Suzuki Kizashi: Delayed but Still Going into Production

It has been a while that Suzuki unveiled a new car for the market. A few months ago there have been some rumors about an upcoming model from the brand. Those who are so looking for ward to this new model will be disappointed because the supposedly upcoming Suzuki Kizashi mid-sized saloon’s sale has been postponed for an indefinite time. However, the company gave its assurance that the said model will go into production.

But then, news says that the model will still be unveiled at the New York Motor Show in April. It’s just that it will not be coming to the UK and Europe in the originally touted date which is spring of 2010. Instead of the two aforementioned countries, the Kizashi will be launched in major markets like Russia and America.

When finally launched, the Suzki Kizashi will be the company’s first foray into developing bigger cars for its assorted customers. As you are probably aware, Suzuki is more focused in developing small cars. This branching out of interest is definitely something to look forward to.

When the Kizashi gets produced it will be a four-wheel drive vehicle. Under the hood will be a 3.6-liter V8. This is the original plan but it may still change. Right now all we can do is sit still and let Suzuki do its job. If it’s meant to be launched at the appointed date it will materialize.

The Sporty Nissan GT-R SpecV

 A new model has been unveiled by Nissan. The new limited production GT-R SpecV will be put on sale in Japan next month. Shortly after that it will reach U.S. shores. What can we expect from this new model? For one thing, it looks really good, very sporty and streamlined. It should be since it is based on the new Series II GT-R.

Among the highlights in the exterior are the carbon-fiber rear spoiler, carbon-fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. To stand out from the rest of the sporty cars on the road, the SpecV comes exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal or a color that’s defined as unique purplish black. Seeing the pictures I really have to say this Nissan sports car is quite a looker! When light hits the panels, a one of a kind sheen shows through.

But, it’s not only the exterior that’s attractive about this car. The interior is also quite smart. By the way it is only a two-seater. The Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats offer comfort to the driver and his passenger. The rear center storage box, instrument panel, and other trim areas have carbon fiber inserts that enhance their appearance.

In addition, the Nissan GT-R SpecV is not all about good looks. It has the performance that you are looking for. Powering it up is a twin turbocharger engine teamed up with high gear boost device. This device helps the engine produce more torque in the intermediate to high-speed ranges for much impressive road acceleration. Also helping boost its performance is the new titanium-coated exhaust system. Providing excellent stopping power is the carbon-ceramic brakes.

Here’s the press release if you’d like to know all about the Nissan GT-R SpecV. 

PRESS RELEASE

Nissan Announces New GT-R SpecV Model

TOKYO (Jan. 8, 2009) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
NISSAN GT-R SpecV

NISSAN GT-R SpecV

Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.

The GT-R SpecV’s new exterior features include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color. Inside, the SpecV’s unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats, while carbon fiber insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.

The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tires, combine to deliver the SpecV’s exceptional performance.

The SpecV will be sold at the following seven dealer outlets, each of which is staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and who are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving.

Dealer outlets selling the SpecV
Ibaraki Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Mito Sennami Outlet
Nissan Prince Tokyo Sales Co., Ltd. Kamedo Outlet
Nissan Prince Nagoya Sales Co., Ltd. Fukiage Outlet
Nissan Prince Osaka Sales Co., Ltd. Horie Kawaguchi Outlet
Nissan Prince Hyogo Sales Co., Ltd. Nada Outlet
Nissan Prince Kagawa Sales Co., Ltd. Takamatsu Outlet
Yamaguchi Nissan Sales Co., Ltd. Ogori Interchange Outlet

Suggested nationwide retail price (including consumption tax) 15,750,000 yen

 

 

Best Sellers for 2008

The New Year has come. Who knows what the year 2009 holds for the auto industry? Right now everyone knows and feels the effects of the poor economy. The auto industry in particular is being hit hard by the ongoing recession. A number of plants and factories have been closed, and thousands of employees were hit by the layoffs that have been happening lately. Laying off workers is a necessary evil that a lot of companies have to do in order to stay afloat and avoid bankruptcy. I think 2009 is still going to be a tough year for this industry.

But let’s look back on 2008. Last year is not all difficulties for some brands. In fact there are several brands that can boast of their best sellers for 2008. Let’s take a look at the best selling vehicles in the U.S. for 2008.

1. Ford F-150 – 515,513 units sold
2. Chevy Silverado – 465,065 units sold
3. Toyota Camry – 436,617 units sold
4. Honda Accord – 372,789 units sold
5. Toyota Corolla – 351,007 units sold
6. Honda Civic – 339,289 units sold
7. Nissan Altima – 269,668 units sold
8. Chevy Impala – 265,840 units sold
9. Dodge Ram – 245,840 units sold
10. Honda CR-V – 197,279 units sold

Well, congratulations to these models. We have to wait if any of these will still make to the list of top selling cars for 2009.

Dare to be Different with 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart

Is there a rebel in you? Do you have what it takes to be different? Being different doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be vocal. If you are not a vocal type of person simply be different in your lifestyle. The way you live and what you use in your daily life will speak for you. If you want to dare to be different, let the Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart help you out. This model is a midsize sedan that’s made with an angled-down profile and “projector ellipsoid” headlamps. Making it distinct from other cars in the Mitsubishi fleet is the new one-piece grille. Also adding to its attractive quality is the color-keyed side air dam, front and rear 5-MPH Impact-Absorbing Bumpers, color-keyed rear spoiler, and front air dam. The metallic paint just gives it a sophisticated appeal.

Aside from its attractive looks, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is equipped with excellent mechanical features. For its transmission, it has adaptive automatic transmission; 5-speed electronically controlled manually interactive adaptive automatic transmission with overdrive, and sportronic manually interactive automatic transmission. Its power steering capability is matched with a 21-mm ear Stabilizer Bar, Front Strut Tower Bar, Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with coil spring and independent multi-link rear suspension with coil springs.

Control is given to the driver through the 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, front power 290-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 284-mm Ventilated Disc Brakes. And for added security when driving on the road, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is installed with front and rear side head curtain airbags, seat belts, trunk anti-trap device and automatic locking retractors. It also has power door locks, vehicle anti-lockout, child safety door locks on rear doors, vehicle anti-theft via alarm and engine immobilizer.

This vehicle comes in two variants. The four-cylinder type comes with a price tag of $23,998. The 258-horsepower V6 on the other hand is priced at $32,998. But, it seems that Mitsubishi is offering an attractive package. This new vehicle will come with a full 10 years or 160,000 kilometers of warranty coverage on engine transmission, five years/100,000 km on other parts and five years/unlimited mileage of roadside assistance. Wow, who would pass up this offer? If I have the money I definitely would not! All its features certainly make it a car worth having.

So Grand 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Mercedes-Benz has hatched something new for us this New Year. Let us welcome the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Grand Edition. This latest model is a special series just to keep the interest in the first-generation CLS.

The new CLS550 Grand Edition is really a grand looking car. Well, that is the impression you’re going to get at first glance in this car. Among the initial impressions you’re going to get are the dark casings for the bi-xenon headlight units and 18-inch AMG wheels that are painted in extremely attractive titanium gray color. What makes the paint stunning is the mango platinum matte finish, which is claimed to be “highly scratch and dirt resistant”. The grille is also painted in a color that matches the whole exterior. The “Grand Edition” badge is located right in front of the vehicle touching up its appeal even more.

Its grandness is not merely on the outside but extends on the inside. Highlighting the interior are the Alcantara headliner, matte or high-gloss laurel wood, brushed stainless-steel pedals, and special available maroon leather. Some of the goodies that can be found inside are the COMAND navigation system and the parking aid system.

Aren’t you going to ask what lies underneath the hood? Maybe I shouldn’t tell. Ok just kidding. In Europe the CLS Grand Edition is available in full range of CLS engines. As such, it also costs $10,000 more than the normal CLS. In the U.S. it will be available in 5.5-liter V8 engine.

By the way, the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Grand Edition is a four door coupe that sketched by American designer Michael Fink. This guy must have the muse on his shoulder when he drew the design because until now the four door model remains to be one of the most attractive vehicles to operate on the road.

Again I think it is only the lucky ones again who will be able to own this Grand Edition. Only a limited number will be produced so, enthusiasts who want one badly certainly have to stand in line.