1/31/2011

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, 2010

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, 2010

 


Based on the hot-selling Cadillac CTS sport sedan, and a sister vehicle to the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, the Sport Wagon extends the design-driven renaissance of Cadillac. Following this special premiere at Pebble Beach, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon moves to the worldwide auto show circuit this fall - and into Cadillac dealerships in spring 2009.

A striking profile is created with the Cadillac CTS wagon, with a silhouette that suggests speed and aerodynamic efficiency. It rides on the same 113.4-inch (2,880-mm) wheelbase as the Cadillac CTS sport sedan and is 0.3-inch (7 mm) shorter. However, it offers a generous cargo area of 25 cubic feet (720 liters) behind the rear seats. Design highlights include:

    * Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif
    * Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology
    * Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button)
    * CHMSL integrated in subtle roof spoiler
    * Integrated roof load management system with cross bars for a seamless appearance
    * Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment
    * New 19-inch wheels
    * Larger available panoramic rear sunroof

Design details
Dramatic planes highlight the Cadillac CTS wagon's design, including a V-shaped motif carried throughout the vehicle and carefully integrated intersections of exterior surfaces. The elements coalesce in a dramatic fashion, creating tension that emphasizes the vehicle's performance.

The emotion of the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon's design is carried by a number of nuanced details. The liftgate area, for example, is a confluence of angles and planes that typifies the vehicle's design tension. Cadillac's "V" motif is most prominent here, culminating in a spine at the center of the liftgate that is accented with a subtle spoiler at the top of the backlight. The rear quarter panels extend slightly beyond the inward-angled planes of the V, creating a distinctive W shape at the rear of the vehicle. Large, prominent vertical taillamps - with Cadillac's signature light pipe technology - are the final, dramatic touches to the rear-end styling.

Powertrains
Direct injection technology helps the Cadillac CTS offer more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. It delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion. This means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions created.

With the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon's 3.6L V-6, direct injection translates to 304 horsepower (227 kW)*, no loss of fuel efficiency and a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It also runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline. The Sport Wagon's fuel economy is expected to be similar to the peak rating of the existing sport sedan's 26 mpg highway rating. The standard 3.6L VVT engine that produces 263 horsepower (196 kW) and 253 lb.-ft. of torque (343 Nm) serves as the base engine in North America.

Just like the Cadillac CTS sport sedan, the V-6 engines are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions, including an Aisin six-speed manual or an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic. As is the case on the sport sedan, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon includes AWD as an option.

An efficient 2.9L turbo-diesel engine is being developed for Cadillac CTS models primarily in European and Asian markets. It is a compact, dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine from GM's family of diesel engines that delivers optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise. The engine is rated at 184 kW (250 hp).

Driving dynamics
The robust and dynamic CTS chassis infuses the new wagon with a great balance of performance and luxury. It uses an independent short/long arm ( SLA) front suspension system and a multi-link rear suspension.
The multi-link rear suspension features a fully isolated subframe that helps deliver excellent suspension kinematics, contributing to a superior ride and excellent handling.

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Preliminary Specifications
    * Vehicle type: four-door, five-passenger rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive wagon
    * Wheelbase: 113.4" / 2880mm
    * Length: 191.3" / 4859 mm
    * Width: 72.6" / 1842 mm
    * Height: 59.1" / 1502 mm
    * Track: 61.8" / 1570 mm (front); 62" / 1575 mm (rear)
    * Engines: 3.6L VVT V-6 (263 hp / 196 kW) 3.6L V-6 VVT DI (304 hp / 227 kW)
    * Transmissions: Aisin six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic
    * Suspension: four-wheel independent: MacPherson strut front; multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, monotube shock absorbers
    * Steering: variable-assist rack-and-pinion
    * Brakes: four-wheel disc; aluminum or iron dual-piston front calipers; aluminum or iron single-piston rear calipers
    * Wheels: 17-inch, 18-inch or 19-inch aluminum
    * EPA luggage capacity: 25 cu ft / 720 l (behind rear seats)
    * EPA total volume: 121.9 cu ft / 3452 l

Cadillac Aera Concept, 2010

Cadillac Aera Concept, 2010

 
 
 
The Cadillac Aera Concept won the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge, tying with Smart and besting entries from seven other automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Maybach. GM Advanced Design has now won the honor more times than any other design team; this is its third victory since 2005.

The Cadillac Aera Concept is powered by compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System that has a 10,000-psi composite air storage tank with capacity for a 1,000-mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort. The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body panels and glass.

Cadillac Aera's body utilizes a 3D lattice, mono-formed frame that was designed to be similar to configurations found consistently in nature. The structure is formed from unique, alloy-utilizing, semi-solid freeform manufacturing, creating a naturally strong, extremely lightweight frame. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially "grown" into a single part lattice structure.

The interior is crafted with an ultra-light recyclable polymer that allows for HVAC channels, fully adjustable seating, storage and comfort features all in one mono-form structure. Generous storage space accommodates luggage for two people.

Additional technologies include an all-in-one wheel system that combines rotary actuator propulsion, steering and suspension functions. A drive-by-wire system decreases the mass of electrical components, while vehicle-to-vehicle communication promotes active safety.

The concept was conceived in GM's North Hollywood Advanced Design Studio by Frank Saucedo, director; Phil Tanioka, vehicle designer; Brent Wickham, concept strategist; Shawn Moghadam, layout designer and Timonen, the project manager. Earlier this week, GM commemorated 10 years of advanced design at the L.A. area studio.

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference and has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Design Los Angeles connects those working in the design industry with well-known automotive design industry leaders. Los Angeles is home to the world's largest concentration of manufacturer design studios, representing automakers from North America, Europe and Asia. It is also the home of Art Center College of Design, one of the world's foremost transportation design institutions where many of today's leading automotive designers began their careers.

Cadillac STS, 2008

Cadillac STS, 2008

 
 


The 2008 Cadillac STS, featuring refreshed signature styling inside and out; a new, standard 298-horsepower (222 kW) V-6 engine; and a host of new vehicle technologies, debuts at New York Auto Show, April 6-15, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Refreshed design, inside and out
With overall dimensions slightly increased, the new STS conveys more of the design flair that has become a Cadillac signature. Up front, the dual-textured, multi-faceted grille first seen on the Sixteen concept and incorporated on both the Escalade and soon-to-be-launched 2008 CTS, has been adapted to the STS, giving the luxury performance sedan a more sophisticated appearance. Vertically stacked headlamps with large, dual 70mm projector lenses are encased in an aluminized, single-piece bezel. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are now available on V-6 models.

Similarly, side air extractors, again inspired by the Sixteen and Escalade, are now incorporated in the front fenders of the STS.
New styling touches also include chrome-plated door handles and new lower rocker moldings that blend into the lower line of the vehicle for more presence and refinement.

At the rear, the new fascia is now body-color, and is highlighted with the addition of polished, aluminum three-inch exhaust tips.
New, polished 18-inch by 8-inch aluminum 14-spoke wheels are available. For these available wheels, Michelin W-rated, 235/50R18 tires are used up front, and the rear wheels are fitted with 255/45R18 all-season radials.

Inside, STS's luxurious interior includes a new steering wheel with available genuine Sapele Pommele wood trim. Sapele is an exotic wood more commonly used in fine furniture and musical instruments. A heated steering wheel also is available. The center stack of the instrument panel is revised with the addition of wood trim that has new metallic surroundings.

STS adds direct-injection V-6
For 2008, STS will be the first GM vehicle equipped with a new 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 engine. The new base powerplant, with 298 horsepower (222 kW), delivers 40 more horsepower; and torque is increased to 268 lb.-ft. (371 Nm) - up from 252 lb.-ft. (348 Nm) on the current base engine.

The new direct-injected 3.6L will be mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, the first pairing of this transmission with a V-6 engine. Additionally, the STS V-6 will continue to be available with all-wheel drive (AWD) for 2008.
Advantages of the new direct-injected engine include a 25-percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Additionally, despite the 15-percent increase in power, fuel economy is expected to increase slightly.

Lane departure technology debuts
Continuing Cadillac's commitment to using advanced safety features, the 2008 STS will offer new features including a new performance handling package; enhanced variable-effort steering with StabiliTrak on V-8 models; and new lane departure warning and blind side alerts.

The new performance handling package will be available for V-8-equipped rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models and V-6-equipped rear-drive models. The package includes 18-inch by 8.5-inch aluminum alloy, chrome-plated wheels fitted with new P255/45R18 Michelin Pilot Sport summer-only tires.

Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers provide enhanced braking, with front rotors measuring 14-inch by 1.2-inch (355mm x 32mm) coupled with 14.4-inch by 1.1-inch (365mm x 28mm) rear rotors. All four rotors are vented.

Cadillac Provoq Concept, 2008

Cadillac Provoq Concept, 2008

 
 

Cadillac unveils a new vision for the future of luxury transportation with the innovative Provoq fuel cell concept - a hydrogen fuel cell crossover vehicle that continues GM's commitment to displace petroleum through advanced technology.

The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest example of GM's groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system, combining the new fifth-generation fuel cell system and a lithium-ion battery to produce an electrically driven vehicle that uses no petroleum and has no emission other than water. The concept's fifth-generation fuel cell technology is half the size of its predecessor, yet it has been developed to produce more power and performance.

Fuel-cell variant of the E-Flex system
The concept can drive 300 miles (483 km) on a single fill of hydrogen - with 280 miles (450 km) from hydrogen and 20 miles (32 km) on pure, battery electric energy.

A pair of 10,000 psi (700 bar) composite storage tanks beneath the rear cargo floor hold 13.2 pounds (6 kg) of hydrogen to feed the fuel cell stack, located under the hood. There, hydrogen mixes with oxygen to generate electricity - up to 88 kW continuous power. A lithium-ion battery pack can store up to a total of 9kWh of electrical energy and also provides a peak of 60 kW of power for additional performance.

The electricity generated by the fuel cell is distributed to a 70 kW co-axial drive system for the front wheels and individual, 40 kW wheel hub motors on the rear wheels, giving the Cadillac Provoq its all-wheel-drive traction and great driving dynamics. Its 0-60 mph (approximately 100 km/h) speed of 8.5 seconds is a more than 30-percent improvement over the previous-generation fuel cell system and with instantaneous torque to the wheels, it feels even faster. Provoq has a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).

Key features
With sleek, signature Cadillac bodywork, the Provoq concept redefines luxury crossovers, offering uncompromising passenger and cargo space to match its performance and cruising range. Additional vehicle features include:
    * Solar panel integrated in the roof to help power onboard accessories, such as the interior lights, audio system and more
    * Brake-by-wire technology
    * Front grille louvers that close at highway speed to enhance aerodynamics, and open at low speed to provide maximum cooling to the fuel cell stack

Highlights include:
    * Active front grille, with grille louvers that open when the fuel cell stack requires cooling
    * Full underbody aerodynamic cover
    * Left- and right-hand charging ports incorporated in stylish front fender vents
    * Flush door handles that feature push-to-release operation
    * Wind tunnel-shaped outside mirrors with integral turn signals
    * Center high-mounted rear stop lamp incorporated into full-width, wraparound spoiler
    * Signature vertical taillamps with subtle fin design
    * Side glass mounted flush with pillars
    * Wheels with clear-covered space between the spokes, creating a sleeker profile while maintaining Cadillac's signature bold wheel design
    * Low-drag roof rack

1/29/2011

Audi S4 High Performance Sport Cars

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1/28/2011

Koenigsegg Agera Sport Supercar

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1/27/2011

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy

Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy
New concept cars from Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy, created for the 2010 Australian International Motor show. At least, that's the abstraction abaft Peter Vardai's new Mercedes aggressive Blackbird abstraction car.
Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy
The Mercedes Benz takes elements from airplanes, absorption on acceleration and movement with capacity aggressive by the TRON legacy. Maybe in the abutting cine the TRON aggregation can advancement the lightcycle and barter it in for a badass Benz.
Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy
New concept of Tron Lagacy in the shape of “Blackbird” a stylish Car. Paying tribute to the Mercedes-Benz, the Hungarian designer Peter Vardai invented a concept car called the “Blackbird”, which is built on the idea of speed and freedom of feelings towards the strengthening of the brand.
Drawing its name from the fastest manned aircraft, Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the new car is equipped with a bow and lights to emphasize the sporty Mercedes.
Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy
Made in 2010, the Australian International Motor Show, Mercedes Blackbird inspired by the latest Hollywood blockbuster, Tron Legacy, just like Audi’s E-Tron concept. Moreover, the Mercedes Tron vehicle makes use of novel colors to suit the movie.
Mercedes Benz Sports Cars Concept Blackbird Tron Legacy

Renault DeZir Desktop Wallpaper

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2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo Sport Mini Cars

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1/26/2011

Chevrolet Volt Hybrid Electric Cars

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2011 Honda CR-Z

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1/25/2011

Porsche 911 Targa 4, 2009

Porsche 911 Targa 4, 2009


 

The 911 Targas differ from both the Carrera Coupes and Cabriolets by dint of their stunning glass tops. The all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are unique with roofs comprised entirely of two transparent panels. The glass extends from the windshield header back to the leading edge of the engine cover, from side frame to side frame.

More Power from Less Fuel
Both the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S receive new engines which boast direct fuel injection, new two-piece crankcases and revised intake and exhaust systems along with Porsche VarioCam Plus intake-valve timing and lift system. By injecting the fuel directly into each cylinder's combustion chamber rather than the intake as is more common, combustion is cleaner and more complete. This technology reduces exhaust emissions and fuel consumption while simultaneously increasing engine potency.

The results are felt and appreciated immediately by the Porsche 911 Targa 4's driver. Thanks to a 6.2 percent increase in horsepower and a 5.3 percent gain torque over last year's model, the 3.6- liter engine goes from 325 to 345 hp and receives a gain in torque from 273 to 288 lb.-ft. A manual gearbox equipped 2009 911 Targa 4 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.0 seconds.

Two Clutches, No Clutch Pedal
To take full advantage of the newly designed engines, Porsche is offering drivers a transmission that delivers quicker acceleration than is possible with the standard manual gearbox while maximizing fuel efficiency. The new PDK (from the German Porsche- Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), or Porsche double-clutch, replaces the Tiptronic S as the optional gearbox in both the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S.

Porsche was the first automaker to successfully use this transmission technology back in the 1980s when the transmission was developed for the mighty Porsche 962 Group C race car. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 or Targa 4S driver can allow the seven-speed PDK to shift up and down automatically, or he may opt to manually shift via steering-wheel mounted paddles or the console-mounted lever, the same as with the Tiptronic S.

All-Weather Maximum Performance
In addition to their unique two-section glass roofs, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S offer their drivers the added benefits of all-wheel drive. For 2009, these cars benefit from the same electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM) found under the awesome Porsche Turbo, as well as the new mchanical locking differential standard.

PTM replaces the previous models' viscous-coupling, mechanical all-wheel drive system and operates more quickly and seamlessly than its predecessor. PTM varies the torque split infinitesmely and absolutely between front and rear wheels as needed for optimum traction. However, since most purists feel-and Porsche's engineers staunchly believe-that rear-drive is critical for optimum sporty driving, PTM directs two thirds of the engine's torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions.

When the system determines it's needed, PTM diverts engine power and torque to the front axle in millisecond cycles. Particularly at very high speeds, all the driver feels is the car's significant stability.

Bigger, Grippier Brakes
Porsche engineers firmly believe that a car's deceleration ability must always out-perform its ability to accelerate. Commensurate with the gains in engine performance, the 2009 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S receive added braking capability. All four brake rotors on both cars are cross-drilled, inner vented and now 12.99 inches (330 mm) in diameter.

In addition, the monobloc, four-piston calipers are now the same as those used on the 911 Turbo. Critical refinements have been made to the airflow around the wheels to increase brake cooling all around as well.

Instantly Recognizable and Aerodynamic
With their full-glass canopy - from beltline to beltline, front cowl to rear engine cover - the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S look like nothing else on the road, Porsche or otherwise. But from the beltline down, the cars share a strong resemblance to the current Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models.

Clearly, the most striking element of the 911 Targa is its 16.58 sq.-ft. glass roof. The roof is comprised of two separate segments: a sliding panel over the front seats and a hinged tailgate at the rear. The electrically operated front panel fully opens or closes in seven seconds. When open, the glass panel slides snugly beneath the tailgate, providing almost five square feet of open space above the passenger cabin.

The sliding roof comes standard with a new sun shade offering greater privacy and more effective thermal protection than before. When closed, the sun shade covers the entire area of the sliding roof panel, opening and closing electrically and independently of the roof itself.
The glass roof and tailgate are made of special tinted glass, which protects the occupants from ultraviolet radiation and excessive heat even in bright sunlight.

The rear section of the Targa top opens for access to the interior, particularly handy for getting to the storage area behind the rear seatbacks. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are the only models in the Porsche 911 range with a separately opening tailgate.

More Sophisticated and Comfortable
Beneath the glass top, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S boast luxuriously appointed passenger cabins. Like all Porsches, the cars offer their occupants the protection of six airbags: dual frontal-impact airbags as well as two seat-mounted thorax-protecting side-impact airbags and two head-protecting side-impact curtain door-mounted airbags.

Interior refinements include a revamped center console highlighted by a new Porsche Communication Management system-PCM 3.0-and the availability of ventilated front seats.
The optional navigation module now has a 40 GB hard drive. Other available features with the newest PCM include XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic capability, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod port, a USB port and an auxiliary jack.

Interior comfort may be further enhanced thanks to optional seat ventilating fans, available in conjunction with heated seats. These circulate air through the seatback and cushion upholstery to expedite cooling, heating and/or drying the driver and passenger.
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