How did Hyundai improve Accent’s EPA fuel economy for 2010 without adding thousands of dollars to the price like a hybrid does? The answer is the introduction of the high mileage, low price “Blue” edition and smart engineering to all Accent models. Accent’s fuel efficiency is improved by up to nine percent, reaching as high as 36 miles per gallon on the highway which is better than Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. [...]
The popular Nissan Altima, ranked number one in segment in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), enters the 2010 model year with fresh exterior styling, refined interior treatments and a host of technology enhancements to its navigation and entertainment systems. Available in three distinct models – Altima Sedan, Altima Coupe and Altima Hybrid – the 2010 Altimas will be available at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning Monday, October 5th. [...]
Nissan North America, today announced pricing for the 2010 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV, which is on sale now at Nissan retailers nationwide. The 2010 Nissan Rogue is offered in four high mileage models, each equipped with a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and six air bags. [...]
The 2010 Ford Mustang – America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – is ready to be customized. In fact, as one of the most customized cars ever, Ford is making it easier for pony car lovers to create the virtual Mustang of their dreams. With never-before-used digital technologies, Ford has created a customizer site within the car’s microsite at www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang. The site’s design is meant to reflect what the Ford Mustang is all about: a classic design and a hard attitude, coming together to create a revolutionary automobile. One week after launch, almost 52,000 cars have been built with more than 16,000 of those saved into the site gallery. And more than 30 forums and blogs are sharing their own creations – all without a single dime put toward advertising. [...]
The Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle is expected to achieve city fuel economy of at least 230 miles per gallon, based on development testing using a draft EPA federal fuel economy methodology for labeling for plug-in electric vehicles.
The Volt, which is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model, is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator. [...]
On the heels of the ActiveHybrid X6, today BMW announced the production version of the all-new BMW ActiveHybrid 7, which will also premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) in September. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will reach America shores in Spring, 2010. Based on the newest BMW 7 Series, this unique car sets new standards for performance and efficiency in the premium luxury class.
This symbiosis of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous elec¬tric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 516 lb-ft (preliminary figures). Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for use in this automobile. [...]
The all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ will make its North American debut at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Thursday Night Kick-Off Event, held today at Pebble Beach in Monterey, Calif. The debut will be the first shot in the Pebble Beach luxury car showdown in which multiple high end marques are introducing new luxury automobiles.
The Jaguar XJ flagship which goes on sale early 2010 offers a seductive mix of striking design and robust performance made possible by Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminum body technology. The all-new Jaguar XJ will have a starting price of $72,500 MSRP and top out at $115,000 for the 510 hp XJ Supersport.
“Today’s challenging economy raises the stakes for luxury marques bringing new products to market,” says Richard Beattie, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Jaguar North America. “Not every new automobile will win the hearts and minds of luxury car buyers. This Pebble Beach weekend is incredibly important in establishing the design and performance credibility of a new luxury automobile. We believe the Jaguar XJ will create tremendous new excitement for the Jaguar brand.”
Built on the success of the XK and XF, the new XJ is the third step in the revitalization of the Jaguar brand and redefines the world’s perception of a large sports sedan. The new XJ will be available in both standard and long wheelbase models. The long wheelbase offers an even more sumptuous and refined environment for rear-seat passengers with an additional five inches of legroom without compromising the XJ’s trunk, which features power opening and closing for convenient access to the 15.2 cu. ft. storage space (with standard alloy space saver spare wheel).
The all-new Jaguar XJ brings new standards of sustainability to the luxury vehicle segment. Its lightweight aluminum structure makes it at least 300 lbs. lighter over steel body construction, and is made with 50 percent recycled material allowing the XJ to minimize its carbon footprint and create a potential savings of three tons of CO2 per vehicle, compared to a body shell made entirely of new aluminum. These aerospace-inspired aluminum body technologies also provide benefits to performance, handling and fuel economy, while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety.
“We are proud to reveal the all-new Jaguar XJ in Pebble Beach as it marks a major milestone for Jaguar in North America, which is expected to be the world’s largest XJ market,” says Beattie. “The debut of our ultimate four-door flagship follows recent recognition for exceptional dependability and clearly demonstrates our commitment to producing the finest cars in the world — fast, beautiful cars that offer luxury, performance and first-rate quality.”
The first impression of the all-new XJ is its visual assertiveness. The XJ’s sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impression of length and elegance, and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front arch into the middle section of the car before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.
The all-new XJ offers a modern reinterpretation of a number of key XJ design cues while maintaining the highest standards of personal luxury. This is evident in how the strong, muscular lower half of the car contrasts with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline — a nod to the original 1968 XJ sedan.
A standard panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all-new XJ’s design, enabling the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside. The LED light clusters wrap stylishly over the rear fenders, and feature three dramatic red vertical strips while the elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette. The rear of the all-new XJ is notable for its pure, sculpted shape. With a conscious absence of ornamentation, the rear features only a single leaping Jaguar.
The face of the all-new 2010 XJ is confident, with a wide front track and short overhang contributing to the finely judged proportions. The nose of the car follows Jaguar’s new design language with a bold and assertive treatment — the powerful mesh grille and slim xenon headlights create a strong road presence while the wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the pillars and gives the impression of an exotic “floating” roof.
“The new XJ is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar,” says Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars. “Its visual impact stems from the elongated teardrop shape of the car’s side windows; that powerful stance and its wide track. It is the most emphatic statement yet of Jaguar’s new design direction.”
The sleek design and refined luxury is continued inside the all-new XJ by mixing newly advanced technologies and contemporary design to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. The overriding impression from the interior is a sense of personal space that is enhanced by the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. At the center of the instrument panel is an analog clock with individual chrome chaplets, a spun metal face and iridescent blue background; a look inspired by luxury watches.
The all-new XJ’s cabin is a marvel in its own right, blending elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully crafted leather and veneer surfaces. To further complement the cabin design is a level of choice in colors, veneers and leathers not seen before in a Jaguar. Four specification levels — XJ, XJL, Supercharged and Supersport — allow the customer to tailor the car to suit their tastes. The top-of-the-range Supersport provides the ultimate expression of performance and luxury, with a specification that includes a leather headlining, semi-aniline leather seats and veneers with laser inlays.
Stunning, 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments(TM) complement an innovative 8-inch Touch-screen that displays vehicle functions ranging from audio and video to navigation and climate control. Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is standard on the Supercharged and Supersport models. Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.
The all-new XJ’s beauty is much more than skin-deep. All engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed automatic transmission which has a fully-adaptive shift system that delivers extremely smooth gear changes and works to balance performance and economy.
With the XJ, Jaguar has built upon its leading quality performance using the latest virtual product technologies. These proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the all-new XJ. Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control (on Supercharged and Supersport) and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and a refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.
The new XJ will be available in the US with a choice of three engines — a 5.0 liter 385hp naturally aspirated V8, 5.0 liter 470hp supercharged V8 and a 5.0 liter 510hp supercharged V8. In naturally-aspirated form, the XJ develops 380 lb.-ft. of torque. The supercharged versions develop 424 lb.-ft. and 461 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. All three engines combine deft performance, unparalleled character, peerless pedigree, and have a classic Jaguar blend of strength and precision.
The all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ delivers a driving experience that is just as memorable as the car’s sleek and alluring appearance, combining responsive, sporting dynamics with the luxurious drive expected from a Jaguar.
All-New Jaguar XJ At-A-Glance
The All-New XJ Model Line Will Include:
