Infiniti G37 Convertible: New Photo, European Sales Confirmed

As everyone suspected when Infiniti first announced that the new G37 Coupe-Cabriolet would go on sale in the U.S. early next year, the Japanese firm today officially confirmed that its forthcoming hardtop convertible will also be available in Europe from summer 2009. The news coincides with the release of a second image of the car that shows the rear end of the G37 Convertible which accommodates a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop. -Continued

Infiniti’s answer to the BMW 3-Series Convertible will be powered by the same 320PS 3.7-litre V6 engine combined to a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed automatic with paddle shift, as its sister G37 Sedan and Coupe models. More pictures and details of the G37 Convertible will be issued at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November during the car’s global debut

2010 Ford Mustang Teaser Shot No9: The Headlight

Taking a break from our Paris Show reports, Ford just released the ninth consecutive teaser shot of the 2010 Mustang that's set to be revealed in November at the LA Auto Show. So what else is new? Well, this time FoMoCo decided to add a few blurbs giving us a short description of the changes featured in the Mustang’s front-end design. These include the slimmer headlamps with the integrated turn indicators that are incorporated in a larger grille and the large twin fog lamps fog lamps on the GT model which also features dark headlamp bezels and grille surrounds. Also on the GT, the revised pony badge is finished in dark chrome. -Continued

“We want people to unequivocally know this is a Mustang when they see it,” said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, 2010 Mustang. “The stronger, more-muscular front end of the 2010 Mustang does just that.”

“The 2010 Mustang has a sculpted, crafted look,” said George Saridakis, Design Manager, 2010 Mustang. “The flowing lines are in keeping with Mustang’s heritage and DNA. It conveys the sense and attitude of power and performance.”

2010 Ford Mustang Teaser Shot No 8

Attempting to use the news-hungry blogosphere to its advantage, Ford continues the slow striptease of its forthcoming 2010 Mustang with the release of the eighth teaser shot. This time we get to see the new Mustang’s front seats. And no, we’re not going to play Ford’s game by creating a whole article dedicated to the seats’ perforated leather and white stitching…

Ford Releases 2010 Mustang Dashboard Photo

Continuing its striptease tactic, Ford has revealed an official photo of the 2010 Mustang’s dashboard. The picture comes just a week after the release of five teaser shots depicting details of the allegedly heavily revised 2010 ‘Stang that will make its world debut at the forthcoming Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November. You can check out the rest of the teaser shots along with a promo film for the 2010 Mustang by following the jump. -Continued

Via: Jalopnik , Source: Ford

2009 Saab 9-4x SUV Gets Chilean Debut – Prices and All

For a brief time span, Saab’s official Chile website hosted a dedicated page on what appeared to be, the production version of the of the Swedish firm’s forthcoming compact SUV, the 2009 9-4X. We’re not sure if this was (we’re using past tense as the page has just been removed) a blooper from the behalf of the Chileans or if was originally intended to be seen only by company execs, but in any case, online visitors could color the 9-4X and view the SUV’s preliminary specifications that included the retail price which was set at U.S. $66,000. -Continued

The above price was for the 9-4X equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 245 HP at 5.300 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1.900 rpm, and matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the Chilean website, with this powertrain the 9-4X can go from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.4 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. The production version of the 9-4X is expected to be shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November.

Via: Worldcarfans , Source: Saab Chile

Ford Releases 2010 Mustang Teaser Shots

And the show goes on; after releasing a video (click here) and a set of photos (click here) of a heavily camouflaged prototype of its forthcoming 2010 Mustang, Ford decided that it’s time for the teaser shots. The new cryptic photos reveal a few details on the next generation ‘Stang including the GT logo, the alloy wheels and the side of the convertible version. Anything to create a bit of hype right? Anyway, the official debut of the new Mustang is scheduled for this November’s Los Angeles Show. Check out the pics right after the jump. -Continued

Source: Ford , Via: Worldcarfans

2010 Ford Mustang Spotted without any Cladding

The 2010 Mustang has been subjected to many forms of camouflage in the past, but never before without any heavy cladding. These spy shots, courtesy of Jalopnik reader Rob, allow us to get a better glimpse of the 2010 Stang’s revamped bodywork as the only camo on the prototype model featured here is the leopard-skin body paint. While at first it may seem that few things have changed, take a closer look at the scoop pictures and you’ll notice the flowing curved line above rear fenders, the more aggressively styled front end with the smaller opening for the lights and grille as well as the more pronounced beltline. The new Mustang will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November. -Continued

Via: Jalopnik

2010 Ford Mustang Scooped Wandering Around

If you’re wondering why Ford sent out a heavily camouflaged 2010 Mustang prototype to wander out and about on the streets, then look no further than to the sticker on the car’s windshield that prompts by passers to check out the official 2010 Mustang teaser website. These pictures, shot by Photobucket member ‘jhamilton03’, provide yet another fuzzy look of the new generation Mustang (see video here). Guess we'll have to wait for the Los Angeles Motor Show in late November for the Full Monty, but until then, check out the full image gallery right after the jump. -Continued

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Mustang Forums

2010 Buick LaCrosse Teaser Image

Along with the release of a teaser shot revealing the 2010 LaCrosse’s front grille, General Motors also announced today that the upcoming Buick sedan will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. According to GM, the new LaCrosse sedan’s exterior styling is strongly influenced by the Buick Invicta Concept that debuted at this year's Beijing Auto Show. The new sedan is expected to go on sale in the U.S. next spring. While details are scarce, don’t be surprised if GM offers the new LaCrosse with entry-level 4-cylinder engines alongside the larger V6 units.

BMW to Show Alternative Fuel Vehicles in LA

In an interview with Marty Bernstein of “The Auto Chanel” at last week’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, former Rolls Royce CEO and currently head of BMW AG’s Sales and Marketing department Ian Robertson revealed that the Bavarian automaker will bring a series of alternative fuel vehicles to the Los Angeles Auto Show. Although Robertson did not disclose any details on the models that will be on BMW’s LA stand, he did note that the vehicles will come to the market.

2010 Cadillac SRX SUV – First Official Photos

Cadillac has released the first official images of the next generation SRX that is in essence the production version of the Provoq Concept that appeared at the CES show in Las Vegas last January. According to GM, the all-new SRX will make its debut at major global auto shows later this year (quite possibly at the Paris Show in October and the LA Show in November), with sales set to start worldwide in mid-2009. With an overall length of about 4,580 mm or 180.3 in, the five-seater SRX is about roughly the same size as the BMW X3 SUV meaning that its far more compact (and lighter) than the outgoing seven-seat SRX. -Continued

“The next-generation SRX, along with the new CTS Sport Wagon, showcases Cadillac taking its dramatic design into new directions, particularly cars and crossovers that are the right size at the right time for today’s luxury consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager.

Cadillac hasn’t released any mechanical details yet, but expect to see the CTS’ 3.6-liter V6 gasoline units along with a 2.9-liter V6 turbo diesel engine (for Europe). The new SRX, which was initially referred to as the Cadillac BRX, will also form the base for the upcoming Saab 9-4X SUV.

2009 Nissan 370Z Spied on the Road

Even though the new 370Z is just around the corner as Nissan is planning to unveil its next-generation sports car at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, camouflaged prototypes are still making their appearance on U.S. highways. This particular 370Z prototype was scooped by VWVortex forum member “LivingVoice” somewhere in the States. As you can see in the photos, the new 370Z seems to have retained the 350Z’s basic design, which is something totally okay with us. Hopefully Nissan won’t replicate the current Z’s interior in terms of the low-quality materials that seemed out of place in a car like the 350Z. -One more image after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: VWVortex

Infiniti Releases First Official Photo of G37 Coupe-Convertible

This is the first official photo of the new Infiniti G37 Convertible that will receive its global debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Based on the G37 Coupe, the G37 Convertible will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop and will be offered with a 328 HP 3.7-liter V6 engine matted to either an all-new electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Japanese carmaker has confirmed sales only for the US market where it will be launched early in 2009. However, Infiniti says that the G37 Convertible is under study for a European launch where it would join its sister G models, the G37 Sedan and Coupe.

2009 Acura TL: 24 High-Res Photos & Official Details

Following last Friday’s initial leak and even though Acura has yet to make an official announcement, the damn surrounding the all-new 2009 TL Sedan broke into pieces today with the release of 24 high resolution images along with official press release that that reveals Acura’s controversially styled mid-size sedan in detail.

While we’d like to see the fourth-generation TL in person to make our final assessment, we think that Acura’s designers overdid it in their attempt to create a vehicle that stands out from the crowd. As a result, the new TL looks rather clunky and over detailed in some aspects. As for the interior, our initial thoughts are that it looks kind of “plasticy” and a bit too Honda-like for a mid-size luxury sedan.

In terms of dimensions, the new TL is larger than the outgoing model as it rides on a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase and is longer (+6.0 inches) and wider (+1.8 inches) thus promising to offer improved interior space. Available in the U.S. from this fall, the 2009 Acura TL will be offered with a choice of two powertrains. -Continued

The entry-level 2009 TL is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 HP and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. According to Acura, the FWD TL has projected EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The top-notch TL SH-AWD is equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system while power comes from a beefier 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 305 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque. Projected EPA fuel economy ratings for the TL SH-AWD are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Like the basic FWD version, the TL SH-AWD gets a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

PRESS RELEASE: All-New 2009 TL Redefines Performance with the Most Powerful Engine in Acura History and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive

With dramatic new styling, precise handling and a host of advanced technology and safety features, the fourth-generation TL is Acura's performance leader TORRANCE, Calif. - Since inception, the Acura TL performance luxury sedan has set lofty standards for styling, performance, comfort and technology. Available for 2009 in two distinctly different models, TL and TL SH-AWD, the all-new fourth-generation Acura TL dramatically expands the model's capabilities and appeal with evocative style, a choice of two VTEC® powertrains (including a new 305-horsepower V-6) and the TL's first-ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®).

Boasting larger dimensions, optimized suspension, a new Sequential SportShift transmission, plus an available Technology Package featuring a comprehensive array of navigation and communication aids, the 2009 TL offers more appeal than ever before. Along with an available Acura/ELS Surround® premium 10-speaker surround sound system and an all-new AcuraLink® weather feature, the new TL is by far the most technologically advanced sedan in Acura's history.

The combination of dramatic new styling, exhilarating performance and an extensive array of electronics (including AcuraLink® real-time traffic and AcuraLink® weather with Doppler-style radar mapping) ensures the 2009 Acura TL will appeal to a sophisticated, technology-savvy audience.

Powertrain: A choice of two different all-aluminum VTEC® engines enables the new 2009 TL to satisfy a wide range of customers. Standard is a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel- mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Though powerful, the new engine is also fuel efficient, with projected EPA fuel economy ratings* of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The engine is targeted to meet California's tough CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification standards, thanks to features including a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for the intake valves.

Serious performance-sedan devotees will choose the TL SH-AWD to make winding roads their own. Its all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine produces 305 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque courtesy of greater displacement and additional high-performance features like Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) on both the intake and exhaust valves, and a special high-flow dual exhaust system. With projected EPA fuel economy ratings* of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, the 3.7L is also targeted to meet California's stringent CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification. The pièce de résistance on the TL SH-AWD® is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, now available on the TL for the first time.

During spirited cornering, SH-AWD® seamlessly distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel to create a "yaw moment" to help the TL turn in more quickly and precisely - while also continuously apportioning drivetrain torque front to rear and left to right. The result is a remarkably balanced and precise all-wheel-drive performance sedan that excels year-round, not just during inclement weather.

Acura TL's performance achievements extend to durability, reliability and refinement as well. Both engines feature electronically controlled engine mounts to reduce engine noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); quiet and efficient Electric Power Steering (EPS) and maintenance-free serpentine accessory belt also boost operating refinement. A standard Maintenance Minder™ system and up to a 100,000-mile tune-up interval offer further time and cost savings for the TL owner.

The standard transmission on the 2009 TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic featuring F1®-style steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Merging the convenience of an automatic with the enjoyment of SportShift manual gear selection, the transmission also features an overdriven top gear for maximum fuel efficiency on the highway. In fact, the Acura transmission has the widest gear-ratio spread of any 5-speed transmission in its class, providing strong acceleration in lower gears and relaxed, fuel-efficient highway cruising.

Body/Chassis: Major improvements in structural engineering for the unit-body further define the 2009 TL. The list of substantial changes begins with the relocation of frame rails inside (rather than underneath) the vehicle's floor pan, resulting in a nearly flat body underside. Benefits of this design include improved crash safety, a significant reduction in interior noise levels, and reduced aerodynamic drag that helps enhance fuel economy. Another significant improvement is the increased use of high-strength steel, which simultaneously improves the unit-body's overall strength while helping to reduce weight. For additional weight savings, aluminum is used for the hood, the front suspension subframe and rear suspension knuckles.

Ride quality and passenger comfort benefit from the 2009 TL's larger exterior dimensions. Featuring 6.0 inches greater exterior length, 1.8 inches more overall width and Ride quality and passenger comfort benefit from the 2009 TL's larger exterior dimensions. Featuring 6.0 inches greater exterior length, 1.8 inches more overall width and a modest 0.5-inch increase in overall height, the TL is noticeably larger than its predecessor.

The larger body size directly contributes to greater interior roominess; it also allows a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase to improve ride quality and a significantly wider track (1.1 inches wider in front, 1.8 inches wider in the rear) helps generate even more tenacious cornering power. The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent system in back.

Further improving ride quality and road-holding are new dual-stage "blow off" style hydraulic suspension dampers, new hydro-compliant bushings (used to mount the transmission and key suspension components) and a new "smart" engine mount design. On the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, more performance-minded suspension and brake tuning, larger wheels/tires, racing-inspired front brake cooling ducts, and specially-tuned Electric Power Steering (EPS) take the enthusiast's driving experience to an even higher level.

Exterior/Interior: An evocative and powerful exterior body design dramatically advances the TL's image as a performance luxury sedan. Designed by Acura in Southern California, the TL utilizes an array of styling techniques to express motion - and emotion - even when the car is at rest. Featuring Acura's new signature front grille, body sides defined by strong character lines, sweeping C-pillars and new LED taillights, the 2009 TL is simultaneously Acura and yet wholly unique. Plentiful use of luxury and performance features add visual appeal while adding to the TL's vigorous statement - including bright HID projector-beam front headlights, pronounced wheel arches, a standard power moonroof and genuine stainless-steel body trim.

Wheels and tires are as expressive as the exterior styling. Standard on the 2009 TL are 17-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season Bridgestone Turanza or available Michelin Pilot tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels with lower-profile P245/45R18 Michelin Pilot tires for more agile handling. Finally, the TL SH-AWD® offers available 19-inch aluminum wheels with aggressive P245/40ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer tires for the ultimate TL performance experience.

In keeping with its mission as a driver's car, the 2009 TL interior features a new "dual personal" layout that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Thanks to its larger exterior dimensions, the new TL has 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 0.5-inch of added rear shoulder room compared to the previous generation TL.

Acura's commitment to luxury and technology becomes apparent from the first moment the driver's door is opened. With sweeping shapes, generous use of premium materials and passionate attention to detail, the TL rewards the discriminating eye. The design and execution of the interior is an artful combination of leather surfaces, accented by metallic and wood-pattern trim. An impressive array of premium standard features includes a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support) driver seat, 8-way adjustable power front passenger seat, and steering-wheel-mounted F1®-style paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. An 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system that includes a 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface are standard.

Available on both the TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Technology Package that includes the most comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. The Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather with Doppler-style radar mapping, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition. The included Navigation System features a new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for improved visibility.

Audiophiles with appreciate the new Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium sound system with DVD-Audio, CD, DTS™, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio and 2,500-song** hard disk drive (HDD) media storage. An intuitive interface dial as well as sophisticated voice recognition capability simplifies control of this impressive technology. Premium Milano leather seating surfaces included in the Technology Package further enhances comfort and visual appeal.

Safety: Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) represents a major advance in structural engineering for the 2009 TL. In simple terms, ACE™ better dissipates crash energy in a severe frontal collision through the use of dedicated load-bearing frame structures that efficiently distribute crash energy through the body structure—while also helping to preserve the integrity of the passenger compartment. Acura first introduced ACE™ to the Acura line for the 2005 model year and its inclusion in the 2009 TL means that every vehicle in the Acura model range now has this advanced safety engineering.

Six airbags and a new Active Head Restraint System for the driver and front passenger headrests top the long list of passive safety features built into the new TL. The airbag array includes dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags with front passenger seat Occupant Position Detection System, along with side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. Additional passive-safety features include 3-point seatbelts and head restraints for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that permits quick, secure attachment of up to two child seats in the rear seating area.

The new TL includes sophisticated active safety features including powerful 4-wheel disc brakes (with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), all-season tires and an available SH-AWD® system. Adding to the list of standard exterior safety features are daytime running lights (DRL) along with 2.5-mph front and rear bumpers.

The 2009 Acura TL is designed to meet the latest crash-safety regulations, including the new FMVSS214 side crash standards (which the TL meets three years early) and the new FMVSS301 rear crash standards. Internal testing indicates that the 2009 TL should achieve the highest ratings in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)*** and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests.

The 2009 Acura TL is assembled in Marysville, Ohio and is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Via: Jalopnik , Source: Acura