Friday, June 22, 2007

2007 Maybach 57 S




Maybach may not be a common brand in the ultra-luxury field, but that is just the way Mercedes-Benz likes it, as only a relative handful are available each year. The 133.5-inch wheelbase 57 is the driver’s Maybach and for 2007 there is a new S (for Special) model featuring a 6-liter biturbo V-12 producing 612 horsepower. The AMG-sourced power plant combined with a tauter suspension configuration and gives the driver a combination of lavish luxury and dynamic handling that will more than stand up to lesser performance and sports models. A 0-100 km (62 mph) time of 5 seconds is claimed. Features of the 57 S include 20-inch spoked wheels, single tone paint in black or silver, modified rear apron, trapezoidal tailpipes and discreet lettering. Four years ago, the Maybach name was revived by M-B for its most luxurious cars. Maybach was a German prestige car of the 1920s and 30s.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

2007 Volvo XC90





When the Volvo XC90 was introduced 4-years ago, it changed the luxury SUV market. The 2007 wagon styling is enhanced with a new grille, bumpers and taillights. The XC90 3.2 models receive color-coordinated side moldings and door handles while the XC90 V8 gains aluminum roof rails and color-coordinated wheel arch moldings. Both models sport new outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. All new for ’07 is a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine that replaced the 2.5T. At 235 horsepower, the 6-cylinder has an increase of 27 horses, but maintains fuel consumption as a 5-cylinder. A 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic is now standard on the XC90 3.2 as well as the range-topping XC90 V8. The 4.4-liter V-8 is naturally aspirated that develops 311 horsepower. As Volvo’s flagship, the XC90 interior is equipped with standard leather seating surfaces for all 3-rows and a power moonroof. Being the largest vehicle in the Volvo lineup, the XC90 seats 7 adults and has 93.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity available when seatbacks are folded.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

2007 Volvo S40




For 2007, Volvo’s S-range premium compact sedan continues to be offered in 3 versions: There is the value-leading S40 2.4i, the performance-oriented S40 T5 and the all-weather S40 T5 AWD. All models are now fitted with Volvo’s Dynamic Stability Traction Control as standard equipment. Other changes include new features such as auxiliary input and MP3 playback capability and Sirius Satellite Radio. A choice of powertrains gives each S40 model a distinct character. Standard on the 2.4i is a normally aspirated 5-cylinder engine that produces 168-horsepower and can be geared up with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission. Increasing the fun factor for the T5 is a 218-horsepower, 2.5-liter, inline turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. All T5s come stock with the 5 - Speed Geartronic microprocessor controlled automatic shifter with Auto – Stick function. Those who crave an even more dynamic driving experience can equip the electronically controlled all-wheel drive T5 AWD with Volvo’s 6-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. All models are 5-seaters and the trunk capacity is 12.6 cu ft.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

Concept Cars, Volvo C-30



Three concept variations of the Volvo C-30 coupe maybe coming to the 2007 Chicago show. The blue & yellow (Swedish colors) C30 has fully articulating gull-wing doors, and super deep-dish Pentasport alloy wheels. Backing the aggressive appearance on the Yellow C30 is a 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine that delivers an amazing 507 horsepower and 468-lb.-ft of torque to the Volvo all-wheel drive system. Special goodies on that engine feature a custom turbo, custom tubing and blow off valve. Check back regularly for updates.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

The Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Concept




The Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Concept celebrates is European premiere at the 2007 Geneva Motor show.

Chevrolet Europe has decided to start importing the production version of this exciting vehicle as of 2009. Combining dramatic design and exciting performance, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans.

The Camaro Concept embodies the performance and passion that have made first generation Camaros some of the most sought-after collector cars, updating the formula with a fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design execution. The goal is to make the sport coupe relevant to younger enthusiasts while retaining its appeal to current fans.

“Millions of people of all ages fell in love with the Camaro for all of the right reasons,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “Camaros were beautiful to look at and offered performance that could rival expensive European GTs. Yet, they were practical enough to be driven every day and priced within the reach of many new car buyers.”

The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that it is a serious performance car. Those looks are backed up by a 400-horsepower aluminum small-bock V-8, a six-speed manual transmission, and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension.


source : conceptcar.co.uk

Monday, February 26, 2007

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Mopar Concept







Take a new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 and add additional Mopar performance parts; the result is a sinister looking concept coupe that made a surprise appearance during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. An impressive, custom-engineered version of the new 8.4-liter V-10 growls from under the hood, and generates a stunning 675 horses. The transmission is the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 6-speed manual, known as the TR6060. It features 10 percent wider gears for higher torque capacity and a new synchronizer package. Club racers will applaud a new provision for adding an external transmission cooler. Tuner goodies included tubular exhaust header package, fully adjustable coilover suspension kit, high flowing, Cat-Back exhaust system, and 6 point racing restraints. Other race-inspired parts are adapted Viper competition rear wing and front splitter. Wrapped around the "Sidewinder" lightweight wheels with anodized finished are Michelin racing slicks, 18-inch in front and 19-inch back. An asymmetrical red Viper “Driver’s Stripe” flows over the length of the vehicle, and includes the steering wheel.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10







The exhilarating 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ups the ante with a new, 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. With 90 more ponies than before, and teamed to the Tremec 6-speed manual box, the ’08 Viper storms from 0-to-60 in less than 4-seconds. By revising the engine bore 1-millimeter, the V-10 displacement increased from 8.3- to 8.4-liters. Expect to see the arrival of the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 in Dodge showrooms this summer. Check back soon for update info and scenes of the Viper on the floor of the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan







Arriving the fall of 2007, but on review during the Chicago Auto Show in February, is the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. This is the 5th-generation of Chrysler Group minivans, and for ’08, receives updated exterior and interior design. Dodge presents two models: the Grand Caravan SE and Grand Caravan SXT, and a total of 3 aluminum V-6 engines. These include a new 240 horsepower, 4.0-liter, a 3.8-liter that produces 198 horses or a 3.3-liter flex-fuel-capable (FFV) that develops 170 horsepower. The first two engines come with a 6-speed transaxle, and the flex-fuel V-6 connects to a 4-speed transaxle. Chrysler Group has sold more than 1,330,000 flex-fuel minivans since 1998. Three distinct seating configurations are available for ’08. First, a 2nd-row bench seat with 2nd-row covered storage bins; next, a 3rd-row fold-in-the-floor seating, and new for ’08, Swivel ’n Go 2nd-row seats. Swivel ‘n Go allows the 2nd-row seats to revolve 180 degrees and face the 3rd-row, plus, includes a removable table that installs between the two rows.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

2008 Dodge Avenger





The Dodge brand is running on all cylinders as it introduces the all-new 2008 Avenger 4-door sedan. Designed to appeal to Generation Xers, the Avenger reflects family traits with the Charger 4-door sedan, including assertive attitude, bold styling, and powerful performance. Avenger is also Dodge’s 1st mid-size car to offer all-wheel drive capability. There are 4-models offered: the Avenger SE, Avenger SXT, Avenger R/T, and Avenger R/T AWD (late availability). Three engine options power the ’08 Avengers: the new standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder World Engine, an available flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 and a 235 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new 6-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick. The other two engines come mated to the 4-speed automatic transaxle. Carefully matched grains and low gloss levels contribute to Avenger’s rich-looking 5-passenger interior surfaces., and the luggage volume in the trunk is a competitive 13.35-cubic feet.


source : chicagoautoshow.com

2007 Dodge Caliber







Dodge is taking a new slant on the global compact car market, introducing the 2007 Dodge Caliber as its entry-level vehicle. Replacing the outgoing Neon, the five-door Caliber is Chrysler Group’s first compact car to offer all-wheel-drive capability. Three world engine offerings (1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-liter four cylinders) provide class-leading horsepower (148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp, respectively). The signature crosshair grille, sculpted fender forms, broad shoulders and a distinctive hood give Caliber its powerful stance. Inside, Caliber seats two in front and three passengers in the rear. With seatbacks folded flat, there’s 48.0 cubic feet of cargo room.


source : chicagoautoshow.com