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

Toyota recalls 245,000 Lexus sedans in U.S., 1.7 million cars globally

 

We won’t blame you for reading this headline and thinking, “Oh great, another Toyota recall.” After all, the Japanese automaker dominated headlines in 2010 by recalling every single model in its then-current product portfolio, including the massive sticky pedal and unintended acceleration recalls that took place in the first half of last year.

Now, Toyota has issued a voluntary recall on about 245,000Lexus sedans here in the United States and an additional 1.5 million vehicles around the world. Here in the U.S., the 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350, 2006-2009 Lexus IS 250 and 2006-2008 Lexus IS 350 sedans are being recalled due to faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. If this sensor has not been fastened tightly enough, fuel has the potential to leak between the gasket that connects it to the fuel delivery pipes. Including these North American vehicles, the fuel sensor recall affects 354,524 vehicles around the world, with Automotive News citing that the Toyota Crown and Mark X sedans are being recalled in the automaker’s home market.

Toyota’s other global recall involves faulty fuel pipes and fuel check valves, though none of the 1.34 million vehicles affected by this one are in North America. In Japan, the RAV4 crossover, Voxy and Noah minivans are being recalled, as well as the Avensis sedan and wagon sold in Europe.

Toyota teases FT-86 II concept for Geneva

Subaru has already confirmed that it’s sports car being jointly developed with Toyota is coming to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Now Toyota is getting into the action by announcing today that its version of the jointly developed sports car, the FT-86, will be there… and it will be an evolution of the concept shown back in 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The updated version is called the Toyota FT-86 II and promises to be our clearest view yet of what the production vehicle will look like.

Toyota is also going so far as to say that the FT-86 II will prove the automaker has a “reborn passion for sports car driving.” If the FT-86 II can evoke memories of Celicas, Supras and even a hint of the legendary 2000GT, then we say build it as fast as you can.

Toyota-based Subaru Trezia hatchback headed to Europe

When we think about Toyota-Subaru collaboration, the first thing that comes to mind is the highly anticipated rear-wheel-drive “Toyobaru” project. But while the FT-86 and its Subie sibling are first in our thoughts, it wasn’t number one to market.

Automotive News reports that Subaru is set to unveil the Trezia hatchback in March at the Geneva Auto Show. The roomy five-door, which closely mirrors the Honda Fit in most every measurement, will be a near spot-on match of the Toyota Verso it’s based on, but with an Impreza-style grille slapped on the front clip and some Subaru badging sprinkled throughought. Both the Toyota Verso (named Ractis for JDM consumption) and Subaru Trezia are being sold in Japan now, and both vehicles are destined for Euro showrooms this spring.

In Japan, the Trezia is powered by a choice of 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engines mated to a CVT, but in Europe the 1.5 will be replaced with a 1.4-liter diesel. In Japan, the Trezia can be had with all-wheel-drive provided car buyers check off the box for the more powerful engine, which will likely be the turbodiesel in Europe.

With its roomy interior and diminutive footprint, the Trezia will likely do well overseas. But will we ever see Subaru’s Fit-fighter in North America? With gas prices once again on the rise, it might not be a bad idea.

Toyota remains world’s largest automaker for third year in a row despite troubles

 

 

Despite weathering a rocky 2010 marked by repeated recalls, Toyota managed to remain the world’s largest automaker last year. According to Bloomberg, the Japanese manufacturer saw its sales rise by eight percent to 8.42 million units if you include Lexus, Hino and Daihatsu. That figure beat out General Motors, which saw its sales increase by 12 percent with 8.39 million units sold.

While Toyota’s sales in the U.S. market dropped by 0.4 percent due to safety concerns, the automaker saw large increases in China. The company’s sales in the People’s Republic jumped by 19 percent, though General Motors saw its Chinese sales increase by 29 percent.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, managed to move 7.14 million vehicles during 2010, cementing its place as the third-largest automaker in the world. That figure marks a 14 percent increase over 2009, and VW says that it fully expects to see sales increase by five percent in 2011.

Toyota is forecasting its sales to hit 8.6 million vehicles in 2011.

Mommies on Minivans: Practical, but where’s the style?

Toyota can call the Sienna a swagger wagon all it wants, but the slogan isn’t going to make moms any happier about hopping behind the wheel. According to The Detroit Free Press, most mothers aren’t fooled by gimmicky marketing or the latest attempts to redesign the minivan as a stylish piece of transportation. Reporter Krista Jahnke followed a group of mothers from Detroit.MomsLikeMe.com as they toured the Detroit Auto Show to critique the latest wave of minivans.

What did they think? While the vast majority appreciated the added creature comforts of the newest generation of family haulers, they still seemed to feel that the minivan was always going to be a practical choice first and an aesthetic one dead last.

One woman even admitted that she cried the first time she had to drive a minivan. Admittedly, we feel her pain.

The crew took the time to check out the all-new Ford C-Max, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan and Volkswagen Routan, and was kind enough share its opinion on each. Despite its significantly smaller size, the C-Max fared well amongst those who know minivans best, while the Grand Caravan was penalized for its cavernous, grime-trapping center console. Head over to The Detroit Free Press to see all of their impressions.

Bentley Arnage, Technology Frontier

Bentley Motors continues the intensive development of its flagship Arnage range with the introduction of a major program enhancements for powertrain and chassis Model Year 2007. The famous V8 engine Arnage 6.75 liters now grown up to 500bhp and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission performance advantage, driving dynamics and refinement. Changes in the powertrain equipped with a smooth exterior, interior and under-bonnet design cues.

The key to improving performance is the most powerful version of Bentley's legendary V8 engine ever built at the company headquarters in Crewe, England. In the model of performance-oriented Arnage T, a twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 500bhp revised surprising and 1000Nm torque - 11percent increase in power and torque increase of 14 percent on top models come out. Twins with the latest ZF six-speed transmission automatic, which uses state-of management of computer-the-art, performance and refinement are optimized at all speeds. In the Arnage R and RL models the new engine driven from 400 to 450bhp, while torque rises from 835 to 875Nm.

500bhp Arnage is a true driver's car with much higher performance and provides a driving experience that is more useful. Improvement of refinement and comfort to 450bhp Arnage R are equally striking, while the long-wheelbase RL shares the same power output increases with the increase of the rear passenger cabin.

Bentley 6.75-liter V8 engine is the center of the development program of 2007 model Arnage. Extraordinary machine, the basic design which has served Bentley models proudly for nearly five decades, has been widely reengineered to provide, in Arnage T specification, 500bhp and 1000Nm torque - figures that ensure that the legendary Bentley wave of torque and even more amazing than ever. Top speed of the Arnage T has risen from 168mph/270km/h to 179mph/288km/h, while increasing the maximum speed 450bhp Arnage R and RL's with 13mph/21km/h to 168mph/270km/h.

When the first V8 engine was built in the1950s, the design brief unwittingly benefit of later generations of Bentley engineers. That is a very forward thinking design with all aluminum construction-, a five main-bearing crankshaft, and well-supported camshaft. Steps taken then laid the foundation for the longevity of the engine.

"People might raise an eyebrow when they were told that the V8 engine in 2007 Model Year Arnage they first used by Bentley in 1959," says Bentley Motors' Director, Powertrain and Chassis, Brian Gush. "But the reality is the basic design was so good that we have been able to continue to improve it for nearly 50 years.

"One of the reasons the engine has been developed with success is the position of the exhaust valves, high in the cylinder head, originally designed for rapid heat dissipation to help engine cooling. Decades later it meant that we could heat the catalytic converter because the shortest path from valves to catalysts , Which favors emissions. This is just one reason why this brilliant engine lives on today. "

The first 6.25-liter engine that produced around 200 horsepower - the new 2007 Model Year 6.75-liter V8 has more than twice that output, with 500bhp and torque 1000Nm to T. Arnage That is the introduction of turbocharging and intercooling in the early 1980s that saw step-change increase in the performance of a V8, and the latest engine program is no different. Two new low-inertia turbochargers operate with far greater efficiency at lower engine speeds - they reach maximum turbine speed in half the time of the previous unit - thereby ensuring significantly reduced turbo lag and extraordinary wave of torque at any revs.

In addition, reprofiled camshaft with an all-new system of roller tappet provides revised valve timing and substantially improved repair. These changes also provide for increased power, enhanced durability and ensure compliance with European EU IV and U.S. LEV II standards. Although the 6.75-liter engine 2007MY producing around 300 horsepower more than 1959 predecessor, fuel consumption is only 60 percent of the original and thanks to the sophisticated fuel injection and exhaust controls, its emissions output is an incredible 99 percent lower than Bentley's first V8.

New Renault Wind 2011,Photos And Review

There is a need in Europe for a small convertible that can function as an everyday car, both for the drivers themselves or for couples without children. Renault saw no reason why the freedom associated with the automotive wind-in-thehair segment should be the exclusive reserve the higher-end. Instead, customers are quite young (or young at heart!), interested in the signal plot and sporty roadsters and look for visible eye-catching, and the model that is practical enough to serve as an everyday car.

To meet this need, it is necessary to produce a coupé-roadster with a design, a unique and striking looks sporty, but without making concessions relating to the features that appear to go hand-inhand with a sense of true freedom:

• A strong smart, easy to use open-roof mechanisms that provide real wind-in-hair-thrills,
• Very practical car, with boot space is consistent whether the top is up or down,
• Compact dimensions and nimble handling are ideal for driving in and around the city,
• Fun, punchy dynamics combined with low fuel consumption,
• Low-set driving position and layout of the sporty to the control,
• An exceptional equipment and package specifications for the price.

When it comes to this type of car, style exterior is a major factor in purchasing decisions. Therefore, to attract the market, Renault Wind design needed to be dynamic and strong, and clearly modern. Viewed from the side, sporty Renault Wind, strong lines, sharp hat-earned, high waist, wide hips sculpture and an integral roll hoop immediately strikes the eye. Both roof-cover is located in the slipstream head cowls located roadster features distinctive and form a natural relationship between interior and exterior.

Work on the windshield-header rail, which sits at the forward position is much more than the convertible rival, enhance the pleasure associated with auto open-up and further into the basic beliefs Renault Wind roadster. The rear wing combine distinctive part of the boot lid, while the boomerang-shaped rear lamps provide lighting easily identifiable signature.

Expertise of the Renault Sport Technologies (RST) when it comes to automotive pleasure requires no introduction, and Renault Wind has vast benefits from the knowledge of engineers RST's. Staff at the engineering headquarters RST in Les Ulis, near Paris, France, in collaboration with teams from nearby Technocentre in Guyancourt to ensure that the Renault Wind fully benefit from the expertise of the best companies. The new coupé-roadster platform capitalizes on the strengths of two Clio RS is very suitable for the power output of two engines available for the Renault Wind, the TCE 100 and 1.6 16V 133hp. Know-how to engineer the RST allows them to achieve the best weight / body stiffness ratio for roadster-coupé, Renault Wind allows owners to benefit from a pleasant trip combined with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Besides returning a fuel consumption of engine size, this powerplant offers vigorously than 1.4 power output and torque of the 1.6-liter powerplant. It is equipped with a low inertia that ensures minimal turbo lag thanks to the fitment of small diameter turbine and compressor. Maximum power is 100hp (74kW) at 5500 rpm, while peak torque of 152Nm (3500 rpm).

The combination of small capacity of 100 cubic TCE and low inertia turbo ensures responsive pick-up from low revs, with peak torque available at very low engine speeds and at wide rev band. This includes feature turbochargers 'boost-over' that temporarily increases the power output and torque (by 5hp and 6Nm respectively) in second gear, third and fourth on the engine speed over 4,500 rpm. For added character, and the extra punch and response, TCE 100 engine drives through a short gearbox ratio five-speed manual (JH3).

The combination of TCE 100 engine's cubic capacity of the smaller and the technology is employed to maximize the enjoyment of driving, but combined cycle fuel consumption stands at only 6.3 litres/100km (equivalent to 145g of CO2/km). Renault Wind TCE 100 accelerates from stop to 100kph in just 10.5 seconds. 1.6 16V 133hp: engine, normally-aspirated with a flexible bag characters

Renault Wind is an alternative available to the Renault Sport Technologies-developed powerplant normally-aspirated 1.6 16V, especially field-tuned that serves as a direct pointer to the character of his fire.

This flexible, high-revving, normally-aspirated 1.6 16V engine produces 133hp (98kW) at 6750 rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at 4400 rpm. It revs quickly and crackers all the way up to the red line set at 7000 rpm.

With the engine under the bonnet, Renault Wind gives a lot of punch and enjoyment of driving at low engine speeds and while up to 4500 rpm, although it really comes into its own when pushed beyond the limit of 4500 rpm. Wind Renault 1.6 16V accelerates from stop to 100kph just 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 201kph, yet fuel consumption has been there at 7 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 165g/km).

Plug & Music connectivity permits occupants to plug digital devices such as iPod®, iPhone®, USB keys and other USB-compatible MP3 players into Renault Wind's own audio. This system enables occupants to enjoy music stored on a portable player and allows them to scroll through menus using the steering column-mounted or radio fascia controls. Directory, file and tune names are shown on the separate display.

Toyota concept is the FT-86′s little sister

We’ve been clamoring for a date with the production version of the Toyota FT-86 for longer than we care to remember, but we officially have a new infatuation. Meet the boxer coupe’s younger sister – the TES T-Sport Concept. If our Google Translator is to be believed, the car supposedly originated from an inner-company survey that asked what type of cars Toyota engineers would most like to see built. Apparently the overwhelming answer was a fun-to-drive, affordable sports car.

Color us stunned.

From there, the Toyota Engineering Society set about crafting their vision of a low buck machine that could still slather a smile on your face. Power comes courtesy of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with around 110 horsepower, and this thing hits the scales at less than 2,000 pounds. That sounds like a winning combination to us. The T-Sport Concept wears some plenty funky styling, but we certainly wouldn’t hold that against a would-be Mazda MX-5 competitor. As with most things awesome that hail from auto shows, there’s little likelihood that the T-Sport will ever see production. Head over to AutoGuide to get a closer look at the two-seater.

Dana coughs up $25M to Toyota over rusty Tacoma frames

When an automaker is forced to issue a recall, the defective part or feature is generally the fault of the automaker or of an OEM supplier it contracted to. In the case of the Toyota Tacoma – part of a 110,000-unit recall in 2009 – the problem appears to have been traced back to the supplier. And now the supplier is forced to pay for its mistakes.

The company in question, according to reports, is Dana, the Ohio-based OEM contractor supplying (among other components) axles and driveshafts for automobiles, commercial trucks and heavy equipment. In this case, it supplied the frames for the Tacoma pickup which were found to rust when exposed to road salt.

Although in 2010 Dana sold the plant that manufactures the frame to Mexican conglomerate Grupo Porza’s Metalsa subsidiary, since the component in question was built prior to the sale (from 1995 to 2000), Dana has reportedly been forced to shell out $25 million to Toyota over the issue.

Toyota and Lexus show off at Tokyo Auto Salon

You’ve seen the Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept (lucky you!), and now it’s time to divert your attention towards the rest of the Japanese automaker’s wares being shown off at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

First up is the Toyota Prius G Sports Concept, which features the kind of gaping maw only the Mama Cylon could love. Rounding out Toyota’s offerings is the TRD Auris GT Concept, which we think actually looks kinda nifty with its subdued body kit and blindingly bright yellow paint.

Lexus wasn’t left out of the proceedings either, and its machines are arguably more interesting than its mothership’s. There’s the F-Sport CT 200h (a future production model) taking center stage with its unique alloy wheels, body kit and Recaro seats, which is joined by the IS F Club Circuit Sports Racer and a set of Club Performance Accessories for the IS F that include front and rear spoilers and a carbon fiber hood.

Last but certainly not least is the Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA supercar that raced at last year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours race. See both sets of vehicular craziness in our high-res image galleries below, then check out all the details in the press releases after the break.

2011 Toyota Highlander

After more than a decade of wild growth and nearly limitless prosperity, Toyota experienced an unthinkable 2010 – the bandwagon derailed in a very ugly, very public way. Embarrassing recalls played their role in the Japanese automaker’s uncharacteristic slide, but even though that public black eye is beginning to heal, Toyota is still grappling with an aging product lineup. The Camry and Corolla still sell in massive numbers, but they’re growing long in the tooth. Admittedly, the latter received a very mild refresh for 2011, but the competition has caught up with each in every category that counts. It’s much the same story for Toyota’s truck and SUV portfolio, where the RAV4, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser and Tundra are hardly spring chickens.

Compounding the issue is the lukewarm response to some of its newly refreshed. The styling remains staid. The interiors are no longer class-leading. The powertrains and fuel economy have done little to separate them from the rest of the pack. Still, not all Toyota models are headed off the reservation. The redesigned Siennahas been well-received and is doing good work on the sales floor. The same can still be said for the Prius and the redesigned 4Runner, which is selling far better than its predecessor. The subject of Toyota’s latest refresh and the vehicle featured here, the 2011 Highlander, has been consistently successful over its lifespan. Will new tweaks to the seven-passenger crossover help this perennial top-seller stay near the top of the pack, or could the lack of a more comprehensive redesign relegate this CUV to also-ran status?

Toyota sees increased U.S. market share in 2011

2010 was as rough a year as Toyota has experienced in many-a-decade, but the Japanese automaker reportedly senses a rebound in 2011. The Detroit News reports that team Toyota predicts that in 2011 it will outpace industry growth due in part to 10 revamped models across its Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands.

And Toyota isn’t just optimistic about its prospects in the year ahead; the automaker feels sales will jump to 12.5 million units on an annualized basis, up a million units from 2010. Many industry analysts polled by The Detroit News seem to agree with that sentiment as well, with figures ranging from 12.5 to over 13 million cars and trucks sold in 2011. Further into the future, Toyota reportedly sees sales hitting 15 million units by 2015.

After the year Toyota had, we are a little surprised that the Japanese automaker is this bullish on 2011. But then again, Toyota struggled as much with an aging lineup as it did with millions of recalls. Ten new models can go a long way toward repopulating dealers with new customers, especially if U.S. car buyers can forget about 2010 as fast as Toyota hopes they do.