Volvo C30 GT

The Volvo C30 GT is based on the C30 R-Design, but has been outfitted with a performance package developed by K-PAX Performance Cars to be distributed by Volvo retailers in North America. Much of what helped K-PAX Racing achieve their championship has been carried over to their street car. Upgraded suspension, brakes, exhaust and adjustable ECU software offers performance enhancements while new wheels and tires helps the Volvo C30 GT get a new grip with its 280-hp.

Only 500 C30 GTs will be available and each are numbered with a full 5 year/60,000 mile warranty. Pricing has yet to be released.

Daihatsu Move Front View

Although the Daihatsu vehicles are not very common on Spanish roads, in Japan it is not unusual to find a bunch of them just go out into the street. And it is next to Suzuki the leading brand special segment of kei-cars. Among their top models is the Move, which now receives a restyling. Facing the new year, a small minivan debuts grill, front and rear bumpers, rear lights and wheel design. You can add new colors, more resistant upholstery and a more complete equipment. Under the hood comes an evolution of KF engine with up to 64 hp, but with Stop & Start system standard. As is customary in Japan, both the CVT and all-wheel drive are available depending on version. Unfortunately, this model will not see it here because it is reserved for Japan and other Asian countries.Daihatsu said fuel efficiency improved to the 27km/litre mark, the highest achieved using the Japanese test cycle, through measures including the adoption of a newly developed idle-stop system called ‘eco idle’, an updated second-generation KF engine and an approximate 35kg (77lbs) reduction in weight. According to the manufacturer, stopping the engine automatically to save fuel when the car stops improves fuel efficiency by 2km/liter.

Chevrolet Equinox Review

Chevrolet Equinox Review
Revised in 2010.
The Chevrolet Equinox has been revised for 2010. Making it the second-generation crossover SUV. Although the size is more like a midsize SUV, Equinox prices and characteristics of a compact SUV, but not yet with some luxury amenities and technology provides in its price class.

The new version of Equinox is about the same size as its predecessor. But it is in and out of different styles and two new engines. The base engine is an improved version of the 2.4 liter four-cylinder drove the latest model. Thank you to direct injection, is now the most powerful fuel and first class, 32 mpg on the highway. Lots of sound insulation is quieter than most of the four cylinders.

Equinox is also available with a 3.0-liter V6 that offers a 3.6-liter V6 replaced. A similar performance figures to 264 horsepower, but it feels much less efficient than the V6 it replaces more. In fact, we do not think he feels much stronger position of the four cylinders, so we think that the basic engine is the best choice.

The new Equinox manages better than its predecessor. 'S more than the voltage of the vehicle pre-2010 models with less lean alternately. It is not sporty, but is tied with its main competitors, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The race is also very good. We found that both the standard 17 - or 18-inch wheels available, the equinox even strong shocks absorbed without interrupting passenger comfort.

Feature
• Introduction
• Lineup
• Walk Around
• Interior
• Driving Impressions
• Summary & Specifications
Get your free quote on a Chevrolet Equinox

Inside, the Equinox an interior landscape. There are some services such as ambient lighting beautiful ice blue, control dual-zone automatic temperature control, a hard disk audio system, a dual-screen rear DVD entertainment and power liftgate. The interior materials look and feel of hard plastic, though.

The Equinox offers plenty of space for passengers and freight. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and have 10 inches of travel to fit any size driver. Return transfers Multiflex rear seat. He has eight inches of travel, passengers can ride in the back or the size of the driver can slide the rear seats forward, handle more cargo.

Its spacious interior and a reasonable price make the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox attractive and buyers can you expect good service in this price range to get. During the last treatment model has been botched for many, the problem is resolved, so the Equinox, a crossover SUV market player in the field.

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, each available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (AWD). All models come standard with GM's Ecotec four-cylinder direct injection now, which improves performance and torque from 164 to 182 160 to 172 lb-ft. Fuel consumption is also improved, as the GM 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a capacity of 22/32 mpg (city / highway) with 2WD and 20/29 with AWD. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with the CEO, the crossing points for fuel economy by about 1 mpg increase changed.

In addition, there is a 3.0-liter V6. A derivative of the V6 3.6-liter GM engine that produces 264 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque. GM estimates that the fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city mpg with FWD and 17/24 with AWD. The V6 has a six-speed automatic transmission, but adds a manual shift gate.

Hyundai ix20 Concept

Hyundai ix20 Concept – Click above for high-res image

When it comes to designing an MPV, it's difficult to move beyond the standard two-box form. That's where Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language comes into play. Penned by the automaker's European R&D studio in Rüsselsheim, Germany and set to debut at Paris Motor Show at the end of the month, the ix20 attempts to add a level of style to the utilitarian MPV segment.

There's no word on an engine or output, but Hyundai says the soiree in Paris will have a heavy focus on the brand's BlueDrive drivetrains, and joining the ix20 on stage will be a refreshed i10 city car, complete with a new 1.0-liter engine. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL

Nissan gave the Sentra a light refresh for 2010 with new front fascia, grille, front and rear light housings and body-side molding with chrome inserts. The changes on the outside would be hard for me to pick up on unless I had the updated model and the previous model side by side, to be honest. The current-generation Sentra has never stood out to me from a design standpoint and still looks a bit dull to my eye.

However, I did pick up on the new stereo head unit in the interior, which looks sleeker and is user-friendly.

The good news for your pocketbook is that Nissan dropped the base price across the entire Sentra lineup for 2010. In the case of our 2.0 SL model, the base price was reduced by $1,100 compared with the 2009 model year--not too shabby.

The car also stacks up well against the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. With a solid platform, the Sentra handles and changes directions quick. I was pleasantly surprised by the steering, which had nice weight and steering feel, unlike most regular Nissan vehicles. The suspension is competent to tackle daily road problems such as bumps and holes fine with some lean through turns.

Performance from the 2.0-liter is sufficient, and the CVT wasn't bad. I still prefer the operation of a good old-fashion torque-converter automatic instead of the drone CVT-equipped vehicles have under hard acceleration. Brake performance is also strong with a solid pedal feel.

The interior is straight-forward with good quality materials and plastics trim finishes throughout. As with the exterior, it's on the dull side, but is a comfortable enough place to be.

The thing is, simple and bland styling with competent driving performance and good fuel economy reigns supreme in this category. For that, the Sentra has it all down pat.

SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: The Sentra is a decent competitor in this segment and has plenty going for it. I liked the tight chassis. It gave the car a good feel with just enough firmness--well done. I came away impressed with the I4; it worked well with the CVT and provided more than adequate get-up. When a car has 140 horses, you tend to fear the worst, but the Sentra is not underpowered and is more than up to the task for passing. I did rev it close to redline to split traffic during the morning commute, but it did the job, no problem, with just the expected four-banger noise rasp.

The cabin is a relatively nice setting. Some of the materials, particularly the seats, look and feel great. Some of the other materials were a little less impressive. The interior is also quiet enough for a car this size. Some outside noise filters in, but we're not talking luxury cars here.

The satellite radio, seat burners and sunroof all give this a livable feel; it's nice to be able to dress up a fairly basic car. My only real beef is I wasn't a fan of the steering; it just felt a little rubbery to me. I also think the pricing is a touch high.

The design is bland on the outside, but what car in this segment does drop jaws? The Sentra is nonoffensive and has some nice touches with the body molding.

Overall, this is a solid package, and the fuel economy is great. In these times, this is a good product to have in your arsenal if you're a carmaker looking to move the metal.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: Nissan, not really often on my radar screen, seems to be perking up a bit. The Juke is cool in my opinion, and the upmarket Infiniti QX56 looks strong.

As for this Sentra, it's not a bad a little car, like the Versa that I drove a while back. It's almost perfect for commuting.

As I've often said, CVTs remind me of a snowmobile: You hit the gas, the engine revs up, nothing happens at first and eventually things get rolling. But this is good, basic transportation. The ride is compliant and comfortable, one of the better rides among the small cars, something one would appreciate in Detroit.

Build quality and materials are not as bad as the Versa and even if they weren't, you'd sort of expect it. I did hear some rattles coming from the back-seat area. Like the Versa, the Sentra is not sexy, fast or fun. But it's a decent little commuter/city car. This is a fine alternative to the Honda Civic/Toyota Corolla cliché.

2010 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL

Base Price: $19,280

As-Tested Price: $21,080

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter I4; FWD, continuously variable transmission

Output: 140 hp @ 5,100 rpm, 147 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,978 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 29/24.3 mpg

Options: 2.0 SL premium plus package including power sliding-glass moonroof with tilt feature, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, cargo net and hooks, heated seats ($850); SL leather package with leather seats ($700); splash guards ($140); floor mats ($110)

Motor Trend pits Lexus LFA against Nissan GT-R in epic drag race

Lexus LFA versus Nissan GT-R – Click above to watch the video after the break

Japan is back in the supercar race in a major way following the introduction last year of the Nissan GT-R and the addition of the Lexus LFA for the 2011 model year. The question now is this: If the $85,000 GT-R is Godzilla, then what in the world (Or perhaps it's otherworldly? Read our review and decide for yourself.) is the nearly $400,000 (or more) Lexus?

Clearly, with a price gap that large, the two automakers don't necessarily count the opposing product as direct competition for its own... but that doesn't mean we aren't keenly interested in seeing how the two Japanese performance behemoths stack up when the light turns green. Got your interest piqued?

Fortunately for us, Motor Trend managed to procure a brand-new Lexus LFA for testing just long enough to line it up against the magazine's own long-term Nissan GT-R for an impromptu drag race. What happened? Well, the Lexus unleashed all 552 of its horsepower (at 8,700 RPM) and 354 pound-feet of torque (at 6,800 RPM) to its rear wheels and the Nissan used its all-wheel drive system to its advantage.

And? Click past the break to find out how the rest of the story unfolds. Oh, and as cool as this grudge match may be, we still want to see what happens between the two warriors after a few laps on a proper race track. Thanks to all who sent this in!

Carbon Motors' E7 Police Car gets BMW Turbo Diesel Power

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Carbon Motors E7 Police Car gets BMW Turbo Diesel Power


Announced at a joint press conference in Washington DC and BMW, Carbon Motors in a strategic partnership that the German manufacturer of cars provides law enforcement agencies in the U.S. automotive diesel express.

The agreement includes the supply of 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder BMW diesel, complete with cooling and exhaust system and 6-speed automatic Carbon E7 purpose-built rear-wheel police vehicle.

In the U.S. market, the X5 35d and 335d, the min-line six-cylinder diesel engine offers 265 hp at 4,200 rpm and maximum torque of 425 Nm 1750-2250 rpm, while returning 23mpg city / 36mpg highway and 19mpg city / 26mpg highway o.

Carbon Motors, founded in 2003, said it is estimated that the fleet of law enforcement in the United States consume about 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline and an estimated 14 million tons of CO2 per year.

The Company believes that diesel BMW Carbon E7, both cut prices by up to 40 percent.

"America's largest and visible state of the fleet of vehicles, now exceeding 450,000 units, earning the most durable, efficient and reliable power available," said William Santana Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Carbon Motors Corporation .

"The strength of BMW as a partner for our men and women in uniform in a state of diesel engine performance, have enabled it to provide on request, with the significant reduction of fuel consumption and emissions, the taxpayers of the United States must" .

If the production is full, the C7 Carbon with the new competition FWD / AWD Interceptor Ford Taurus driven by an aspirated or turbocharged V6 offered, GM's new RWD Chevy Caprice police car with the V8 power unit and the current Dodge Charger. The police car in the United States consists of approximately 65,000 vehicles per year.