from stainless steel with a catalytic converter. These components brings the engine’s output up to 365 HP and 400 NM of torque for a bargain price of 3430 euro. The package also includes 20 inch Barracuda-alloy Tzunamee Racing wheels painted in a white or matte black polish wrapped in 9 x 20 with 245/35/R20 tires at the front and 10 x 20 with 275/30/R20 tires at the rear. There is also a KW coilover suspension and, for the interior, a new speedometer cover, extra control panels, the B-pillar trim made from carbon, and carbon inserts on the mirror caps and cooling plate. Senner Tuning will also remove the speed limiter upon request. The package is actually rather similar to the Whitelady, which really isn’t surprising considering the great feedback Senner received for that package. The Nissan 370Z Asphalt Surfer does not receive the same exact exterior modifications as did the Whitelady, but they did receive some extra horsepower for the exchange. Nissan 370Z by Senner Tuning originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 13:00 EST.
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| Posted: 24 Sep 2010 12:30 PM PDT Opel has released today the first details on the GTC Paris, a concept car that previews the future Astra GTC - Opel’s competitor for models like Volkswagen Scirocco or the future Hyundai Veloster. The 4.46 meters concept was inspired by the Richard Bach's famous novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull "…and the speed was pure beauty." It’s design was inspired by the Insignia sedan and is defined by "maximizing tension by limiting the amount of lines:" intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps, a chrome emblem bar, a dramatic low trapezoidal grill. Of course elements like LED running lights / tail lights and rides on 21-inch rims won’t make it to production, but the concept its just pure beauty. Under the hood Opel placed a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter Turbo with direct injection fitted with Start/Stop technology and a six-speed manual gearbox. Opel's Vice President of Design Mark Adams said: "We wanted to express the most emotional side of the Opel brand and we believe this vehicle creates an appropriate visual impact to reinforce our dynamic sporty character." Updated 09/24/2010: Opel has unveiled today new images and two video of the GTC Paris, but also the concept’s specifications. The GTC Paris features a twin-scroll turbo-charged four-cylinder engine with direct injection - a range-topping 2.0-liter Turbo equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers a total of 290 HP. Check the gallery to see all the new images. Press release after the jump. Opel GTC Paris originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 12:30 EST.
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| Posted: 24 Sep 2010 12:00 PM PDT The Paris Motor Show hasn’t even opened its doors yet and tuners are already trying to ignite our appetite for the offerings that will be available for the SEMA Auto Show at the end of October. The first taste we have received is ARK Performance’s tuning package for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The package doesn’t leave any stone unturned as it includes modifications for the engine, interior, exterior, brake, wheel, and suspension. As an appetizer, ARK has added a new front bumper, new rear bumper, wide front and rear fenders, side skirts, a carbon hood and grille, and a new rear diffuser. The "salad" of the meal is the interior modifications including Bride Zeta 3 Hyper Red Seats, a new steering wheel, a 6-point chromoly roll cage, an Infinity Sound System, Apple iPad Integration Kit, Apple iPad Custom Bezel, and custom inserts. As the main course, ARK is offering a 3.8 Supercharger Kit, a new intercooler, a new exhaust system, and a carbon fiber cooling plate. Each of these elements facilitate the insane boost of power to 450 HP (up from 306 HP). Rounding off the meal is the car in its entirety. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe by ARK is simply sensational. Every aspect of the vehicle was covered and changed for the better. These teaser sketches definitely do their job by causing us to salivate over the idea of seeing it at the SEMA Auto Show. Press release after the jump. Hyundai Genesis Coupe by ARK originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 12:00 EST.
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| Fiat 500 Prima Edizione sold out in the US Posted: 24 Sep 2010 11:00 AM PDT Fiat had high hopes for the 500 city car in the US, and their faith was rewarded tenfold after the first batch of their little compact hatchback was scooped up faster than even they anticipated. Chrysler has announced that the limited edition "500 Prima Edizione" – yep, all 500 of them – have been sold. That means that if you were thinking of getting any one of the three colors offered – Blanco White, Grigio Gray, or Rosso Red - well, tough luck. On the other hand, hope is not lost, as Fiat - via Chrysler - will begin accepting orders for the standard 500 beginning in the early part of next year. Interested buyers will also get the chance to pick whatever trim of the 500 they like the most, including the Sport, Pop, or Lounge trims with the 500C scheduled to be released in 2011. Laura Stove, Head of Fiat brand North America, was excited about the reception the 500 has received in the US. "It’s important that the Fiat enthusiasts and fans are among the first to receive their very own Fiat 500 Prima Edizione special edition vehicles, as they share the same excitement about the brand’s presence in North America," she said. "As we begin to introduce Fiat to North America, our goal is to develop a solid relationship with our customers so they are made to feel as part of the brand." Clearly, the strong reception received by the 500 in the US is a pretty good start for Fiat and the Italian brand is hoping that it's a sign for more good things to come . Fiat 500 Prima Edizione sold out in the US originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 September 2010 11:00 EST.
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