2009 Toyota Matrix
Toyota has been on a roll for the last three years, developing new products in order to cover the most vehicles categories as possible. As a result, sales are constantly rising, and the Japanese automaker has become number one globally.
The Toyota Matrix has always been a utilitarian choice — practical and durable, but ultimately less exciting than its voguish styling suggests. With its 2009 redesign, the hatchback remains true to those roots: A larger engine raises the performance bar a few notches, but utility is still the name of the game. This car is worth a look, but with competitors encroaching from every side, it doesn't bring as much to the field as it once did.
The Matrix comes in three trim levels: the basic Standard, a better-equipped S and a sportier XRS. All-wheel drive is optional on the Matrix S.The Matrix shares roots with the Toyota Corolla and Scion xB, and Pontiac markets a related hatchback in the Vibe.
For more information about this Toyota Matrix, go to Cars.Com
Most efficient cars
Yahoo! Cars UK has come up with a list of Five of the most efficient cars. This was based on fuel uses and emissions. They are listed under 5 different classes :
City slickers
Fiat 500
Compact superminis
SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive & VW Polo Bluemotion
Family hatchbacks
Ford Focus Econetic
D-segment saloon cars
BMW 318d
Compact SUVs and crossovers
Ford Kuga
Read "Five of the most efficient cars in their class"
City slickers
Fiat 500
Compact superminis
SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive & VW Polo Bluemotion
Family hatchbacks
Ford Focus Econetic
D-segment saloon cars
BMW 318d
Compact SUVs and crossovers
Ford Kuga
Read "Five of the most efficient cars in their class"
Mazda Recalling 180000 Cars
Mazda Motor Corp. said Thursday that it was recalling more than 180,000 passenger vehicles and trucks mostly sold in Japan due to problems with the computer system and other glitches.
Japan's fifth-largest automaker is recalling a total of 170,300 Demio, Verisa and Accela passenger vehicles in Japan produced between March 2005 and October 2007 due to errors in the system controlling the engine.
The company said the glitch could cause drivers to experience difficulty trying to slow down when releasing the accelerator pedal.
The company said it had received 16 complaints in Japan although no accidents have been reported.
Mazda also expects to recall 17,000 of the vehicles in Australia and Singapore, the main export markets for the brands, a company spokesman said.
It is also recalling in Japan 136 Titan commercial trucks produced between June 1995 and February 2000 due to a potential problem linked to the brake booster.
[Source]
Japan's fifth-largest automaker is recalling a total of 170,300 Demio, Verisa and Accela passenger vehicles in Japan produced between March 2005 and October 2007 due to errors in the system controlling the engine.
The company said the glitch could cause drivers to experience difficulty trying to slow down when releasing the accelerator pedal.
The company said it had received 16 complaints in Japan although no accidents have been reported.
Mazda also expects to recall 17,000 of the vehicles in Australia and Singapore, the main export markets for the brands, a company spokesman said.
It is also recalling in Japan 136 Titan commercial trucks produced between June 1995 and February 2000 due to a potential problem linked to the brake booster.
[Source]
The Dacia revolution
Check out the ad for the Dacia Logan. See whether you can recognise the prominent revolutionary figures portrayed in the clip. I heard it caused quite a stir.
The "revolution" apparently refers to the fact that, due to it's aggressive pricing, the Logan MCV is a real "car for the people".
For your information, Dacia is a subsidiary of Renault and the car is manufactured Dacia's automobile plant in Mioveni, Romania.
Thanks to Kathrin and Timothy from Nordpol for the info.
The "revolution" apparently refers to the fact that, due to it's aggressive pricing, the Logan MCV is a real "car for the people".
For your information, Dacia is a subsidiary of Renault and the car is manufactured Dacia's automobile plant in Mioveni, Romania.
Thanks to Kathrin and Timothy from Nordpol for the info.
2009 Dodge Journey
The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is a global vehicle that offers a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a youthful, sporty package. With a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,985 (including $625 destination), this all-new vehicle takes the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new "right-sized" crossover for the Dodge brand. Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations include standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and available third-row seating for as many as seven passengers. Spacious storage bins, hidden in the floor and available under the front passenger seat cushion, combined with fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, make Dodge Journey flexible, functional and fun-to-drive. The Dodge Journey includes numerous standard safety features including advanced multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, three-row side-curtain air bags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control. The 2009 Dodge Journey is currently available in U.S. dealerships and will be available in global volume markets outside North America in both left-hand and right-hand drive, later this summer.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey earned 5-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash along with 5-star driver and rear passenger ratings for side impact protection, the highest ratings in the U.S. government's safety crash test program. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is now available at local Dodge dealers.
When it comes to safety and security, Dodge Journey employs a two-fold approach: conventional features including pretensioning and load-limiting seat belt retractors and supplemental air bags are combined with accident-avoidance features including an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Brake Assist.
More than 35 Safety and Security Features
The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey offers more than 35 safety and security features including:
Advanced multi-stage air bags: Uses a Low-risk Deployment Air Bag for the front passenger.
All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to a slipping wheel(s), and can reduce excess engine power until traction is regained.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions.
Anti-lock Brake System with rough road detection: Anti-lock brake system capable of detecting if the vehicle is driving on a rough road by the oscillations in the wheel speed signals. Rough road is detected on off-road surfaces or trails, and ABS enters a different pressure control where it will hold the brake pressure for longer pulses.
Auto-reverse sun roof: Advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sun roof (to the open position).
Auto-reverse windows: Automatically engages and reverses the window (to the down position).
BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted.
Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance.
Brake/Park interlock: Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied.
Brake Traction Control System (BTCS): Helps to keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s).
Child seat anchor system: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats.
Child-protection rear door locks: Disables the rear doors' inside-release handle via a small lever on the door-shut face.
Constant Force Retractors (CFR): Distribute force or load exerted on a seat belt, and then gradually release the seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner.
Crumple zones: Designed to compress during an accident to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to the occupants.
Digressive load-limiting seat belts: Retractor senses a vehicle impact and immediately applies a load to the seat belt to properly position the occupant before the full load from the vehicle impact is imparted onto the occupant. It then reduces the seat belt load to moderate forces imparted onto the occupant during the impact event.
Electronic brake force distribution: Adjusts braking pressure front to rear, based on weight distribution of passengers and cargo, to minimize brake dive during hard braking.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM): An extension of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Uses input from the ESP sensors to anticipate if the vehicle is at risk of entering a potential roll situation, then reacts immediately, applying the brakes individually and modulating throttle position as needed to attempt avoiding the roll situation.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions such as snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver's intended path.
Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-telescoping steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during a crash.
Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking the doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine.
Height-adjustable front seat belts: Allows occupants to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seat belt usage by offering a more comfortable fit.
HomeLink universal home security system transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio-frequency codes to operate garage-door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices.
Integrated child booster seats: For children up to 4-foot 9-inches tall and between 48-pounds raise the child into the adult belted zone.
Interior head-impact protection: Interior pillars above the beltline and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures, and shoulder belt turning loops specifically designed to limit head-impact force.
Keyless ignition system: A fob with integrated key and a wireless ignition node with integral ignition switch replace the metal key. The double-sided integrated key is inserted into the ignition switch to start the vehicle. The fob also contains the Remote Keyless Entry and a removable valet key.
Knee bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glovebox door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling the air bags to work effectively.
Low-risk deployment air bag: Front-passenger air bag that uses unique shape, venting, folding patterns, advanced inflators or a combination of these four technologies to position and inflate the restraint properly for a belted passenger, while also meeting federal safety requirements for out-of-position, small occupants and rear-facing infant seats. Occupants are advised to always sit properly in their seats with the seat belt fastened. Children 12 years old and younger should always be seated in a back seat correctly using an infant or child restraint system, or have the seat belt positioned correctly for their age and weight.
ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before backing up. Also aids in lining up a trailer to the vehicle's trailer hitch, when so equipped. The image automatically displays on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse.
Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system.
Remote start: Conveniently starts the engine from outside the vehicle by using the fob while maintaining vehicle security.
Seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, the impact sensors initiate the front seat belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupants' heads and torsos.
Sentry Key(R) engine immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds.
Side-occupant protection system: Includes side-curtain air bags with extended up-time, tethers and roll-detection system that deploy in certain rollover situations and side-impact events. Utilizes information from multiple sensors to determine the severity of the impact.
Supplemental side air bags: Provide enhanced protection to the driver and front outboard passenger in certain impacts. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where the impact occurs. Supplemental side air bags are housed within the outboard side of each front seat.
Supplemental side-curtain air bags: Extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers, including third-row outboard passengers in vehicles so equipped. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where the impact occurs.
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Informs occupants when tire pressure is too low. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC): Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic. Software monitors the vehicle's movement relative to the driver's intended path, then applies brake pressure to slow the vehicle and then increases the pressure on one front wheel to counteract the sway induced by the trailer.
UConnect(R) Hands-free Communication System: Uses Bluetooth(R) technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phone and the vehicle's onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.
[Source]
Bugatti Hermes Veyron's U.S. Debut
The world's most expensive and fastest production car makes its debut in America. WSJ's Elva Ramirez speaks with Bugatti and Hermes executives about the companies' joint project to create the special edition Bugatti Hermes Veyron. (April 2)
Mitsubishi Fuzion Sport Wagon
Mitsubishi Fuzion is a new crossover vehicle with the styling and ruggedness of an SUV, spaciousness of a van and riding comfort of a passenger car.
Least fuel economical cars
Forbes has compiled a list of the "World's Worst Gas-Guzzling Cars". It's not surprising that some of the most desirable cars are also the ones on top of the list. This includes the Lamborghini Murcielago and the Bugatti Veyron.
Lamborghini Murcielago
According to the report:
Bugatti Veyron
Check out the slide show on the Forbes site.
Lamborghini Murcielago
According to the report:
"Drivers of both can expect to pay $5,025 a year in fuel costs."
Bugatti Veyron
Check out the slide show on the Forbes site.
Nissan GT-R demand outstrips supply
There has been an overwhelming demand for the Nissan GT-R here in the UK. They were swamped with 700 orders within 48 hours of the official opening for orders on 2 April 2008, even though the cars would only be delivered in March 2009.
Nissan UK even had to request an additional supply for UK in order to meet the demand.
Read the full report: "NISSAN GT-R GOING EVEN FASTER THAN EXPECTED".
The car is available exclusively through 10 Nissan High Performance Centres in various parts of the country.
1. Alex F Noble GT-R, Edinburgh
2. Benfield GT-R, Newcastle Upon Tyne
3. Hursts GT-R, Belfast
4. JFE GT-R, Exeter
5. Marshalls GT-R, Cambridge
6. Middlehurst Motorsport GT-R, St Helens
7. Motorline GT-R, Tunbridge Wells
8. Sims GT-R, Oxford
9. Westover GT-R, Bournemouth
10.WLN GT-R, Mill Hill, London
In case you are interested, you can also place a reservation online at www.gtrnissan.co.uk.
Regarding the Nissan GT-R
Powered by a 480 PS twin turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine, the Nissan GT-R is a full time four-wheel drive which can go from 0 to 62 mph in around 3.5 seconds. It's potential top speed is 195 mph (provisional figure).
The GT-R features a paddle shift six-speed transmission that allows the driver to manually shift gears via paddles located behind the steering wheel or they can instead opt for automatic transmission.
As for comfort, all models come equipped, with eight-way adjustable front seats trimmed in leather and perforated Pearlsuede, dual zone automatic climate control and cruise control.
For those who love their music, the car comes with a AM/FM/CD audio system as standard, with six speakers, RDS and MP3/WMA CD playback capability, and features an HDD Music Box system capable of storing 9.4 GB of your favourite sounds.
Regarding safety features, it is equipped with six airbags, special wide-beam xenon headlamps, a tyre pressure monitoring system, Intelligent Key, and a Thatcham-approved anti-theft system.
Just check out the 20-inch alloy rims.
On-the-road pricing for the GT-R is as follows:
* Nissan GT-R £52,900
* Nissan GT-R Premium Edition with automatic headlamps and digital Bose® audio system £54,200
* Nissan GT-R Black Edition with exclusive Kuro black paint, gunmetal grey alloy wheels and black leather and Pearlsuede interior with red leather highlights £55,500
Th!nk cars in the UK soon
With the petrol prices way up, it's becoming quite a burden to drive the car. I really do wish I had a hybrid or electric car> Anyway, was just reading about the Th!nk cars from the Norwegian company Think. They recently launched the TH!NK city and concept TH!NK Ox at the 78th annual international Motor Show in Geneva.
The TH!NK city is totally emission free and looks like a fun car. Moreover, the body is 95% recyclable. Talk about environment friendly.
On a full charge it can go up to 200 kilometres (124 miles) in city driving, with a top speed of 100km/h.
However, I have to say, the 'Ox' definitely looks way better than the 'City'.
UPDATE:
According to various reports the Th!nk cars will go on sale during the last quarter of this year at a retail price of around £14,000.
Read more on Autobloggreen.com and on the Channel 4 websites.
The TH!NK city is totally emission free and looks like a fun car. Moreover, the body is 95% recyclable. Talk about environment friendly.
On a full charge it can go up to 200 kilometres (124 miles) in city driving, with a top speed of 100km/h.
However, I have to say, the 'Ox' definitely looks way better than the 'City'.
UPDATE:
According to various reports the Th!nk cars will go on sale during the last quarter of this year at a retail price of around £14,000.
Read more on Autobloggreen.com and on the Channel 4 websites.
2009 Nissan Murano
The first 2009 mid-sized SUV to receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick
The all-new Nissan Murano is rated a best overall performer in front, side and rear tests among midsize SUV models. To become a TOP SAFETY PICK, a vehicle must earn the highest rating ("Good") in all three tests. Performing well in the frontal test is based on a 40 mph frontal offset crash into a deformable barrier. Side testing is based on performance when the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph, rating the effectiveness of standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front-seat mounted torso airbags. Rear tests simulate a collision of a stationary vehicle struck in the rear at 20 mph.
Nissan has two new ones this year -- the Rogue is on the smaller size to go up against models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Larger than the Rogue - but still not huge - is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano (18-23 mpg, $26,330 base price). Like the previous Murano, this new one emphasizes sporty handling to lure sedan buyers who need something bigger.
The term "Crossover SUV" is a broad one. It can include lots of different models -- luxury ones like the Lincoln MKX, or more sporty Crossovers, like the Nissan Murano. What they have in common is that while they may look like SUVs on the outside, underneath they're built more like cars.
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At free-car-wallpaper.blogspot.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by free-car-wallpaper.blogspot.com and how it is used.
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Like many other Web sites, free-car-wallpaper.blogspot.com makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.
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Proton recalls Savvy
Malaysian car manufacturer Proton is recalling its Savvy cars to address a possible wheel bearing problem.
According to the Proton press release: "This recall is purely a precautionary measure as the convenience and safety of its customers is PROTON's highest priority."
The company is encouraging customers to contact the nearest Proton Edar or EON service branch for an appointment to have their cars inspected. Not sure whether this recall affects cars in the UK.
Following the recall, Proton Holdings Bhd. shares were trading lower on the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) down 2 sen at 3.84 ringgit ($1.20).
According to the Proton press release: "This recall is purely a precautionary measure as the convenience and safety of its customers is PROTON's highest priority."
The company is encouraging customers to contact the nearest Proton Edar or EON service branch for an appointment to have their cars inspected. Not sure whether this recall affects cars in the UK.
Following the recall, Proton Holdings Bhd. shares were trading lower on the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) down 2 sen at 3.84 ringgit ($1.20).
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