Cars Service

Overview

It’s still a few years away from arriving in showrooms, but Nissan has already begun to build prototypes of the 2007 Altima Hybrid.

In September 2002, Nissan and Toyota signed a basic agreement in which Toyota will supply Nissan with the hybrid system components (transaxle, inverter, battery, and control unit) allowing Nissan to produce 100,000 hybrid vehicles within a five -year period.

However Nissan will be supplying the gasoline engine and electric motor which means that the Altima will drive quite differently than the Toyota Prius that uses the same hybrid components.

Nissan will be focusing on performance with the Altima Hybrid. The prototype combines the powerful 2.5-liter engine used in the current Altima, with a 100kw electric motor. For comparison, the Prius uses a 50kw electric motor. Still, the Altima Hybrid is expected to get high fuel economy and produce very low emissions.

Drivetrain developments

Adding to the Altimas fun factor is a more powerful 3.5-liter V6. Final SAE horsepower figures have yet to be released, but expect the peak number to come in around 265, a 15 horsepower increase over the current models V6. Reduced internal friction and improved cylinder head cooling contribute to the increase in horsepower while also providing a more refined engine note. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder gets a bump in compression ratio, an improved balancer system and a larger intake manifold, but final numbers for this engine are similarly pending.

More impressive than either engine is the new Xtronic CVT. This is the same unit found in the Murano SUV, but it has benefited from an upgraded "Sport" controller that uses adaptive logic to adjust shift patterns under varying conditions.

As a rule we havent been too impressed with CVTs, but our brief experience in the Altima suggests this technology is finally ready for prime time. While technically not "shifting" at all, this CVT made the most of both the four-cylinder and V6 engines power and torque. When rolling into the throttle, or climbing a hill, the CVT allowed the engines to rev quickly and build power before executing a simulated — and very positive feeling — "upshift."

Nissan has been pushing CVT technology for over a decade. It feels the improved efficiency and smoothness offered by this transmission design represents the wave of the future. The company expects to sell 1 million CVTs globally, every year, by 2008. If they all work this well well happily contribute to that number. Buyers still not sold on the merits of CVTs can select a six-speed manual transmission for either engine.

All-new from the platform up

Starting with an all-new "D" platform, Nissan lowered the engine, upgraded the front suspension geometry and improved the shock absorbers for better steering response and handling. The new engine location allows the half shafts to be mounted at equal angles to reduce torque steer, while a new upper cowl structure provides increased rigidity at the front-suspension mounting points. The rear suspension continues to use an independent, multilink design and antiroll bars are mounted at both ends of the car.

Base Altimas utilize 16-inch steel wheels with 215/60 tires, but 17-inch alloys wearing 215/55 tires are available on the 3.5 SE models. The 3.5 SE also features a sport-tuned suspension and larger antiroll bars. Much of the 2007 Altimas improved rigidity comes via the use of high-strength steel throughout the platform, as well as a 1-inch-shorter wheelbase. Despite these structural gains the new model is only 55 pounds heavier than the current car.

With a proclaimed engineering target of creating "the best performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world," we had rather high expectations for the new Altima. What we got was a noticeable uptick in steering feel and feedback and an overall sharper, more nimble car. The improved front suspension tuning, along with the new speed-sensitive, power rack and pinion steering system, provides a precise and linear steering response that rivals the class leader in this area

What others say about the 2007 Nissan Altima:

Nissan help has this in their review of the 2007 Nissan Altima. They write, `”Altima is 100% original and 100% Nissan, rather than a copy of existing mid-size sedan offerings,” said Brad Bradshaw, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “In creating this next generation Altima, we didn’t take for granted the things it already did well. We refined or enhanced all areas – exterior, interior and under the skin.”

Car and Driver has this to say on the 2007 Nissan Altima. They write, `Built on a new platform, the ’07 Altima boasts increased structural rigidity and a wheelbase that’s one inch shorter. Nissan estimates that the 3.5-liter V-6 will have over 265 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque and that the base 2.5-liter inline-four will have over 165 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Each engine comes standard with a six-speed manual, and the automatic is now a CVT.

Autoreview started thier review of the 2007 Nissan Altima like this, `During the ongoing New York Auto Show Nissan presented its fourth generation Altima mid-size sedan. With a quarter of a million units sold in the year 2005 alone, the third generation Altima was one of the most popular sedans of this class sold on the U.S. market. Now the Japanese company tries to build on this success.

Incidentally, the fact that the Altima hybrid will be able to be powered solely by its electric motor is the sign of a full-hybrid drivetrain. Honda designed their hybrid Insight and Civic as mild hybrid systems, which means when the car is driving, or the air conditioning system is in operation, the gasoline engine must be running. Mild hybrids only shut off when the car is motionless and the air conditioning is off.

Although no horsepower or torque ratings for the Altima Hybrid have been disclosed as of yet, the gain in performance is expected to be likened to driving a V6-powered Altima, with the benefit of 4-cylinder fuel savings of course.



2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid

On Sale Date Summer 2006
Body Style 4-Door Sedan
Category Hybrid Vehicles
Drivetrain Front-wheel drive
Engine Gas-Electric Hybrid
Estimated Price Not released

Ford Focus RS

When Ford launched its 220bhp Focus ST at the Geneva show, company officials were keeping schtum about an even hotter RS version in the pipeline. But now weve caught the flagship model undergoing cold-weather testing.









Whilst the ST, which arrives in late 2005, gets 220bhp from Volvos turbocharged five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine and is more powerful than the previous-generation Focus RS (200 bhp), the RS will be quicker still, with the T5 unit tuned for a good 250 bhp-plus and fitted in combination with the Volvo AWD system.

Ford plans hottest hatch of all

Ford is rumoured to be considering a 350bhp, four-wheel-drive, six-cylinder turbocharged proposal for the next-generation Focus RS. Right now the Blue Oval’s executives at the company’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany are considering a plan to fit Ford’s new flagship hot hatch, due out in 2007, with a new turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine.

The advanced powerplant (right) has been developed by Volvo as a replacement for the Swedish car maker’s current six-cylinder engine, and is planned to make its debut in the new S80 due out next June.

Conceived for both transverse and longitudinal applications, the four-valve-per-cylinder unit is based around a die-cast aluminium cylinder block for an all-up weight of 180kg. It is also claimed to be 1mm shorter than Volvo’s five-cylinder engine – a feature that makes it suitable for a whole range of different models, including the new Focus RS.

Three different versions of the engine are planned: a base naturally aspirated 3.2-litre and a pair of performance-oriented turbocharged 3.0-litre units. The former receives variable cam timing (VCT) on the inlet valves, with the latter two adopting a system operating both the inlet and exhaust valves as well as a variable-vane Garrett turbocharger.

In 3.2-litre guise, the new six-cylinder produces 235bhp at 6000rpm along with 236lb ft of torque at 3500rpm – an increase of 38bhp and 26lb ft over Volvo’s current 2.9-litre engine. The turbocharged units deliver 285bhp and 295lb ft in light-pressure guise, with the high-pressure unit pumping out a BMW M3-beating 350bhp and 332lb ft.

It’s this latter specification that Ford’s Motorsport boss, Jost Capito, may use to thrust the Blue Oval back to the very top of the European hot-hatch ranks. If Ford’s plans come to fruition, the new RS will boast a whopping 133bhp and 96lb ft more than the upcoming Focus ST, whose turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine generates 217bhp along with 236lb ft of torque.

Unlike the front-wheel-drive ST, the new RS is being developed around new four-wheel-drive underpinnings. This promises to endow it with spectacular levels of grip and traction. One problem, however, is the lack of a suitable six-speed manual transmission for the new car. The gearbox in the Mondeo ST TDCi is rated to 295lb ft, although insiders say measures are being taken to upgrade it for use in performance-oriented Volvos.

Here we go again: AutoExpress claims the new Focus RS has been canned..AGAIN!

Motoring News
Ford Focus RS

According to our sources, the firm will not use the famous RS badge on the current or imminent facelifted MkII machine - due late in 2008 - because of concerns over CO2 emissions.

One potential RS customer, who had placed a deposit for the car at his local dealership, said: "Id handed over the cash 18 months ago, not wanting to miss out. But I was told staff had to return it, as the project has been abandoned on environmental grounds."

A Ford spokesperson revealed: "Our commitment to performance cars meant that we did build a number of Focus engineering mules to test and develop high-performance parts for future products. Sadly, we never got to the point where we were ready to begin developing a business case for an RS-badged Focus."

Auto Express last scooped these cars in Issue 933. Its believed that prototypes offered around 300bhp and four-wheel drive. But the spokesperson was keen to dismiss the claim that the decision was eco-based.

"Its worth bearing in mind that its not the green issue which is driving this decision - cars have to be profitable. While Britain is the home of RS, theres not enough interest across other markets for us to earn the kind of money thats going to give the vehicle a green light," said the spokesperson.

However, there is still hope for fast Ford fans. Potential RS versions of the MkIII Focus, due in 2010, are possible.

The 2007 Santa Fe continues the companys upwardly mobile ways. Built on a new unibody platform, the new Santa Fe is 7 inches longer than the outgoing model and sits on a wheelbase 3 inches longer, allowing room for a third-row seat.

Even though its been upsized, the new Santa Fe boasts a turning circle 2 feet tighter than the outgoing version. Hyundai used some pretty lofty benchmarks, such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Lexus RX 330, while developing the new Santa Fe. To that end, features such as stability control, full side curtain airbags and heated mirrors are all standard (even on the base model), and interior room is greater than that of the Lexus RX.

Two V6 engines will serve duty in the new Santa Fe — a 2.7-liter putting out about 180 hp and 180 lb-ft is standard on the base GLS model. The 2.7 is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The sporty SE employs a 3.3-liter V6 with "over 230 hp and over 220 lb-ft." A manually shiftable five-speed automatic, power driver seat and 18-inch wheels are part of the SE as well. The top-of-the-line Limited has all that the SE offers, plus leather seating, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and chrome trim on the grille and door handles.

Two- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available across all trims, and although the Santa Fes pricing hasnt been set, Hyundai officials claim it will be "thousands less than Toyota Highlander" when it goes on sale later this year.

"When in 2006 is the 2007 Santa Fe going to be released?"

The vehicle will be on sale in the US beginning in the second quarter of 2006 -- trial production is already underway at the Alabama plant. According to one source, the vehicle will debut in Korea on Friday, the 11th of November, so we should be getting some really good stuff in the next three weeks. The official US debut (at NAIAS) is only about 2.5 months away.

Price and availability info

Well, this is the way I figured it: its lowest-priced true competitor will likely be the Mitsubishi Endeavor, which starts at $25,699. Its most expensive competitor will likely be the Subaru B9 Tribeca at $31,320. Since Hyundai generally undercuts the competition by $1,000-$3,000, I figured a $24K-$27K range would be about right.

Now, if the navigation system and Dynamic Toe Control do indeed make their way to the options sheet, a $30,000 price tag (or even a touch more) on a loaded LX AWD could be very realistic - especially since that current trim can cost up to $26K. At this point it is unclear whether the 3rd-row seat will be standard or not. So I guess Ill go ahead and revise my estimates to between $24,499 (assuming a GL 3.3-liter 5-seater as the base model) and $29,999 (for an LX AWD NAVI with a Premium Sports Package.


2007 Santa Fe will be a contender for top 3 ranking

The all new 2007 Santa Fe is going to be an exciting vehicle. Top notch fit and finish with a standard safety package which will put the great Toyota to shame.

Toyota is scrambling to respond to this safety standardization initiative from Hyundai and Honda. The racked their brains and viola - "the Star safety system" is their new marketing slogan.

Where was this "Star" system two years ago? Toyota had the audacity to bundle safety features in "packages". Want side air-bags? Buy package # 5.

If you are in the market for a SUV, I suggest you wait till the 2007 Santa Fe goes on sale. You will not be disappointed. And yes, dont insult your intelligence by falling for the "Star" marketing system.

3rd row seat of 2007 Santa Fe

One of my criteria for picking SUV is 3rd row. last week, I did test drive for Pilot and Highlander. Pilots 3rd row seat is quite roomy. its pretty good for two adults. But, highlanders 3rd row seat is terrible. its not for adults at all. only for kids.

I wonder how about 2007 Santa Fe.
I dont expect it is as big as pilot. but, I really really hope it is better than highlander.

Interesting (& some surprising) developments...

The following information is from a couple of sources; I cant confirm any of it at this time:

* Standard 3rd-row seats will be marketed as "Magic Folding".

* US advertising launch date set for 1 July 2006.

* Trims will be GLS, SE, and Limited.

* GLS comes with a new 2.7-liter CVVT V6 standard, while the SE and Limited get the 3.3-liter CVVT V6. Dont freak-out yet, though: horsepower and torque ratings havent been released, and may be higher than expected. Hyundai hasnt revealed whether or not the 2.7 is the Delta-II or an all-new engine. One source claims that its the latter (2.7 = ~220hp) and that the 3.3 is re-tuned to ~240-250hp. The 3.8-liter CVVT V6 will be standard on the larger SUV (EN), but not available --at least initially-- on the Santa Fe.

* Interior space is greater than Toyota Highlander.

* 110-volt auxiliary power outlet will be standard.

* A rear-seat DVD entertainment system will also be standard.

The Entourage shares just about everything underneath its skin with its well-done-but-unexciting corporate cousin, the Kia Sedona. (Actually, the two mom vans are Mary-Kate-and-Ashley similar on the outside, too.) This means one powertrain choice: a strong 242-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 teamed to a five-speed manu-matic driving the front wheels.





Standard features include flat-folding third-row seating, numerous air bags, stabillity control, a windshield-wiper de-icer, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system, not to mention Hyundais impressive 10-year powertrain warranty. The lengthy options list adds power-sliding doors and tailgate, power-adjustable pedals, a clever thirteen-speaker Infiniti sound system, and rear-seat DVD entartainment.

What’s inside

The 2007 Hyundai Entourage looks to offer most of the features a minivan family requires. For example, there’s a folding center tray table with four cupholders, folding sideview mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, optional power adjustable pedals, power dual rear sliding doors, power windows, and an adjustable conversation mirror. The interior has a two-tone color scheme with wood grain or metal grain accents. Leather seats are standard in the Limited model, as are a power tailgate, heated front seats, and an electroluminescent instrument cluster. A rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch LCD monitor, backup warning sensors, and a premium audio system with surround sound are also available. The Entourage also features flip-and-fold second-row seats, and a hiding third-row seat with a 60/40 split fold-into-the-floor design.

Drivers will also enjoy a tilt steering wheel plus optional power adjustable foot pedals and heated front seats, while all will find the Entourages optional power liftgate handy. As for the available rear-seat entertainment system, which features an eight-inch LCD monitor, I wouldnt consider a new van, SUV or crossover without one, and the new Hyundai also can be had with an optional Infinity AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7 surround sound. Heck, forget the kids... leave them in bed inside the house while you and your honey enjoy a little R&R in the back of the van.

To some who will be driving the Entourage, the fact that it can be had with backup warning sensors will be of greater significanc than how much engine output is hidden under the hood. Still, theres no reason to have to give up one to have the other either. All Hyundai minivans will boast a version of the Azeras velvety-smooth 3.8-liter V6, a highly refined DOHC, 24-valve engine that produces a maximum of 242-horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful in the minivan segment. Rather than out-power all rivals the Entourage splits the difference, featuring more horsepower than Fords Freestar, Chevrolets Uplander (and therefore Buicks Terraza, Pontiacs Montana SV-6 and Saturns Relay) and Dodge Caravan, plus greater torque than the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan.

What’s under the hood

All Hyundai Entourage minivans get a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 242 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. The Entourage rides on the same minivan platform as the Sedona, with a 118.9-inch wheelbase that is longer and wider than the competition, according to Hyundai. Hyundai engineers also claim that the Entourage has the tightest turning radius in its class, a big deal for minivan drivers. Steering is handled by a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system, and the Entourage rides on a four-wheel independent suspension system.

Perhaps most notable about the Entourage, however, is the long list of standard safety features. All Entourages get a bevy of passive and active safety systems, including side impact and side curtain airbags, traction control and more. Just these two safety devices – traction control and side curtain airbags – can make any car significantly safer to drive.

As for ride and handling, expect it to be very good. As mentioned previously, Kias version of the van is getting bullish reviews from those who have driven it, and with Hyundai benefiting from an extra year of development overseen by its own expert engineers, it should be refined even further. And unlike other vans that are based on midsize sedans, the two Korean models ride on a purpose-built unibody architecture featuring a 118.9-inch wheelbase and a 66.3-inch track width; both longer and wider than minivan competitors. While a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs plus a stabilizer bar in front and a multi-link setup with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in back, should be good for absorbing the bumps and dips of inner city streets while delivering adept road-holding, I, for one, would find its 39.6-foot turning radius equally nice to live with. The Entourage accomplishes this, as well as deft turn-in at high-speeds, via an engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system. Connecting to the road are a set of four 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 225/70 R16 all-season tires. Optionally, 17-inch alloy wheels can be fitted to 235/60 R17 tires.

Why it matters

Someone once said the minivan segment was dead. Hah. It was only taking a nap, and it’s back now, with a strong import vibe that’s only getting stronger with the introduction of the 2007 Hyundai Entourage. For Ford and GM, this minivan is bad news of the worst kind: obsessed with losing market share to Japanese automakers such as Honda and Toyota, the two domestic automakers have recently all but conceded the minivan market to the likes of the Odyssey and the Sienna. Now, here comes Hyundai/Kia, with the impressive Entourage and Sedona. Should the Hyundai Entourage get a warm reception from American families, it will make regaining minivan competitiveness all but impossible for Ford and GM, and put pressure on DaimlerChrysler’s Grand Caravan.




Preliminary Specifications:

Price Range (estimated MSRP): $30,000 - $45,000
Body Type: 5-door minivan, unibody construction
Layout: front engine, FWD
Engine: 242-hp, 251 lb-ft, 3.8-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6 with CVVT
Transmission: 5-spd auto w/ manual mode
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
Curb Weight: 1,989 - 2,107 kg (4,378 - 4,646 lbs)
Seating Capacity: 7
Cargo Volume (seats removed): 4,007 L (141.5 cu ft)
Towing Capacity: TBD
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14.2 / 8.6 L/100km

Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
Direct Competitors: Buick Terraza, Chevy Uplander, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Ford Freestar, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Mazda MPV, Nissan Quest, Pontiac Montana SV-6, Saturn Relay, Toyota Sienna.

Kia Motors has revealed the first images of its latest concept car that is scheduled to debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The strikingly styled show car, named Pro_Cee’d, is based on the forthcoming three-door ‘sporty hatch’ version of the all-new Kia cee’d C-segment model. This five-door family hatchback has its world premiere (in production-ready form) at Paris and will be manufactured at Kia’s first-ever European assembly plant in Slovakia from November 2006.




The engine lineup includes three gasoline-powered units (1.4-, 1.6-, and 2.0 liters) as well as a 1.6-liter diesel. The ceed will initially be available in the four-door hatchback body style shown here, but a station wagon and a sportier two-door hatch will go on sale late next year. (The two-door is previewed by the pro_ceed concept also displayed at this years Paris show.) All three models will compete with C-segment entries such as the Opel Astra and the Ford Focus and be built at Kias new manufacturing facility in Zilina, Slovakia--for European customers only. Thats a bummer, since we wouldnt be ashamed of (bad pun alert!) planting the ceed in our garage.

PRESS RELEASE:
NEW KIA ceed TO HAVE BEST-IN-EUROPE WARRANTY

The all-new Kia family of ceed models will be backed by the best new vehicle guarantee ever offered, by any manufacturer, on cars marketed in the UK and Europe with every Kia ceed benefiting from a seven-year / 150,000 kilometre new car warranty.



Comprising five years cover on the entire car and an additional two years cover for the powertrain, the warranty will be free and transferable to subsequent owners, provided the vehicle is regularly maintained in accordance with the servicing schedule.

"Kia has taken the bold step of introducing a surprising warranty for the model which will unquestionably demonstrate our brands Power to Surprise to consumers in Europe," enthused Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. "The Kia ceed is truly a landmark model in our brands history and its debut marks the start of a new era.

"The Kia ceed is going to be a great car, a genuine challenger for top honours against the established stars in the closely-fought C-segment. Thanks to the high quality of vehicles coming from our brand-new facility in Slovakia, Kia is delighted to demonstrate its commitment to delivering maximum customer satisfaction, together with lowered costs of vehicle ownership by offering this revolutionary warranty," added Lievens.



The seven-year warranty is a further endorsement of Kias three core brand values – quality, trustworthy, dynamic – and will come into effect for UK customers when the new ceed goes on sale on 1 February, 2007.

Kia Motors Corporation (http://www.kiamotors.com/ or http://www.kia.com/) -- one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in 9 countries produce more than 1.3 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 160 countries. Kia today has over 32,500 employees and annual revenues of almost $16 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia will be an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

Forget the powerful engine, forget the stylish premium luxury, and forget the glorious wheels. I bet Hyundai can sell just about any plain tin cans that they can hammer up as long as they come with these gorgeous girls. Dream on guys. Someday in the near future, Hyundai may become dire enough that they might offer these girls as an option with their automobiles.

Just a funny thought.





The interior looks more conservative than the FX or RX.
You can see the RX has a 2 tier dash, with distinct gauges.

The Veracruzs lines are clean, with no bold offsets.
Its a more traditional look.
Not for me, but I can appreciate its serene old boardroom quality.
Everything about this car is a "clean" quality, for an older audience.

News

The Veracruz SUV, equipped with a 3.0-liter diesel-powered V-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower, is a longer and roomier version of the previous model, Santa Fe, with additional high-tech features.




"We are confident the Veracruz will be poised as a new global brand for Hyundai Motor after the Sonata and Santa Fe," Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Kim Dong-jin said in a statement.

The Veracruz will compete primarily with upper-midsize crossovers, including Toyota Motor Corp.s (TSE:7203) Lexus RX 350 and Honda Motor Co.s Pilot, the automaker said.

The new SUV, named after a Mexican port city, is priced from 31.8 million won (US$33,000) to 41.14 million won, depending on accessories, in South Korea. Hyundai Motor spent 223 billion won and took 26 months to develop the new vehicle.

The Veracruz will be put on sale in the North American market in December. Next year, Hyundai Motor targets sales of 85,000 Veracruz SUVs at home and abroad,

Prudential Investment and Securities analyst Yoo Young-kwon said the new vehicle is expected to help Hyundai Motor expand its market share in the United States, unlike the automakers predecessor SUVs such as the Terracan that were shunned by American drivers.

However, in a research note, Yoo noted the launch of the Veracruz at home came at a bad time because the government hiked the SUV ownership tax by 17.7 per cent this year amid persistently weak private consumption.

The new models introduction followed a series of delays after Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo was arrested in April on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust in connection with a slush fund scandal.

Chung, 68, was released from prison in late July and is now on trial.

Hyundai Motor, along with its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. (KSE:000270), aims to become one of the worlds top five automakers by 2010.

However, annual labor strikes and opaque management practices by the Chung family, as well as higher oil prices and a stronger Korean currency, have pushed the automaker to the sidelines, some analysts say.
(http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/061012/16/43zzl.html)


The article indicated Hyundai will begin selling the Veracruz in December, which is very surprising when learning this. I know the Veracruz is confirmed and will make its "world" debut in January 2007 at NAIAS. Whats the word, will we receive this before the auto show unveiling? If true, thatd be great!! Otherwise, Ive been told during the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2007.

One thing I am sure, Hyundai will have no problem selling the Veracruz, the car itself, quality, price, safety, and warranty will sell a lot of units

Here are some comparative specs between the Hyundai Veracruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

Track, front (in.): 65.7 / 63.6 / 66.5 / 65.1 / 62.2
Track, rear (in.): 65.7 / 63.8 / 66.7 / 64.7 / 62.1
Overall Width (in.): 77.6 / 74.4 / 77.5 / 76.2 / 73.9

Height, w/o roof rack (in.): 68.9 / NL / 70.1 / 68.1 / 66.4
Height, w/roof rack (in.): 71.1 / 67.9 / 71.3 / NL / NL

Overall Length (in.): 190.6 / 184.1 / 188.0 / 199.6 / 189.8

Wheelbase (in.): 110.4 / 106.3 / 106.3 / 113.2 / 108.2
Overhang, front (in.): 38.0 / NL / NL / NL / NL
Overhang, rear (in.): 42.1 / NL / NL / NL / NL
Specs for 3.0 V6 Diesel:-

Type: V6 E-VGT
Displacement: 2,959 cc
Max. Horsepower: (ps/rpm): 240/ 3,800
Max. Torque, (lb.-ft./ RPM) : 333/ 1,750~3,500

Very impressive feature and greatest design of the Cadillac. i love that car. Compartative price must be more flexible.

Favorite Features: The drivetrain and all the comfort and convenience features are fantastic. The Intellibeam headlamp system is great on those dark roads switching your high beams on and off.




Interior Design and Special Features

The ESVs two-tone dash has graceful lines that easily accommodate a large, colorful navigation screen and faux walnut inlays (although at this price, they should be real wood). The nav screen has a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and all controls are easy to find and use. Soft-touch surfaces are everywhere, as they should be in this class, but there are still a few cheap plastics thrown into the mix. The Escalade can be equipped to accommodate six, seven or eight occupants. To improve third-row access, there is a power fold-and-flip option for the second-row seats. Unfortunately, the third-row seat still doesnt fold into the floor as in the ESVs competitors and the 50/50 sections are cumbersome to remove. Maximum cargo capacity is 137 cubic feet, with a generous 46 cubes available behind the third row. A roof rack is standard.

Safety

All Escalades come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, the StabiliTrak stability control system and full-length side curtain airbags. Not only will these airbags inflate in a side-impact collision or rollover, but also in serious frontal-impact collisions in which occupants need all the help they can get. In addition, theres another sensor that identifies rear impacts and activates the seatbelt pre-tensioners to help front-seat occupants avoid whiplash. Rear parking sensors are standard on every Escalade ESV, and vehicles equipped with the navigation system incorporate a rear camera system as well. The ESV also comes with a tire-pressure monitor and the OnStar communications system.

Powertrains and Performance

The Escalade ESV comes in all-wheel-drive configuration only. Its sole power plant is a torque-rich 6.2-liter V8 that develops 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it includes both a tow/haul and a manual shift mode. Manual shifting is a tad awkward with the Escalades old-fashioned column shifter. Trailering preparation is standard, and the ESV can tow a maximum of 7,800 pounds.


Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

A full-size luxury SUV, the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV is available in a single trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, 14-way power-adjustable front seats with multilevel heating, memory settings for the driver, leather upholstery and faux wood trim. Tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker 5.1 surround-sound Bose audio system with an in-dash CD/DVD changer, a remote start feature, a power rear liftgate and power-folding exterior mirrors are also standard. The ESV has heated bucket seats in the second row, and a bench seat is also available. Options include 22-inch chrome wheels, multilevel cooling for the front seats, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system with a rearview camera, a rear DVD entertainment system, power-folding second-row seats and a sunroof.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the nimbleness of the Cadillac Escalade is a pleasant surprise. The steering is light and reasonably precise, a nice compromise between the weight of the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 and the vagueness of the Lincoln Navigator. In spite of having a live-axle suspension (as opposed to an independent suspension design, as found on some of the newest SUVs), the Escalade manages bumps beautifully, thanks to the road-sensing Autoride suspension.

The interior is also remarkably quiet, enhancing the ability to hold hushed conversation as well as hear the surround sound system without extraneous noise. Even more remarkable is the plush ride. The Escalade models weve driven were shod with the optional 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires, and wed expected them to transfer more road vibration and harshness than they did. We havent driven any of these vehicles with the 18-inch wheels, but expect them to offer even softer ride characteristics. Handling crispness and body control are also impressive, considering the Escalades formidable mass.

All Escalades are powered by a monster of an engine: a huge 6.2-liter V8 that produces a whopping 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is astonishing for such a tall, heavy vehicle. A pleasing growl is emitted when accelerating briskly; otherwise, the engine is virtually silent.

Certainly, there is plenty of power to pull a trailer with ease. The Escalade is rated to tow a 7500-pound trailer, a rating that is curiously lower than that of the Infiniti QX56 and Lincoln Navigator in spite of Escalades significantly more powerful engine. Then again, tow ratings are not an exact science. Installing a trailer is made easier by the Escalades rearview camera, which incorporates a camera in the liftgate to provide a view behind the vehicle when backing up projected onto the navigation screen. Its a very useful feature when parallel parking or whenever backing up close to another object.

All Escalades come with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts imperceptibly except during full-throttle acceleration. A Tow/Haul mode holds gears longer, or the driver can select gears manually via a button on the shift lever. The multi-information display in the instrument cluster clearly displays the selected gear.

The Escalade comes with either rear-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive; EXT and ESV come only with AWD. The all-wheel drive system is on-road biased, with no low range for creeping through boulder fields.

As indicated, the Escalades four-wheel disc brakes come standard with ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). The powerful brakes proved to be quite responsive and more than up to the task of bringing the big truck to a halt with little drama and surprisingly little brake dive. The pedal feel was good, if not as pleasingly firm as its German competitors.
The Stabilitrak electronic stability control system manages wheel slip by applying the brakes at the slipping wheel without interrupting power deliver to the wheels with grip. Stabilitrak also helps maintain stability in corners by braking individual wheels when the vehicles path doesnt match the drivers intentions.

Fuel economy for the Escalade is estimated at 13 miles per gallon city and 19 highway, which isnt exactly miserly but not as bad as it could be, considering the power and weight of the vehicle. And its right in line with competitors such as the Infiniti QX56 (13/18 mpg) and the Mercedes-Benz ML500 (15/19 mpg).

Whats New for 2007

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is completely redesigned for 2007. Its about the same size as last years model but features an all-new fully boxed frame, a 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and a significantly upgraded interior.

Pricing for the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV $54,736 $59,175

The Eos will be available in the U.S. with a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo four and a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6, with only the 2.0-liter to be available upon its March arrival and the 3.2-liter becoming available sometime thereafter. The four-seater also comes with a full complement of standard equipment: stability control, front and front side air bags, sport seats, and sixteen-inch alloy wheels on the four-cylinder models (V-6 versions get seventeens). Pop-up roll bars are also fitted.



What’s inside

Inside the 2007 Eos, Volkswagen’s traditionally rich materials decorate the cabin. Black is the primary décor color, but contrasting leather seats and door panel inserts, combined with silver trim accents, brighten the interior. The glass roof also helps to lighten what could be a dour driving environment.

The powertrain options that reside under that Golf-like hood are a different story, with a full five different engines available to those abroad, including four that are gasoline-powered, ranging from 115 horsepower all the way up to 250 horsepower, plus a turbodiesel producing 140 horsepower and promising excellent economy from this already sensible drop-top. In North America we make do with only two engine options, a 200 horsepower 2.0L direct-injected four-cylinder and an even more impressive 250 horsepower direct-injected variant of VWs successful VR6 engine that also comes backed by the very tasty dual-clutch DSG F1-style sequential manual gearbox with paddle-shifters thats also optional on the 2.0L unit.

That turbocharged four-cylinder is said to lack the power required by the relatively heavy Eos, and as such performance reportedly suffers with the lesser of the North American models, taking an agonizing 9.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. The 3.2L V6 variant with its cool sequential manual gearbox improves on that figure substantially, knocking more than two seconds off of the previous time; completing the sprint in a more respectable 7.2 seconds. The Eos, mind you, was never intended to be a backroad burner, instead content to coddle its occupants along miles and miles of pavement with just enough power and performance to satisfy during those instances where its required.

With that in mind, it makes sense that the Eos would have such an uncluttered, comfortable interior. Possessing the same clean look as the rest of the Volkswagen lineup, the Eos dashboard is one long expanse of seemingly high quality black plastic, with a singular piece of aluminum trim separating the upper and lower portions. The center display descends from the upper portion, appearing to lay over top of the lower dash and its strip of aluminum, putting the radio and climate control interfaces right where they should be.

Outlook

The 2007 Volkswagen Eoss odd looks will probably keep it from having the success of the New Beetle, but looks aside, the Eos offers a lot of practicality and some real tech niceties. The hardtop protects the car in harsh weather and can quickly become a fun-in-the-sun machine. The V-6 combined with the DSG gearbox is a great combination, and we usually dont see tech, such as navigation and cornering headlights, even offered in this segment.

The steering wheel is typical VW, with only a few ancillary controls scattered on the spokes. Interestingly, while these first photos seem to show a relatively low-end interior, the accompanying press release cites new wood and aluminum trim that should brighten it up, however, in order to move upscale youll have to buy the VR6 powered version.

Key specifications

ngine Size and Type: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (2.0T); 3.2-liter V6 (3.2)
Engine Horsepower: 200 (2.0T); 250 (3.2)
Length: 173.6 inches
Width: 70.5 inches
Height: 56.8 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 13.4 cubic feet (7.2 with top dropped)
Competitors: Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Ford Mustang Convertible, Jeep Wrangler, Mini Cooper Convertible, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Pontiac G6 Convertible, Toyota Camry Solara Convertible

2007 Alfa Romeo GT

2007 Alfa Romeo GT Interior

Interior:
Alfa GT is a luxurious interior features high quality finishes and carefully selected materials, emphasizing the elegance and prestige of the vehicle. Compact, aggressive styling Alfa GT embodies a great sports tradition, Alfa Romeo. With the Alfa GT comfort of travel soars to new heights that will definitely appreciate those customers who want to get the emotions of sporty driving while not wishing to compromise on comfort.

2007 Alfa Romeo GT Exterior

Engine Specification:
For the Alfa GT offered gasoline engines 3.2 V6 and the 2.0 JTS , well suited for high-speed travel and are a wonderful reflection of the cuore sportivo brand Alfa Romeo. Engine 3.2 V6 has an impressive output of 240 hp , and high elasticity. The motor is linked with a 6-speed manual transmission, and provides excellent dynamics, worthy of a real Italian Gran Turismo: from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds  Engine 2.0 JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) capacity of 165 hp and impression: a four-cylinder, two camshafts, 16 valves and a system of direct injection of fuel under high pressure, which allowed a better dynamic performance in comparison with the motor Twin Spark, with preserved working volume and fuel consumption. The motor is assembled with a manual gearbox and a robotic gearbox Selespeed , created based on the technology of Formula 1.

2007 Alfa Romeo GT Exterior

Design:
Alfa GT features an original, eye-catching style with a strong sports focus, which is at the same time is fully consistent with the traditions of the brand.dynamic wedge-shaped silhouette balanced "muscular" proportions, and the dominant vertical "shield" of the lattice radiator, the sporty character of the car and evoke the legendary past Alfa Romeo.

2007 Alfa Romeo GT Price: $52,990 - $69,990