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Monday, September 6, 2010

Infiniti FX35, 2009

Infiniti FX35, 2009






Highlights of the 2009 Infiniti FX :

Body
* A fusion of luxury, performance and SUV utility, with short front and rear overhangs, low center of gravity, aggressive stance and available 21-inch wheels and tires
* Polished, assertive styling, featuring a dark chrome grille, double wave hood, strong front-to-rear shoulder line, integrated rear spoiler, power sliding moon roof
* Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
* Standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional projector headlights with automatic-on feature, integrated fog lights; aerodynamically designed rear LED taillights
* New, distinctive functional side air vents, which reduce front end lift by five percent
* Lightweight aluminum-alloy hood and doors
* Chrome window moldings and door handles; available aluminum roof rails
* Power folding, heated body-colored power adjustable outside sideview mirrors with puddle lamps and available reverse synchronization
* Speed-sensitive windshield wipers with new aerodynamic flat blade wiper design, low-profile wiper arms; available rain-sensing function
* Dual outlet exhaust with tailpipe finishers
* Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat paint finish)
* In eight exterior colors
* 0.35 coefficient of drag (Infiniti FX35)

Engine, Driveline and Platform
* Front engine/rear-wheel drive (Infiniti FX35 RWD) or all-wheel drive (FX50 AWD, FX35 AWD)
* VK50VE 32-valve 5.0-liter DOHC V8 with advanced Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) valve control technology, producing 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (FX50)
* VQ35HR 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC V6, producing 303-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque (Infiniti FX35)
* New 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and Downshift Rev Matching
* Solid magnesium paddle shifters
* ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) AWD system (FX50 AWD, Infiniti FX35 AWD)
* Snow-Mode function (shifts throttle input algorithm in low-speed slippery road conditions once activated by driver for enhanced traction)
* Built on Infiniti's FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, specially designed and configured for use on FX
* Front-to-rear weight distribution: FX50 AWD 54/46, FX35 AWD 53/47, FX35 RWD 52/48

Suspension, Steering and Braking
* Refined 4-wheel independent suspension with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link designs, extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, lightweight compact steel rear sub frame
* Dual Flow Path shock absorbers with rebound springs
* Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with driver-selectable "Auto" and "Sport" settings (FX50 Sport Package)
* Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars
* Power-assisted twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering
* Available Rear Active Steer for increased responsiveness and handling (FX50 Sport Package)
* 4-wheel power-assisted vented brakes; 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA), available Preview Braking
* Aluminum-alloy 4-piston front/2-piston rear (opposed piston) calipers (FX50)
* Available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range)
* Standard painted silver 18-inch split-5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 all-season tires (Infiniti FX35)
* Available metallic finish 20-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/50R20 all-season tires (Infiniti FX35)
* Super-lightweight 9.5Jx21 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei with 265/45R21 all-season tires or available W-rated high-performance summer tires (FX50)

Interior Features
* Cockpit-like styling with standard leather-appointed seating
* Available quilted leather-appointed seating
* Personalized driver and passenger comfort zones with dual-zone front climate control HVAC system
* Superior ingress and egress with low step-in height and easy-access seat height
* Power-adjustable 10-way driver's seat, available manual thigh support with power bolster adjustment
* Available 2-Position Driver's Memory Seat system (standard on FX50)
* 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, available manual thigh support
* Automatic driving position system - coordinates steering wheel and mirror position as seat is adjusted
* Available climate-controlled heating and cooling front seats (standard FX50, optional Infiniti FX35)
* 3-spoke, perforated leather-wrapped, sport-style steering wheel with integrated cruise control and audio controls, available power tilt/telescope feature (standard on FX50)
* Manually reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seat
* 12-point sequential Welcome Lighting system
* White/violet Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges
* Standard 7.0-inch (FX35) or 8.0-inch (FX50) color information display
* Signature Infiniti analog clock
* Available aluminum pedals (standard FX50, optional FX35)
* Genuine hand-stained Maple wood and piano black trim (standard on FX50, optional on FX35)
* Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster ionizer
* Auto up/down front windows, available auto up/down rear windows
* Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
* 11-speaker Bose Premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer, Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converter (DAC), mp3-CD playback, auxiliary input jack and steering wheel audio controls
* Infiniti Hard Drive (HDD) Navigation System with XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information (requires active XM subscription, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with Interface System for iPod, Compact Flash slot and Voice Recognition system
* XM Satellite Radio (requires active XM subscription, sold separately)
* Standard RearView Monitor
* Available innovative Around View Monitor system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce blind spots when parking
* Available Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System (standard on FX50)
* Available solid-construction cargo area cover, cargo net (standard on FX50)
* Four 12-volt power points, dual front and rear cup holders, locking glove compartment
* Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment System, 9.0-inch flip-down console-mounted rear monitor, DVD player mounted in front center console, two wireless headphones, remote control

Safety and Security
* Available Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning
* Available Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system
* Available Distance Control Assist (DCA)
* Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
* Dual-stage front supplemental air bags with passenger seat occupant classification system and seat belt sensor
* Seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted curtain air bags for enhanced outboard seat occupant head protection
* 3-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters; ALR/ELR in all passenger seating positions (driver ELR only)
* Available Pre-Crash Seat Belts
* Seat belt reminder system (front)
* Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system in rear outboard seating positions, (upper tether for all rear seating positions)
* Front-seat Active Head Restraints
* Child safety rear door locks and power window lock-out button
* Energy-absorbing steering column
* Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones
* First aid kit and tool kit
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System and Vehicle Security System
* Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), cancel switch

Cadillac CTS, 2008

Cadillac CTS, 2008






Aggressive and elegant, expressive and sophisticated, the 2008 Cadillac CTS exudes a dramatic design presence. This all-new luxury sedan not only pushes Cadillac's acclaimed design theme higher, it aims to redraw the boundaries of the normally conservative luxury sedan category. Inside and out, the 2008 CTS contradicts many traditional design conventions. CTS' design expresses its serious performance intent, yet also is more elegant and luxurious. It's a sedan in the heart of the luxury market, yet reaches for the charisma of a sports car. CTS is thoroughly new and contemporary, even while it evokes the grandeur of classic Cadillac cars.

Exterior: sporty sophistication meets substance

Coupled with a new overall shape, the most evolutionary dimension of the 2008 CTS comes in the form of a two-inch wider track as a result of the addition of the new, optional all-wheel-drive configuration. The wider stance gives the new model a more planted, capable and well-grounded appearance that's exemplified by much tighter tire-to-fender relationships.

The wider stance also enables more tumblehome - the vehicle sides are sculpted inward - delivering an appearance of rear-wheel-drive performance with a lower roof line, without compromising headroom or a roomy interior.

A wider, tapering sail panel, lower, more sculpted hood, smoother wheel housing lips and a tighter wheel-to-body relationship help communicate the CTS' agility as well as its sophistication and substance.

Seven-spoke, 17-inch wheels or available nine-spoke, 18-inch wheels surround larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors. Both painted and machined finishes are available for the standard 17-inch wheels. The larger, 18-inch wheels are available in a premium multicoat finish or a high-polish finish.

Inspired by Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept car, the CTS front appearance is immediately recognizable, yet also is new. The large, chrome dual-textured grille is significantly more vertical in shape, and is both aggressive and intricate. A large center-positioned wreath and crest add to the three-dimensional face. The front fascia is balanced with vertically stacked headlamps with bright bezels stacked in a staircase-like array. The lower air intake is flanked on both sides with fog lamps and brake duct intakes.

Side air extractors located forward of the front doors are a modern homage to Cadillac's grand heritage. Additional bright details include chrome molding surrounding the side windows, and three-inch chromed exhaust outlets.

Dimensionally, the 2008 CTS is 191.6 inches (4766 mm) long, 72.5 inches (1841 mm) wide and 58 inches (1472 mm) in height. Wheelbase is 113.4 inches (2880 mm) with a front/rear track of 61.8 / 62.0 inches (1575 / 1585 mm).

Interior: performance and elegance combine
The 2008 CTS represents a new design theme for Cadillac interiors, emphasizing technical precision with elegant, hand-crafted details. Dramatically different from the original, the interior design is decidedly more upscale, with added ornamentation, luxury and attention to detail. Strict attention to packaging, premium materials, surface development and comfort combine to meet the discriminating tastes of luxury performance sedan buyers.

Upper instrument panel and door trim surfaces are hand-cut, sewn and wrapped by expert craftsmen. Analog instrumentation that is tightly framed with a compact hood tri-tubular, chromed cluster, is defined by bright accents. An integrated center stack design, with either a satin metallic finish or genuine Sapele wood, blends into the lower instrument panel that sweeps forward and away of front-seat occupants. The hand-assembled center console leads seamlessly into the center stack, providing a sportier "cockpit" feel for the driver and passenger without compromising space.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes standard integrated controls for cruise and audio system.
Inside and out, the 2008 CTS exemplifies an evolution of Cadillac design that achieves a remarkable combination of luxury, technology and performance in a sedan aimed at creating the desire and head-turning quotient normally reserved for sports cars.

New 3.6L V-6 VVT, six-speed automatic join powertrain lineup

The 2008 Cadillac CTS features GM's new 3.6L direct-injection V-6 VVT engine, delivering an estimated 300 horsepower (223 kW) and 270 lb.-ft. (366 Nm) of torque. This new powerplant is a compelling mixture of power, smoothness, efficiency and technical sophistication.

The 3.6L direct-injection engine will be the top-level engine option for the 2008 CTS, joining the existing 2.8L V-6 and 3.6L V-6. Designed to operate with regular unleaded gasoline, the new 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 produces power similar to many V-8 engines, but with much better fuel economy. With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system.

The application of gasoline direct-injection technology on the 3.6L VVT engine contributes greatly to a 15-percent increase in horsepower; 8-percent increase in torque, and 3-percent improvement in brake-specific fuel consumption. Additionally, the application of direct injection reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by 25 percent.

Chassis enhancements include all wheel drive, globally tested suspension
The 2008 CTS features a greatly revised chassis featuring a two-inch wider track and the application of all-wheel drive. The front track is increased to 61.8 inches (1569 mm), and rear track is now 62.0 inches (1575 mm). Wheelbase remains at 113.4 inches (2880 mm).

Cadillac engineers have designed and developed new geometry for both the independent short/long arm front suspension and the multilink rear suspension. Engineers implemented numerous tweaks and revisions to the suspension using extensive computer modeling, combined with development driving of prototype cars on roads all over the world, but mostly in North America, Europe and China . From famed tracks such as Germany 's Nürburgring to everyday roads in the U.S. and China, the CTS suspension was exhaustively tested and honed.

The use of aluminum in the upper and lower front control arms and knuckles helps reduce mass and contributes to higher limits in handling and dynamic wheel control. Front suspensions for the rear-drive model and the all-wheel-drive version, while similar, have been designed to best meet the chassis dynamics of the individual versions.

The engine cradle has six attachment points, two more than typically used on a performance sedan, to better handle heavier loads and engine vibration.

New for CTS is a tower-to-tower brace that adds cross-car stiffness and enhances the overall steering feel. This is an innovation from the high-performance CTS-V model that has been modified and adapted for use in the 2008 CTS.

The multilink rear suspension, with a fully isolated subframe, is an uncompromising design with excellent suspension kinematics that delivers a superior ride with excellent handling. The rear suspension design is shared in both the rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive models, and has been extensively revised to accommodate the larger rear track.

The braking and steering systems for CTS are all-new, with extensive changes to increase responsiveness, premium "feel" and performance in spirited driving conditions.

The 2008 CTS features standard 17-by-8-inch aluminum wheels paired with Michelin H-rated (P235/55R17) all-season radials. The optional performance suspension includes an 18- by- 8.5-inch wheel with the all-new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (P235/50R18) tire that can either be V- or Y- (summer) rated.

Cadillac BLS Wagon, 2008

Cadillac BLS Wagon, 2008



Cadillac signature style
Clear, clean, crisp and sharply defined contours are Cadillac design signatures. An international team of designers, under the leadership of Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design, created a BLS Wagon with a striking wedge shape that is emphasized by the tapered lines of the side windows.

The BLS Wagon also features jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-colored bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows and the latest LED technology is used in the center high-mounted stop lamp, which is prominently positioned in the rear spoiler. Vertical tail lamps, another Cadillac hallmark, play a prominent role in defining the elegant rear proportions of the BLS Wagon.

Luxurious, flexible interior and state-of-the-art infotainment systems
The BLS Wagon interior is highlighted by a three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background.

Flexibility and versatility define the rear seats and cargo area, which are designed to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests.

State-of-the-art infotainment systems include high-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose, among others; a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation; a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone system with a hands-free kit; and remote controls on the steering wheel.

Turbocharged diesel and turbocharged gasoline engines
The front-wheel-drive BLS Wagon is offered with a turbo-diesel and three turbocharged gasoline engines. The 1.9L four-cylinder diesel engine, with common-rail direct-injection technology, is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and delivers 110 kW (150 hp) of power. The range of gasoline engines includes two 2.0L four-cylinder versions (129 kW / 175 hp and 154 kW / 210 hp), and a high-tech, 2.8L V-6 (188 kW / 255 hp) that features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts.

The BLS Wagon offers six-speed manual transmissions and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on engine. For BLS models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern.

Comfort and driving dynamics
The chassis, which features MacPherson struts in front and a four-link rear axle, is designed to provide the agility customers expect from a luxury wagon. The chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort and load capacity.

Bentley GTZ Zagato Concept, 2008

Bentley GTZ Zagato Concept, 2008






The Zagato Atelier takes great pleasure in introducing the Bentley GTZ, the latest in a long line of collaborations with the very best British car manufacturers over the Milanese Atelier 's 89.

Following on from the recent presentations of the Ferrari 575GTZ in 2006 and the Maserati GS Zagato at the Villa D'Este in 2007, the Bentley GTZ is a neo-classic Zagato interpretation of the style of a British GT.

Starting from the styling cues of the last neo classical coupes, which became milestones of Zagato design in the new millennium, the challenge was to apply the same design language to a completely different proportion of vehicle: the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Even with many technical restrictions and carry-over parts in order to maintain the basic functions of this extremely sophisticated vehicle, the Zagato design team managed to give a distinctive and attractive character to the Zagato coupe.

Pronounced fender lines, double-bubble roof, round tail with all new rear combination lamp are harmoniously integrated in to an imposing body adding a more aggressive and sharp feeling without losing the absolute solidity which is part of the great charm of the original coupe. The same time the hand painted pin-stripe coordinated with the interior colour adds a refined and exclusive elegance to the extrovert body lines helps to make the look of this car appropriate to be special limited-production model born between two great automotive cultures: Bentley and Zagato.

Bentley Brooklands, 2008

Bentley Brooklands, 2008






The Bentley Brooklands is a stunning new model that marks the company's return to the luxury coupé market and reaffirms its reputation as creator of the world's most exclusive coupés. It is the ultimate Bentley: a stylish, four-seat, grand touring coupe with classic British proportions and muscular performance.

Sporting design cues are matched by the phenomenal performance engineering of Bentley's legendary Crewe-built V8 engine. The new Bentley Brooklands possesses the most powerful V8 the company has ever produced - a 530bhp, twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre unit that also produces a prodigious 1050Nm of torque.

Each Bentley Brooklands coupé will be hand-assembled, employing traditional coach-building techniques and the craftsmanship skills in wood veneer and leather hide for which Bentley is renowned. To ensure exclusivity, lifetime production will be strictly limited to just 550 cars, with deliveries expected to start in the first half of 2008.

Exterior Design: Classic British Proportions
While the new Bentley Brooklands is influenced by Bentley's fine coupé lineage, its design and engineering are thoroughly contemporary. The proportions of long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang achieve the design objective perfectly, while the low roof line, steeply raked screens and pillar less side glass convey both power and movement.

The 'floating' rear screen, for example, is a contemporary take on traditional coachbuilt Bentleys. The lower edge of the screen sits well above the upper edge of the boot lid to provide a flowing, flawless line to the back of the car. This can only be achieved by individually hand-welding the rear wings to the C-pillars.

The fitment of 20-inch diameter wheels as standard, signalling the surefooted, robust and dynamic character of the new model, reaffirms the powerful stance of the new Bentley coupé.

Interior Design: Peerless Craftsmanship with a Sporting Character
As in every Bentley, peerless craftsmanship is to the fore, enhanced by the warmth and richness of the finest natural materials. To tailor for their individual requirements, customers may choose from an extensive palette of hides, veneers, carpet tones and seat belt colours.

Its four-seat architecture and deeply bolstered seats lend the Brooklands' interior a distinctly sporting atmosphere, complemented by design accents such as aluminium foot pedals and footrest. A new, single-piece, hide-trimmed roof lining flows uninterrupted from the front windscreen all the way to the rear of the car, mirroring the long, sleek profile of the elegant exterior.

The interior designers sought to offer the very highest levels of comfort and legroom, in true Bentley grand touring tradition, while the pillar less window design enhances the feeling of space.

The Bentley Brooklands' cabin is wider both front and rear than the previous Bentley Continental R coupé - the rear by 10 percent - and it easily exceeds the interior leg, knee and headroom of any luxury coupe on sale today. This allows four adults to be accommodated in supreme comfort. Individual rear seats with electrically operated sliding cushions, set further back than on the Azure, are separated by a new centre console, incorporating both storage and cup holders.

Most powerful Crewe-built V8 ever - 530bhp, 1050Nm
Beneath its muscular, rakish, coach-built body lies the most powerful Crewe-builtV8 engine ever produced, developing 530bhp. Maximum torque is an astonishing 1050Nm, the highest ever developed by a production V8 engine. Though performance figures are subject to final confirmation as part of the on-going development programme, the new Bentley coupé will deliver supercar levels of in-gear acceleration combined with Arnage refinement.

Launched in the Bentley S2 saloon in 1959 with a capacity of 6.23 litres, the legendary, Crewe-built V8 engine has continually evolved. The first V8 was very advanced for its time with an all-aluminium construction, a five-bearing crankshaft and a well-supported camshaft, producing nearly 200bhp and 400Nm of torque. The result was a light and supple powertrain that produced maximum torque at low engine speeds, the hallmark of every Bentley ever produced.

1969 saw the capacity grow to 6.75 litres, where it remains to this day, but by far the most significant change came in 1982, with the introduction of a turbocharger to create the near-300bhp Mulsanne Turbo, a car that transformed the image of Bentley. In 1999, the single turbo engine, by now featuring port injection and charge cooling, was installed in Arnage, with twin turbos arriving in 2002, developing up to 450bhp.

For the 2007 model Arnage, the V8 engine saw a step-change in performance and refinement which became the starting point for the new Bentley Brooklands. A re-profiled camshaft and new, low-inertia turbochargers, which operate with greater efficiency at lower engine speeds have resulted in reduced turbo lag, enhancing that prodigious wave of torque at any revs, the hallmark of a true Bentley. These changes extend the power potential of the V8 in the Arnage to 500bhp and 1000Nm of torque. For the Bentley Brooklands, further component optimisation and engine calibration ensure record power and torque levels from this hand-assembled engine.

As with the latest Arnage, the V8 engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with strengthened casing that transforms the way in which both parts of the drive train communicate. A sophisticated, locking torque converter and ESP system ensure that the driver can readily access the prodigious power. A semi-automatic function allows manual gear selection for even greater driver control.